Imagine spending 7 hours and 18 minutes in a room filled with the nostalgia-laden dings and whizzes of pinball machines. That’s exactly what transpired at the Belles & Chimes GR Sept 2023 tournament on September 9th, organized by the indefatigable Karen Cummings. But don’t let the nostalgia fool you; the tournament format brought a modern, intense structure that made the experience even more electrifying.

The Format: Where Every Flipper Counts

Unique to the event was its format. With a total of 9 players, the tournament featured 12 games for each contestant in the initial phase. Players went head-to-head, earning points based on their finishing positions. Talk about marathon pinballing! But that wasn’t all. The top 4 players moved onto the Finals, which consisted of two grueling rounds with three games per round. This format not only tested the players’ skill but also their endurance and strategy, making it a holistic pinball championship.

A Venue with a Pinball Soul

RLM Amusements in Grand Rapids, Michigan, provided an atmosphere that felt like every pinball lover’s dream living room. The venue hosted 27 machines ranging from vintage to modern, all in pristine working condition.

The Unforgettable Godzilla Round

Amidst the pinball pandemonium, a stand-out game took place on the Godzilla machine from 1998. Lisa LaBelle took the win, stamping her authority on the game and marking herself as one to watch for the rest of the tournament.

Machines That Were More Than Just a High Score

Several machines became the unsung heroes of the event, including the evergreen “300” by Gottlieb and the Avengers: Infinity Quest (Premium) which had the longest average game duration. Newcomers like Venom (Pro) by Stern showcased the bright future of pinball.

The Grand Finale

The Finals were a high-tension affair, with Lisa LaBelle from Holland, MI, clinching the first place. Robin Abbott, Karin Tessin, and Karen Cummings followed, each with an impressive number of wins and IFPA events under their belt.

Michigan’s Best: A Quick Look

And since we’re talking champions, let’s give a nod to the IFPA Michigan Pinball Top 10 Standings:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Sterling Mitoska	Brooklyn	450.93
2	Rodney Minch	Grand Rapids	444.74
3	Rick Knopik	Evansville	376.77
4	Matthew Stacks	Grand Rapids	306.04
5	Dominic Labella	Bay City	296.29
6	Alex Harmon	Spring Lake	273.51
7	Ethan Magnum	–	249.27
8	Jason Humphrey	Jackson	240.07
9	Sean Burke	Waterford Township	219.34
10	Philip Salminen	Midland	212.86

All said and done, the Belles & Chimes GR Sept 2023 tournament proved to be a pinball extravaganza unlike any other. It showcased the skill and passion of players who dedicated their day to the love of the game. No wonder folks were flipping out. Stay tuned for more updates from the buzzing, clattering, tilting world of pinball!

Ah, Chesterfield, MI – where the skies may be overcast, but the pinball sparks fly brighter than ever. On an evening with the cool air setting in at 64°F, 24 passionate players gathered for the Sparkeasy 9-8-23 pinball tournament. If you ever wondered what dedication looks like, it’s witnessing the event last just shy of 3 hours, with every game packed with suspense.

The Spectacle of Sparks Pinball Museum | Arcade & Bar

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of the tournament, let’s talk about the venue. Sparks Pinball Museum is not your average arcade – it’s a time machine. The aura of the place is such that you can almost hear the echoes of decades past, mingling with the clinking and clanking of the present-day machines. What’s not to love about a place that serves history with a side of fun? For those new to the scene, it’s like a mini-museum where you can actually touch (and play) the exhibits!

The Machines That Made the Night

Now, onto the real stars of the show – the pinball machines. The Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure by Williams was an absolute crowd-puller, recording six games for the evening. But the one machine that caught everyone’s attention was the Halloween (Blood Sucker Edition) by Spooky Pinball. With an average game duration of 20 minutes, players were on the edge, fully immersed in the ghostly thrill it offered.

Special mention to Funhouse, Stars, and Red & Ted’s Road Show, which kept the old-school charm alive. And of course, the The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern, where the drama of Round 1 unfolded.

