Looked like a great event
Congratulations to @Neil McRae and to everyone who helped set it all up.
Congratulations to @Neil McRae and to everyone who helped set it all up.
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Congratulations to @Neil McRae and everyone else involved in what looks like it’s been a very well run and successful event. I couldn’t make it unfortunately but it was awesome to see the familiar faces I meet at pinfest mixing it with the “big boys” of world pinball. The coverage on twitch was fantastic. Fingers crossed I can get down next year 
Wow, what a great event.
Thank you to all involved, who have put in weeks and weeks of effort to make it the awesome event it was.
I wish I could have stayed to the end to watch it all live, the atmosphere in the room with pinheads glued to the screen watching world class players was immense.
Thank you to all involved, who have put in weeks and weeks of effort to make it the awesome event it was.
I wish I could have stayed to the end to watch it all live, the atmosphere in the room with pinheads glued to the screen watching world class players was immense.
Wow, what an incredible weekend! I'm shattered and buzzing at the same time.
Absolutely thrilled to get to the final in such a big competition, shame didn't do better but was overjoyed to just get there. Had my chances on Jackbot and had got 2.4B in an earlier round but just couldn't get the lock shot and wasn't to be Although it was looking good before the last ball on Fish Tales but I expected the others to come back. My plan was video mode and rock the boat and then multiball but didn't get the chance to cash in. Still I'd had my share of luck on the way there.
My aim before going was just to qualify which I thought was going to be tough enough I usually bomb out first round at Pinfest (and other big comps) so to get through the first was a big plus and then just kept going. Thanks to Wayne for securing my spot in the first round which took the pressure off me although I did just enough myself to have go through without help but still very much appreciated.
Had a great semi with Yuen, and a shame that going into the last game, it was either him or me not both. Yuen played amazing all weekend and should be absolutely thrilled with qualifying first in the Classics and finishing 5th in the main. Also very well played to Wayne for winning the Clsassics and qualifying with the very last game of everyone in the main and to Craig for Classics II.
Many thanks also to Craig for advice and support during the final and to everyone else who supported me, much appreciated. Sorry I couldn't bring it home for the UK.
Huge respect and thanks to Neil for even attempting to put on such a big event, certainly the biggest comp the UK has ever seen and arguably the best and hope it will get bigger and even better next year. Very many thanks to everyone who helped put on such a great event, all the Republic crew (and Rich and Peter) moving the machines to the venue, Bob and James for the ongoing repairs and all the scorekeepers along with Mandy and Claire on front desk.
Going to watch People's bank later as don't know result and trying to avoid result Hope the UK guys - Matt, Craig and Andy did well. Oh and if anyone say me commenting on the twitch stream, that wasn't me, it's mostly my daughter Amelie mucking about on it at home!
Absolutely thrilled to get to the final in such a big competition, shame didn't do better but was overjoyed to just get there. Had my chances on Jackbot and had got 2.4B in an earlier round but just couldn't get the lock shot and wasn't to be Although it was looking good before the last ball on Fish Tales but I expected the others to come back. My plan was video mode and rock the boat and then multiball but didn't get the chance to cash in. Still I'd had my share of luck on the way there.
My aim before going was just to qualify which I thought was going to be tough enough I usually bomb out first round at Pinfest (and other big comps) so to get through the first was a big plus and then just kept going. Thanks to Wayne for securing my spot in the first round which took the pressure off me although I did just enough myself to have go through without help but still very much appreciated.
Had a great semi with Yuen, and a shame that going into the last game, it was either him or me not both. Yuen played amazing all weekend and should be absolutely thrilled with qualifying first in the Classics and finishing 5th in the main. Also very well played to Wayne for winning the Clsassics and qualifying with the very last game of everyone in the main and to Craig for Classics II.
Many thanks also to Craig for advice and support during the final and to everyone else who supported me, much appreciated. Sorry I couldn't bring it home for the UK.
Huge respect and thanks to Neil for even attempting to put on such a big event, certainly the biggest comp the UK has ever seen and arguably the best and hope it will get bigger and even better next year. Very many thanks to everyone who helped put on such a great event, all the Republic crew (and Rich and Peter) moving the machines to the venue, Bob and James for the ongoing repairs and all the scorekeepers along with Mandy and Claire on front desk.
