Welcome to the Saturday! Pinball Extravaganza

The Saturday! IFPA pinball tournament on June 29, 2024, was nothing short of spectacular. Starting at 3:46 PM and rolling through 21 action-packed rounds, the competition was fierce and the excitement palpable. Held at the buzzing Arcade Super Awesome, the tournament spanned seven and a half hours of non-stop pinball fun. Despite the moderate rain and the humid 87°F weather outside, the energy inside was as hot as a summer movie premiere. From novice players to seasoned pros, everyone had their moment to shine in this unforgettable event.

A Hidden Gem: Arcade Super Awesome

Arcade Super Awesome, located at 2415 Scioto Harper Dr, Columbus, OH 43204, is the perfect backdrop for a pinball tournament. Nestled in a cozy neighborhood and business park, this open-air arcade offers a vibrant mix of modern and classic vibes. With a food truck serving up delicious bites and a bar offering a range of drinks, from refreshing sodas to craft beers, it caters to all tastes. The atmosphere is family-friendly, making it a hit with both kids and adults. The arcade boasts an impressive collection of pinball and video games, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment. Want to know more about this fantastic venue? Check out their website here.

Round 4 Showdown: Popeye Saves the Earth

Round 4 saw a standout game on the quirky and environmentally themed “Popeye Saves the Earth” by Bally from February 1994. This game, featuring Popeye’s mission to save the planet from the evil Bluto, provided the perfect battleground for our contenders. John Geiger, hailing from Arcade Super Awesome with a state rank of 335th, clinched first place, demonstrating their home turf advantage. Ben Sauter, ranked 120th in the state, followed closely, with Kyle Sauter from Granville, Ohio, placing third. Kyle’s 110th state rank highlighted the fierce competition.

A Pinball Paradise

The tournament boasted an impressive lineup of 34 pinball machines, each offering a unique challenge. Here are a few highlights:

  • Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Premium) by Stern, April 2018: A high-energy game with fast-paced action and incredible artwork, designed by Keith Elwin.
  • The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (CE) by Spooky Pinball, January 2024: A horror-themed pin with spine-chilling effects, capturing the essence of the iconic film.
  • Scooby-Doo (CE) by Spooky Pinball, February 2023: A family-friendly game with engaging gameplay and beloved characters, designed by Bowen Kerins.
  • Total Nuclear Annihilation by Spooky Pinball, January 2017: Known for its retro style and intense gameplay, designed by Scott Danesi.
  • Led Zeppelin (Pro) by Stern, December 2020: A rock-themed pin featuring classic hits and a dynamic playfield, designed by Steve Ritchie.
  • Halloween (CE) by Spooky Pinball, August 2021: Another horror classic with thrilling gameplay, designed by Dennis Nordman.
  • Ultraman: Kaiju Rumble (CE) by Spooky Pinball: A must-play for fans of the iconic Japanese series.
  • Class of 1812 by Gottlieb, January 1991: A quirky and humorous pin with a unique soundtrack.
  • Elvira and the Party Monsters by Bally, January 1989: A cult classic with captivating art and gameplay, designed by Dennis Nordman.

Celebrating the Champions

The final game on “Viper Night Drivin’” by Sega crowned the champions of the tournament. The neon-lit night driving theme added an extra layer of excitement as the contenders battled for the top spot. Congratulations to our winners:

  1. John Geiger from Arcade Super Awesome: With a total of 126 IFPA events, their skill and consistency shone through, securing first place.
  2. Kyle Sauter from Granville, Ohio: Demonstrating impressive skills across his 30 IFPA events, Kyle took the second spot.
  3. Ben Sauter: With 102 IFPA events under his belt, Ben’s experience earned him third place.

IFPA Ohio Pinball Top 10 Standings

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Stephen Prusa Cleveland 735.83
2 Aaron RIch 668.11
3 Jesse Baker Cincinnati 588.22
4 Galvin Morgan Olmsted Falls 424.21
5 Andrew Lee Cleveland 423.8
6 Carlos Delaserda Columbus 390.8
7 Cryss Stephens 369.09
8 Cody Webb Westerville 327.92
9 John Delzoppo Cleveland 319.3
10 Mark Brown OH Cleveland 291.31

Wrapping Up the Fun

The Saturday! IFPA pinball tournament was an absolute blast, much like the final boss battle in your favorite video game – thrilling, intense, and unforgettable. A huge shoutout to John Geiger for pulling off this epic event at Arcade Super Awesome, where the vibe was as electric as a concert and as welcoming as a friend’s house party. Also congrats to John Geiger for their standout performance, and a big high-five to all the participants who brought their A-game and made it a day to remember. Stay tuned for more pinball adventures and stories – it’s going to be as exciting as the latest blockbuster sequel! Keep practicing those flipper skills for the next epic showdown!