A Game to Remember

The confrontation in Round 1 on The Mandalorian was like the battle scenes from the series itself. Bill Mann took the lead, with Mike Stewart Jr. not far behind. Jeff Catenacci and Jimmy Piornack gave their best shots, with Jeff coming from Roseville, making his hometown proud.

The Titans of the Tournament

Aaron Grabowski’s success was one for the books. While having an IFPA rank of 5573, his 4 wins showcased pure skill. However, the surprise element was Mike Stewart Jr. With 7 wins under his belt, the player made quite the impression. And let’s not forget Bill Mann, Kevin Rowe, and the rest of the top 8, each bringing their A-game.

The Best in Michigan

Here’s a glimpse at the creme de la creme of Michigan’s pinball wizards:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Sterling Mitoska	Brooklyn	450.93
2	Rodney Minch	Grand Rapids	444.73
3	Rick Knopik	Evansville	376.76
4	Matthew Stacks	Grand Rapids	306.04
5	Dominic Labella	Bay City	296.28
6	Alex Harmon	Spring Lake	273.59
7	Jason Humphrey	Jackson	240.05
8	Ethan Magnum		237.89
9	Sean Burke	Waterford Township	219.36
10	Philip Salminen	Midland	212.86

A whirlwind evening at Sparkeasy, full of twists, turns, and terrific gameplay! But, as they say in pinball – the game is never truly over. So, stay tuned for the next exciting update from the buzzing world of pinball!

On September 1st, 2023, as the clear sky shimmered at a comfortable 72°F, Fraser, MI turned into a pinball paradise. The Free Play Pinball Arcade at 34830 Utica Rd. buzzed with excitement. With 35 participants and countless enthusiasts, the Free Play Sep 1 tournament was all set to unroll. Joe Wade, the genius behind this showdown, ensured a blend of nostalgia and competition.

A Nostalgic Venue with a Modern Twist

Free Play Pinball Arcade isn’t just a gaming arena. It’s a trip down memory lane, packed with the bells and whistles of the 80s. One visitor recounted bringing their daughter along to share a piece of their own childhood. “She really enjoyed playing the pinball machine for the first time,” they said, eyes gleaming with nostalgia. With friendly staff and a convivial crowd, it felt less like a competition and more like a gathering of old friends.

Pinball Machines – The Stars of the Show

Among the 28 pinball machines, some stood out, not just for their gameplay but for their legacy. Rush (Pro) by Stern, the newest in the lineup, contrasted starkly with Rolling Stones by Bally, which wafted in memories from 1979. Guardians of the Galaxy and Disney TRON: Legacy brought in a touch of modern cinematic charm, while Whirlwind by Williams took players back to the start of the 90s. The diverse range made sure everyone had a favorite corner.

Avengers Assembled and So Did The Players!

One cannot talk about this tournament without mentioning the thrilling game on Avengers: Infinity Quest (Pro) by Stern in Round 4. Celebrating its 3rd anniversary, Jenny Herzenstiel, a Michigander ranked 4983, showed that sometimes, home advantage does play a part, claiming the top spot. Luke Daniels and Chelsea Robinette, both unranked, showcased impressive skills, proving that in the world of pinball, surprises are the norm.

And the Pinball Wizard Is…

While many showed promise, the crown went to the deserving tyrus eagle, with an impressive IFPA rank of 336. Jeff Catenacci from Roseville clinched the second spot, while Dean Sondey and Gary Herzenstiel wrapped up the third and fourth, respectively.

Michigan’s Pinball Mavericks

Peek into the IFPA Michigan Pinball Top 10 Standings:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Rodney Minch	Grand Rapids	433.98
2	Sterling Mitoska	Brooklyn	427.34
3	Rick Knopik	Evansville	376.76
4	Matthew Stacks	Grand Rapids	296.01
5	Dominic Labella	Bay City	286.65
6	Alex Harmon	Spring Lake	273.61
7	Jason Humphrey	Jackson	240.06
8	Sean Burke	Waterford Township	219.36
9	Ethan Magnum		211.42
10	Philip Salminen	Midland	208.34

From novice players to seasoned pros, the Free Play Sep 1 tournament was a testament to the undying charm of pinball. Keep your flippers ready and your eyes on the ball, because the world of pinball always has another surprise in store!