On August 10, 2023, a unique pinball tournament unfolded at the Tucson Indoor Sports Center, attracting 12 pinball enthusiasts and filling the atmosphere with buzzers, bells, and plenty of flashing lights. Organized by Wayne Saeger, this tournament was not just about high scores; it was a test of endurance, skill, and strategic thinking, epitomized by a game that lasted almost an hour.
The Never-Ending Game
Astonishingly, the longest game of the tournament unfolded during Round 6 on “Godzilla (Premium)” by Stern, a machine that is barely two years old. For 55 minutes and 49 seconds, Wayne Saeger, Ben Clement, Andy Rouse, and Kevin Anderson AZ went toe-to-toe, flipper-to-flipper in a marathon match. Wayne Saeger, the organizer and a participant, snagged first place in this lengthy game, with Ben Clement trailing right behind him. But what was their secret? Long-term concentration and precise aim were the buzzwords of this battle, with each player meticulously calculating each shot to milk the game for all it was worth.
The Final Showdown
Despite the seemingly endless match on “Godzilla,” the tournament came to a conclusion with some expected and some surprising results. Ben Clement from Marana, AZ, emerged as the overall winner, besting even the organizer Wayne Saeger. Ben, holding an IFPA rank of 378 and having participated in 341 IFPA events, proved that experience and composure could reign supreme. Wayne Saeger took the second spot, followed by Derek Jordan and John Finnegan, who rounded out the top four.
The Classic and the Contemporary
The tournament boasted an eclectic array of 11 pinball machines, featuring classics like “Old Chicago” by Bally from April 1976 and modern hits like “The Walking Dead (Pro)” by Stern from October 2014. Each machine offered unique challenges that tested the participants’ adaptability. “Attack from Mars,” released by Bally in 1995, saw players strategizing around its notorious Martians, while “Metallica (Pro)” required a completely different skill set with its complex playfield.
Sports and Pinball: An Unusual Marriage
Now, let’s talk about the venue, the Tucson Indoor Sports Center, usually a haven for hockey enthusiasts. One might say that pinball and hockey are an odd mix, but the venue worked surprisingly well. The staff were welcoming, and the pinball machines felt right at home alongside the hockey tiles. Whether you were a local or, like one reviewer, a San Jose native in Tucson on vacation to play some hockey, the venue promised a great time to all.
The Top Players in Arizona
Before wrapping up, let’s look at the IFPA Arizona Top 10 Standings:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roland Nadeau | 605.27 | |
| 2 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 535.5 |
| 3 | John Shopple | Mesa | 519.46 |
| 4 | John Magyar | Gilbert | 315.34 |
| 5 | Paul Blanco | Chandler | 303.5 |
| 6 | Kevan Carter | Tempe | 295.36 |
| 7 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 292.29 |
| 8 | Joey Rio | Surprise | 282 |
| 9 | Adam Horton | Phoenix | 276.75 |
| 10 | Andrew Roesch | 255.02 |
In the grand scheme of Arizona’s pinball scene, the tournament was a microcosm of the diverse talents and characters that populate this ever-entertaining sport. As the flippers come to a rest and the lights dim for now, the participants and spectators alike can’t help but anticipate what’s next in the realm of Arizona pinball. After all, the only predictable thing about pinball is its unpredictability. Stay tuned!