On a day graced with broken clouds and a comfortable 61°F, the Dangerzone Arcade became the battleground for the most recent IFPA pinball face-off. The “Dangerzone Arcade Knockout Tournament” saw 16 players in a strategic dance of flippers and silver balls, where the fine line between victory and defeat was as narrow as the gap between the flippers.
The Strategy and the Strike
This wasn’t your average pinball skirmish. With a Group Knockout format that spanned 10 intense rounds, players had to navigate the treacherous waters of competition with the precision of a pinball wizard. The rules were clear: avoid the bottom to dodge the strikes, but as every pinball aficionado knows, the game always has the final say.
The Battle of the Bands: Foo Fighters Faceoff
Among the plethora of games that filled the arcade, it was the Foo Fighters (LE) pinball machine that stole the spotlight in Round 2. Bruce Thatcher, an enigmatic figure with no IFPA ranking, rose to the challenge, outmaneuvering seasoned players like Alex Carlin from Chandler, AZ, and Mollie Stoltenberg. This round wasn’t just a game; it was a testament to the unpredictability and sheer excitement of pinball.
The Champions of the Arcade
As the dust settled and the last ball drained, a new set of pinball legends emerged. Greg Mohs claimed the top spot, with his expertise solidifying his place in the IFPA ranks. Hot on his heels were Keegan Crandall, John Finnegan from Tucson, and Jason Barre from Mesa, AZ, each demonstrating that skill, experience, and perhaps a touch of luck are the ingredients for pinball success.
A Showcase of Pinball Mastery
The tournament featured an impressive array of pinball machines, from the ninja antics of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (LE) to the mythological adventures on Legends of Valhalla (Deluxe). The Deadpool (Premium) machine provided laughs and challenges in equal measure, while JAWS (LE) and Star Wars (Premium Comic Art) transported players to cinematic worlds, all within the confines of the Dangerzone.
An Arcade Unlike Any Other
Dangerzone Arcade, nestled in Uncle Bears Brewery in Gilbert, AZ, provided the perfect backdrop for this pinball saga. With its eclectic mix of games and a family-friendly atmosphere that caters to both the young and the young-at-heart, it’s a haven where the love for pinball and good times converge.
A Salute to the Masters of the Arcade
As we close the chapter on this thrilling tournament, our hats go off to Jordan Lamoreaux and the entire Dangerzone Arcade team. Their dedication to the pinball community turns every tournament into a memorable event. So, keep your flippers ready and your eyes on the silver ball, for the world of pinball has more adventures in store, and we’ll be here to share every flip, tilt, and high score.