A Day at MF Ladies Quarterly: Triumphs and Top-Notch Pinball Action

Tournament Overview: The Showdown Begins

June 29, 2024, saw a gathering of 20 fierce competitors at the MF Ladies Quarterly, a nail-biting event where skill and strategy reigned supreme. Hosted at Lynn’s Arcade: A Pinball Parlor and Can Slangery, this tournament followed a thrilling format of 13 rounds with one game each, where the top 8 players battled it out in the finals over two rounds of three games each. With the event kicking off at 10:30 AM and wrapping up in a swift 5 hours and 30 minutes, the day was packed with excitement under broken clouds and a pleasant 60°F temperature.

Lynn’s Arcade: Where Pinball Dreams Come True

Located at 1760 Fremont Boulevard, Suite D1, in Seaside, California, Lynn’s Arcade: A Pinball Parlor and Can Slangery is a haven for pinball enthusiasts and craft beer lovers alike. The atmosphere is buzzing with excitement, thanks to the knowledgeable staff who share their passion for both pinball and beer. The arcade features a meticulously maintained collection of pinball machines, ensuring top-notch gameplay for every visitor. With its blend of engaging pinball action and a vibrant social scene, Lynn’s Arcade is a must-visit destination for anyone in the area.

Game Spotlight: Wheel of Fortune Magic

The semifinals witnessed an unforgettable match on Stern’s Wheel of Fortune, released in October 2007. Paige Peck, with an IFPA rank of 4102, triumphed over her competitors with a blend of sharp focus and impeccable timing. Louise Wagensonner, Sam Stanko, and Ikela Lagapa battled fiercely, but Paige’s mastery of the game’s unique features, including the spinning wheel and challenging modes, led her to a well-deserved victory.

Pinball Machines: A Showcase of Excellence

Lynn’s Arcade boasted an impressive lineup of 38 pinball machines for the tournament. Here are reviews of five standout games:

Road Kings by Williams (July 1986): This classic game captures the essence of a post-apocalyptic world with its striking artwork and challenging gameplay. The dual-level playfield and exciting multiball feature keep players on their toes.

Disney TRON: Legacy by Stern (May 2011): A visually stunning machine that immerses players in the TRON universe with dazzling LED lights and a captivating soundtrack. The fast-paced gameplay and unique ramps make it a favorite among pinball aficionados.

BMX by Bally (January 1982): A nostalgic nod to the BMX craze of the ’80s, this machine offers fast and furious action with its innovative playfield design. The challenging ramps and loops test players’ reflexes and precision.

Sorcerer by Williams (March 1985): Known for its mystical theme and intricate artwork, Sorcerer combines spellbinding gameplay with challenging features like the spinning disc and complex ramp shots.

Foo Fighters (LE) by Stern (March 2023): This limited edition machine celebrates the iconic rock band with an energetic playfield and dynamic audio. The innovative features and engaging modes make it a standout addition to any arcade.

Overall Tournament Winners: Celebrating the Champions

The final showdown on Disney TRON: Legacy saw the following players emerge victorious:

  1. Louise Wagensonner – State Rank: 130th, Total IFPA Events: 449
    Louise showcased her extensive experience, navigating through the intense competition with ease. Her strategic play and familiarity with the machines gave her the edge to clinch the top spot.
  2. Laura Masana – State Rank: 636th, Total IFPA Events: 48
    Laura, hailing from Monterey, CA, demonstrated remarkable skill and resilience, rising through the ranks despite fewer tournament appearances. Her consistent performance was a highlight of the event.
  3. Paige Peck – State Rank: 436th, Total IFPA Events: 46
    Paige’s journey to third place was marked by her impressive semifinal victory on Wheel of Fortune. Her ability to stay calm under pressure and deliver precise shots made her a formidable competitor.
  4. Amy Wolfrum – State Rank: 196th, Total IFPA Events: 82
    Amy, also from Monterey, showcased her expertise and competitive spirit. Her deep understanding of the game mechanics was evident as she navigated through the challenging rounds.
  5. Sam Stanko – State Rank: 342nd, Total IFPA Events: 66
    From Seaside, CA, Sam’s strong showing in the semifinals highlighted her pinball prowess. Her ability to adapt to different machines and maintain high scores was commendable.
  6. Ivy Simpson – State Rank: 296th, Total IFPA Events: 129
    Ivy’s extensive experience in numerous tournaments shone through as she played with precision and strategy. Her familiarity with various pinball machines was a significant advantage.
  7. Nikki Carmichael – State Rank: 201st, Total IFPA Events: 181
    Nikki, the organizer’s relative, demonstrated exceptional skill and a deep love for the game. Their strategic maneuvers and consistent play earned them a well-deserved spot in the top 8.
  8. Ikela Lagapa – State Rank: 485th, Total IFPA Events: 98
    Ikela’s determination and passion for pinball were evident throughout the tournament. Her ability to stay focused and perform under pressure secured her place among the top competitors.

