Amidst the rhythmic hums and dazzling lights, on October 4th at 6:30 PM, the Pinball Gallery in Malvern, PA transformed into a veritable coliseum of pinball warfare. The Ball Busters Pinball League was in full swing for its 2023 Season #5 Week 5 tournament.

Stage Set for Thrills and Spills

With Bill Disney taking the reins of the event, 12 fervent players went flipper to flipper, vying for glory across 5 nail-biting rounds. The crisp, clear evening was no match for the electric atmosphere inside the gallery.

Air Guitars & Pinballs

But the talk of the tournament was the epic face-off in Round 2 on Aerosmith (Premium) by Stern. Amy McManus, unranked and under the radar, dazzled the competition, clinching the top spot, leaving behind veterans like Stephanie Savy and Jamme Thomas. Charissa Wiley, though valiant in her attempts, stood fourth.

Honoring the Masters of the Machines

As the echoes of the pinballs faded, the champions emerged:

1. Kim Smith reigned supreme, her experience across 72 IFPA events clearly shining through.
2. Anita Thallmayer clinched the second spot, proving her prowess.
3. Terri Morton followed closely in third, showcasing her impeccable gameplay.
4. The night’s underdog, Stephanie Savy, also found herself among the pinball elite.

Machines of Legacy and Lore

From the 12 magnificent pinball machines present, a few commanded special attention. Earthshaker by Williams transported players back to 1989 with its seismic themes. Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Pro) by Stern provided medieval thrills, while the Oktoberfest machine made sure there were ‘cheers’ all around. Creature from the Black Lagoon by Bally took players on a cinematic journey and, of course, Aerosmith kept the rock spirit alive and kicking.

An Experience Beyond Points

Visiting the Pinball Gallery isn’t just about the tournament. With a plethora of games and an amazing atmosphere, it’s no surprise attendees leave with an urge to come back for more, as one visitor raved about their fantastic experience and the sheer variety the gallery offers.

Pennsylvania’s Pinball Titans

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Cryss Stephens	—	191.32
2	Jared Schmidt	Pittsburgh	156.6
3	Lewis Bevans	Pittsburgh	141.79
4	Aleksander Kaczmarczyk	—	136.8
5	Bob Choate	Philadelphia	115.15
6	Stephen Le	Chesterbrook	110.04
7	Corey Hulse	Schwenksville	100.8
8	Matt Gusler	Philadelphia	95.64
9	Tony Makowski	Lansdale	88.05
10	Raymond Davidson	Elk Grove Village	74.72

In the ever-evolving world of pinball, the titans of Pennsylvania continue their quest for glory. From Cryss Stephens at the pinnacle to Raymond Davidson completing the top ten, their competitive spirit remains unyielding.

So, as we tilt away from this week’s competition, the buzz is far from over. The Pinball Gallery and the Ball Busters League promise more thrills, more spills, and of course, more pinballs in action.

Keep flipping, folks!

In the world of pinball, every flicker of light, every bounce of the ball, and every tilt warning can spell victory or defeat. On September 27th, 2023, enthusiasts and competitors gathered under a clear sky with a temperature of a pleasant 60°F, at the Pinball Gallery in Malvern, PA, to test their skills in the Ball Busters Pinball League – 2023 Season #5 Week 4 tournament.

Diving Into the Action

With Bill Disney at the helm as the organizer, the tournament saw 18 players diving deep into intense battles, spread across 5 enthralling rounds. Each round, with its intense moments, defined the skill, strategy, and sometimes, the sheer luck of the player.

The Galactic Battle

A moment worth the spotlight was the Round 3 face-off on the “Galactic Tank Force (Deluxe)” by American Pinball. This machine, a recent marvel from 2023, became the stage for a fierce battle. Anita Thallmayer, with her IFPA rank of 2330, showcased stellar gameplay to secure the top spot, followed by Kim Smith, Barb Britt, and Tina Kirby.

Celebrating the Champions

As the flippers settled and the scores were tallied, the victors emerged:

• 1st – Terri Morton, a seasoned player with a rank of 2570 and a history of 108 IFPA events.
• 2nd – Anita Thallmayer, proving her mettle once again with a rank of 2330.
• 3rd – Stephanie Savy from Media, Pa, a passionate player with a rank of 5477.
• 4th – Kim Smith, showcasing her skills with an IFPA rank of 5082.

