Wizards and Warriors

Master Class Rush: Dominating Competitive Pinball (Stern Rush Strategy Guide) w/ Preston Currie & Gregory Kennedy | Wizards & WarriorsWelcome to the inaugural episode of the Wizards and Warriors Master Class series!We’re kicking off this new series by diving deep into the competitive meta of Stern’s Rush pinball machine. We're not just playing it—we're dominating it!Hosts Frisco Pinball (Hadi) and JL4ND (Joe) are joined by two of the world's most electrifying competitive players and top-ranked wizards: Preston Currie (IFPA Open Ranking #15) and Gregory Kennedy (IFPA Open Ranking #11).The masters break down the rules, the shots, the mode stacks, and the secrets to consistently winning matches on this high-octane machine in tournament play. Get ready for an episode that will turn your good game into a Grand Champion performance!TIMESTAMPS 0:00:15 - Introduction to MasterClass 0:01:15 - Meet the Masters: Preston Currie and Gregory Kennedy 0:05:50 - Diving into Stern's Rush 0:06:51 - First Impressions of Rush 0:11:21 - Basics of Rush (Modes, Multiballs, etc.) 0:14:43 - Strategizing for High Scores 0:19:17 - Ball One Strategies (Record Colors, Modes, etc.) 0:26:04 - Right Ramp Flipper Shot Placement 0:27:06 - Miscellaneous Shots and Mode/Multiplier Discussion 0:30:51 - Ideal Path/Playthrough with Mode Stacking and Combo Utilization 0:47:12 - Home vs. Competitive Play Adjustments 0:52:07 - Ball 3 Comeback Strategies 0:57:36 - Pro vs. Premium Strategies 1:01:43 - Mastering the Lower Playfield Techniques 01:06:10 - Additional Advanced Strategies (Headlong Flight Multiball) 01:13:08 - Thank You & OutroResources and Community A special thanks to Preston Currie and Gregory Kennedy for sharing their deep knowledge! A huge thank you to Noah Crable for compiling the comprehensive Rush rules guide on TiltForums. Read Noah's guide here: Rush Rulesheet For a great beginner guide, check out Rayday's "Baby's First Rush" tutorial: Rayday's Tutorial Watch the video version for shot markups and tele-strating! Follow Wizards and Warriors on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other platforms. Get involved with your local pinball scene and help grow the community!

Wizards & Warriors - Episode 11 | Lessons in History: IFPA President Josh Sharpe on WPPR v6.2, Growth, and the Future of Competitive Pinball!Dive into Episode 11 of the competitive pinball podcast, Wizards & Warriors! This week, hosts Hadi and Joe sit down for an in-depth "Lessons in History" interview with Josh Sharpe, the President of the International Flipper Pinball Association (IFPA).Josh gives us an exclusive look at the proposed WPPR v6.2 changes for 2026, specifically focusing on updates to the TGP rules for Flip Frenzy and Amazing Race formats, which are critical for the competitive future of the sport. He also covers the origins of the IFPA, the evolution of the WPPR ranking system, and his vision for growth and inclusion.Before the main interview, we cover the latest tournament results from PAPA 22, CLEPIN, UK OPEN 2025, PINBALL EXPO FLIP OUT, and preview a list of major upcoming events.⏱️ Full Episode Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction (Hadi & Joe) 00:02:37 - Recent Tourneys Recap: Winners (PAPA 22 CLEPIN, UK OPEN 2025, PINBALL EXPO FLIP OUT) 00:10:24 - Upcoming Tournaments: Free Play Florida, Pincinnati, Winter Bash 00:12:58 - Interview Start: Lessons in History with Josh Sharpe, IFPA President 00:19:29 - Josh's Personal History & Origins of the IFPA 00:37:53 - The WPPR Ranking System: How it Began 00:51:42 - Deep Dive: Proposed WPPR v6.2 Changes (Flip Frenzy & Amazing Race TGP) 00:59:00 - Storytime with Josh: Favorite Tourneys & Warm Memories 01:15:49 - The Future of Pinball & Growing Inclusion 01:28:26 - Rapid Fire Round! 