Thrills and Spills at The Pinball Lounge

On June 25, 2024, pinball enthusiasts gathered for The Pinball Lounge – Bonanza at the Oviedo Bowling Center. With 21 players competing in a 6-round, 1-game per round format, the excitement was palpable. The thunderstorm outside only added to the electric atmosphere inside, where the temperature was a comfortable 77°F. Kurt van Zyl organized the event, ensuring everything ran smoothly over the nearly 3-hour tournament.

The Pinball Lounge – A Pinball Haven

The Pinball Lounge, located at 376 E Broadway Street, Oviedo, FL 32765, is renowned as the best pinball spot in the Orlando area. It’s a place where pinball machines are meticulously maintained, and you can find great deals for single, timed, or unlimited coin drops. Visitors often go out of their way to play here, drawn by the quality of the machines and the vibrant atmosphere. For more details, check out their website.

Medieval Madness Madness!

Round 4 on Medieval Madness by Williams was a highlight of the tournament. John Moschella from Winter Springs, Florida, showcased his skills, clinching 1st place despite the fierce competition. John Osborne, Brendan Panzullo, and Mike Zink put up valiant efforts, but Moschella’s performance stood out, reflecting his high state and national rankings.

Pinball Machines Galore

The tournament featured 31 pinball machines, each with unique designs and special features. Here are reviews of five standout games:

  • Tales of the Arabian Nights (Williams, May 1996): A personal favorite, known for its beautiful artwork and immersive story, this machine captures the essence of Arabian Nights tales with its unique playfield design and challenging gameplay.
  • Cactus Canyon (Remake Special/LE) Chicago Gaming, November 2021): This remake of the classic game offers enhanced features, including updated sound and graphics, while retaining the wild west charm and engaging gameplay.
  • Medieval Madness (Williams, June 1997): A fan favorite, Medieval Madness boasts a dynamic playfield with castle destruction features and humorous medieval-themed animations.
  • Scooby-Doo (SE) Spooky Pinball, February 2023): With its vibrant colors and engaging modes, this machine brings the beloved cartoon to life, offering a mix of nostalgia and modern pinball challenges.
  • Jurassic Park (Premium) Stern, October 2019): This machine captures the thrill of the Jurassic Park franchise with detailed playfield toys, challenging modes, and exciting multiball features.

Celebrating the Champions

The final game on Batman 66 (Premium) saw Doug Bernard from Orlando triumph, showcasing his pinball prowess. Here’s a shout-out to the top performers:

  1. Doug Bernard – He clinched 1st place with a steady hand and sharp focus. His state rank is 122nd, and his national rank is 4183.
  2. Nick Smith – An impressive 2nd place finish, state rank 20th, national rank 2638.
  3. Patrick Durland – Secured 3rd place with consistent performance, state rank 51st, national rank 3138.
  4. John Moschella – Also performed admirably, taking 4th place, state rank 15th, national rank 873.

IFPA Florida Pinball Top 10 Standings

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Shannon Stafford Orange Park 251.58
2 Sebastian Bobbio 201.95
3 Adam Gray Temple Terrace 201.55
4 Eric Stone Fort Myers 188.99
5 Vince Gelormine Fort Lauderdale 147.89
6 Dan Coyle St. Petersburg 141.02
7 Tristan Stafford Orange Park 116.38
8 David Miller FL Tampa 113.08
9 Joel Cohen Miami 87.32
10 Joe Geneau St Augustine 84.93

Wrapping Up the Bonanza

The Pinball Lounge – Bonanza was a resounding success, filled with competitive spirit and thrilling moments. Hats off to Kurt van Zyl for organizing such a fantastic event and to The Pinball Lounge for providing a stellar venue. Congratulations to Doug Bernard, our overall tournament winner! Stay tuned for more pinball news and updates.