Going to watch People's bank later as don't know result and trying to avoid result Hope the UK guys - Matt, Craig and Andy did well. Oh and if anyone say me commenting on the twitch stream, that wasn't me, it's mostly my daughter Amelie mucking about on it at home!
Well done everyone! I watched quite a bit over the weekend. The Dialled In semi final game was really gripping to watch. Blown away by the skill.
I think Tony should do more commentary.
I think Tony should do more commentary.
What an event. It really was as good as any competitive pinball event as I have ever experienced, anywhere in the world. Neil and the whole Republic team, thank you, thank you, thank you. The absolute highlight of my year. A truly world class event. The Europeans and American players were all so unbelievably greatful, it was just a massive love in of pinball greatness. Thank you. It was amazing as well to see the UK players really show up, making final after final. Absolutely amazing.
What an event, thank you so much. I really hope that Neil and the team have the passion and drive to want to do it again. Truly greatful
What an event, thank you so much. I really hope that Neil and the team have the passion and drive to want to do it again. Truly greatful
Dude. You rocked.
Yeah, it was brilliant! Just amazing pinball
Speaking to the North American players over the weekend, word is spreading fast, especially with the stream available. Expect many more next year
And Levi’s drink measures are top notch
And Levi’s drink measures are top notch
Interestingly, I didn't realise until I watched the UK Open final on Twitch just how many international players were at the tournament, or that the commentators streaming the finals had flown over from Boston! Very very impressed!
I thought I completely sucked, but then realised I arrived late to one day of a three-day international tournament with a quite-high entry fee for a game I first played in July last year, missed two rounds of women's, only submitted one ticket for People's Bank qualifying and one for Classics qualifying... and didn't come totally last...
I guess that's an achievement of some sort
Doggard
Site Supporter
Watched the stream as much as I could at the weekend, and it was top notch. The commentary was superb, well done to all involved, it was fantastic viewing.
Looked such a great event, with some mind blowing pin skills on display, that ball on fish tales from danelie, was something else !
Looked such a great event, with some mind blowing pin skills on display, that ball on fish tales from danelie, was something else !
An absolutely superb event that I'm so glad I attended. I didn't trouble qualifying but didn't expect to, especially with the level of players involved, but had a great time nonetheless.
Huge thanks and congratulations to @Neil McRae for putting on such a brilliant event. Thanks to all the PBR guys and all the staff that, even when faced with challenges made everything keep running, you'll all sleep well this week.
It was brilliant to meet and talk to players from all over the world, and see the love they have for pinball.
The event was a great success and I feel so happy to have been there to experience it, cheers all.
Huge thanks and congratulations to @Neil McRae for putting on such a brilliant event. Thanks to all the PBR guys and all the staff that, even when faced with challenges made everything keep running, you'll all sleep well this week.
It was brilliant to meet and talk to players from all over the world, and see the love they have for pinball.
The event was a great success and I feel so happy to have been there to experience it, cheers all.
Big Thank you to Neil and everyone who helped to put on the show, who all worked extremely hard. A fantastic few days that humbled my pinball skills, the competition was fierce and I was amazed at the grit, determination and the stamina required even just to qualify which is an huge achievement in itself.
Well done to everyone who took part.
Well done to everyone who took part.
It was great viewing on the live stream. especially enjoyed @windoesnot and @David_Vi doing the commentary.
Even managed to play “the word game” with David and he got full marks for uttering the word “mushroom” during the stream. He failed on word 2 though
Even managed to play “the word game” with David and he got full marks for uttering the word “mushroom” during the stream. He failed on word 2 though
It was an amazing weekend and Neil, Matt and the whole team did an amazing job. A special mention must also go to James, Bob and Mike for all their efforts in keeping the machines running all weekend 
It was great to see everyone and also see so many some amazing players in the competitions.
