The pinball world was alive and flipping on August 26, 2023, at the Starfighter Arcade. “Grumpy’s Arcade Classic Battle” was not just a tournament; it was a trip down memory lane, a celebration of all things shiny, buzzy, and bouncy. Organized by the pinball wizard himself, Kevin Curtis, this epic event brought together 31 pinball enthusiasts for an intense multi-round showdown, culminating in a nail-biting finale.
Spa Day in the Future?
Now, if you’re thinking of a relaxing spa day with soothing music and scented candles, think again. Here, at Grumpy’s, it was all about “Future Spa” by Bally—a vintage pinball gem from 1979. The Semifinals saw a scorching match on this classic, with Kevin Curtis bagging the top spot. It was clear that Curtis not only knew how to organize a cracking tournament but also how to dominate on the playfield. John Shopple, John Finnegan, and Walter Dony were right on his tail, making the match a feast for pinball enthusiasts!
The League of Extraordinary Pinballers
The winners of the tournament were nothing short of pinball wizards. Kevin Curtis claimed his throne, followed by John Shopple, Ken Klawitter, and Paul Blanco. A special shout-out to Ken Klawitter, who despite his 2578th IFPA rank and participation in just 17 IFPA events, showcased some brilliant gameplay to finish third. The underdog story, perhaps?
A Blast from the Past
The tournament showcased a dazzling array of 30 pinball machines, with some absolute classics stealing the spotlight. Machines like “Xenon” by Bally, “Charlie’s Angels” by Gottlieb, and the quirky “Mr. & Mrs. Pac-Man” by Bally took players and spectators on a nostalgia-filled trip back to the golden age of arcades. And let’s not forget “Evel Knievel” – a tribute to the daredevil spirit of the ’70s. Ah, those were the days!
Arcade Heaven at Starfighter
Located at Starfighter Arcade, the atmosphere was nothing short of nostalgia galore. As one visitor exclaimed, “What the mother-flipping-F!!??” this was a trip down the memory lane for many. A visitor even lamented about not knowing the arcade existed until recently despite living nearby for years. With the hum of machines like “Spy Hunter” and “Q*Bert”, it was as though time had wrapped itself around the 80s and brought its charm to 2023.
Arizona’s Finest
The tournament also offered a glimpse of Arizona’s finest pinball players. Here’s the IFPA Arizona Top 10 Standings:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roland Nadeau | 605.86 | |
| 2 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 535.9 |
| 3 | John Shopple | Mesa | 520.11 |
| 4 | John Magyar | Gilbert | 316.37 |
| 5 | Paul Blanco | Chandler | 304.33 |
| 6 | Kevan Carter | Tempe | 295.89 |
| 7 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 292.36 |
| 8 | Joey Rio | Surprise | 282 |
| 9 | Adam Horton | Phoenix | 276.82 |
| 10 | Andrew Roesch | 255.21 |
In the world of pinball, where a perfect combination of skill, strategy, and sometimes sheer luck can lead to victory, this tournament was a reminder of the timeless charm of the game. So, here’s a tilt of the hat to all the players, the organizers, and the machines that make it all possible. Until the next clash of the pinball titans, keep those flippers flipping and stay tuned for more updates from the vibrant realm of pinball!