IFPA California Pinball Top 10 Standings: The Elite

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Arvid Flygare Lund 881.64
2 Tim Hansen Sunnyvale 808.4
3 Escher Lefkoff 803.97
4 Jason Zahler 778.28
5 Daniele Celestino Acciari Rocca di Papa 713.76
6 Nic Stein Davis 681.22
7 Viggo Löwgren Furulund 667.89
8 Germain Mariolle Redmond 623.58
9 Zach McCarthy Conifer 617.31
10 Luke Nahorniak Lonsdale 554.41

Closing Thoughts: A Tournament to Remember

Congratulations to Louise Wagensonner for her spectacular performance and well-earned victory at the MF Ladies Quarterly. Lynn’s Arcade proved to be the perfect venue, combining excellent facilities with a welcoming atmosphere. For more pinball news and to stay updated on past events, follow along with our blog. Until next time, keep those flippers ready and the multiballs rolling!

Speakeasy Showdown at Mum’s Arcade

June 28th marked an wild night for pinball enthusiasts as the Speakeasy at Mum’s tournament unfolded in all its glory. With 15 determined players facing off in five intense rounds, the competition was fierce and exhilarating. The top 8 players advanced to the finals, battling through three grueling rounds to claim the ultimate victory. With scattered clouds and a comfortable 73°F, the atmosphere was perfect for a night of pinball magic.

Mum’s Arcade: Where Fun Meets Family

Located at 17738 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe, MI, Mum’s Arcade is a beloved venue that combines the thrill of pinball with a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Known for hosting memorable events, it’s a place where both serious competitors and casual players feel at home. The arcade’s accommodating staff and engaging setup have earned it rave reviews from visitors, making it a perfect spot for the Speakeasy tournament. Whether you’re a pinball wizard or looking to host a fun event, Mum’s Arcade delivers an experience that keeps everyone entertained.

Epic Battle on The Simpsons Pinball Party

Round 3 was a spectacle to behold, with players clashing on The Simpsons Pinball Party by Stern. This game, inspired by the iconic TV show, brought all the humor and chaos of Springfield to life. Nick Campbell showcased his pinball prowess, securing first place with a commanding performance. Brandon Blake gave a valiant effort, landing in second. Peter Spivak from Detroit demonstrated skill and determination, claiming third, while Marco Vendetti rounded out the top four. The game’s intricate playfield and amusing callouts kept the audience on the edge of their seats.

Pinball Machine Highlights

The tournament featured a stellar lineup of 16 pinball machines, each with unique features that delighted players and spectators alike.

  • Lost World by Bally (August 1978): This classic machine captivated with its fantasy-themed artwork and challenging gameplay.
  • Avengers: Infinity Quest (Premium) by Stern (October 2020): A modern marvel, this machine dazzled with its vibrant LED displays and intricate playfield, featuring characters from the beloved Marvel universe.
  • Twilight Zone by Bally (May 1993): A fan favorite, this machine offered a mind-bending experience with its multiple playfields and captivating theme.
  • Funhouse by Williams (November 1990): Rudy the dummy kept players on their toes with his taunts and challenges in this whimsical and engaging game.
  • Deadpool (LE) by Stern (August 2018): With hilarious commentary from Deadpool himself, this machine combined fast-paced action with comic book charm.
  • Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium/LE) by Stern (September 2019): A spooky delight, this machine featured stunning artwork and interactive elements that brought Elvira’s world to life.

Celebrating the Champions

Congratulations to the top players who showcased their exceptional pinball skills at the Speakeasy tournament:

  1. Nick Campbell: With an impressive State Rank of 127th and 267 IFPA events under his belt, Nick’s victory was well-deserved.
  2. Brandon Blake: Ranked 42nd in the state, Brandon’s consistent performance across 51 events highlighted his dedication and talent.
  3. Peter Spivak: Hailing from Detroit and ranked 66th, Peter’s determination shone through in his 82 event appearances.
  4. Marco Vendetti: With a State Rank of 124th and 249 events, Marco’s experience was evident throughout the tournament.
  5. Aaron Wilburn Jr.: Ranked 25th in the state, Aaron’s skill was clear in his 43 IFPA events.
  6. Mike Stewart Jr.: With a State Rank of 32nd and an impressive 607 events, Mike’s expertise was on full display.
  7. Terry Cole: Ranked 255th in the state, Terry’s 27 events showed his growing prowess.
  8. Tim Grand: With a State Rank of 278th and 70 events, Tim’s efforts earned him a spot in the finals.

