As the last golden rays of a sunlit evening painted Denton, the Free Play Arcade on West Hickory Street brimmed with a unique energy. The temperature outside was a comfortable 89°F, but inside, the competitive heat was palpable.

A Venue Buzzing with Nostalgia

Free Play Arcade – Denton, often recognized for its impressive lineup of classic games, added another feather to its cap by hosting the eagerly-awaited Free Play Denton Pinball Monday. Early attendees, especially families, made the most of the venue, reminiscing old memories with every flip and tilt of the pinball machines. One visitor recounted, “The game choices were top-notch! It felt like a steal for the admission price. Only wish they had air hockey!”

The Game’s Afoot: Tournament Overview

Organized by the ever-enthusiastic Chris Delp, the tournament ran for a tight 3 hours, adopting a structure of 5 qualifying rounds where 26 players hustled in groups. The strategy was simple yet tricky: earn points based on your finishing position in each round. The top 8, having proved their mettle, would then move onto the electrifying finals consisting of 2 rounds. The formula ensured thrill, skill, and a few upsets along the way!

The Machines That Echoed Legends

Among the 77 pinball machines, standouts included Stern’s futuristic ‘Disney TRON: Legacy‘ and the spooky ‘Scared Stiff’ by Bally. Fans of movies and comics found solace in machines like ‘Jurassic Park (Premium)‘, ‘Iron Man (Vault)‘, and ‘Avengers: Infinity Quest (Pro)‘. And for those seeking a blast from the past, ‘Vector‘ by Bally, a gem from 1981, provided just that.

The Clash of Titans: Game Spotlight

The finals saw an unforgettable face-off on ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro)‘. Randy Nelson, with an IFPA rank of 3548, surprised everyone by clinching the top spot, narrowly defeating Denton’s very own Kevin Rodriguez.

Champions of the Evening

The tournament crowned Randy Nelson as its champion. Kevin Rodriguez from Denton, Mike Archuleta from Corinth, and the Shahan brothers from Abilene and Denton respectively, rounded off the top 5, with impressive scores and skillful gameplay.

IFPA Texas Pinball Top 10 Standings

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Jack Revnew	The Woodlands	490
2	Garrett Shahan	Denton	442.76
3	Phil Grimaldi	Houston	338.48
4	Wesley Johnson	College Station	320.83
5	Fred Revnew	The Woodlands	255.09
6	Lee Balusek	Conroe	254.5
7	Brian Krivonak	Corpus Christi	246.12
8	Collier Whitefield	San Antonio	223.13
9	Gilbert Herrera	San Antonio	212.23
10	Kevin Rodriguez	Denton	206.92

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As flippers ceased flipping and the neon glow dimmed, one thing was clear: the heart of Texas beats in sync with the pulsating rhythm of pinball. Until the next showdown, keep those scores soaring!

The hum of pinball machines, the twinkling of neon lights, and the adrenaline in the air. No, this isn’t a Las Vegas casino; it’s the LOWer Level #1 pinball tournament organized by Space City Pinball at Low’s Sound Lab in Houston, TX. Here’s a rundown of an unforgettable night of pinball passion!

Setting The Stage

The secrecy of the undisclosed location added a touch of mystique to the evening. With a generous 7+ hour run-time, 16 competitors took to their stations, ready to prove their mettle across 2 rounds and 3 games per round. The stakes? Glory, recognition, and the claim to being Houston’s top pinballer.

Drama on the “Pool Sharks” Table

Every tournament has its crown jewel moment, and this one came in the form of an intense battle on the Pool Sharks machine. Lasting an unbelievable 65 minutes, it had the crowd biting their nails, drinking copious amounts of beverages, and honestly wondering if they should have brought a sleeping bag. In the end, Gina Low emerged triumphant, followed closely by Miette Dronet, Emily Hoffman, and Dawn Freedkin. Kudos to all for enduring!

Machines of the Hour

Speaking of pinball machines, LOWer Level #1 boasted a collection to die for. The classic vibe of Diner met with the high-octane energy of The Getaway: High Speed II. The dark allure of Bram Stoker’s Dracula contrasted with the roaring beasts of Jurassic Park. The newly introduced James Bond 007 (Pro) by Stern was another standout, offering a touch of suave sophistication to the mix.

The Triumph of Tactics

The night’s ultimate victors exhibited both skill and strategy. The surprise win came from Liz Nebeker, taking the crown with their strategic gameplay. Following them were Annabeth Dronet, Maritza Chirichigno, and Gina Low. A huge round of applause for their tenacity and unmatched pinball prowess!

