The Thrills and Spills of First Sunday Strikeout June!

Greetings, pinball wizards and flipper aficionados! This past weekend, the First Sunday Strikeout June tournament at Benton Parkade/Cafe Piazza was a thrilling spectacle of skill, strategy, and sheer pinball magic. With 26 players battling it out over 11 intense rounds, the event was a testament to the enduring appeal and competitive spirit of pinball. Under the clear skies and a comfortable 80°F, our competitors faced the challenge head-on, navigating the Progressive Strikes system until only the finest players remained standing.

The Star Wars Showdown: A Battle in the Galaxy

Round 4 witnessed a stellar match on the Star Wars (Premium) pinball machine by Stern. Set against the backdrop of the epic Star Wars universe, the competition was fierce and thrilling. Anthony Ogden (IFPA rank 12263) emerged victorious, mastering the game’s complex modes and fast-paced action. Petar Strinic from Saint Charles, MO (IFPA rank 1481), fought valiantly to secure second place, followed by Michael LaFrieda (IFPA rank 1149) and Corey Thompson from Missouri (IFPA rank 2831) taking third and fourth, respectively. The immersive experience of battling the dark side added an extra layer of excitement to the tournament.

A Round of Applause for the Champions!

A big congratulations to John Miller MO, the overall champion of the First Sunday Strikeout June! Ranked 257th in the IFPA with 356 events under his belt, John showcased his extensive experience and skill. Carleton Plourde, hailing from St. Louis, MO, claimed second place with an impressive IFPA rank of 402 and 98 events. Kendell Holder, another talented player from St. Louis, secured third place with a rank of 543 and participation in 158 events. Scott Morrow, also from St. Louis, rounded out the top four, ranking 2645 with 128 events. Their dedication and achievements in the world of pinball are truly commendable.

Pinball Machine Highlights: A Feast for the Eyes and Fingers

The tournament featured 22 fantastic pinball machines, each offering unique challenges and designs. Here are some highlights:

  • Attack From Mars (Remake) by Chicago Gaming: Released in June 2017, This pin brings a hilarious alien invasion theme to life with colorful artwork and dynamic gameplay. Players fend off Martians with features like Martian Multiball, where you shoot down Martians attacking the playfield, and Strobe Multiball, which uses a unique strobe light effect. The game’s interactive playfield, humorous animations, and entertaining video modes make it a perennial favorite for pinball enthusiasts.
  • Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium) by Stern: Elvira’s latest pinball escapade blends spooky fun with campy humor, capturing her personality perfectly. The game features a detailed haunted house toy with moving parts, a Crypt Multiball mode accessed through the crypt entrance, and hidden shots and pathways for extra points. Voice work by Elvira herself adds charm, while the game’s engaging playfield keeps players coming back for more.
  • James Bond 007 (Premium) by Stern: Released in September 2022, The James Bond 007 pinball machine immerses players in the world of the iconic spy, featuring sleek design and intricate gameplay inspired by the classic films. Players can engage with Bond’s gadgets and missions, face off against villains, and experience thrilling multiball modes based on key movie scenes. The high-quality artwork and thematic elements make it a standout in any collection.
  • Star Wars (Premium) by Stern: This August 2017 release pinball machine captures the epic space saga’s spirit with a detailed playfield inspired by the original trilogy. The Hyperspace Ramp, TIE Fighter Multiball, and interactive LCD display offer a deeply immersive experience. Players can choose different characters, each with unique missions and bonuses, making every game unique. The combination of fast-paced action and rich theming makes it a must-play.

The Perfect Venue: Café Piazza

Café Piazza proved to be an exceptional location for the tournament. Situated at 1900 Arsenal St, St. Louis, MO 63118, this venue offers a unique atmosphere combining delicious food and an arcade. The BBQ chicken pizza was a standout, and the breakfast sandwich was equally delightful. The friendly bartender and the cool ambiance made it a place worth revisiting. More details can be found on their website here.

IFPA Missouri Pinball Top 10 Standings

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Carleton Plourde St. Louis 198.74
2 John Miller MO St. Louis 180.82
3 Steve Rolsing St. Louis 145.16
4 Brennan Sullivan St. Louis 93.9
5 Adam McKinnie Columbia 85.6
6 Mike Howard St. Louis 84.53
7 Steve Hill MO Kansas City 84.09
8 Dan Sexauer St. Louis 67.95
9 Michael LaFrieda 59.92
10 Chris Ward St. Louis 57.67

Closing Notes

A heartfelt thank you to Dan Sexauer for organizing this fantastic event and to Café Piazza for providing such a wonderful venue. Congratulations once again to John Miller MO for his outstanding performance. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and stories from the world of pinball!

Flipsanity! 2024 @ Murphy’s: A Night of Pinball Pandemonium

On the evening of May 24, 2024, pinball enthusiasts gathered at Murphy’s On 21 for the much-anticipated Flipsanity! 2024 tournament. With a thrilling format of six rounds and one game per round, 20 passionate players went head-to-head in a nearly four-hour-long battle of skill and strategy. Organized by the ever-dedicated Tyler Becker, this event was nothing short of spectacular, despite the light rain and a comfortable temperature of 76°F outside.

Iron Maiden Showdown: A Metal-Fueled Duel

Round 3 saw an electrifying match on the iconic Iron Maiden pinball machine by Stern Electronics, released in October 1981. The theme of the game, inspired by the legendary heavy metal band, set the perfect tone for a fierce competition. John Miller from Missouri, ranked 272 by IFPA, emerged victorious with a masterful performance. Steve Rolsing from St. Louis, ranked 584, took second place, showcasing impressive skills. Corey Thompson from Missouri, ranked 2805, secured third place, while Tyler Becker, the tournament organizer, placed fourth with an IFPA rank of 251.

