John Wick (LE) Launch Party Recap: Pinball Action at Its Best!

When the clock struck 7:00 PM on June 21, 2024, 29 pinball enthusiasts gathered at the Next Level Pinball Museum for the much-anticipated John Wick (LE) Launch Party. This event, organized by Next Level Pinball, saw fierce competition through three rounds of two games each, with the excitement lasting 2 hours and 30 minutes. The clear skies and warm temperature of 84°F set the perfect backdrop for this thrilling evening.

The Ultimate Pinball Playground

Next Level Pinball Museum, located at 1458 NE 25th Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97124, USA, is a paradise for pinball lovers. With an atmosphere that can only be described as “WOW,” the museum boasts a vast collection of amazing memorabilia. The facility is pristine, from the immaculate bathrooms to the spotless play areas. Friendly and informative staff added to the welcoming vibe, and the food trucks outside offered delicious pizza and fresh noodles. For more details, visit their website.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! – A Game to Remember

Round 1 featured a marathon on Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, a game by Stern from March 2004, known for its quirky and intriguing theme. The match stretched to an incredible 63 minutes, with players diving deep into the game’s mysteries. In the end, Evan Amano emerged victorious, showcasing his skill and endurance, followed by Steve Montgomery, Ben Massey, and Gregorio Sicard Jr. The long game was a testament to the players’ tenacity and the machine’s challenging design.

Pinball Machines That Stole the Show

With 73 machines on hand, the tournament was a pinball lover’s dream. Some standout pins included:

  • RollerCoaster Tycoon (Stern, 2002): Featuring exciting ramps and thrilling multiball modes.
  • Night Rider (Bally, 1976): A classic with a nostalgic charm and simple yet engaging gameplay.
  • Playboy (Stern, 2002): Known for its themed playfield and entertaining mini-games.
  • Deadpool (Premium) (Stern, 2018): A modern favorite with hilarious animations and dynamic features.
  • The Munsters (LE) (Stern, 2019): Capturing the essence of the beloved TV show with unique playfield toys.
  • Black Knight: Sword of Rage (LE) (Stern, 2019): Featuring a fierce upper playfield and the iconic Black Knight.
  • Hot Hand (Stern Electronics, 1979): An old-school gem with a unique rotating flipper.
  • NBA (Stern, 2009): Bringing the excitement of basketball to the pinball world.
  • Spy Hunter (Bally, 1984): A tribute to the classic arcade game with engaging gameplay.

Battling Through the Ranks

The tournament was fierce, with players navigating through 29 competitors. Here are the top players who emerged victorious:

  1. Billy Brown III – State rank: 23rd, IFPA rank: 777, Total IFPA Events: 201
  2. Evan Amano – State rank: 4th, IFPA rank: 1387, Total IFPA Events: 83
  3. Mathew Peterson – State rank: 1st, IFPA rank: 274, Total IFPA Events: 1006
  4. Vincent Poudrier – State rank: 8th, IFPA rank: 1405, Total IFPA Events: 58

Billy Brown III’s steady play and experience saw him take the top spot, with Evan Amano and Mathew Peterson close behind. Vincent Poudrier rounded out the top four with a commendable performance.

IFPA Oregon Pinball Top 10 Standings

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Mathew Peterson Portland 227.41
2 Matt Walton Eugene 161.93
3 Dana Valatka Portland 150.9
4 Evan Amano Portland 128.28
5 James Adamson Portland 127.21
6 Jeff Monroe Eugene 122.67
7 Ben Massey 120.36
8 Vincent Poudrier 117.15
9 Nathan Stellhorn 104.98
10 Eric Merchant Fall Creek 96.69

Wrapping Up a Night of Pinball Glory

A huge thank you to Next Level Pinball for organizing and hosting such a fantastic event. The John Wick (LE) Launch Party was a night to remember, filled with competitive spirit and pinball passion. The spotlight game on Ripley’s Believe It or Not! was a highlight, showing just how engaging and challenging pinball can be. Stay tuned for more pinball excitement and tournament recaps!

