Wedlock is Lit: Cinthia and Collier are Getting Hitched!

The recent IFPA pinball tournament, held on June 1, 2024, at What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters, was nothing short of electrifying. With 54 players competing in 7 intense rounds, the atmosphere was charged with excitement. The top 16 players advanced to the finals, which consisted of 3 rounds with 3 games each. The tournament spanned 4 hours and 20 minutes, under the calm, broken cloud skies of San Antonio.

Evel Knievel Shines in the Quarterfinals

To honor the anniversary of Evel Knievel by Bally, released in June 1977, this classic game was featured in the quarterfinals. It was a fitting tribute, not just for the iconic daredevil but also for the exciting new chapter in Collier Whitefield’s life:

  • 1st: Collier Whitefield (San Antonio, TX), IFPA rank 506
  • 2nd: Doug White, IFPA rank 7634
  • 3rd: David Bailey, IFPA rank 7145
  • 4th: Jeffrey Whitefield (San Antonio, TX), IFPA rank 7549

Collier Whitefield’s top performance paid homage to this iconic pinball machine, celebrating its legacy with skill and finesse. What made this moment even more special was Collier’s engagement to Cinthia, which added a layer of joy and celebration to the tournament. The crowd’s cheers were not just for his pinball prowess but also for his upcoming nuptials. Congratulations, Collier and Cinthia, on your engagement!.

Hail to the Champions

The tournament culminated in a nail-biting final round, where skill and strategy collided. Huge congratulations to our champions::

  • 1st Place: Alice Young, IFPA rank 1808, with an impressive record of 141 IFPA events. Alice’s consistent performance and dedication to the sport are truly commendable.
  • 2nd Place: Nikolas Poklitar from Austin, TX, IFPA rank 1913, with 126 IFPA events. His strategic gameplay and sharp reflexes earned him a well-deserved second place.
  • 3rd Place: Keb Gallows, IFPA rank 2859, participating in 78 IFPA events. Keb’s rise in the ranks highlights his growing prowess in pinball.
  • 4th Place: Trey Keng from San Antonio, TX, IFPA rank 1280, with 196 IFPA events. Trey’s extensive experience and tactical approach secured him a spot in the top four.
  • 5th Place: Doug White, IFPA rank 7634, with 25 IFPA events. Doug’s determination and competitive spirit shone brightly.
  • 6th Place: John Moore, IFPA rank 2848, participating in 80 IFPA events. John’s strategic skills and passion for pinball were on full display.
  • 7th Place: Ray Ford from Austin, TX, IFPA rank 561, with 321 IFPA events. Ray’s veteran status and expertise were evident throughout the tournament.
  • 8th Place: Collier Whitefield from San Antonio, TX, IFPA rank 506, with 112 IFPA events. Collier’s exceptional skill and dedication were truly inspiring.

Pinball Machines: The Stars of the Show

The tournament wasn’t just about competition – it was a celebration of pinball itself! A diverse selection of 54 pinball machines, each with its own unique story and challenges awaited the players. From the classic underwater world of Atlantis to the electrifying rock and roll energy of KISS, the machines offered something for everyone.

  • Atlantis by Gottlieb (January 1975): Known for its intricate underwater theme and challenging gameplay, Atlantis remains a favorite among pinball enthusiasts.
  • KISS (LE) by Stern (July 2015): This machine captures the energy of the legendary rock band KISS, featuring their music and dynamic visual effects.
  • The Addams Family by Bally (January 1992): A timeless classic, The Addams Family pinball machine is loved for its engaging playfield and humorous elements.
  • Cactus Canyon (Remake LE) by Chicago Gaming (November 2021): This modern remake retains the charm of the original while adding advanced features and enhanced playability.
  • Attack from Mars by Bally (January 1995): Renowned for its exciting alien invasion theme and interactive elements, this game remains a crowd-pleaser.

What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters: The Perfect Venue

Located at 138 West Rhapsody Drive, San Antonio, TX, What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters provided the ideal backdrop for this tournament. This unique venue combines a coffee shop, roastery, and pinball arcade, creating an unmatched vibe. The service was fantastic, with passionate employees and high-quality coffee. Their latte with honey, the Sami, was a highlight, and the freshness of their roasted beans was unparalleled. This venue’s welcoming atmosphere made it a perfect choice for both pinball players and coffee enthusiasts.

Texas Pinball Top 10 Standings

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Garrett Shahan Denton 484.53
2 Jack Revnew The Woodlands 340.9
3 Clark McCoy Denton 241.24
4 Colin MacAlpine Austin 238.32
5 Wesley Johnson College Station 221.15
6 Lee Balusek Conroe 202.01
7 Ken Kemp Collinsville 193.4
8 Keith Shahan Abilene 183.5
9 Ray Ford Austin 169.91
10 Eric Stone Fort Myers 166.27

Closing Notes

A big thank you to Christina Cheeseman for organizing this fantastic event and to What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters for hosting it. Congratulations once again to all the winners, and a special toast to Collier and Cinthia as they embark on this exciting new chapter in their lives together. May their love story continue to be as thrilling and full of twists as a classic pinball game!

To celebrate their engagement, here’s a haiku:

Joyful union blooms,
Flippers flip, hearts intertwine,
Wedlock lights aglow.

