As keen competitors and enthusiasts would be aware, the Batcave Masters for 2016 wrapped up a few weeks ago in what can only be described as an epic weekend of high level competitive pinball play.
Peter Watt (playing) takes out Paul Jones to enter the grand final of the 2016 Batcave Masters. Photo by Matthew Venables: http://www.mvenables.com
New Zealand's number 1, David Peck, wins the Classic Competition (and a wad of cash) at the 2016 Batcave Masters.
The Batcave Masters, a tournament that runs a marathon length of three days and demanding up to 14 or more hours of endurance and focus each day from players and organisers alike, is a structure of competition once considered a rarity in Australia. Who would want to commit such time, money, and energy into what is ultimately a game of bat and ball, and at what point does this become work and not fun? Well, a lot of people want to it would seem, and as this structure becomes more common, players are finding that the work - the blood sweat and tears - can be incredibly rewarding. Experiencing that return on investment, learning, improving, and doing so with a group of people that share the same passion, is actually - and perhaps not so surprisingly - a hell of a lot of fun!
The good news for us die hard enthusiasts is that there’s more fun less than two months away. The next major competition on the pinball calendar, starting July 29th, is the 2016 Brisbane Masters. If there were a formal majors circuit in Australia (which there are plans underway to recognise), Brisbane Masters is one of those that would be included without debate. The most prestigious event in the state of Queensland, players will travel across the country to attend and test their skills against the best Australia has to offer - again.
Jasen Mouritsen takes 4th place at the 2016 Batcave Masters. Photo by Matthew Venables: http://www.mvenables.com
Registrations for the 2016 Brisbane Masters is currently open (click here to visit the thread on Aussie Arcade in order to take part). With 52 players already registered, and a possible cap of 64 players being applied, if you are thinking of enjoying the best experience competitive gaming has to offer in Australia, you best be quick to register your interest...