Rolling Through the Emporium Hi-Scorium April Pinball Tournament

Key Highlights from the Evening

The Emporium Hi-Scorium April pinball tournament, orchestrated by Myriad Pinball, dazzled players and spectators alike on the evening of April 10, 2024. Hosted at the Emporium Arcade Bar in San Francisco, this competitive gathering lasted a spirited 2.5 hours. Despite the evening being draped in overcast skies, the mood inside was anything but gloomy, with 29 pinball aficionados clashing flippers in a series of four intense rounds, leading up to a high-stakes final showdown.

Battle of the Flippers: Tournament Insights

Competitors were divided into groups, battling across 4 initial rounds with each round consisting of a single game. The points accumulated based on their rankings in these games determined the top 4 players who advanced to the finals—a rigorous test of skill with three games in one decisive round.

Game of the Night: Stranger Things Showdown

Highlighting the game roster was Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern, which saw the longest game duration of the tournament. This epic round stretched to an astonishing 61 minutes, where strategy and stamina were key. Rob Coli triumphed in this marathon game, leading Conner Silverstein, Shannon Sweetser, and Mitch Diemert in a thrilling finish.

Champions of the Arena

Rob Coli emerged as the tournament champion, continuing to build his legacy with his 158th IFPA event. Close on his heels was Shannon Sweetser, a local talent from San Francisco, followed by Conner Silverstein and the spirited Mitch Diemert, who made an impressive showing despite his lack of an IFPA ranking.

Spotlight on the Machines: Icons of Pinball

The tournament featured a lineup of 11 enthralling pinball machines, each adding its own flavor to the competition:

  • Star Wars (Pro) by Stern (2017): A fan favorite for its deep rule set and dynamic playfield, challenging players to navigate the galaxy.
  • Foo Fighters (Pro) by Stern (2023): The newest addition, combining rock music with fast-paced pinball action, quickly became a crowd-pleaser.
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro) by Stern (2020): Known for its collaborative gameplay mechanics, encouraging teamwork and strategy.
  • Godzilla (Pro) by Stern (2021): Offering a monstrous challenge with its city-crushing, multi-ball events.
  • Metallica (Pro) by Stern (2013): Rock and roll meets pinball, featuring electrifying soundtracks and engaging missions.
  • Jurassic Park (Pro) by Stern (2019): Players embark on a dinosaur-hunting adventure with intricate play modes and immersive graphics.
  • Spider-Man by Stern (2007): A classic that combines superhero antics with intricate web-slinging pinball mechanics.
  • Revenge From Mars by Bally (1999): A throwback to the late ’90s with its unique blend of video and pinball gameplay, creating a hybrid experience.

Each machine offered unique challenges and played a pivotal role in testing the adaptability and skill of every participant.

Atmosphere and Acoustics: More Than Just Pinball

The Emporium Arcade Bar provided a perfect backdrop with its vibrant atmosphere. Arriving post-dinner, attendees were greeted by the energetic tunes of a live DJ, enhancing the competitive spirit with great music and a selection of refreshing beverages—a true pinball paradise.

Hats Off to the Hosts

A special thanks to Myriad Pinball for organizing an unforgettable night of pinball wizardry and to the Emporium Arcade Bar for hosting. Their combined efforts created a fantastic environment for both new enthusiasts and seasoned players to enjoy the grandeur of pinball competition.

Stay tuned for more pinball tournament updates and tales from the silver ball battlefield!