Ethan was enjoying himself so much he came up with an interesting way to avoid having to go home. I told him we needed to leave, so he went and joined the commentary team on the live stream. Have to give him 10 out of 10 for ingenuity
It was great to see everyone and also see so many some amazing players in the competitions.
Ethan was enjoying himself so much he came up with an interesting way to avoid having to go home. I told him we needed to leave, so he went and joined the commentary team on the live stream. Have to give him 10 out of 10 for ingenuity
Go Ethan!It was an amazing weekend and Neil, Matt and the whole team did an amazing job. A special mention must also go to James, Bob and Mike for all their efforts in keeping the machines running all weekend
It was great to see everyone and also see so many some amazing players in the competitions.
Ethan was enjoying himself so much he came up with an interesting way to avoid having to go home. I told him we needed to leave, so he went and joined the commentary team on the live stream. Have to give him 10 out of 10 for ingenuity
A great career in sports commentary awaits
I feel similar to Greg, exhausted but buzzing. It feels like I was on another plane of existence, for four days nothing else matters but the UK open.
I'll have more to say later, I just don't want to do my usual all over the place rambling.
But I'll say, amazing! Thanks so much for taking a risk to bring this type of event to the UK! Thanks to everyone who helped out and most of all the hard working techs, when I say hard working I think you had to be there to realise how they almost never stopped from 8am till midnight every day!
You're mad I loved the opportunity, I think it's good for me to be exposed to those situations considering before Pinfest last year I didn't know anyone from the UK scene except James @MajesticPinball and really struggle socially and speaking to people. So to jump on with Ian a few times was great! Especially being treated to my Roadshow being played in the finals by world class players.
Your first word was genuine considering Ian and I had pizza the might before, which included mushrooms but the second,
it would have been difficult! Let's just say that.
I'll have more to say later, I just don't want to do my usual all over the place rambling.
But I'll say, amazing! Thanks so much for taking a risk to bring this type of event to the UK! Thanks to everyone who helped out and most of all the hard working techs, when I say hard working I think you had to be there to realise how they almost never stopped from 8am till midnight every day!
It was great viewing on the live stream. especially enjoyed @windoesnot and @David_Vi doing the commentary.
Even managed to play “the word game” with David and he got full marks for uttering the word “mushroom” during the stream. He failed on word 2 though
You're mad
I loved the opportunity, I think it's good for me to be exposed to those situations considering before Pinfest last year I didn't know anyone from the UK scene except James @MajesticPinball and really struggle socially and speaking to people. So to jump on with Ian a few times was great! Especially being treated to my Roadshow being played in the finals by world class players.Your first word was genuine considering Ian and I had pizza the might before, which included mushrooms but the second,
it would have been difficult! Let's just say that.What a wonderful, exciting, and absolutely exhausing weekend - loved it!
It was such a pleasure having the chance to meet and watch some of the top players in the wotld - some amazing skills on display, including superb performances from our own @Wayne J @robotgreg @Jackpot and many others.
There were many great moments, including the play on Skateball in the Classics 2 final, that 700 million on Fish Tales, and the epic game of Dialed In! in the semi. I also enjoyed watching Gareth Arnold smash the top score on Elivira House of Horrors on the People's Bank!
Great respect to @Neil McRae for having the vision and the courage to take on such a massive undertaking, and huge thanks to all the volunteers who worked their socks off before, during, and after the event to make it all work - the people who brought machines, those who helped with the transport, setup (and later takedown) of the machines, the techies who kept them running, those manning the front desk, the scorekeepers, the streaming crew who flew in from the USA, and also thanks to all the many players who travelled from all over the world, and some far-flung parts of the UK (and some more local)!
I have to say that my immediate reaction today wasn't "Let's do it all again next year", but I'm sure after a few days rest, the tiredness will be forgotten, and the excitement remembered for far longer, so when Neil asks for volunteers for the next one, there will be no shortage of those willing to step up once again...
I'm currently sorting through the many photos I took, and will post a link in (quite) a few days when I finally manage to get them uploaded.
That certainly was a weekend to remember!
It was such a pleasure having the chance to meet and watch some of the top players in the wotld - some amazing skills on display, including superb performances from our own @Wayne J @robotgreg @Jackpot and many others.