The Machines That Made The Magic

From retro classics to modern masterpieces, the tournament flaunted an impressive array of 11 pinball machines. Some machines that caught everyone’s attention included:

• “Deadly Weapon” by Gottlieb, a 1990 classic.
• “The Addams Family” by Bally, always a crowd favorite since 1992.
• “Galactic Tank Force (Deluxe)” by American Pinball, the recent 2023 hit.
• “Spider-Man” by Stern, swinging in from 2007.
• “Monster Bash (Remake LE)” by Chicago Gaming, a hauntingly fun game from 2018.
• “Venom (Pro)” by Stern, a new sensation from 2023.
• “Fathom” by Bally, diving deep from 1981.

The Venue – Pinball Gallery

The Pinball Gallery was abuzz with energy. As one attendee gushed, “I went to my friend’s birthday party that was being held here and I had soo much fun!! The bad cats pinball was my favorite! Def recommend”

Shining a Light on Pennsylvania’s Best

Lastly, it’s crucial to highlight the top pinball wizards in Pennsylvania:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Cryss Stephens		180.56
2	Jared Schmidt	Pittsburgh	152.25
3	Lewis Bevans	Pittsburgh	141.78
4	Aleksander Kaczmarczyk		136.81
5	Stephen Le	Chesterbrook	110.04
6	Bob Choate	Philadelphia	98.16
7	Matt Gusler	Philadelphia	94.96
8	Tony Makowski	Lansdale	78.75
9	Raymond Davidson	Elk Grove Village	74.72
10	Jay Robinson		70.23

With that, we wrap up our coverage of the Ball Busters Pinball League tournament. Stay flipped, and keep those balls bouncing, because in the realm of pinball, the game is always on!

Ah, the sweet clinking of pinballs against bumpers, the flashing lights, and that electric feeling you get when the machine erupts in a cacophony of sound as you unlock multiball—it’s the magic of pinball! The Ball Busters Pinball League returned for its 2023 Season #5 Week 3 at the much-revered Pinball Gallery in Malvern, Pennsylvania. And trust me, this one was for the books!

Quick Facts:

The event took place on September 20, 2023, starting at 6:30 PM. The gathering saw 17 pinball enthusiasts go flipper-to-flipper in five intense rounds. Our gracious host, Bill Disney, kept the event running smoothly, clocking in at just a minute shy of two hours. The weather? Let’s just say it was as clear as the players’ focus that night.

Spotlight on Batman 66

Ah, the caped crusader! No, I’m not talking about Batman; I’m talking about Ana Dult, an unranked underdog who swooped in and took the first place in a round on Batman 66 (Premium) by Stern. The other contenders, Charissa Wiley, Linda Slodki, and Kate Ocasio, also unranked, fought valiantly but had to settle for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th respectively.

An Unusual Leaderboard

Now, here’s the kicker. Our winners’ podium featured names you won’t find in the Top 10 IFPA standings. Let’s give a massive shoutout to the champions:

1. Ana Dult – Unranked but mighty, this was her 7th IFPA event. Can someone get her ranked, please?
2. Jamme Thomas – A seasoned player who showcased his skills splendidly.
3. Becky Kisling – Another unranked gem, making waves in her 12th IFPA event.
4. Sherry Disney – She showed she’s nobody’s sidekick in pinball.

The Machines That Witnessed It All

The Pinball Gallery offered an impressive spread of 12 machines, making sure there was something for everyone. Here are some of the highlight machines of the night:

• Foo Fighters (Premium): For those looking to rock out while they racked up points.
• Eight Ball Deluxe: An old-school gem that never loses its charm.
• Scooby-Doo (CE): Who wouldn’t want to solve a mystery while playing pinball?
• Mustang (Premium): Perfect for the gearheads in the house.
• Batman 66 (Premium): Because who doesn’t love feeling like Bruce Wayne for a night?

A Blast from the Past

The venue? A retro haven. It was like stepping into a time machine aimed squarely at the ’80s, complete with a plethora of games that would make anyone feel nostalgic. With a convenient location and the added bonus of an Asian grocery store next door, this spot had it all.

