The Starfighters Monthly pinball tournament, held on January 13, 2024, at Starfighters Arcade in Mesa, Arizona, was a fight to defend the frontier against Xur and the KoDan armada. The event, expertly organized by Kevin Curtis, spanned over 6 hours and featured a unique Group Knockout format. In this intense competition, 79 players faced off across 14 rounds, with eliminations occurring after accumulating 3 strikes. The format added an extra layer of strategy, as players in four-player groups aimed to avoid being in the bottom two to dodge strikes, while in three-player groups, the last place was more perilous.
A Jurassic Showdown
In Round 2, the spotlight shone brightly on the Jurassic Park (Premium) machine by Stern. Released in October 2019, this machine transported players to a prehistoric world filled with challenges. Jon Soares from Phoenix, emerged victorious in this round. He was followed by Greg Mohs from Arizona, Nick Goegan from Chandler, AZ, and Kevin Curtis himself, demonstrating the high level of competition.
The Pinball Champions
The tournament culminated with remarkable performances from some the top players in the state:
- Roland Nadeau: IFPA rank 55, with 288 IFPA events under his belt.
- Mark Pearson: IFPA rank 43, a veteran of 556 IFPA events.
- Nate Tornero: IFPA rank 1310, with 23 events to his name.
- Ben Clement: IFPA rank 311, having participated in 357 IFPA events.
A Diverse Array of Challenges
The tournament featured an impressive lineup of 36 pinball machines, each bringing its unique flair to the competition. Some notable mentions include:
- Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure by Williams (1993): An adventure-filled machine that takes players on an archaeological journey.
- Halloween (CE) by Spooky Pinball (2021): A recent addition that brings a spooky twist to the pinball experience.
- Doctor Who by Bally (1992): A classic that takes players on a time-traveling adventure with the famous Time Lord.
- Airborne by Capcom (1996): Offering high-flying excitement and dynamic gameplay.
- Fathom (Mermaid) by Haggis Pinball (2022): A deep-sea exploration game with a modern touch.
- White Water by Williams (1993): A wild ride through rapids and waterfalls.
- Star Trek: The Next Generation by Williams (1993): An interstellar journey with the beloved Star Trek crew.
- Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Premium) by Stern (2019): A battle against the fearsome Black Knight.
- Heavy Metal by Stern (2020): Rock and roll meets pinball in this energetic game.
Nostalgia and Fun at Starfighters Arcade
Starfighters Arcade is not just a venue; it’s a nostalgic journey back to the ’80s and ’90s arcade culture. For less than $13, players get unlimited playtime, surrounded by over 100 arcade and pinball games. The place buzzes with excitement, yet it never feels too crowded to enjoy a game. With a snack section, drink machines, and friendly staff, the arcade also serves as a perfect spot for birthday parties. It’s a place where both kids and adults can have a blast, often leaving adults wondering who had more fun.
Stay tuned for more updates from the vibrant world of pinball! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just discovering the joys of pinball, there’s always something new and exciting in this dynamic and skillful sport. Keep flipping those flippers, and who knows, you might be the next name in the spotlight at a future tournament!