A Stellar Night at Match Play at Next Level

The Match Play at Next Level tournament took place on a pleasantly clear evening of April 19, 2024, at the Next Level Pinball Museum in Hillsboro, Oregon. With 25 competitors in attendance, the event unfolded over three rounds, each consisting of two games, culminating in a total duration of approximately 2 and a half hours.

High Stakes on Johnny Mnemonic

The tournament kicked off with a highlight match on the Johnny Mnemonic pinball machine by Williams, a classic from January 1995. Billy Brown III showcased his skills by securing first place in this round, followed by Mitch McAffee, who impressively competed despite being unranked, with Gregorio Sicard Jr and Bill Brown also performing admirably.

Celebrating the Champions

The tournament saw remarkable performances from the top contenders:

  1. Bill Volckening from Portland, Oregon, ranked 2870th, demonstrated great skill and consistency over his 352 IFPA events, earning him the top spot.
  2. Vincent Sperrazza, from Bremerton with an impressive rank of 247, brought his extensive experience from 415 IFPA events to secure second place.
  3. Billy Brown III, ranked 753rd, used his competitive edge from 187 IFPA events to claim the third position.
  4. Joseph Rembecki, impressively made it to fourth place, a notable achievement for an unranked player.

Spotlight on Notable Pinball Machines

The tournament featured an exciting array of 87 pinball machines, including:

  • Barb Wire by Gottlieb: Known for its action-packed theme based on the movie, this machine challenges players with its dynamic playfield and unique multi-ball features.
  • The Addams Family by Bally: One of the most popular pinball machines ever, it offers players a blend of whimsy and challenge with its iconic mansion that activates various modes.
  • Heavy Metal by Stern: This machine, released in June 2020, draws players in with its rock music themes and innovative soundtracks coupled with engaging gameplay mechanics.
  • Johnny Mnemonic by Williams: The machine that shined in the tournament, famous for its fast-paced action and intricate cybernetic hand gadget that tests player reflexes and strategy.
  • Tales of the Arabian Nights by Williams: Captivates players with its rich visuals and storytelling elements, where adventurers seek to rescue the Sultan’s daughter, adding layers of depth and intrigue to gameplay.

Next Level Pinball Museum: A Haven for Pinball Lovers

The Next Level Pinball Museum, located at 1458 NE 25th Ave, Hillsboro, OR, is more than just a venue; it’s a vibrant community hub for pinball enthusiasts. Decorated with an eye for detail and maintained to the highest standards, the museum offers a fantastic array of pinball machines, making it a must-visit for anyone in the area.

Appreciation for a Memorable Evening

A heartfelt thanks to Next Level Pinball for organizing such a smooth and engaging tournament and to the staff at Next Level Pinball Museum for maintaining a welcoming and immaculate environment. As the pinball scene continues to thrive, we look forward to bringing more news and stories from the exciting world of pinball. Stay tuned for more updates!

Electrifying Showdown at the Next Level Qualifier

Pinball Wizards Gather at Next Level

The Next Level Championship 2023 qualifier transformed an ordinary Sunday into a pinball extravaganza. Nestled in the heart of Hillsboro, Oregon, the Next Level Pinball Museum became the arena for a thrilling 3 hours of competitive play, where 33 contenders battled under a sky of broken clouds and a mild 61°F.

The Thrill of the Game

With 10 games on the line for each participant, the tournament was a true test of endurance, skill, and strategy. The atmosphere was electric, with players from all walks of life sharing a common goal: to claim victory and etch their names in the annals of pinball history.

Spotlight on the Classics

“Demolition Man” by Williams, a beloved machine from 1994, emerged as a crowd favorite, challenging players with its futuristic gameplay. Meanwhile, “High Roller Casino” by Stern captured attention with the longest average game duration, turning each play into a high-stakes gamble.

Champions of the Day

The tournament’s victors stood out not just for their wins but for their journey in the world of competitive pinball:

  1. Sean Goller from Portland, OR – 6 Wins, IFPA Rank 3814: Showcased remarkable skill and resilience, leading the pack with his strategic plays.
  2. Mathew Peterson from Portland, Oregon – 4 Wins, IFPA Rank 266: A seasoned player known for his deep understanding of pinball mechanics and tactics.
  3. Vincent Poudrier from Portland – 5 Wins, IFPA Rank 4360: Demonstrated his competitive edge, rising through the ranks with each game.
  4. Jeff Monroe – 4 Wins, IFPA Rank 1622: Brought his A-game, proving that experience and consistency are key to pinball success.

A Pinball Haven

The Next Level Pinball Museum, with its staggering collection of 108 pinball machines, provided a perfect backdrop for the tournament. From the adventure-filled “White Water” by Williams to the iconic “Disney TRON: Legacy” by Stern, the museum offered a diverse playground for all pinball enthusiasts.

Next Level: More Than Just a Venue

Beyond the competition, the Next Level Pinball Shop & Museum stood out for its welcoming atmosphere and passionate staff. The venue’s dedication to maintaining a top-notch collection and providing a great experience made it a beloved destination for both players and spectators.

