The streets of Mesa, Arizona were abuzz with excitement as the sun cast a gentle warmth of 85°F under a clear sky. As the golden hour approached, the B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade’s neon lights gleamed, signaling the onset of the “Punk Rock Pinball 4th Quarter 2023 #2” tournament on October 11, 2023.
An Enigmatic Elapsed Time – A Glitch in the Matrix?
Starting at a prompt 6:30 PM, this pinball showdown was noted to last a whopping 37 hours and 54 minutes! Could it be a slip in the time-space continuum or a mere mishap by MatchPlay Matt? Only the machines might know!
At the Heart of the Game
Hosted at the iconic B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade on 213 W Main St, Mesa, the event was orchestrated by the savvy Matt Trethewey. With 10 games a pop, 14 players unleashed their skills, battling flipper to flipper for the ultimate glory.
Machines of Honor
- Junk Yard by Williams – Reigning supreme with 11 electrifying games.
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro) by Stern – Not just a game but an endurance test, averaging a captivating 12-minute per play.
- The Walking Dead (Premium) by Stern – Resurrecting the thrills since 2015.
- X-Men Magneto (LE) by Stern – A magnetic attraction since 2012.
- Grand Prix by Stern – Accelerating heart rates since 2005.
Victory Bells Ring!
- 1st: Mayia Hayashi – The surprise package with 6 magnificent wins.
- 2nd: Nick Goegan of Chandler AZ – An impressive tally of 4 victories.
- 3rd: Dave Halley – An embodiment of experience and strategy.
- 4th: John Magyar of Arizona – With 6 wins, proving that rankings aren’t everything.
The Venue – A Portal to the ’80s
B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade offers more than games. Its 80’s ambiance, heady with tunes from The Cure and a splendid variety of beers, creates the perfect setting for both kid and adult players. Just remember, the young ones need to teleport out by 7 pm!
Arizona’s Pinball Titans
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roland Nadeau | – | 671.64 |
| 2 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 607.87 |
| 3 | John Shopple | Mesa | 591.98 |
| 4 | Adam Horton | Phoenix | 378.21 |
| 5 | John Magyar | Gilbert | 351.77 |
| 6 | Paul Blanco | Chandler | 341.8 |
| 7 | Kevan Carter | Tempe | 320.85 |
| 8 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 313.19 |
| 9 | Joey Rio | Surprise | 309.16 |
| 10 | Walter Dony | Phoenix | 280.56 |
As the night drew to an end and the neon lights dimmed, stories of prowess, rivalries, and nail-biting finishes remained etched in the memories of those present. Keep those flippers ready, Arizona; the pinball saga continues!