Hail to the Pinball Champions

Let’s give a big round of applause to the top performers of the Flipsanity! 2024 tournament. These champions displayed exceptional talent and determination throughout the event:

  1. John Miller (MO) – IFPA rank 272, with an astounding 353 IFPA events to his name. A well-deserved victory!
  2. Tyler Becker – IFPA rank 251, and the mastermind behind the tournament, with 236 IFPA events under his belt.
  3. Adam McKinnie (Columbia, MO) – IFPA rank 61, a formidable competitor with an impressive 441 IFPA events.
  4. Steve Rolsing (Stl) – IFPA rank 584, with 349 IFPA events, proving its mettle in the competitive pinball scene.

Pinball Marvels: Machines That Stole the Show

The tournament featured a diverse lineup of 15 pinball machines, each offering unique challenges and excitement. Here are five standout machines that left a lasting impression:

  • Godzilla (Pro) by Stern (September 2021): Players loved battling the colossal kaiju in this visually stunning and action-packed game.
  • Avengers: Infinity Quest (Pro) by Stern (September 2020): This machine’s intricate design and superhero theme drew in fans of the Marvel Universe.
  • Ghostbusters (Pro) by Stern (January 2016): With its nostalgic theme and engaging gameplay, it was a crowd favorite.
  • Foo Fighters (Pro) by Stern (March 2023): The rock ‘n’ roll vibe and fast-paced action kept players on their toes.
  • Jurassic Park (Pro) by Stern (July 2019): The adventure-filled gameplay and iconic dinosaur theme were a big hit.

Murphy’s On 21 Rocks!

Murphy’s On 21 provided the ideal setting for Flipsanity! 2024. Located at 13226 Tesson Ferry Rd, St. Louis, MO, this unique pinball bar offered a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of good liquor, lots of beer, and the convenience of bringing in food. Many attendees enjoyed delicious Domino’s pizza from next door, adding to the fun and relaxed vibe of the evening.

A Heartfelt Thank You

A huge thank you to Tyler Becker for organizing such an amazing tournament and to Murphy’s On 21 for being the perfect host. Your dedication and hospitality made this event unforgettable. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from the dynamic world of pinball! Until next time, keep flipping those flippers and chasing high scores!

Pinball Frenzy at First Sunday Strikeout May!

The First Sunday Strikeout May tournament brought together 20 pinball enthusiasts for an intense Group Knockout showdown at Benton Parkade / Café Piazza. On May 5, 2024, under scattered clouds and a pleasant temperature of 69°F, players battled through 11 rounds, striving to avoid 10 strikes that would mean elimination. The Progressive Strikes system added a strategic twist, making every placement crucial. Organized by the meticulous Dan Sexauer, the tournament lasted a thrilling 6 hours and 30 minutes.

Round 8 Thrills on JAWS (Pro)

One of the standout moments of the tournament occurred in Round 8 on the JAWS (Pro) pinball machine by Stern, released on January 4, 2024. This intense game saw Dan Sexauer clinching 1st place with his impressive skills, earning him the spotlight for this round. Here are the results:

  1. Dan Sexauer, IFPA rank 1411
  2. Steve Rolsing, IFPA rank 576
  3. Kendell Holder, IFPA rank 545
  4. Carleton Plourde, IFPA rank 381

Applause for the Champions!

The competition was fierce, but in the end, these players emerged as the top contenders. Let’s congratulate the winners of the First Sunday Strikeout May:

  1. Dan Sexauer, IFPA rank 1411, with an impressive record of participating in 132 IFPA events. Dan’s strategic gameplay and consistent performance earned him the top spot.
  2. Carleton Plourde, IFPA rank 381, from St. Louis, MO, with 94 IFPA events under his belt. Carleton’s experience and skill were evident as he secured the second position.
  3. Kendell Holder, IFPA rank 545, from St. Louis, with a remarkable 156 IFPA events. Kendell’s dedication to pinball paid off with a well-deserved third place.
  4. Ryan Willenbrock, IFPA rank 1252, from St. Louis, MO, with 104 IFPA events. Ryan’s consistent performance throughout the tournament earned him the fourth place.

Spotlight on the Pinball Machines

The tournament featured 19 pinball machines, each offering unique challenges and excitement. Here are some highlights:

  • JAWS (Pro) by Stern: Released on January 4, 2024, this machine captivated players with its thrilling theme and innovative features, making it a favorite in the tournament.
  • Pulp Fiction (SE) by Chicago Gaming: Released on March 13, 2023, this game stood out with its vibrant design and engaging gameplay, bringing a cinematic experience to pinball.
  • Led Zeppelin (Pro) by Stern: Released on December 15, 2020, this machine rocked the venue with its music-themed challenges and dynamic playfield.
  • Stranger Things (Premium) by Stern: Released on December 1, 2019, this pinball game transported players to the eerie world of Hawkins, Indiana, with its captivating storyline and features.
  • The Addams Family by Bally: A classic released on January 3, 1992, this game remains a timeless favorite with its quirky design and fun gameplay.

Café Piazza: The Perfect Pinball Venue

Café Piazza, located at 1900 Arsenal St, St. Louis, MO, was the perfect venue for the tournament. Known for its cool atmosphere and delicious food, including the mouth-watering BBQ chicken pizza and impressive breakfast sandwiches, Café Piazza provided a welcoming and enjoyable environment for players and spectators alike. The friendly bartender and the arcade added to the charm, making it a place worth revisiting.

Wrapping Up the Pinball Fun

A big thank you to Dan Sexauer for organizing such a fantastic event and to Café Piazza for hosting it. Stay tuned for more updates from the world of pinball, as we continue to bring you the latest from tournaments across the United States!

Until next time, keep flipping those flippers and chasing high scores!