There were many great moments, including the play on Skateball in the Classics 2 final, that 700 million on Fish Tales, and the epic game of Dialed In! in the semi. I also enjoyed watching Gareth Arnold smash the top score on Elivira House of Horrors on the People's Bank!
Great respect to @Neil McRae for having the vision and the courage to take on such a massive undertaking, and huge thanks to all the volunteers who worked their socks off before, during, and after the event to make it all work - the people who brought machines, those who helped with the transport, setup (and later takedown) of the machines, the techies who kept them running, those manning the front desk, the scorekeepers, the streaming crew who flew in from the USA, and also thanks to all the many players who travelled from all over the world, and some far-flung parts of the UK (and some more local)!
I have to say that my immediate reaction today wasn't "Let's do it all again next year", but I'm sure after a few days rest, the tiredness will be forgotten, and the excitement remembered for far longer, so when Neil asks for volunteers for the next one, there will be no shortage of those willing to step up once again...
I'm currently sorting through the many photos I took, and will post a link in (quite) a few days when I finally manage to get them uploaded.
That certainly was a weekend to remember!
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Well that was a total blur, incredibly long exhausting days but my feet are glad to finally be up on the sofa. Was an absolute privilege to be part of an event to this scale drawing top players from across the world, I didn't get to play or watch much pinball but what I did manage to see from techs corner was fantastic. Thank you to all those who brought games, for the most part they were incredibly well behaved.
Well done to all score keepers, streamers, players, spectators, fellow techs and of course the one and only Neil who all chipped in to create such a wonderous pinball event
Well done to all score keepers, streamers, players, spectators, fellow techs and of course the one and only Neil who all chipped in to create such a wonderous pinball event
Genotime
Site Supporter
Not bad
Just got home, absolutely shagged. Will write something more sensible tomorrow
Can't add too much to what's already been said, but a fantastic few days and would defo go again.
Don't want to leave anyone out, but huge appreciation to everyone including Neil, Mandy, Claire, David, Diane, Clive, Matt, Sarah, Mike, Tony, AndyB, Brad, Nick, Gene, Tim Wayne, Conrad and and all the other helpers/scorers,tech, commentators (sorry if I didn't mention you by name; brain's a but frazzled and can't remember everyone's name right now, but I appreciate you all, alot!) - I don't know how you managed to keep going for so long and keep everything running smoothly. Also can't forget ofcourse all the generous people who brought their machines to the event for everyone to play - some lovely games there and a pleasure to play.
Was great to meet new people and hang out with a beer!
The top players were on another level; well played all and I was v. proud to see our top U.K players representing so well! - congrats and look forward to watching you blow up machines with time!
Don't want to leave anyone out, but huge appreciation to everyone including Neil, Mandy, Claire, David, Diane, Clive, Matt, Sarah, Mike, Tony, AndyB, Brad, Nick, Gene, Tim Wayne, Conrad and and all the other helpers/scorers,tech, commentators (sorry if I didn't mention you by name; brain's a but frazzled and can't remember everyone's name right now, but I appreciate you all, alot!) - I don't know how you managed to keep going for so long and keep everything running smoothly. Also can't forget ofcourse all the generous people who brought their machines to the event for everyone to play - some lovely games there and a pleasure to play.
Was great to meet new people and hang out with a beer!
The top players were on another level; well played all and I was v. proud to see our top U.K players representing so well! - congrats and look forward to watching you blow up machines with time!
Was great to meet you Den
Same mate - absolute pleasure!Was great to meet you Den
OP
OP
Deleted member 2463
"Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try." -- JFK
two words for everyone involved in this weekend 'Thank You".
thank you to everyone (except the bozo who accidentally switched off all the power ) thank you especially the PBR crew (and their significant others); all of you are legends in my view; you singlehandedly put the UK at the centre of the global pinball community, but also thank you to the entire UK pinball community who's ad-hoc coming together this weekend for the world's pinball community made me tear up on more than one occasion during the weekend. mike, James and bob,, Marc P from Backhandpinball (hopefully some of you have figured out why I flew him over); Mike Palero, Karl DeAngelo, all the amazing volunteers, those that stood scorekeeping way beyond the call of duty, the chef who made the epic bacon every morning (about the only meal I found time for LOL) and also those who brought games - James, Mike, Bob, Nick, Dave, Keith and Paul.