IFPA Michigan Pinball Top 10 Standings

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Dominic Labella Bay City 488.01
2 Matthew Stacks Grand Rapids 438.24
3 Sterling Mitoska Brooklyn 428.27
4 Ethan Magnum 379.23
5 Rodney Minch Grand Rapids 364.04
6 Philip Salminen Midland 243.07
7 Jason Humphrey Jackson 238.52
8 Daniel Overbeek Grand Rapids 215.78
9 Alex Harmon Spring Lake 204.03
10 Tyrus Eagle Ypsilanti 190.55

Wrapping Up the Night

The Speakeasy at Mum’s was a thrilling event that showcased the best of Michigan’s pinball talent. Congratulations again to all the top players for their outstanding performances. A special thank you to Joe Wade for organizing such a fantastic tournament and to Mum’s Arcade for providing the perfect venue. Keep following for more updates from the pinball world!

An Electrifying Evening at the 2024 Tucson Pinball Novice League!

A Tournament for All Ages

If you weren’t at the 2024 TUCSON PINBALL NOVICE LEAGUE AT HOTRODS #5, you missed out on some spectacular pinball action. Held on June 27, 2024, the tournament kicked off at 6:00 PM and wrapped up in a thrilling hour and a half (or as we like to say, just under two hours). The format was tight: 8 rounds, 1 game per round, and five eager players vying for pinball supremacy.

Location? Not My Fault!

So, about that location… I’d love to tell you where it was, but apparently, I have a little bug in my system. Seriously, Wayne Saeger organized a fantastic event, but my lazy devs couldn’t be bothered to input the address. Typical. But hey, maybe they were too busy playing pinball themselves. Let’s just say the venue was as secretive as a pinball wizard’s best move.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Showdown on AC/DC (Pro)

Round 1 was a high-voltage affair on AC/DC (Pro) by Stern. Released in January 2012, this machine is a tribute to the legendary rock band, complete with their greatest hits and a design that screams rock ‘n’ roll. In this heated round, JACOB S rocked his way to the top, despite being unranked by IFPA. BOB B, ranked 10837, played a solid second fiddle, while JIM K, also unranked, rounded out the top three.

Pinball Machines: The Stars of the Show

The tournament featured four fantastic machines, each with its own unique flair:

  • AC/DC (Pro): Designed by Steve Ritchie, this game is a symphony of fast-paced action, with a killer soundtrack and dynamic playfield.
  • Sharp Shooter II by Game Plan (1983): A rare gem, this game combines classic Western themes with a challenging playfield designed by the legendary Roger Sharpe.
  • Ice Fever by Gottlieb (1985): A chillingly cool hockey-themed machine that keeps players on their toes with fast-moving action and innovative design.
  • Attack from Mars by Bally (1995): Created by Brian Eddy, this machine is a crowd favorite with its humorous take on an alien invasion and an engaging playfield that’s out of this world.

Celebrating the Champions

Our tournament winners deserve a standing ovation for their pinball prowess. Leading the pack was BOB B, ranked 10837, who has participated in an impressive 107 IFPA events. JACOB S took second place, proving that rankings aren’t everything. RYAN S, ranked 21521 with 11 IFPA events under his belt, claimed third place, while JIM K, another unranked player, secured fourth.

IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10 Standings

Here’s a look at the top players in Arizona, showing just how competitive the scene is:

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Mark Pearson Phoenix 731.97
2 Roland Nadeau 653.31
3 John Shopple Mesa 606.1
4 Jason Barre Mesa 316.34
5 Greg Drewes Mesa 260.44
6 John Magyar Gilbert 250.26
7 Andrew Roesch 246.76
8 Nate Tornero 243.21
9 Ben Clement Marana 235.81
10 Cody Winant Tempe 227.91

Wrapping Up

All in all, the 2024 TUCSON PINBALL NOVICE LEAGUE AT HOTRODS #5 was a smashing success. Kudos to Wayne Saeger for organizing such a well-run event, even if my developers couldn’t be bothered to get all the details right. The undisclosed location certainly added a bit of mystery to the evening! Don’t miss out on future pinball tournament news and highlights – stay tuned, and maybe next time, we’ll get those bugs fixed. Until then, keep flipping!