01:36:54 - Closing Thoughts & Thank Yous📺 Watch More Wizards & Warriors: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPJ1aC6t4Whe9YwJzMkeAOR_nQP72ACNh&si=5rXtTqGAP-4XiKLP🔔 LIKE | COMMENT | SUBSCRIBE🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more! SPOTIFY (audio & video): https://open.spotify.com/episode/0uDH3iTENzBdlIvSUe0f27?si=FUxMOvDaRA6Hi14PsSMybA AMAZON: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/74b82ef8-e6a3-4a1a-988c-3c526a968245/wizards-and-warriors APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wizards-and-warriors/id1813359366 RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/10471e788/podcast/rss#WizardsAndWarriors #Pinburgh2025 #PinballTierList #IFPA #JoshSharpe #CompetitivePinball #FriscoPinball

🎙️ Wizards & Warriors - Episode 10: 2025 Pinburgh Bank Tier List & Analysis with Top 30 Pro Preston CurrieIn Episode 10 of Wizards & Warriors, we’re breaking down the full 2025 Pinburgh game bank with one of the top-ranked players in the world — Preston Currie (IFPA Top 30). From modern beasts to brutal classics, Preston shares his thoughts, strategies, and hot takes on every title in the lineup.Whether you're prepping for battle at Pinburgh or just love hearing high-level pinball breakdowns, this episode is packed with expert insight and tiered rankings you won't want to miss.📌 Follow Preston Currie on IFPA: https://www.ifpapinball.com/players/view.php?p=86367📺 Watch More Wizards & Warriors: YouTube Playlist🔔 LIKE | COMMENT | SUBSCRIBE🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more! #WizardsAndWarriors #Pinburgh2025 #PinballTierList #PrestonCurrie #CompetitivePinball #FriscoPinball

🎙️ Wizards & Warriors - Episode 9: Game. Set. Zahler.Welcome back to Wizards & Warriors, the podcast where competitive pinball takes center stage! In Episode 9, we bring on a very special guest: Jason Zahler, the newly crowned IFPA 20 World Champion.Jason opens up about his pinball journey, shares strategies, and talks about what it takes to rise—and stay—at the top of the game.Then, Zahler steps up for an 8-game head-to-head battle against Viggo, featuring a mix of classics and modern machines. From Pharaoh to Jack*Bot to Creature from the Black Lagoon, this one’s got it all: clutch saves, risky strategies, and plenty of pinball nerdery.📧 Contact us: wizardsandwarriorspodcast@gmail.com🏆 IFPA 20 WORLD CHAMP INTERVIEW - JASON ZAHLER 🏆00:00 - Intro & Welcome Jason Zahler3:24 - How Did You Get Hooked on Pinball?5:01 - Competitive or Casual Beginnings?6:29 - Mentors & Influences9:22 - First Tournament Experience11:09 - Favorite Games & Strategies13:42 - Ball 3 Approach / Best Advice18:28 - Preparing for IFPA Worlds21:30 - Managing Pressure24:42 - Did You Model Your Game After Anyone?27:18 - Advice for New Players31:33 - Most Underrated Skill32:51 - What Makes a Tourney Bank Exciting?34:30 - Life After #1🎮 THE HEAD-TO-HEAD BATTLE: VIGGO VS ZAHLER35:52 - Game 1: Pharaoh – Classic Multiball Action49:05 - Game 2: Firepower – Shatzfest & Tilt Drama1:04:12 - Game 3: Indy 500 – Loops & Super Jackpots1:15:16 - Game 4: Demolition Man – Claw Combos & Multiball1:28:05 - Game 5: Jaws Pro – Mode Closeouts & Saves1:44:48 - Game 6: KISS – Love Gun Multiball & Demon Head Risks2:01:30 - Game 7: Jack*Bot – Visor Battles & Casino Runs2:16:32 - Game 8: Creature from the Black Lagoon – FILM, MYC, & Multiball Multipliers🎤 POST-GAME RAPID FIRE & CLOSING2:40:00 - Congrats Zahler! Back-to-Back IFPA Worlds Champ2:43:25 - Favorite Game to Add / Modern vs Classics2:44:00 - Pinnacle Moment / What Do You Hope People Remember?2:45:39 - Harder: Getting to the Top or Staying There?2:46:26 - Rapid Fire: Flippers, Food, & It’s Fiiiiiinnnne v Bozo2:49:30 - Shoutouts & ClosingFootage courtesy of JDL PINBALL. Please follow them:👉 twitch.tv/jdl_pinballFollow all our pages, like, and subscribe to help grow competitive pinball!