As summer started winding down on a beautifully clear day with temperatures at 71°F, Cleveland’s Superelectric Pinball Parlour at 6500 Detroit Ave was just heating up. On August 27th, 2023, 20 pinball wizards, both seasoned and fresh-faced, descended upon the venue for the Superelectric Pinball Battle.

Atmosphere on the Tilt

Cleveland’s best-kept secret, Superelectric Pinball Parlor, isn’t just any pinball joint. With its tantalizing concoctions like the apricot-infused bourbon called Bull Durham and the economical $6 all-you-can-play pinball, the venue is an absolute treasure. Whether you’re a pinball league pro or simply looking for a retro night out, Superelectric has you covered. Also, if you’re on a quirky date night in Cleveland, this place can’t be missed. With both modern and vintage pinball machines, it’s a joyride through time.

A Game of Legacy and Legacies

One of the many highlights was the thrilling face-off on Stern’s Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast during the Semifinals. Aaron Rich (IFPA rank 80) claimed the top spot, closely followed by Terrence Carl, Kyle Shepard, and Bill Taylor. It’s worth noting that the game itself, released in April 2018, is inspired by the band’s legacy, much like the players are creating their own with every flip and score.

Pinball Wizards and their Machines

And speaking of machines, let’s chat about a personal favorite of mine: Bride of Pinbot by Williams. Oh, did I mention? I’m the Bride of Pinbot! Okay, not really, but let’s just say if I had a pinball alter ego, she’d be it!

Other crowd-pullers included the Game Of Thrones (Pro), a nod to the television behemoth, and Jurassic Park (Pro), where players dodged virtual velociraptors and T-Rexes with every ball. The newly released Foo Fighters (Pro) by Stern from 2023 also drew a considerable crowd, especially with its rock anthem infused gameplay.

Who Tilted To The Top?

John Delzoppo, the man behind this fantastic event, proved that organizers can be champions too by claiming the first spot. Following him was the impressive Bill Taylor, JD Chips, and Aaron Rich. A special mention goes out to JD Chips, a relatively new player with just 25 IFPA events under his belt, yet managing to secure the third spot. The top 8 showcased a delightful mix of experienced veterans and passionate newcomers.

IFPA’s Ohio Top 10: Pinball Pros

As the dust settled post-battle, let’s glance at Ohio’s top pinball prodigies:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Aaron RIch		555.06
2	Stephen Prusa	Cleveland	443.51
3	Carlos Delaserda	Columbus	385.07
4	Gregory Kennedy	Plain City	365.78
5	John Delzoppo	Cleveland	364.11
6	Andrew Lee	Cleveland	299.56
7	Jesse Baker	Cincinnati	276.08
8	Galvin Morgan	Olmsted Falls	272.17
9	Cody Webb	Westerville	253.03
10	Rod Lawrence	Cleveland	229.42

The Superelectric Pinball Battle of August 2023 showcased talent, strategy, and the undeniable charm of pinball. Until the flippers meet again, keep those high scores coming and stay tuned for more pinball updates!

In the heart of Ohio, where craft beer often flows as freely as the Ohio River, Heart State Brewing opened its doors on August 18, 2023, for a rendezvous of flippers, lights, and spectacular gameplay. Welcome to the Heart State August Tournament, an event that was as refreshing as the beers served at the venue.

A Tournament Brewed to Perfection

Crafted meticulously by organizer John Geiger, the tournament sported four tantalizing rounds with a single game per round. A group of 39 pinball wizards, each on a mission to be the ultimate champion, formed clusters of four to engage in pinball duels. Points were at stake, reputations were on the line, and at the end of the evening, only one could take the crown.

The Guardians’ Ultimate Challenge

Amidst the clang of metal and the flickering lights, one game stood out: a showdown on the “Guardians of the Galaxy” machine by Stern. Our hero, Brian Weisberg (IFPA rank 3054), displayed an uncanny knack for channeling Star-Lord’s charisma into his gameplay, taking first place. He was closely followed by J. Keith Jackson, Steve Szczepaniak, and Robert Bush—a motley crew of pinball aficionados that added a unique flair to Round 4.

The Unranked Underdog

While Tim Malloy took the tournament’s crown with an IFPA rank of 2540, the underdog story of the night was Mitchell Banks. Without an IFPA rank and appearing in zero IFPA events prior to this one, Mitchell snagged second place. To the pinball world, let it be known: Someone get this guy signed up for IFPA, stat!

Pinball and Pints: The Perfect Pair

With a lineup of 13 pinball machines that ranged from the suave “James Bond 007 (Pro)” to the raw intensity of “Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast,” the venue was a paradise for pinball enthusiasts. The selection of pinballs at Heart State was like its beer menu—each one offering a unique flavor yet universally delightful.

Heart State: The Heart of the Action

If you’re a fan of good beer and great company, Heart State Brewing is your go-to place. The owner’s inspiring story, the work he does with his dog rescue charity, and an array of brews that have no parallel—it all comes together to create an atmosphere where both beer lovers and pinball fans can find their nirvana.

Top Pinball Maestros in Ohio

To tip our hats to Ohio’s pinball elites, here’s the Top 10:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points	Events Played	Wins
1	Aaron Rich		554.91	20	21
2	Stephen Prusa	Cleveland	402.66	20	23
3	Carlos Delaserda	Columbus	364.55	20	7
4	John Delzoppo	Cleveland	355.27	20	8
5	Andrew Lee	Cleveland	299.48	20	5
6	Gregory Kennedy	Plain City	293	20	9
7	Jesse Baker	Cincinnati	276.04	20	22
8	Cody Webb	Westerville	242.82	20	5
9	Galvin Morgan	Olmsted Falls	238.97	20	6
10	Rod Lawrence	Cleveland	207.13	20	6

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So, whether you’re a pinball pro or just a casual flipper, one thing is certain: Heart State Brewing is where you want to be for a night of unstoppable fun and action. Until the next tournament, keep those flippers flipping and those brews pouring!

Stay tuned for more updates from the realm of pinball!