Texas Top 10 Pinball Wizards

It wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the maestros of Texas pinball. Here’s a quick peek:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Jack Revnew	The Woodlands	490
2	Garrett Shahan	Denton	442.76
3	Phil Grimaldi	Houston	338.48
4	Wesley Johnson	College Station	320.83
5	Lee Balusek	Conroe	254.5
6	Fred Revnew	The Woodlands	248.59
7	Brian Krivonak	Corpus Christi	246.12
8	Collier Whitefield	San Antonio	223.13
9	Gilbert Herrera	San Antonio	211.3
10	Kevin Rodriguez	Denton	206.72

Until the Next Ball Drops

What a night! The LOWer Level #1 pinball tournament was a whirlwind of emotions, strategy, and some downright unbelievable pinball action. To all the competitors, audience, and of course, the iconic pinball machines, we tip our hats to you.

Keep those flippers flipping and see you at the next epic pinball showdown!

It’s not every day you find a venue that melds the buzzing energy of pinball with the aromatic allure of freshly roasted coffee. But on September 12, 2023, at 6:30 PM, that’s precisely what was brewing at What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters in San Antonio, Texas.

Coffee, Machines, and a Little Competitive Spirit

Over the course of approximately 2.5 hours, 14 passionate pinball players faced off, darting between 46 pinball machines, each round fueled by the café’s exquisite coffee. Organized by the dynamic Christina Cheeseman, the Belles & Chimes SATX – Fall 2023 #1 pinball tournament had the perfect blend of competition and camaraderie.

A Joker’s Wild Throwback

The highlight reel moment? Round 2’s game on the vintage Joker Poker machine by Gottlieb, a throwback from January 1978. Alice Young, with an impressive IFPA rank of 2385, outperformed the competition, leaving Kelsea Gass and Valli Irvine in her wake. Joker Poker might be a game from yesteryears, but it proved that in the world of pinball, old is indeed gold!

Top Players and Timeless Machines

By the end of the evening, the cream of the crop emerged. Alice Young clinched the top spot, followed closely by Melody Zisman and Hope Love. Valli Irvine, hailing from Austin, TX, also made her mark by securing the 4th position.

The venue was replete with machines ranging from classics to new-age marvels. “Centaur” by Bally, “Evel Knievel” by Bally, “Champion Pub” by Bally, and “James Bond 007 (Pro)” by Stern were just a few that stood out. Whether players fancied the heroics of James Bond or the raw thrill of No Fear: Dangerous Sports, there was a game for every taste.

More Than Just a Coffee Shop

What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters isn’t your typical caffeine haunt. The ambiance screams innovation, from the transparent process flavor experimentation to the symphony of coffee beans teasing your curiosity. The real icing on the cake? An astounding collection of pinball machines, striking a balance between the inner child and the mature coffee connoisseur in every visitor. It’s a crescendo of flavors, sights, and sounds – a future trendsetter in the realm of coffee shops.

Texas’s Top Pinballers

The Lone Star State’s pinball scene is nothing short of electric. Here’s a glimpse of Texas’s pinball prowess:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Jack Revnew	The Woodlands	490
2	Garrett Shahan	Denton	442.76
3	Phil Grimaldi	Houston	338.48
4	Wesley Johnson	College Station	320.83
5	Lee Balusek	Conroe	254.5
6	Fred Revnew	The Woodlands	248.59
7	Brian Krivonak	Corpus Christi	246.12
8	Collier Whitefield	San Antonio	223.13
9	Gilbert Herrera	San Antonio	211.3
10	Kevin Rodriguez	Denton	206.72

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In a world where pinball and premium coffee collide, the Belles & Chimes SATX tournament was more than just a competition. It was an experience, an aromatic journey filled with flashing lights, clinking flippers, and the soft murmur of excited conversations.

Stay flipping fantastic, and catch you at the next update from the radiant realm of pinball!

Deep in the heart of Texas, amidst broken clouds and warm, yet comfortable temperatures, 18 pinball aficionados converged at Free Play Dallas on September 11, 2023. An evening which became a testament to dexterity, strategy, and the pure, unadulterated love of pinball.

Setting The Stage

It was 7 PM sharp when the players, organized by Chris Delp, put on their game faces. The atmospheric vibe, reminiscent of arcade glory days, was ideal for some old-school competition. The venue, equipped with an incredible array of 77 pinball machines, was a haven for lovers of the game.

But it wasn’t just fun and games – the stakes were high. Only the top eight players would move on to the finals, where two nail-biting rounds awaited them.

The Game of The Night

Amidst the whirl of flippers and flash of lights, the semifinals stood out for one game on Rush (Pro) by Stern. Randy Nelson from Roanoke, TX, may have an IFPA rank of 4208, but he proved that rank isn’t everything, finishing ahead of several higher-ranked competitors. However, Garrett Shahan, with a towering rank of 125, secured the top spot, asserting his prowess.