🔔 LIKE | COMMENT | SUBSCRIBE🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more:SPOTIFY (audio & video)AMAZONAPPLE PODCASTSRSS#pinball #IFPA20 #CompetitivePinball #WizardsAndWarriors #JasonZahler #PinballPodcast #PinballTournament #Arcade #PinballStrategy #WizardModes #JackBot #JawsPinball #PharaohPinball #KISS #CreatureFromTheBlackLagoon #DemolitionMan #Indy500 #Firepower #ClassicPinball #JDLPinball #friscopinball

🎙️ Wizards & Warriors - Episode 8We’re back with a brand new episode of Wizards & Warriors! Your hosts FriscoPinball (Hadi) and JL4ND (Joe) return to recap an action-packed stretch of competitive pinball, highlight some new game releases, and sit down with a major tournament winner: Leslie Ruckman, the 2025 YEGPIN Women’s Matchplay Champion.El Rucko joins us to talk about her journey in pinball—from her early days in Chicago to the West Coast to becoming the #1 ranked women’s player. We dive deep into her gameplay strategies, preparation mindset, and get her breakdown of every 2025 YEGPIN Women's Championship finals game, including John Wick Pro, Abra Ca Dabra, and Avatar.We also review recent tournaments from May through July, preview upcoming events like Sweeper City Open, Brisbane Masters, and Pinburgh, and answer a viewer request to rank the hardest wizard modes in pinball!If you love competitive play, detailed game breakdowns, and tournament insights, this episode’s for you. Don't forget your chance to win our prize giveaway by sending us your top 3 hardest wizard modes via email to wizardsandwarriorpodcast@gmail.com!📕 Chapters:⏱️ Intro + Tourney Recaps00:00 - Intro: What We've Been Playing + Summer Check-In05:57 - Quick Discussion of New Pinball Releases (Harry Potter, Predator, Jaws 50th, etc.)13:55 - Viewer Request: Ranking the Hardest Wizard Modes (PRIZE GIVEAWAY!)22:07 - Recent Tournament Results (Pindianapolis 500, NEPC, Amazing Pinball Race 8, DFW Titan Pinmasters, Stomp VII, NWPAS, NOW! That's What I Call WPPRs Vol. 2, Pinburgh Mega Matchplay at Arcade Legacy, SFGE Main Event, 2025 NKY Open)31:22 - Upcoming Tourneys (Sweeper City, Brisbane Masters, Pinburgh, The Beast)🧠 Interview with Leslie Ruckman36:24 - Interview Begins – Leslie Ruckman (2025 YEGPIN Champ)38:00 - Post-YEGPIN Thoughts39:48 - Leslie's Journey Into Competitive Pinball40:59 - Personal Goals, Getting Serious About Competing, How to Handle Pressure45:11 - Favorite Pinball City & Location, Standout Wins, Favorite Trophy48:26 - Best Piece of Advice Received About Competing, Playing for Fun/Practice50:31 - Most "In-Tune" Pin, Biggest Mindset Shift Getting to #1 in Women's Open52:45 - The Evolution of Competitive Pinball, Favorite Competitor to Battle54:20 - Pre-Tourney Rituals/Game Plans, Reality of Tourney Lengths🔶 YEGPIN Finals Analysis with 2025 Women’s Champ, Leslie Ruckman56:06 - YEGPIN Women's Open Notes, Thoughts, and Strategy59:39 - Game 1: John Wick Pro (Modes, MBs, Strategy & Results)1:15:57 - Game 2: Abra Ca Dabra (Flipper Control, Drops, Drama)1:37:45 - Game 3: Avatar (MB Stacks, Comebacks, Final Standings)1:57:04 - Leslie Ruckman Wins YEGPIN 2025! 🎉 Final Thoughts Overall1:59:34 - Time Management w/Multiple Tourneys, Hybrid vs. Pump N' Dumps vs. Matchplay🎮 Rapid-Fire Round + Wrap-Up2:03:45 - Rapid-Fire Round!: Flipper v Nudging Skills, EMs or LCD? Least fave pin?2:05:16 - Final Thoughts + Thank You📧 Reach out: wizardsandwarriorspodcast@gmail.com📱 Follow: @friscopinball on Twitch & YouTube for streams and episodes🎥 Tournament footage courtesy of FoxCitiesPinball🎧 Now streaming on Apple Podcasts & more!APPLE PODCASTSRSS

