The searing heat of Arizona’s sun might have been unrelenting, but inside the Electric Bat Arcade in Tempe, a different kind of heat was generating – the competitive fire of 107 pinball enthusiasts. On September 26, 2023, these players clashed flippers in a fierce battle that lasted almost 11 hours.
An Epic Venue
The Electric Bat Arcade, a vintage gamer’s paradise, once again hosted a major pinball showdown. With a range of games from Tekken to Dolly Parton’s 1978 classic pinball, the arcade is every gamer’s wonderland. Not just limited to games, the attached bar and accessible restrooms ensure you can take strategic breaks between matches. And if you’re driving in? Ample parking ensures you won’t be circling the block.
The Game that had everyone Talking
Round 4 was a nail-biter as players faced off on Godzilla (Premium), Stern’s 2021 hit. Notably, Mark Pearson (with an impressive IFPA rank of 34) claimed the top spot in that round, beating out competitors with far lower rankings. It’s these underdog moments, where lesser-known players challenge the veterans, that make the sport so unpredictable and thrilling.
Crowning the Champions
At the end of a day filled with flippers, flashing lights, and frenzied excitement, the top spots were claimed by:
- Peter Schatzer – Proving that you don’t always need the lowest IFPA rank to come out on top.
- John Shopple – A local hero, making Mesa proud.
- Henry Hanshaw – A testament to consistency and skill.
- Roland Nadeau – Further cementing his position as one of Arizona’s top players.
Machines that Made a Mark
With 62 machines to choose from, players had a variety of eras and styles at their fingertips. Some of the standout tables included classics like Sorcerer, Creature from the Black Lagoon, and WHO dunnit. The newest addition, Scooby-Doo (CE), released earlier this year by Spooky Pinball, added a touch of modern flair to the vintage lineup.
State of the State
Here’s the IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10 Standings as of now:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roland Nadeau | Phoenix | 672.27 |
| 2 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 589.29 |
| 3 | John Shopple | Mesa | 570.05 |
| 4 | John Magyar | Gilbert | 352.79 |
| 5 | Adam Horton | Phoenix | 331.45 |
| 6 | Kevan Carter | Tempe | 321.36 |
| 7 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 312.26 |
| 8 | Joey Rio | Surprise | 309.24 |
| 9 | Paul Blanco | Chandler | 306.33 |
| 10 | Walter dony | Phoenix | 281.38 |
From retro arcades to modern machines, the Electric Bat Season 9 Series 1 #2 pinball tournament showcased the diverse and passionate world of pinball enthusiasts. The excitement doesn’t end here, though. As every pinball player knows, there’s always another game, another challenge, another high score to chase.
Till next time, keep those flippers flipping and stay tuned for more updates from the electrifying world of pinball!