Welcome to Belles & Chimes SATX – Pinball Tournament Recap

Kicking Off the Competition

The electric buzz of pinball filled the air on April 26th at What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters in San Antonio, TX. The Belles & Chimes SATX – Spring 2024 #3 tournament kicked off with 13 skilled players vying for the title through 5 intense rounds, each featuring 2 games. After the dust settled, the top four scorers advanced to a gripping final round consisting of 3 games.

Organized by the meticulous Christina Cheeseman and under skies of broken clouds with temperatures feeling like 88°F, the event delivered an unforgettable night of flippers, silver balls, and high scores. Each match was tightly contested, lasting on average about 2 and a half hours.

Highlight Match on James Bond 007

The standout match occurred right at the start on the Stern’s James Bond 007 (Pro), a table known for its challenging missions and relentless action. This particular game stretched to an impressive 62 minutes. Hope Love clinched first place, with Alice Young and Cinthia Guadiana rounding out the top spots, showcasing both strategy and stamina.

Champions of the Arena

The champions of the tournament stood out not only for their skill but also for their perseverance in the competitive world of pinball:

  1. Hope Love – IFPA rank 1779, showing her experience across 104 IFPA events.
  2. Cinthia Guadiana – IFPA rank 3276, with 94 IFPA events to her name, a testament to her growing expertise.
  3. Alice Young – IFPA rank 1822, a veteran of 128 events, always a strong contender.
  4. Maddie Mendez – IFPA rank 42021, the newcomer with 33 events, proving her potential in the field.

The Stars of the Show: Pinball Machines

The tournament featured an array of 46 pinball machines, with classics and new entrants alike:

  • Firepower (Williams, 1980): Known for its fast-paced play and the introduction of multiball, a revolutionary feature at the time.
  • JAWS (Pro) (Stern, 2024): A fresh release capturing the tense atmosphere of the iconic shark tale with immersive sound and visuals.
  • Venom (LE) (Stern, 2023): Features dynamic gameplay and stunning art, pulling players into the superhero’s thrilling world.
  • Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure (Williams, 1993): Combines adventure with nostalgia, packed with quotes and scenes from the beloved films.
  • Medieval Madness (Williams, 1997): Continues to be a favorite for its humorous take on the Middle Ages, complete with castles to storm and dragons to defeat.

Coffee and Pinball: A Winning Combination

What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters offered a perfect backdrop with its unique blend of cozy café culture and energetic arcade thrills. The venue, with its laid-back atmosphere and diverse crowd, enhanced by the eclectic mix of pinball machines, provided an ideal setting for both relaxation and intense competition. Their hot cocoa and cinnamon rolls came highly recommended and did not disappoint!

Until Next Time

A big thank you to Christina Cheeseman and the team at What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters for hosting such a spectacular event. Your efforts made it a memorable evening for all who attended.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates from the world of pinball. Keep flipping those bumpers!

Spring Fling at the Belles & Chimes SATX Tournament

Highlights from the Tournament

On the balmy evening of April 12, 2024, the Belles & Chimes SATX – Spring 2024 #2 pinball tournament unfolded at What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters in San Antonio. This engaging event, masterfully organized by Christina Cheeseman, spanned approximately 2.5 hours. The air was crisp with a hint of broken clouds as 14 players dove into 5 rounds of pinball magic, each round consisting of 2 games. The culmination of their efforts led the top 4 scorers into a gripping finals round that featured three games to determine the ultimate winners.

Spotlight on a Stellar Game

The tournament kicked off with a remarkable session on Led Zeppelin (LE) by Stern, setting a high standard for skill and competition. Cinthia Guadiana clinched the top spot in this round, leading Nadia Didehbani, Hope Love, and Stephanie Stone through a tough battle that showcased their impressive abilities and strategic play.

Celebrating the Victors

A huge congratulations to Cinthia Guadiana, who emerged as the tournament champion with her strategic prowess, followed closely by Nadia Didehbani from Austin, TX. Hope Love and Stephanie Stone also showed commendable skill and determination, securing the third and fourth positions respectively.

Tour of the Tables

This tournament featured an impressive collection of 46 pinball machines, providing a diverse playing field for all participants. Key machines included:

  • Champion Pub by Bally (1998): A boxing-themed game that challenges players to a virtual fight in the ring.
  • Fish Tales by Williams (1992): Known for its angling antics and fast-paced play.
  • Evel Knievel by Bally (1977): A classic game that pays homage to the legendary daredevil.
  • Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern (2019): Captures the essence of the popular series with immersive gameplay.
  • Surfer by Gottlieb (1976): Takes players on a nostalgic ride with its retro surfing theme.
  • Hot Wheels by American Pinball (2020): Revs up the excitement with racing-themed action and dynamic visuals.
  • Ghostbusters (Pro) by Stern (2016): Offers a ghost-hunting adventure filled with supernatural fun.
  • Congo by Williams (1995): Takes players deep into the jungle with its adventurous and exploratory gameplay.

A Coffee Shop with Character

The venue, What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters, provided a unique and laid-back setting that perfectly complemented the night’s festivities. The ambiance was relaxed and welcoming, making it a hit among attendees who enjoyed not only the pinball but also the excellent coffee and delightful treats like hot cocoa with extra whipped cream and cinnamon rolls.

Gratitude and Goodbyes

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Christina Cheeseman for organizing a seamless and enjoyable pinball tournament and to What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters for hosting us in such a charming and eclectic space. Their efforts made the evening not only a competition but a memorable gathering for everyone involved.

Keep flipping through GobbleHole for more updates and features from the pinball world!