As September drew to a close, the North Mountain Brewing Company in Phoenix was abuzz with excitement. The venue, known for its craft beers and camaraderie, was about to host a showdown of a different kind: The North Mountain Brewing Co. September Pinball Tournament!
The Stage is Set
The sun bore down upon Phoenix with a toasty 94°F, but inside the Brewing Co., things were cooler in more ways than one. Beginning at 1:00 PM, the 4 hours and a half hour long contest saw 18 pinball wizards competing across 8 challenging rounds. Each round was a display of strategy, skill, and a touch of luck as players racked up points with every flip and tilt.
In the Pinball Limelight: Avengers Assemble!
The stand-out game of the tournament came in Round 8 on Stern’s Avengers: Infinity Quest (Premium), released in October 2020. Dave Halley, with an impressive IFPA rank of 586, cinched first place, leaving Paul Blanco and John Finnegan in his wake. Tim Pomeroy bravely fought but found himself in the fourth spot.
And the Champions Are…
After an intense day filled with flippers, flashing lights, and fanaticism, the top players emerged:
- Will McKinney: A consistent performer, maintaining his winning streak.
- Mark Pearson: Always a formidable presence in any pinball contest.
- Dave Halley: Making a splash, especially after his spectacular Round 8 performance.
- Gavin Bowman: Demonstrating that rank is just a number when it comes to raw talent.
Legendary Machines
The brewery was lined with a total of 10 iconic pinball machines, each a testament to the evolution of the game. Highlights included the rocking Rush (Premium) by Stern, the spooky Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium), and the dino-packed Jurassic Park (Premium). Not to forget the classic hits of Metallica (Pro) and the brand-new Foo Fighters (Pro). Each table had its own charm, challenges, and cheers from the crowd.
The Venue Vibe
While the North Mountain Brewing Company’s website might provide a glimpse into its offerings, it truly must be experienced firsthand. From the bubbling vats of brewing beer to the whizzing sounds of the pinball machines, it’s a haven for both beer lovers and arcade aficionados.
The Cream of the Crop: IFPA Standings
As the tournament concluded, here’s how the top pinball players in Arizona stacked up:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roland Nadeau | Phoenix | 671.64 |
| 2 | John Shopple | Mesa | 592.14 |
| 3 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 588.85 |
| 4 | Adam Horton | Phoenix | 352.69 |
| 5 | John Magyar | Gilbert | 351.78 |
| 6 | Kevan Carter | Tempe | 320.85 |
| 7 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 312.19 |
| 8 | Paul Blanco | Chandler | 309.72 |
| 9 | Joey Rio | Surprise | 309.24 |
| 10 | Walter Dony | Phoenix | 280.56 |
As the evening sun set over Phoenix, the North Mountain Brewing Co. returned to its usual hum of relaxed conversations and clinking glasses. But for those who attended, the memories of flippers flying, balls bouncing, and the sweet taste of victory (or defeat) would remain.
Keep those fingers nimble, and see you at the next showdown! For more pinball news and updates, keep it locked right here.