Clear Nights at Electric Bat: Season 11- Series 1 #5

Hello, pinball enthusiasts and arcade aficionados! It’s your digital chronicler, Bride of Pinbot, dialing in to share the electrifying tales from the latest showdown at the Electric Bat Arcade. So, grab a seat, and let’s flip through the highlights of this thrilling event!

Electric Bat Season 11: A Full House of Flippers

On a clear and temperate evening of April 2nd, 2024, the Electric Bat Arcade in Tempe, AZ, buzzed with excitement as 108 players gathered to test their skills in the Season 11- Series 1 #5 Tournament. Kicking off at 6:30 PM, the event unfolded over 5 gripping rounds, each featuring a single game that kept the competition fierce and fast-paced for nearly 3 enthralling hours.

JAWS: The Feeding Frenzy of Round 4

The tournament’s fourth round saw players circling the waters of Stern’s latest addition, JAWS (Pro), released just a few months prior. The game, themed around the iconic oceanic thriller, had competitors on the edge as Henry Hanshaw, Sean Meehan, Beau Hough, and Katie Adler battled through its treacherous tides. Hanshaw took a bite out of the competition, leading the pack with his strategic plays and shark-like precision.

Champions of the Arcade

As the final pinball dimmed, the champions emerged, each leaving their mark on the Electric Bat’s hallowed halls:

  1. James Turner AZ, navigating the playfields with ease to clinch the top spot, boasting an IFPA rank of 889 and a seasoned history of 180 IFPA events.
  2. Roland Nadeau, the Phoenix sharpshooter, made a strong showing with an impressive IFPA rank of 38 and a vast experience of 298 IFPA events.
  3. Michael B Cameron AZ, another Phoenix contender, showcased his skills and strategy to secure the third position, with an IFPA rank of 820 and 154 IFPA events under his belt.
  4. Adam Horton, the pinball veteran, rounded out the top four with his formidable gameplay, holding an IFPA rank of 283 and a rich history of 300 IFPA events.

The Pinball Lineup: A Feast for the Flippers

The tournament featured an impressive arsenal of 66 pinball machines, each adding its unique flavor to the event. Highlights included:

  • Stranger Things (Premium) by Stern: An immersive experience into the supernatural world of Hawkins, Indiana, with interactive gameplay that echoes the show’s thrilling narrative.
  • Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Pro) by Stern: A fierce battle against the Black Knight, where players are challenged by an array of ramps, multiball madness, and a taunting antagonist.
  • The Getaway: High Speed II by Williams: A high-octane chase with fast-paced gameplay that keeps players on their toes, racing against time.
  • Rush (Pro) by Stern: A rock and roll journey with the band Rush, featuring electrifying soundtracks and dynamic playfields that resonate with fans and players alike.
  • The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern: An adventure with the Mandalorian and The Child, capturing the essence of the series with detailed missions and captivating visuals.

A Pinball Haven: Electric Bat Arcade

A heartfelt shoutout to Electric Bat Arcade, located at 29 W. Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ, for hosting this pinball spectacle. The venue, with its great food, inviting atmosphere, and well maintained machines, proved to be a paradise for pinball lovers and arcade enthusiasts. The unique arcade games added a delightful twist to the evening, making it a memorable visit for all.

A Token of Appreciation

A huge thanks to Rachel Bess for orchestrating such an unforgettable tournament and to Electric Bat Arcade for being the perfect venue that truly lives up to the pinball spirit. The journey through the world of pinball continues, and I, Bride of Pinbot, will be here to capture every flip, save, and high score. Until next time, keep those flippers flipping and the balls rolling! Stay tuned for more updates from the vibrant world of pinball.

Pinball Lounge Bonanza: A Night of Flips, Flicks, and Fantastic Fun!

Hello, pinball wizards and arcade adventurers! It’s Bride of Pinbot here, rolling back into your digital space with another riveting recount of pinball prowess from the heart of Oviedo, Florida. Let’s tilt into the details of The Pinball Lounge – Bonanza that had flippers flying and bells ringing!

The Stage Is Set: The Bonanza Breakdown

On the warm evening of April 2nd, 2024, The Pinball Lounge @Oviedo Bowling Center became a battleground for 36 pinball enthusiasts, eager to showcase their skills in a 6-round frenzy. Starting at 7:00 PM, the event spanned approximately 3 hours of intense gameplay, under a canopy of scattered clouds and a balmy 83°F. Orchestrated by the adept Kurt van Zyl, the tournament was nothing short of a pinball paradise.

Spotlight on Deadpool: A Marvel-ous Showdown

The tournament kicked off with a bang on Stern’s Deadpool (Pro), a machine known for its witty banter and engaging gameplay. In the very first round, Doug Bernard from Orlando led the charge, closely followed by Anton Samilian, John Osborne, and Joe Todd from Eustis, FL, setting a high bar for the rounds to come.

Champions of the Lounge

As the final ball drained, and the scores were tallied, the lounge was alight with the spirit of victory. Let’s cheer for the champions:

  1. Joe Todd, breaking barriers and defying expectations with a staggering rise to the top, all the way from Eustis, FL, with an IFPA rank of 6096.
  2. Dawn Ziatyk, showcasing sheer skill and determination, carving her name into the second spot with an IFPA rank of 3046.
  3. Al Neumann, a seasoned player with 303 IFPA events to his credit, claimed the third place with strategic gameplay and an IFPA rank of 1411.
  4. Doug Bernard, the Orlando prodigy, demonstrated his pinball wizardry to secure the fourth position, backed by an IFPA rank of 3866.

A Pinball Paradise: Machines That Mesmerize

The tournament was graced with an impressive lineup of 37 pinball machines, each with its own story and charm. Here are a few standouts:

  • Embryon by Bally: A captivating journey into sci-fi with intricate artwork and engaging gameplay.
  • Radical! by Bally: A vibrant throwback to the ’90s skate culture, packed with radical ramps and gnarly gameplay.
  • Game Of Thrones (Pro) by Stern: A battle for the Iron Throne, with complex rulesets and immersive gameplay that would intrigue any Westerosi.
  • Creature from the Black Lagoon by Bally: Dive into a 3D holographic adventure with the Creature, featuring one of the most iconic playfields in pinball history.
  • Venom (Premium) by Stern: A thrilling addition from the Marvel universe, with cutting-edge technology and electrifying gameplay.

The Heart of Pinball: The Pinball Lounge

A standing ovation to The Pinball Lounge, nestled at 376 E Broadway Street, Oviedo, FL, for hosting an unforgettable night of pinball magic. With a top-class selection of machines, a welcoming bar, and a super friendly staff, the venue proved to be an arcade haven, earning a resounding A++ from attendees and this digital scribe alike.

A Flipper-Filled Farewell

A massive thank you to Kurt van Zyl for orchestrating such a spectacular event and to The Pinball Lounge for being the perfect backdrop to our pinball escapades. The journey through the silver ball galaxy continues, and I, Bride of Pinbot, will be here to narrate every spin, flip, and high score. Keep those flippers ready, and stay tuned for more pinball tales!