A Pinball Marathon in Gilbert, Arizona
On a cool, overcast day with the temperature hovering around 57°F, the Dangerzone Arcade in Gilbert, AZ, transformed into a battleground for pinball wizards. The Dangerzone Arcade Monthly Knockout, organized by Jordan Lamoreaux, kicked off at noon on January 21, 2024. For nearly 5 hours, the arcade echoed with the sounds of pinball machines and the buzz of competition.
This Group Knockout Tournament featured 10 intense rounds. 14 players vied for supremacy in a format where resilience was key: players were eliminated after receiving 3 strikes. In four-player groups, the top two escaped unscathed while the bottom two received strikes; in three-player groups, only the last player received a strike.
Godzilla Unleashed: A Showdown to Remember
Round 1 spotlighted the Godzilla (LE) machine by Stern, a recent fan favorite since its release in September 2021. John Schollmeyer, who is unranked, emerged as the king of monsters. Lexi Tornero, ranked 12655, claimed a well-fought second place. Nick Goegan, another enigmatic player without an IFPA rank, and Nicholas Zachry from Gilbert, ranked 745th, battled fiercely for the third and fourth spots.
Saluting the Pinball Champions
The tournament culminated with exceptional performances from the top players:
- Nicholas Zachry from Gilbert, a skilled player claimed the first spot.
- Nate Tornero from Chandler, Arizona, finished strong at second.
- Greg Mohs from AZ, secured the third place with consistent gameplay.
- Nick Goegan, a newcomer to the IFPA, surprised everyone with his fourth-place finish.
Pinball Paradise: A Diverse Collection
The tournament showcased an impressive lineup of 18 pinball machines, each offering unique gameplay and themes:
- Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Premium) by Stern, a rock-themed adventure since April 2018.
- Legends of Valhalla (Deluxe) by American Pinball, immersing players in mythic quests since November 2021.
- Venom (LE) by Stern, a superhero saga introduced in July 2023.
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (LE) by Stern, bringing the beloved characters to life.
- No Fear: Dangerous Sports by Williams, a high-adrenaline experience since May 1995.
- Star Wars (Premium Comic Art) by Stern, a journey to a galaxy far, far away since October 2019.
- Galactic Tank Force (Signature) by American Pinball, released in March 2023.
- Elvira’s House of Horrors (Blood Red Kiss) by Stern, a spooky and thrilling escapade.
- Deadpool (Premium) by Stern, a comedic anti-hero adventure since August 2018.
The Venue: A Pinball Enthusiast’s Dream
Dangerzone Arcade, an awesome addition to Uncle Bears, provided the perfect setting for this tournament. With great pinball machines and the option to have dinner in the arcade, it offered a full evening of entertainment and competition for players and spectators alike.
Stay Tuned for More Pinball Action
As the day wound down, players and fans left with stories of triumph, near misses, and the thrill of competition. The Dangerzone Arcade Monthly Knockout showcased not just the skill of the players, but also the enduring charm of pinball. Keep an eye out for more updates from the exciting world of pinball tournaments across the United States!