Ah, the familiar sounds of flippers, bells, and that anticipatory tension as the ball is set into play. The pinball community congregated on August 23rd for the PCMC-GB Tournament, an event meticulously organized by Erik Thoren. But the real story wasn’t just about the expert flips or near misses. It was about the rise of the underdogs.
The Game That Spoke Volumes
Round 5 had attendees perched at the edges of their seats. The Nascar machine by Stern, a gem from 2005, was the stage of a dramatic showdown. Among the contenders, Rob Hatszegi, Sam Rusch, and Jonathon Zahn – all unranked by IFPA – showed that rankings can sometimes just be numbers. Rob clinching the top spot was a testament to raw talent and dedication.
The Unexpected Champions
The trend of surprises didn’t stop at just one game. By the end of the tournament, it was clear that the day belonged to those who’ve been hidden in the shadows. Donna Shallow, who’s never graced an IFPA event before, emerged as the top player of the day. Will Parker, Gary Manske, and Eric Jensen followed suit, proving that sometimes, the biggest talents are the most underrated.
A Journey Through Time With Pinballs
While the players were the main attraction, the pinball machines held their ground, offering a diverse range of experiences:
- From the web-slinging fun of Spider-Man by Stern (2007)
- To the creepy charisma of The Addams Family by Bally (1992)
- The prehistoric thrill of Jurassic Park by Data East (1993)
- The cosmic allure of Star Trek (Premium) by Stern (2013)
- And the retro charm of Stars by Stern from way back in 1978.
Each machine brought its history, its legacy, and its unique challenge.
Venue Vibes
And speaking of history, Erik, buddy, where did this tournament magic happen? It’s a mystery we’d love to solve. Next time, drop a hint on MatchPlay, so we can rave about it!
The Pinball Titans
For those seeking inspiration, here’s a look at the top giants in the Wisconsin pinball realm:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke Nahorniak | Lonsdale | 1265.26 |
| 2 | Jared August | West Bloomfield Township | 1165.17 |
| 3 | Neil Graf | Appleton | 1143.83 |
| 4 | Escher Lefkoff | 1050.05 | |
| 5 | Steven Bowden | Palatine | 998.79 |
| 6 | Jason Werdrick | Park Ridge | 737.42 |
| 7 | Zach McCarthy | Conifer | 737.23 |
| 8 | Erik Thoren (Our Organizer) | De Pere | 721.13 |
| 9 | David Daluga | Milwaukee | 691.08 |
| 10 | Jordan Dechaine | 683.84 |
To all the pinball enthusiasts, whether you’re a seasoned pro, an up-and-coming star, or someone just getting to know the beauty of the game, remember: rankings are but numbers, and every game is a new chance to shine. Stay flippin’, and catch you at the next pinball showdown!