A Wet and Wild Journey to Pinball Glory
On the way to the Player One Arcade in Surprise, AZ, for the much-anticipated Player 1 Arcade Series1 2024 Side Finals, we couldn’t help but chuckle at the desert dwellers navigating the roads in light rain. It’s a well-known fact that a drop of rain can turn the usually calm streets into a scene from a slip-n-slide!
An Evening of Pinball Mastery in Surprise, Arizona
Despite the weather’s best efforts on January 22, 2024, pinball enthusiasts, undeterred by the 56°F and light rain, converged at the Player One Arcade. The event, brilliantly organized by Jim Smith, spanned approximately 2 and a half hours of intense, skillful play.
Star Wars Showdown: A Galactic Battle on the Pinball Front
The tournament’s highlight was undoubtedly the fifth round on the Star Wars (Premium) pinball machine by Stern, a fan favorite since its release in August 2017. Tommy Bizzi, boasting an IFPA rank of 5474, emerged as the master of the galaxy, clinching the first position. Christy Kohtz, from Phoenix, AZ, with a rank of 3070, claimed the second spot, showcasing her force in the pinball universe. Brittany Daniel and Moto secured the third and fourth positions, proving their mettle in the pinball world.
Celebrating the Pinball Prodigies
The tournament concluded with exceptional performances from the top players:
- Tommy Bizzi – IFPA rank 5474, demonstrated exceptional skill across all rounds.
- Juan Silvagnoli – An underdog with an IFPA rank of 12387, amazed everyone with his second-place finish.
- Catcher Knapp – IFPA rank 4911, showed strategic prowess to earn a well-deserved third spot.
- Dave Halley – A seasoned player with an IFPA rank of 602, rounded off the top four.
A Parade of Pinball Machines
The tournament featured a diverse array of 14 pinball machines, each offering a unique experience:
- Cyclone by Williams, taking players on a carnival ride since February 1988.
- Venom (LE) by Stern, a superhero adventure unleashed in July 2023.
- Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern, a journey into the unknown since December 2019.
- Tales of the Arabian Nights by Williams, an all time top 10 pinball mystical experience since May 1996.
- Rush (Pro) by Stern, rocking the pinball world since January 2022.
- Foo Fighters (LE) by Stern, a recent addition as of March 2023.
- The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern, an interstellar adventure since May 2021.
- Led Zeppelin (Pro) by Stern, rocking since December 2020.
Player One Arcade: A Pinball Enthusiast’s Dream
Player One Arcade, with its fantastic array of games and pinball machines, was more than just a venue; it was a haven for gaming enthusiasts. The electric atmosphere, accentuated by live gameplay on TVs, made it a delightful experience for everyone involved.
Next Up: More Pinball Adventures
As the tournament wrapped up, players and fans departed with stories of triumph and near misses, reminiscent of our own adventurous drive to the venue. The Player 1 Arcade Series1 2024 Side Finals not only celebrated the skill of the players but also the enduring charm of pinball. Stay tuned for more updates from the vibrant world of pinball tournaments across major cities in the U.S.!