An Epic Pinball Showdown at Next Level

On June 7, 2024, the Next Level Pinball Museum hosted an electrifying IFPA pinball tournament: Match Play at Next Level. With 24 players battling it out over three intense rounds, each consisting of two games, the competition was fierce and thrilling. The event kicked off at 7:00 PM under a clear sky, with a pleasant temperature of 83°F. The Tournament lasted around 2 hours and 33 minutes, making for a night full of high-octane pinball action.

Stepping into the Next Level Pinball Museum

Located at 1458 NE 25th Ave, Hillsboro, OR, the Next Level Pinball Shop & Museum is a pinball enthusiast’s dream come true. The museum’s atmosphere is nothing short of spectacular, with an impressive array of memorabilia that keeps your head on a swivel. The welcoming and informative staff enhance the experience, ensuring every visitor feels right at home. The immaculate cleanliness of the facility, including the pristine bathrooms, is a testament to their dedication. And if you get hungry, the food trucks outside offer delicious options, including pizza and fresh noodles. It’s truly a WOW experience from start to finish!

Junk Yard Showdown: A Game to Remember

In Round 1, the game that stole the show was Junk Yard by Williams, released in January 1996. This game, with its quirky theme of scavenging and rebuilding, set the stage for an exhilarating match. Bruce Jones, ranked 5678 in the IFPA, showcased his scavenging skills to clinch first place. Caleb Hohlt, an unranked newcomer, surprised everyone by securing second place with his impressive gameplay. Local hero Derek Jennings, ranked 1414, put up a strong fight but had to settle for third place. Khris Bestel, another unranked player, showed great promise despite finishing fourth. The game perfectly mirrored the unpredictability and excitement of a junkyard adventure.

Pinball Machines: The Stars of the Show

The tournament featured a whopping 55 different pinball machines, each bringing its unique flair to the event. A few standout pins included:

  • Bram Stoker’s Dracula by Williams (1993): Known for its mist multiball feature and eerie theme, this machine captivated players and spectators alike.
  • Scared Stiff by Bally (1996): With its spine-chilling design and Elvira’s iconic humor, this pin never fails to entertain.
  • Split Second by Stern Electronics (1981): This machine’s fast-paced gameplay and innovative features made it a favorite among the participants.
  • Creature from the Black Lagoon by Bally (1992): Combining 1950s drive-in movie nostalgia with a fantastic playfield design, this pin was a hit.
  • Terminator 2: Judgment Day by Williams (1991): Featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger’s voice and a thrilling playfield, this machine brought the heat to the competition.

Celebrating the Champions

The tournament concluded with some stellar performances. Here’s a rundown of the top winners:

  1. Michael Dorland from Portland, OR, IFPA rank 4883, Total IFPA Events 40: Michael’s skill and consistency earned him the top spot.
  2. Jacob Edwards from OR, IFPA rank 8042, Total IFPA Events 19: Jacob’s impressive gameplay secured him second place.
  3. Noah Sicard, IFPA rank 4702, Total IFPA Events 30: Noah’s strategic plays landed him in third place.
  4. Derek Jennings from Hillsboro, IFPA rank 1414, Total IFPA Events 143: Derek’s local support and experience saw him through to fourth place.

IFPA Oregon Pinball Top 10 Standings

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Mathew Peterson Portland 220.35
2 Matt Walton Eugene 161.93
3 Dana Valatka Portland 147.93
4 Evan Amano Portland 127.76
5 James Adamson Portland 124.97
6 Jeff Monroe Eugene 119.18
7 Ben Massey 114.35
8 Vincent Poudrier 107.18
9 Sean Irby Seattle 96.52
10 Scott Benoit Portland 93.14

Wrapping Up an Unforgettable Night

A massive thank you to Next Level Pinball for organizing and hosting such a phenomenal event. Their dedication and passion for pinball are truly inspiring. We hope everyone had an incredible time, especially our newcomers like Caleb Hohlt and Khris Bestel, who showed great promise. Stay tuned for more pinball tournament news and highlights. Don’t miss out on the next exciting chapter in the world of pinball!