But thank you especially to everyone who came to play, we talk about pinball moments, and if there is one thing that should be no longer in doubt is that it's the players - not the machines, that truly give us the great pinball moments.
The UK Open will return with even more amazing pinball moments and we hope its you creating them.
two words for everyone involved in this weekend 'Thank You".
thank you to everyone (except the bozo who accidentally switched off all the power
) thank you especially the PBR crew (and their significant others); all of you are legends in my view; you singlehandedly put the UK at the centre of the global pinball community, but also thank you to the entire UK pinball community who's ad-hoc coming together this weekend for the world's pinball community made me tear up on more than one occasion during the weekend. mike, James and bob,, Marc P from Backhandpinball (hopefully some of you have figured out why I flew him over); Mike Palero, Karl DeAngelo, all the amazing volunteers, those that stood scorekeeping way beyond the call of duty, the chef who made the epic bacon every morning (about the only meal I found time for LOL) and also those who brought games - James, Mike, Bob, Nick, Dave, Keith and Paul.But thank you especially to everyone who came to play, we talk about pinball moments, and if there is one thing that should be no longer in doubt is that it's the players - not the machines, that truly give us the great pinball moments.
The UK Open will return with even more amazing pinball moments and we hope its you creating them.
Well, that was hell of a weekend. An amazing event with so many top players from Europe and the USA turning up. Putting up five good games in a row (and on the same ticket) is more than my level of consistency can achieve, but I had some really good games mixed across the tickets, so I’m pleased with that.
It was more stressful watching Josh than playing myself, especially when he gambled the Billion point Casino Run and collected 1.2B with four seconds left. Not so good the second time around with the
Being in the room, whilst that game of Dialled In went on forever was something else, the skill levels were unbelievable and no-one knew for sure how big Roy’s bonus had grown. The atmosphere of that was unlike any other tournament I've been to. Well done to all who made the finals, with that field even making top 32 or top 40 was an achievement.
A huge thanks to the entire team for organising, moving the machines and keeping them running all weekend. Scoring for a couple of hours a shift was exhausting, especially as the end of qualifying approached, so how you all worked the entire weekend through from Thursday with barely enough time to eat and sleep I don’t know. I know there’s so many of you who gave up days/weeks to organise, plan and make sure things for the most part ran smoothly - an electrician turning off the power and weird software bugs aside.
Thankyou to everyone - it was great and we thoroughly enjoyed it
It was more stressful watching Josh than playing myself, especially when he gambled the Billion point Casino Run and collected 1.2B with four seconds left. Not so good the second time around with the
Being in the room, whilst that game of Dialled In went on forever was something else, the skill levels were unbelievable and no-one knew for sure how big Roy’s bonus had grown. The atmosphere of that was unlike any other tournament I've been to. Well done to all who made the finals, with that field even making top 32 or top 40 was an achievement.
A huge thanks to the entire team for organising, moving the machines and keeping them running all weekend. Scoring for a couple of hours a shift was exhausting, especially as the end of qualifying approached, so how you all worked the entire weekend through from Thursday with barely enough time to eat and sleep I don’t know. I know there’s so many of you who gave up days/weeks to organise, plan and make sure things for the most part ran smoothly - an electrician turning off the power and weird software bugs aside.
Thankyou to everyone - it was great and we thoroughly enjoyed it
Well done everyone
Looks like the two goals were achieved
Create a world class event
Everyone had a great time
We were showing people how to start a game in Blackpool but one lad whose Dad didn't own any games was storming it , knocking me off the Flintstones high score board. Some folk just have the magic!
Looks like the two goals were achieved
Create a world class event
Everyone had a great time
We were showing people how to start a game in Blackpool but one lad whose Dad didn't own any games was storming it , knocking me off the Flintstones high score board. Some folk just have the magic!