With a clear blue Arizona sky overhead, sun beaming gently at a comfortable 81°F, the vibes inside Starfighters Arcade on the morning of October 14th were anything but tranquil. Here, in this retro sanctuary nestled in the heart of Mesa, AZ, young pinball enthusiasts convened for a duel of dexterity and strategy.
Setting The Stage: The Tournament Overview
Organized by the indefatigable Kevin Curtis and showcased on Starfighters Arcade’s website, the tournament saw 26 spirited young competitors square off over 4 high-intensity rounds. Each competitor had their eyes on the prize, with the promise of pinball glory only 48 minutes away.
The Ghostbusters Showdown
Fast forward to Round 4, and the ambiance was at its peak. Stern’s Ghostbusters (Pro) took center stage, its dazzling lights mirroring the players’ burning ambitions. Jason C. showed true mastery, clinching 1st place. Jamil M., though a force to reckon with, had to settle for 2nd, while Tatum V. and Chase V. followed in quick succession.
Honoring the Pinball Prodigies
While every player brought their A-game, the final leaderboard reflected those who outshined the rest:
- 1st: Jason C. – The day’s unstoppable force.
- 2nd: Alex G. – Pinball precision personified.
- 3rd: Graham H. – A master of angles and reflexes.
- 4th: Jamil M. – Passionate play, personified.
A Journey Through Pinball History
Starfighters’ selection for the tournament was nothing short of legendary:
- Attack from Mars – A 1995 classic that’s still invading our hearts.
- The Addams Family – Creepy, kooky, and absolutely iconic since 1992.
- Godzilla (Premium) – Unleashing monstrous fun since 2021.
- Star Wars (Premium) – A galaxy of adventure since 2017.
- Ghostbusters (Pro) – Who you gonna call for a good time? Stern, evidently!
Venue Vibes: All About Starfighters Arcade
Inside an industrial building, adjacent to Falcon Field Airport, Starfighters Arcade is a testament to gaming’s golden era. $11 grants you access to an unparalleled retro collection, devoid of coin-swipe hassles. With a fun layout, affordable drinks, and a friendly staff, it’s a haven for gamers young and old.
Arizona’s Top Pinball Maestros
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roland Nadeau | Not Specified | 671.64 |
| 2 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 607.86 |
| 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 | 313.18 |
| 9 | Joey Rio | Surprise | 309.15 |
| 10 | Walter Dony | Phoenix | 280.56 |
The echoes of flippers and steel balls might have faded for now, but the memories made during Starfighters Kids Monthly will linger for a long time. Keep the ball rolling, Arizona!