The Conquerors of The Night

When the final ball had settled, the leaderboard shone with these names:

1. Clark McCoy from Denton, TX: A force to reckon with.
2. Greg Gibson from Plano, TX: A dark horse that took many by surprise.
3. Garrett Shahan: No stranger to the pinball elite.
4. Randy Nelson from Roanoke, TX: A testament to the spirit of the game.
5. Chris Delp from North Texas: The organizer, proving he can play as well as he can host.

…and the list went on, featuring players from all over Texas who brought their A-game.

Machines That Made History

While every machine at the venue had its charm, a few stood out for their legacy and gameplay experience:

• Monster Bash (Remake) – a hauntingly delightful play.
• Twilight Zone – transporting players to another dimension.
• Metallica (Pro) and Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast – a rock enthusiast’s dream.
• Jurassic Park (Premium) – an adventure waiting to unfold.

The Venue: A Blast from The Past

Free Play Dallas is a treasure trove for retro game enthusiasts. However, a word to the wise – while the games transport you to a fantastical world, the pizzas bring you back to reality with their not-so-generous size and price. The pro-tip? Come for the games, stay for the drinks, but maybe dine elsewhere.

The Elite of Texas Pinball

While the night celebrated the champions, it’s worth mentioning Texas’s Top 10 Pinball Maestros:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Jack Revnew	The Woodlands	490
2	Garrett Shahan	Denton	442.76
3	Phil Grimaldi	Houston	338.48
4	Wesley Johnson	College Station	320.83
5	Lee Balusek	Conroe	254.5
6	Fred Revnew	The Woodlands	248.59
7	Brian Krivonak	Corpus Christi	246.12
8	Collier Whitefield	San Antonio	223.13
9	Gilbert Herrera	San Antonio	211.3
10	Kevin Rodriguez	Denton	206.72

To The Future and Beyond

As the evening came to an end, the buzz of excitement, competition, and camaraderie lingered in the air. Stay tuned to the realm of pinball for more such nights of thrilling gameplay and dramatic showdowns!

On a mysterious evening, September 7, 2023, the sun set somewhere in Texas, not just to bring forth the starry night, but to signal the onset of the Wrath of Pinball tournament. And as darkness enveloped the Lone Star State, 13 elite pinball enthusiasts gathered at a location so secretive even the owls and coyotes were left guessing.

An Evening of Unpredictability

Organized by the enigmatic Ray Ford, the tournament started at 8 PM and ran for an impressive 7 and a half hours. With 5 grueling rounds, each player battled the machines, gravity, and, of course, their fellow competitors. The objective? Simple, yet daunting: amass the most points and emerge as the ultimate pinball wizard.

The Surprise Standout Round

Round 2 witnessed an unexpected twist, played on Cactus Canyon by Bally. It wasn’t just about the ball and flippers, but the dramatic turnaround of ranks. Dave Parisotto, with an IFPA rank of 18863, clinched the top spot, leaving Jonathon Morales and Lee Thibodeau in wonderment. Lee, despite having no official rank, showcased sheer talent. A true testimony that sometimes, it’s the spirit of the game that truly counts.

And The Winners Are…

At the end of this undisclosed rollercoaster:

1. Keb Gallows: A regular with 32 IFPA events, claiming his victory.
2. Ray Ford: The man himself, not just an organizer, but a fierce competitor from Austin, Texas.
3. Larry Morales: Another Austin native, showing that this city isn’t just about live music.
4. Alex Johnson305: A wild card, first-time player making a mark.

The Machines That Made The Night

Among the 17 majestic pinball machines present, a few stood out with their legacy:

• Tales from the Crypt by Data East, a ghoulish delight from the 90s.
• Metallica (Premium) by Stern, blending rock music and pinball.
• Centaur by Bally, a classic from the early 80s.
• Indianapolis 500 by Bally, a high-speed thrill from mid-90s.
• The Who’s Tommy Pinball Wizard by Data East, a musical journey through pinball.

Texas’s Pinball Legends

Amidst the secrecy of the event, one thing remains transparent: Texas’s Top 10 Pinball Maestros:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Jack Revnew	The Woodlands	490
2	Garrett Shahan	Denton	442.76
3	Phil Grimaldi	Houston	338.48
4	Wesley Johnson	College Station	320.83
5	Lee Balusek	Conroe	254.5
6	Fred Revnew	The Woodlands	248.59
7	Brian Krivonak	Corpus Christi	246.12
8	Collier Whitefield	San Antonio	223.13
9	Gilbert Herrera	San Antonio	211.3
10	Kevin Rodriguez	Denton	206.72

Until Next Time…

Though the venue remains a secret, the passion and skill of these pinball enthusiasts are undeniable. As the night faded and the flippers rested, the world was left with tales of a thrilling tournament somewhere in Texas. One can only hope Ray Ford will drop us a hint about the next location. Stay tuned for more updates from the mysterious world of pinball!