IFPA Pennsylvania Top 10

And just for perspective, here’s how the local champions line up:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Cryss Stephens		180.56
2	Jared Schmidt	Pittsburgh	152.25
3	Lewis Bevans	Pittsburgh	141.78
4	Aleksander Kaczmarczyk		136.81
5	Stephen Le	Chesterbrook	110.04
6	Bob Choate	Philadelphia	98.16
7	Matt Gusler	Philadelphia	94.96
8	Tony Makowski	Lansdale	78.75
9	Raymond Davidson	Elk Grove Village	74.72
10	Jay Robinson		70.23

See that? Not a single Top 10 IFPA player took the trophy this time. And that, my friends, is the beauty of pinball—anyone can be a hero for a night. So keep those flippers ready; we’ll be back with more pinball action soon!

In the picturesque town of Malvern, PA, where the night air was crisp at 66°F under a clear sky, pinball enthusiasts gathered in animated huddles. The reason? The eagerly anticipated Pinball Gallery Monthly Tournament, slated for September 19, 2023.

Venue Vibes: Pinball Gallery, Malvern

Nestled snugly at 81 Lancaster Ave, the Pinball Gallery reverberated with the nostalgic pings and clangs of 68 resplendent machines, each offering its unique adventures. As one wandered through the maze of gleaming tables, the ‘Guns ‘n Roses’ machine caught many an eye. Nearby, ’80s kids were teleported back to their childhood, mastering Super Mario Brothers on a vintage television, much to the amazement of the younger generation. If someone wanted a reprieve from the pinball frenzy, board games were at hand. But what really stole the show? The PacMan video game-pinball machine combo. The cherry on the top: an amiable staff member, brimming with stories and facts about these mechanical marvels.

A Semifinal to Remember

The tournament, diligently orchestrated by Bill Disney, saw 29 players dueling over 10 games. Among these, a pulsating game on ‘The Getaway: High Speed II‘ emerged as the showstopper during the Semifinals. Phoenixville’s Daniel Piombino raced ahead, closely tailed by Malvern’s pinball prodigy, Tessa Morton. Not too far behind were John Bowman, a fresh face with no IFPA rank to his name, and the seasoned Nick Hislop.

The Night’s Best: Pinball Champions Steal the Show

1. Tessa Morton (Malvern, PA) – Defying her IFPA rank of 1999, Tessa emerged as the undeniable champion of the night, bagging a staggering 6 wins.
2. Daniel Piombino (Phoenixville, PA) – Trailing close behind, Daniel showcased some impeccable skills, bagging 5 wins against his name.
3. Tony Makowski (Lansdale, PA) – Sporting an IFPA rank of 773, Tony’s vast experience in the realm of pinball shone brightly as he too clinched 5 wins.
4. Dave Runk (PA) – Dave, coming from the underdog rank of 6224, surprised many by matching the top players with 6 wins.
5. John Bowman – The dark horse of the tournament. With no prior IFPA rank or events, John showcased natural talent, securing 5 impressive wins.
6. Jamme Thomas (PA) – Another formidable competitor, Jamme played fiercely, marking the scoreboard with 5 wins against his IFPA rank of 3433.
7. Nick Hislop – With nearly a century of IFPA events under his belt, Nick lived up to expectations by adding another 5 wins to his legacy.
8. Stephen Le (Chesterbrook, PA) – Stephen, ranking 1177, might’ve clinched 3 wins, but his performance throughout the night was nothing short of remarkable.

For a detailed view of the pinball elite:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Cryss Stephens	–	180.56
2	Jared Schmidt	Pittsburgh	152.25
3	Lewis Bevans	Pittsburgh	141.78
4	Aleksander Kaczmarczyk	–	136.81
5	Stephen Le	Chesterbrook	109.02
6	Bob Choate	Philadelphia	98.16
7	Matt Gusler	Philadelphia	94.96
8	Tony Makowski	Lansdale	76.73
9	Raymond Davidson	Elk Grove Village	74.72
10	Jay Robinson	–	70.23

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In the Glare of the Neon: Pinball Machines that Defined the Tournament

A slew of machines, old and new, served as the battleground. ‘Deadpool (Pro)‘, from 2018, drew players into its vortex with an average game time of 22 minutes. Meanwhile, the popular ‘The Getaway: High Speed II‘, with 6 games played, witnessed the most action.