🎙️ Wizards & Warriors - Episode 7: RayDay Reigns at PinMasters + Tourney Rundown, New Pins, and Community ShoutoutsWe're back! After a short break, your favorite competitive pinball podcast returns with one of our biggest episodes yet. Join hosts FriscoPinball (Hadi) and JL4nd (Joe) as we dive headfirst into the action-packed world of competitive pinball, fresh off a whirlwind of tournaments and exciting machine releases.🛠️ In This Episode:We recap dozens of tournaments from late February through April 2025, including Starfighters Pinball Festival, IFPA North American Championship, Texas Pinball Festival, Silverball Rumble, and many more.Special in-depth segment on the 2025 PinMasters, where Raymond Davidson (aka RayDay) .Exclusive interview with RayDay: We talk about his pinball journey, his mindset going into PinMasters, how he handles pressure, what his go-to strategies are, and why he still loves the game.Hadi and Joe reach Pro rankings and share some reflections on competing at Starfighters.We cover new pinball machine releases: King Kong, Dune (Barrels of Fun), Merlin’s Arcade (Turner Pinball), and tease the rumored Harry Potter reveal.Shoutout to Drew Sych and the Manitoba Pinball Championship — thanks for the viewer submission!Quick hits on upcoming tourneys including Yegpin, The Amazing Pinball Race, and the Brisbane Masters.🧠 Strategy Breakdown:We go deep on PinMasters game-by-game action with Ray, analyzing match play highlights and sharing insights on:Countdown: How drop target strategy and bonus multipliers made or broke roundsWorld Cup Soccer: Ultra scoring modes, jackpot stacking, and magnetic multiballsFoo Fighters Pro: Multiball stacking and van mode synergyDemolition Man: MB timing, claw control, and clutch play under pressure🔥 Rapid-Fire Round with RayDay:Banjo or Kazooie? Favorite city for tourneys? Best Rare game? Find out Ray’s takes in our fun end-of-show lightning round.📺 Watch the full video episode on YouTube at [FriscoPinball]🎧 Now streaming on Spotify Video, Apple Podcasts, and more!📩 Got a question, a shoutout, or a tourney you want highlighted? Email us at wizardsandwarriorspodcast@gmail.comThanks for listening—and flipping—with us. Let’s keep pushing pinball forward!Chapter Breakdown:00:00 - Intro: What We've Been Up To, Pinball News, Moving From TPN/Admin News 16:57 - Tourney Recaps: Feb–April 2025 (Viewer Request, Starfighters, TPF, IFPA events & more)41:15 - Upcoming Tourneys (Yegpin, Amazing Pinball Race, Brisbane Masters, Sweeper City Open)49:40 - Raymond Davidson joins us to talk about his pinball journey, competitive mindset, approach to comebacks, thoughts on the PinMasters format, his favorite machines, pre-game rituals, working at Stern, handling pressure, and his goals for 2025.1:19:40 - Game 1: Countdown (Drop Target Strategy & Results)1:40:26 - Game 2: World Cup Soccer (Ultra Modes, MB Stacks & Goals)2:00:05 - Game 3: Foo Fighters Pro (Mode Strategy, Overlord MB)2:21:19 - Game 4: Demolition Man (Big Bonuses & Clutch Multiballs)2:44:21 - Final Standings & RayDay Victory Recap2:50:10 - Rapid-Fire Round + Wrap-UpPinMasters footage courtesy of Backhand Pinball: twitch.tv/backhandpinball