CAL Extreme 2010 Pinball Tourney Modern Finals – Dr. Who from Randy Elwin on Vimeo.

Via TiltWarning:

Two time defending World Pinball Champion Keith Elwin at California Extreme earlier this month on Dr. Who versus Jim Belsito. Spark behind TourneyCam is coming courtesy Randy Elwin of Pinball 101 fame.

Seeing this video made me smile. You could actually have commentators do play-by-play during competition, if we had this perspective. I was watching this wishing I could do some sort of play-by-play and strategy talk with a Telestrator. Forget the EVO tournaments, lets live stream THIS.

Just think how much commentators would help legitimize pinball as a sporting event. Viewers would actually be able to see (and hopefully understand) what we PinHeads are talking about when we discuss whether Jim B. should have continued to go for Sonic Booms or advance toward multi-ball.

                          

Another unrelated pinball pic

Via Chris Newsom:

Announcing:

                          

John Kosmal informs viewers about the Michigan Pinball Expo.

Via MyFoxDetroit

The Michigan Pinball Expo attracts people from all over the world. This year, seven countries have confirmed to play pinball in Michigan July 8 through July 11. Michigan Pinball Expo’s John Kosmal tells viewers all about the event presented by Environment by Design on Fox 2 News Mornings. Over 100 pinball machines will be at the Oakland Center at Oakland University in Rochester. Players pay one admission price that covers pinball for the day. Players can also enter into tournaments by paying an entry fee for a chance to win the title of Michigan Pinball Champion, or for the kids, Wizard in Training. Full size arcade pinball machines will be for sale at the event.

 

                          

Register now!

The 2010 New Jersey Pinball Open, sanctioned by the National Pinball League, will happen on July 17, 2010 at Eight on the Break in Dunellen, NJ. The format will be a Monthly Masters style event until 6:00 PM. Then, the top groups will have the advantage of double elimination, and the bottom groups will go into single elimination for the split bracket finals. This tournament will run in the “Fast Tournament” format, which simply means no holding a ball for more than 5 seconds in single or multiball play. That’s right, holders and trappers, stay on your toes and play the freaking game!

These pins are currently running at The Break:

1. Star Wars: Episode 1
2. FunHouse
3. Attack from Mars
4. Addams Family
5. Monster Bash
6. Iron Man
7. Johnny Mnemonic
8. Lord of the Rings
9. Fish Tales

Since The Break is an active arcade, this listing is subject to change. Games are swapped out from time to time. Recently, Johnny Mnemonic replaced Demolition Man in the lineup, and Fish Tales replaced Road Show. Also, extra machines may be made available for play at this special event.

All tournament games are on coin drop, which is a reason why it will only cost you $20.00 to register for the tournament.

Registration is HIGHLY recommended, as it saves your spot in the tournament. It is possible that there will be NO remaining registration available the day of the show, so PLEASE pre-register.

                          

Special thanks to Jeff Parsons

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Also, the full results from World Pinball Player Rankings

                          

Via WCSH6

Pinball was a real hit in Gorham this weekend. It was Pin-Maine-ia 4, the New England Pinball Championship. John Reuter held the event in his basement. He owns more than 100 pinball machines. About half of them are at his home. The rest are at friends’ houses. More than 50 people took part in this event, where the top prize was $375. The champion, Steven Bowden, says his real prize is the camaraderie of meeting fellow pinball players.

                          

The IFPA 7 World Pinball Championship Competitors

Yes, the word “THE” is in all caps on purpose because this photo set of the event by Mark Teskey is the only one that you really need to see.

Also, check out Jason “Crazy J” Rufer’s detailed analysis of the event posted on Pinball News. He gives his perspective on what it was like to host the IFPA 7 World Pinball Championship. Once again, I would like to thank Jason for all of his hard work, and for inviting us into his home for some world class pinball.

                          

“Y’know, this is some bulls—t man! I shoulda won five rounds in a row, and I f—ked up!”

The Fourth Pinferno Pinball Tournament held at Reciprocal NYC in Manhattan.

                          

Here are the standings for all participants in the 2010 JPA PinGolf Tournament. I look forward to doing it again next League season which starts in early September. Many thanks to all who played.

1st Jim Fordham
2nd Sanjay Shah
3rd Kevin Smigel
4th Ed Zeltmann
5th Paul Drabik
6th (TIE) Steven Bowden
6th (TIE) Frank Romero
8th Koi Morris 
9th Mike Field
10th Joe Oesterling

                          

Pin-Maine-ia 2009 was amazing! Get ready for Pin-Maine-ia IV at the end of June 2010!

Maine’s premier pinball tournament, once thought to have been called off, is a thing that is happening June 25-27, 2010. Last year, the tournament hosted more than 66 players along with a number of other spectators. This year will be slightly scaled back, but the competition will be just as fun and furious. Click here for more information and to register for this fantastic event.

Last year, I helped to administer the scoring for the event. This gave me a little taste of the experience of running a pinball tournament, and helped me to concentrate more while playing.

I hope to see you there.

                          

The IFPA 7 World Pinball Championship was a fantastic, and grueling, pinball adventure. Here are some links to the media coverage of the event.

World’s Best Pinball Players Compete In Rural MN – CBS | WCCO

Pinball wizardry rockin’ in Cokato this weekend – NBC | KARE

IFPA 7 Media Coverage Compilation Page

Andy Rosa of Flushing Township finishes second

Carlsbad pinball wizard goes for world title – FOX5 | San Diego

Sixth-grader heading to World Pinball Championship – Chicago Tribune

Pinball whiz Andy Rosa: It was ‘awesome’ to be in finals

Pinball Wizards

Pinball’s ‘Venus and Serena’ vie for title

Pinball wizard brothers seek world title

First family of pinball takes game global

South Elgin man flips for grand pinball tournament

Bay Area is Home to Pinball Star – KCBS | Audio

Alameda Museum Keeping Pinball Alive - CBS 5

Lucky Ju Ju Mads Kristensen Interview