The long-predicted new champion of the Lansing Pinball League finally emerged on December 17 as Tim dethroned season 20 champion Brian K. in a two-round final playoff match. Many in the league had been predicting “the season of Tim” for a few seasons now, but in Season 20 Tim was defeated by Brian K. in a similarly hard-fought match. Both times Tim came up through the second-chance bracket.
This final round took place immediately before Super-Ball XXI, popularly known as the Zen Tournament. After the dust of the final battle on Godzilla settled, the attendees finished making up their pairings for the tournament. As neither Tim nor Brian had arranged a partner, the tournament director (this reporter) suggested that they should get together and form a champions’ team, and they did. Christy, who as yet had not participated in league activities but had often visited the league, decided to play and paired with Nathan. Past league participant Orneal also stopped by, offering to play only if someone was needed to even up the teams, but we ended up with an even number this time. It was a festive tournament, being so close to the holidays, and Christy also brought candy sleighs and Christmas cards for everyone.
Ultimately, the Dream Team of Derik and Danny defeated the Champs Team of Tim and Brian in a final match that ended up Black Knight: Sword of Rage. This is the second consecutive win by the Derik-Danny combo.