1. Rush (LE) by Stern (2022) – The newest on the block, it dazzled with its sharp graphics and adrenaline-pumping gameplay, reminiscent of the legendary rock band it’s named after.
2. Mars God of War by Gottlieb (1981) – A vintage delight, it reminded players of a time when pinball was the king of arcades.
3. Fish Tales by Williams (1992) – With its aquatic theme and catchy sound effects, this machine had many a player hooked!
4. Genesis by Gottlieb (1986) – A nostalgic trip down memory lane, with its retro graphics and sounds, Genesis remains a fan favorite.
5. Space Station by Williams (1987) – Promising an interstellar experience, this machine’s gravitational pull was irresistible to many.

The Final Flippers

In a world where mechanical precision meets human skill, the Pinball Gallery Monthly Tournament was more than just a game—it was an experience. As the evening drew to a close, one thing was evident: the world of pinball, with its blend of nostalgia and innovation, is very much alive and flippin’.

Stay in the loop for more dazzling dispatches from pinball paradise!

The stars aligned on September 13, 2023, at 6:30 PM in the world of pinball, bringing together the crème de la crème of players for a captivating event – The Ball Busters Pinball League – 2023 Season #5 Week 2. Set against a clear sky with the temperature gently caressing at 76°F, Pinball Gallery in Malvern, PA became the battleground for an evening of flippers, bumpers, and unadulterated fun!

James Bond and the League of Novices

Round 1 opened with a cinematic twist, setting the stage on the recently released James Bond 007 (Premium) by Stern. The game, younger than a year, showcased an unexpected tableau – Ana Dult, Becky Kisling, Linda Slodki, and Kathy Furlong. With each player yet to secure an IFPA rank, it was the wild west, and any novice could emerge as the sharpshooter. The surprise? Ana Dult took the top spot in a fierce bout that kept spectators on their toes.

Machines that Made the Night

While the league had 10 glittering machines, here are five that deserve a spotlight:

• Legends of Valhalla (Deluxe) – A recent classic from 2021 by American Pinball.
• El Dorado City of Gold – A touch of the ’80s, released in 1984 by Gottlieb.
• James Bond 007 (Premium) – The star of the evening by Stern.
• KISS (Premium) – A musical journey from 2015 by Stern.
• Joker Poker – This 1978 classic by Gottlieb still brings the charm.

Unsung Heroines of the Night

While the James Bond machine saw novices shine, the overall winners were seasoned players.

1. Kim Smith – Holding an IFPA rank of 4987, her record of 71 IFPA events showcased her seasoned approach.
2. Terri Morton – With a rank of 2496 and 107 IFPA events under her belt, she’s a force to be reckoned with.
3. Jennifer Gold – Even with fewer events (25), Jennifer’s gameplay shone bright.
4. Emilia Choate – IFPA rank 4680 with a whopping 148 IFPA events! Emilia’s flair and skill were palpable.

Pennsylvania’s Pinball Powerhouses

Pennsylvania’s pinball prowess isn’t just restricted to this one evening. Here are the state’s top guns:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Cryss Stephens		180.56
2	Jared Schmidt	Pittsburgh	152.25
3	Lewis Bevans	Pittsburgh	141.78
4	Aleksander Kaczmarczyk		136.81
5	Stephen Le	Chesterbrook	109.02
6	Bob Choate	Philadelphia	98.16
7	Matt Gusler	Philadelphia	94.96
8	Tony Makowski	Lansdale	76.73
9	Raymond Davidson	Elk Grove Village	74.72
10	Jay Robinson		70.23

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Pinball Gallery: The Gem of Malvern

For those unfamiliar with Pinball Gallery, it’s not just an arcade – it’s an experience. With a variety that caters to all ages and a pricing system that’s a steal, it’s no wonder a first-timer left with a sentiment, “So many fun games, and lots of great variety! Can’t wait to come back for more!!”

With another exhilarating evening in the annals of pinball history, the Ball Busters Pinball League left attendees and players eagerly awaiting the next. Until then, keep those flippers flippin’ and the silver ball zippin’!