Wrapping Up

The Next Level Championship 2023 qualifier was more than a tournament; it was a celebration of the pinball community’s spirit, bringing together individuals united by their love for the game. Congratulations to all the players, and a big thank you to the organizers for creating an unforgettable pinball experience.

Stay tuned for more heart-stopping pinball action from across the nation!

Max Match Play at Next Level: A Showdown Among Pinball Aficionados

On November 10, 2023, the Next Level Pinball Museum in Hillsboro Oregon hosted the Max Match Play pinball tournament, drawing in enthusiasts ready to test their skills against the best.

A Pinball Haven: Next Level Pinball Museum

The Next Level Pinball Museum, known for its extensive collection and lively atmosphere, proved to be the perfect venue for such an event. With an all-day play offer for $22.00 and the presence of food trucks, the museum was not just a gaming venue but a social hub for players and visitors.

Next Level Pinball Museum

Intense Gameplay and Strategy

The tournament featured 19 players, each facing off in 14 games. The competition was fierce, with participants employing various strategies to maximize their points. Mathew Peterson emerged victorious with 7 wins, despite Jeff Monroe and Joseph Rembecki securing 9 wins each. Derek Jennings also made a notable impact with 10 wins.

Standout Machines and Moments

The event was not short of excitement, especially with a line-up of 38 pinball machines. Notable ones included:

  • Nitro Ground Shaker by Bally: A favorite among players, saw action in 6 games.
  • Lord of the Rings by Stern: Known for its long game duration, averaged around 28 minutes per game.
  • Total Nuclear Annihilation by Spooky Pinball: A modern classic that challenged even the best players.
  • Venom (Pro) by Stern: One of the newest machines that added extra thrill to the tournament.
  • Stranger Things (LE) by Stern: This machine brought the excitement of the popular series to the pinball world.

Concluding Thoughts

The Max Match Play at Next Level was more than just a competition; it was a testament to the skills and passion of the pinball community. As players left the venue, there was a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the next challenge.

Stay tuned for more gripping tales and updates from the pinball world!

Pinball Fever Hits Oregon: A Throwback at Next Level Pinball Museum!

Amidst overcast skies and a pleasant 60°F temperature, pinball enthusiasts descended upon the iconic Next Level Pinball Museum in Hillsboro, Oregon, on September 29, 2023. The lure? The Max Match Play at Next Level pinball tournament, a spectacle of lights, flippers, and of course, the pursuit of that elusive high score.

Rolling Through Time at Next Level

Next Level Pinball Shop & Museum isn’t just a venue; it’s a time capsule. With a vast collection of games and pop culture memorabilia, it transports players and visitors alike to a bygone era. And it’s not just the pinball aficionados that love it here. With a unique pay-once-play-all model and the freedom to bring in food and non-alcoholic drinks, it’s an arcade paradise where everyone – gamer or not – can have a fantastic time.

Vintage Vibes with Modern Twists

The machines at the tournament were a perfect blend of old-school classics and new-age marvels:

  • Whirlwind by Williams: Where Mother Nature meets pinball!
  • Houdini: Master of Mystery by American Pinball: A magical escape into the world of the famous illusionist.
  • The Beatles by Stern: A melodic journey with the Fab Four.
  • Lost World by Bally: A prehistoric adventure in a world where dinosaurs ruled.
  • The Munsters (LE) by Stern: A monstrous good time with Herman, Lily, and the gang!

Special mention goes to Bad Cats by Williams, a 1989 classic that had everyone’s tails wagging, and Avengers: Infinity Quest (LE) by Stern, which saw the longest games at around 15 minutes a pop!

Battle of the Pinball Wizards

With 13 games for each player and 14 contenders in the fray, the competition was fierce. Here’s a tip o’ the hat to our top performers:

  1. Jeff Monroe: Cruising to the top with 6 wins and a wealth of experience from 145 IFPA events.
  2. Derek Jennings: With a single win more but a slightly lower rank, he proved his mettle.
  3. Thomas Urban: Another 6-win maestro, showcasing his skills honed over 285 IFPA events.
  4. Joseph Rembecki: An underdog story if there ever was one; no prior IFPA events, yet making it to the top four!

The Best in Oregon: Pinball Prodigies

Presenting the creme de la creme of Oregon’s pinball scene:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Mathew PetersonPortland218.49
2Ken MartinCoatsville217.17
3Dana ValatkaPortland192.57
4Colin UrbanPortland173.51
5Daniel RonePortland156.86
6Erik GraciosaPortland155.45
7Matt WaltonEugene153.35
8James AdamsonPortland120
9Paul RobertsonPortland109.32
10Adam JonesEugene106.67

Pinball: More Than Just A Game

With the echoes of pinball bells still ringing, another phenomenal event at Next Level came to a close. Whether it’s the thrill of the game, the camaraderie among players, or the sheer nostalgia of it all, pinball continues to enthrall.

Oregon, keep those flippers ready and eyes peeled; the silver ball will be back soon for more!