Picture this: the sun sets over Mesa, Arizona, the desert heat starts to subside, and the B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade lights flicker on, signaling the start of an underground revolution. But instead of mosh pits and guitars, the stars of the show are pinball flippers and bumpers. Yes, it’s the Punk Rock Pinball Tournament Week 12, and if you think pinball can’t rock, well, buddy, you haven’t been to a tournament organized by Matt Trethewey.
The Tournament Where Everyone Was a Rockstar
As the clock hit 6:30 PM, 13 players stepped into the proverbial ring, going head-to-head in 10 frenzied games each. For an electrifying 2 hours and 25 minutes, participants were not just competing against each other but also racing against the clock. It was raw, it was intense, and it was most definitely punk rock.
X-Men Magneto (LE) Takes the Stage
Even in a sea of high-speed, intense games, X-Men Magneto (LE) by Stern stood out, becoming the undisputed fan-favorite with nine games played. The machine had participants hooked with its magnetic features (pun totally intended), challenging them to bring their A-game. Following closely behind was Whirlwind by Williams, with the longest average game duration at around 10 minutes, making it the “Stairway to Heaven” of pinball games for the night.
An Unexpected Win for the Underdog
The winner of the night was none other than Jeff Wegener, who boasts an IFPA ranking of 4163 and has only participated in eight IFPA events. Despite his rookie status, he racked up 5 wins, showing that even in the world of pinball, punk rock’s underdog ethos is alive and well.
A Vibrant Venue with a Twist
If you’re wondering about the venue, let’s just say B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade is a true pinball haven. But it’s not just the games that have people talking; it’s the ales and the atmosphere. With a variety of beers and an open policy on outside food, it’s a venue that offers a complete experience. And if you’re in the mood to mix it up, there’s always downtown Mesa just a flipper’s flick away.
Arizona’s Pinball Elite
Just to set the scene a little more, here’s a snapshot of Arizona’s Pinball Top 10:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roland Nadeau | 671.68 | |
| 2 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 588.17 |
| 3 | John Shopple | Mesa | 569.41 |
| 4 | John Magyar | Gilbert | 351.79 |
| 5 | Kevan Carter | Tempe | 320.85 |
| 6 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 312.19 |
| 7 | Adam Horton | Phoenix | 310.26 |
| 8 | Paul Blanco | Chandler | 305.5 |
| 9 | Joey Rio | Surprise | 282.01 |
| 10 | Walter dony | Phoenix | 280.57 |
For all the pinball aficionados out there, it’s worth mentioning that Jim Smith AZ, with an IFPA rank of 455 and 452 total IFPA events, couldn’t break past 4th place. It just goes to show, in the world of punk rock pinball, anything can happen.
In true punk rock fashion, the night was a testament to the spirit of fun, competitiveness, and community that lives in the heart of pinball culture. And if this is how Week 12 went down, just imagine what future weeks hold. So, stay tuned for more updates from the electrifying world of pinball.