On a slightly chilly evening of February 6th, 2024, the Electric Bat Arcade in Tempe, Arizona, became the battleground for pinball enthusiasts as they gathered for the Electric Bat Season 10- Series 2 #3 pinball tournament. Organized by Rachel Bess, the event was a vibrant mix of clinking glasses, buzzing machines, and the palpable excitement of competitors vying for pinball supremacy.
A Venue That’s More Than Just an Arcade
Electric Bat Arcade, with its inviting ambiance and an impressive array of 61 pinball machines, was more than just a venue; it was a pinball paradise. The atmosphere was electric, with staff exuding warmth and patrons, many of whom were regulars, adding to the welcoming vibe. Between the delicious food, well-priced drinks, and the largest weekly pinball league/tournament, Electric Bat proved to be a haven for both casual players and serious pinball wizards.
A Tournament of Skill and Strategy
The tournament structure was intense, with 5 rounds of gameplay and 113 players battling it out for the top spot. Each round was a crucial opportunity to earn points, and with just one game per round, there was little room for error. The competition was fierce, but the spirit of camaraderie amongst players was unmistakable.
One of the tournament highlights was a nail-biting showdown on the Aerosmith pinball machine by Stern. Greg Davis from Phoenix, with an IFPA rank of 252, took the lead in this round, showcasing an impressive blend of skill and strategy. Mark Pearson, Mike McClure from Glendale, AZ, and Coy Cameron followed closely, each delivering a strong performance that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.
Celebrating the Champions
As the final round came to a close, the champions of the tournament were revealed:
- John Shopple from Mesa, AZ, emerged as the tournament winner. With an IFPA rank of 101 and a veteran of 384 IFPA events, John’s experience and skill were evident in his gameplay.
- Greg Davis, also from Phoenix, clinched the second spot. His stellar performance in the “Aerosmith” round was a highlight of the tournament.
- Roland Nadeau, another Phoenix local, secured the third place. With an IFPA rank of 48, Roland’s prowess on the pinball field is well recognized.
- Adam Horton rounded out the top four, demonstrating why he’s considered one of the top players with his consistent high-level play.
A Salute to Pinball Greats
The tournament featured an eclectic selection of machines, from the cosmic adventures of Andromeda to the fast-paced action of Terminator 2: Judgment Day. The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern and Medieval Madness (Remake) by Chicago Gaming were crowd favorites, offering players a blend of modern features and classic pinball gameplay. Whirlwind and Deadpool (Pro) also added to the diverse lineup, ensuring there was something for every pinball enthusiast.
A Heartfelt Thanks
As the evening wound down and the scores were tallied, it was time to extend a heartfelt thank you to Rachel Bess for organizing such a fantastic event and to the Electric Bat Arcade for providing the perfect setting for this pinball showdown. The Electric Bat Season 10- Series 2 #3 tournament was a testament to the vibrant and inclusive pinball community that thrives in Tempe, AZ.
Stay tuned for more updates from the electrifying world of pinball, where every flipper action can lead to victory and every game is a new adventure!