It was a typical Arizona evening, with the temperature teasing at 95°F but surprisingly feeling cooler than usual. Player One Arcade, Arizona’s own pinball haven, braced itself for an electrifying event: the Player 1 Arcade S3A Side Finals. Organized by the diligent Jim Smith, this tournament promised fierce competition and gripping gameplay.
The Tournament of Tilt
36 pinball aficionados went head to head, maneuvering their way through five intense rounds. Each player aimed to score the highest points in their group, but as the silver ball raced across the playfield, some dreams of victory soared while others, well…tilted. As the minutes ticked on, with a total tournament time of about two and a half hours, a clear winner emerged: Mary Profeta Scardina, an IFPA-ranked powerhouse, took the crown!
Shiny Silverball Spotlight
One game that had everyone on the edge of their seat was during Round 3 on “Rush (Pro)” by Stern. This 2022 machine delivered suspense, drama, and thrill, all wrapped into a 3-ball game. Mary Profeta Scardina dominated, securing 1st place, followed by Timm Shere, Diane Smith, and Joana Delvalle.
Legacy in Machines
Player One Arcade’s stellar collection of pinball machines was the real star. The spotlight shone bright on:
- Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern: A journey into the Upside Down.
- James Bond 007 (Premium) by Stern: The ultimate spy mission.
- The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern: Bounty hunting across the galaxy.
- Star Wars (Premium) by Stern: Reliving the timeless battle of the dark and light side.
- Cyclone by Williams: A whirlwind adventure from 1988, bringing in the nostalgia.
- …and of course, the latest addition, Venom (Pro) by Stern, which has been spewing venomous fun since July 2023.
Player One’s Pizzazz
For anyone unfamiliar with Player One Arcade, a quick visit to their website would do the trick. But for those who’ve been there, they know it’s more than just an arcade. Especially on a Saturday night with a 7-year-old, the array of pinball machines and 80s-90s arcade games, paired with a drink (maybe an IPA or cider), creates hours of cherished memories. A local treasure that’s so much more than just flashing lights and high scores.
Arizona’s Pinball Pros
Here’s how the top players in Arizona’s pinball scene stack up:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roland Nadeau | 672.28 | |
| 2 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 589.29 |
| 3 | John Shopple | Mesa | 570.08 |
| 4 | John Magyar | Gilbert | 352.82 |
| 5 | Adam Horton | Phoenix | 331.5 |
| 6 | Kevan Carter | Tempe | 321.39 |
| 7 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 312.26 |
| 8 | Joey Rio | Surprise | 309.24 |
| 9 | Paul Blanco | Chandler | 306.34 |
| 10 | Walter dony | Phoenix | 281.4 |
As the flippers rest and the lights dim on this memorable evening, one thing remains evident: the pinball community in Arizona is stronger than ever. The silver ball will roll again soon, so stay tuned for more exciting updates from the pulsating realm of pinball!