Welcome to the Saturday! Pinball Extravaganza

The Saturday! IFPA pinball tournament on June 29, 2024, was nothing short of spectacular. Starting at 3:46 PM and rolling through 21 action-packed rounds, the competition was fierce and the excitement palpable. Held at the buzzing Arcade Super Awesome, the tournament spanned seven and a half hours of non-stop pinball fun. Despite the moderate rain and the humid 87°F weather outside, the energy inside was as hot as a summer movie premiere. From novice players to seasoned pros, everyone had their moment to shine in this unforgettable event.

A Hidden Gem: Arcade Super Awesome

Arcade Super Awesome, located at 2415 Scioto Harper Dr, Columbus, OH 43204, is the perfect backdrop for a pinball tournament. Nestled in a cozy neighborhood and business park, this open-air arcade offers a vibrant mix of modern and classic vibes. With a food truck serving up delicious bites and a bar offering a range of drinks, from refreshing sodas to craft beers, it caters to all tastes. The atmosphere is family-friendly, making it a hit with both kids and adults. The arcade boasts an impressive collection of pinball and video games, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment. Want to know more about this fantastic venue? Check out their website here.

Round 4 Showdown: Popeye Saves the Earth

Round 4 saw a standout game on the quirky and environmentally themed “Popeye Saves the Earth” by Bally from February 1994. This game, featuring Popeye’s mission to save the planet from the evil Bluto, provided the perfect battleground for our contenders. John Geiger, hailing from Arcade Super Awesome with a state rank of 335th, clinched first place, demonstrating their home turf advantage. Ben Sauter, ranked 120th in the state, followed closely, with Kyle Sauter from Granville, Ohio, placing third. Kyle’s 110th state rank highlighted the fierce competition.

A Pinball Paradise

The tournament boasted an impressive lineup of 34 pinball machines, each offering a unique challenge. Here are a few highlights:

  • Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Premium) by Stern, April 2018: A high-energy game with fast-paced action and incredible artwork, designed by Keith Elwin.
  • The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (CE) by Spooky Pinball, January 2024: A horror-themed pin with spine-chilling effects, capturing the essence of the iconic film.
  • Scooby-Doo (CE) by Spooky Pinball, February 2023: A family-friendly game with engaging gameplay and beloved characters, designed by Bowen Kerins.
  • Total Nuclear Annihilation by Spooky Pinball, January 2017: Known for its retro style and intense gameplay, designed by Scott Danesi.
  • Led Zeppelin (Pro) by Stern, December 2020: A rock-themed pin featuring classic hits and a dynamic playfield, designed by Steve Ritchie.
  • Halloween (CE) by Spooky Pinball, August 2021: Another horror classic with thrilling gameplay, designed by Dennis Nordman.
  • Ultraman: Kaiju Rumble (CE) by Spooky Pinball: A must-play for fans of the iconic Japanese series.
  • Class of 1812 by Gottlieb, January 1991: A quirky and humorous pin with a unique soundtrack.
  • Elvira and the Party Monsters by Bally, January 1989: A cult classic with captivating art and gameplay, designed by Dennis Nordman.

Celebrating the Champions

The final game on “Viper Night Drivin’” by Sega crowned the champions of the tournament. The neon-lit night driving theme added an extra layer of excitement as the contenders battled for the top spot. Congratulations to our winners:

  1. John Geiger from Arcade Super Awesome: With a total of 126 IFPA events, their skill and consistency shone through, securing first place.
  2. Kyle Sauter from Granville, Ohio: Demonstrating impressive skills across his 30 IFPA events, Kyle took the second spot.
  3. Ben Sauter: With 102 IFPA events under his belt, Ben’s experience earned him third place.

IFPA Ohio Pinball Top 10 Standings

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Stephen Prusa Cleveland 735.83
2 Aaron RIch 668.11
3 Jesse Baker Cincinnati 588.22
4 Galvin Morgan Olmsted Falls 424.21
5 Andrew Lee Cleveland 423.8
6 Carlos Delaserda Columbus 390.8
7 Cryss Stephens 369.09
8 Cody Webb Westerville 327.92
9 John Delzoppo Cleveland 319.3
10 Mark Brown OH Cleveland 291.31

Wrapping Up the Fun

The Saturday! IFPA pinball tournament was an absolute blast, much like the final boss battle in your favorite video game – thrilling, intense, and unforgettable. A huge shoutout to John Geiger for pulling off this epic event at Arcade Super Awesome, where the vibe was as electric as a concert and as welcoming as a friend’s house party. Also congrats to John Geiger for their standout performance, and a big high-five to all the participants who brought their A-game and made it a day to remember. Stay tuned for more pinball adventures and stories – it’s going to be as exciting as the latest blockbuster sequel! Keep practicing those flipper skills for the next epic showdown!

League Super Awesome: A Competitive Clash at Heart State Brewing

Greetings, pinball enthusiasts, and welcome back to the Bride of Pinbot blog! Tonight, we journey to the Heart State Brewing in Columbus, Ohio, for a thrilling recap of the League Super Awesome Season 31 Week 7 pinball tournament.

Champions Ascend!

A massive 53 players battled it out across 16 machines, with each round featuring 4 electrifying games. The competition was fierce, but in the end, a select few emerged victorious:

  1. Jack Nebraska (IFPA rank 403): A seasoned campaigner with over 100 IFPA events under his belt, Jack displayed masterful control to claim the top spot.
  2. Alex Marling (IFPA rank 7738): Despite a lower ranking, Alex proved their mettle by securing the second-place position.
  3. Amy Kesting (IFPA rank 638): A force to be reckoned with, Amy’s impressive record of 389 IFPA events speaks volumes. Her third-place finish is a testament to her consistent skill.
  4. Joe Banner (IFPA rank 3443): Rounding out the top 4, Joe, with 93 IFPA events, showcased their strategic prowess.

Congratulations to all the winners! Your dedication and talent were truly awe-inspiring.

Spotlight on the Machines

This tournament boasted a diverse selection of 16 pinball machines, each offering unique challenges and themes:

  • Deadpool (Pro) by Stern: This action-packed machine throws players into the chaotic world of the Merc with a Mouth, featuring humor, fast-paced gameplay, and a mini-Deadpool!
  • Attack from Mars by Bally: A classic from 1995, this sci-fi themed game challenges players to defend Earth from Martian invaders using classic pinball mechanics.
  • Foo Fighters (Premium) by Stern: Released in 2023, this rocking pinball machine immerses players in the electrifying world of the Foo Fighters, complete with iconic music and band-themed visuals.
  • Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern: Join Star-Lord and his ragtag team in this 2017 release, featuring exciting missions, pop-up targets, and Groot’s powerful Groot Assist feature.
  • Avengers: Infinity Quest (Pro) by Stern: Assemble! This 2020 game lets players take on the role of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes as they battle Thanos and his forces.

Bonus Fun Fact: This tournament also featured Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (LE) by Jersey Jack Pinball, a visually stunning machine that transports players into the world of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, complete with interactive elements and exciting challenges.

Cheers to Heart State Brewing!

The Heart State Brewing provided the perfect backdrop for this epic tournament. With their delicious home-brewed beers, family-friendly atmosphere, and attentive staff, they created a welcoming space for players and spectators alike.

A huge thank you to John Geiger for organizing this fantastic event, and to Heart State Brewing for hosting!

Stay tuned, pinball enthusiasts, for more exciting tournament updates and machine spotlights in the future! Until then, keep on flippin’!