There’s something about the collision of steel with plastic, the clatter of the flippers, and the mesmerizing dance of lights that turns a mere game of pinball into an electrifying performance. And on August 22, 2023, the best in Texas came together for this performance, in the Belles & Chimes SATX – Summer 2023 #6 pinball tournament, orchestrated by the fantastic Christina Cheeseman.

From Family Fun to Fierce Competition: A Spotlight on The Addams Family

Round 5 proved why The Addams Family by Bally remains a timeless classic since its debut in 1992. Amanda Brawner from Austin showcased precision and strategy to clinch the top spot. However, organizer Christina Cheeseman wasn’t far behind, landing third and reminding everyone of her pinball prowess.

The Cream of the Pinball Crop

While the competition was fierce, four players stood out from the rest. Alice Young, with her incredible ball control and timing, claimed the throne. Not far behind, Amanda Brawner and Rebecca Salam showcased their unparalleled skills, securing second and third spots, respectively. Jovanna Barrientez, despite being a lesser-known name in the pinball circle, showed she’s not one to be underestimated.

A Journey Through Pinball History

The tournament’s machines offered a trip through the annals of pinball history. From the beachy vibes of Baywatch by Sega (1995) to the rush of Hot Wheels by American Pinball (2020), players were treated to a delightful mix. The thrilling chases in Taxi by Williams (1988) and the hauntingly fun gameplay of Ghostbusters (Pro) by Stern (2016) further added to the nostalgia.

Venue: A Mystery Awaiting

Christina, a tiny request for next time: Could we get a hint about the venue on MatchPlay? The suspense is almost as intense as a tight pinball game! We’d love to dive into the ambiance and history of the place.

Texas’ Pinball Maestros:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Jack Revnew	The Woodlands	489.96
2	Garrett Shahan	Denton	433.69
3	Phil Grimaldi	Houston	338.49
4	Wesley Johnson	College Station	317.44
5	Lee Balusek	Conroe	254.5
6	Fred Revnew	The Woodlands	248.59
7	Brian Krivonak	Corpus Christi	231.83
8	Collier Whitefield	San Antonio	210.19
9	Kevin Rodriguez	Denton	204.52
10	Gilbert Herrera	San Antonio	194.05

For the pinball aficionados out there, keep your flippers ready and your game strong. Till the next clatter of the ball, keep scoring and stay tuned for more tales from the pinball realm!

On Saturday, January 8th, EinStein’s Drainiacs Pinball Tournament was held at Einstein’s Pub in Katy, Texas. The tournament was organized by Space City Pinball, who supplied a variety of 19 pinball machines to play on throughout the day. The tournament attracted 31 players from all over the area.

Chris Geist took first place in the tournament, followed by Jim Mueller in second, Elizabeth Dronet in third, Wesley Johnson in fourth and Andrew Garcia in fifth. The tournament featured games such as Rush (Pro) manufactured by Stern released 01-01-2022, Godzilla (Pro) manufactured by Stern released 09-14-2021, AC/DC (Premium Vault Edition) manufactured by Stern released 07-01-2017, James Bond 007 (Pro) manufactured by Stern released 09-01-2022, Game of Thrones (LE) manufactured by Stern released 11-01-2015, Total Nuclear Annihilation manufactured by Spooky Pinball released 01-01-2017, Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Premium) manufactured by Stern released 04-01-2018 and Avengers: Infinity Quest (LE) manufactured by Stern released 09-01-2020.

The tournament was a great success and many participants were excited to join the next one. To find out more about the tournament, upcoming events and more, visit the Space City Pinball website at https://www.spacecitypinball.com/einsteins/.

The current pinball standings in the IFPA North America Championship Series Texas are incredibly competitive. Wesley Johnson of College Station is at the top of the leaderboard with a staggering 35.63 points and a current WPPR rank of 280. Jack Revnew of The Woodlands is close behind with 31.62 points and a current WPPR rank of 395. Lee Balusek of Conroe is in third with 28.11 points and a current WPPR rank of 684. Other noteworthy players in the top 10 include David Pollock of Conroe, currently ranked 317 with 17.46 points, Chris Little of San Antonio, currently ranked 135 with 16.14 points, and Tony Chbeir of San Antonio, currently ranked 2564 with 11.83 points. It is an exciting time for pinball players in Texas and fans are excited to see who will come out on top!