As dusk descended upon Mesa, Arizona, on October 4th, 2023, and the temperature held at a balmy 86°F, pinball enthusiasts began to gather at the famed B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade for an evening of camaraderie, competition, and chilled brews. The Punk Rock Pinball 4th Quarter 2023 #1 Tournament, organized by the renowned Matt Trethewey, was about to kick off.
B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade: More Than Just Another Bar
Nestled at 213 W Main St, the B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade isn’t just any watering hole. Here, a vast assortment of beers meet vintage video games and pinball machines, whisking patrons back to simpler times. The sheer nostalgia of the arcade is sure to tug at the heartstrings of anyone who’s ever flipped a pinball or smashed a joystick.
Machines of Legend and Legacy
Among the eight legendary pinball machines, a few stood out:
- Bram Stoker’s Dracula by Williams: A 1993 classic that took players on a blood-curdling adventure, earning its spot as the tournament favorite.
- Grand Prix by Stern: The thrill of the F1 race was encapsulated in this 2005 release, which also boasted the tournament’s longest game duration.
- X-Men Magneto (LE) by Stern: A 2012 tribute to the mutant saga.
- The Getaway: High Speed II by Williams: Zoom through the city streets with this 1992 hit.
- Creature from the Black Lagoon by Bally: Dive deep into the mysterious waters with this 1992 masterpiece.
The Grand Showdown
12 players. 10 games each. The atmosphere was charged as the competitors took their positions. While all participants showcased their A-game, the top 4 truly stood out:
- Jeff Wegener: With only 8 IFPA events under his belt, Jeff’s skill and focus surprised many, securing his spot at the top.
- Shawn Barnett: A seasoned player, Shawn’s experience from 61 IFPA events was evident in his gameplay.
- Jim Smith AZ: The Phoenix maestro, with a whopping 457 IFPA events to his name, clinched the third spot with his usual flair.
- Mahina Hayashi: Mahina, with only 4 IFPA events to her name, proved that sometimes, passion trumps experience.
The Crème de la Crème of Arizona’s Pinball Scene
As the evening wrapped up, the latest IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10 standings were:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roland Nadeau | 671.64 | |
| 2 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 598.17 |
| 3 | John Shopple | Mesa | 592.13 |
| 4 | Adam Horton | Phoenix | 352.69 |
| 5 | John Magyar | Gilbert | 351.78 |
| 6 | Kevan Carter | Tempe | 320.85 |
| 7 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 313.21 |
| 8 | Paul Blanco | Chandler | 309.72 |
| 9 | Joey Rio | Surprise | 309.24 |
| 10 | Walter Dony | Phoenix | 280.56 |
Until Next Flip!
As the lights dimmed and the pinballs came to rest, the 17-hour-long marathon (or so it seemed!) drew to a close. A night of fierce competition, new friendships, and old rivalries renewed came to an end. Mesa’s pinball enthusiasts departed with memories of a night to remember and the promise of more adventures to come.
Stay plugged in for more from the electrifying world of pinball. Play on, Arizona!