April 28, 2024, saw the much-anticipated Chui’s All Classics Bounty Knockout tournament at the Electric Bat Arcade. The event featured 46 players in a Group Knockout format, with eliminations after four strikes. In four-player groups, the top two players avoided strikes, while the bottom two received two strikes each. In three-player groups, only the last player got a strike. The tournament spanned an intense 17 rounds over five hours.
Electrifying Round 9: Freefall by Stern Electronics
Round 9 of the tournament featured a thrilling match on the classic Freefall pinball machine by Stern Electronics, released on January 1, 1981. Mark Kelber’s skillful play secured his top spot, showcasing the intense competition and strategic gameplay that pinball enthusiasts live for. The competition was fierce:
- Mark Kelber (IFPA rank 3707)
- Paul Hoeprich (IFPA rank 2718)
- Stephen Shufran (IFPA rank 2232)
- Jard Cassell (IFPA rank 395)
Tournament Champions: Celebrating the Winners
A round of applause for the top performers of the Chui’s All Classics Bounty Knockout:
- Roland Nadeau from Phoenix, AZ (IFPA rank 35, 304 events): Roland’s impressive ranking and extensive experience shone through, earning him the first place.
- Ken Klawitter (IFPA rank 1530, 48 events): Ken’s strategic prowess and consistent play earned him the second spot.
- John Shopple from Mesa, AZ (IFPA rank 90, 400 events): John’s vast experience and high ranking brought him to third place.
- Fae Ashley from Chandler, AZ (IFPA rank 1688, 45 events): Fae’s skillful play and determination secured her the fourth position.
Classic Pinball Machines: Stars of the Show
The tournament featured a collection of 16 classic pinball machines, each with unique designs and features. Here are some highlights:
- Stars by Stern Electronics (1978): Known for its engaging gameplay and unique star field design, Stars remains a favorite among classic pinball enthusiasts.
- Night Rider by Bally (1976): This machine captures the spirit of the open road with its motorcycle theme and challenging playfield.
- Black Pyramid by Bally (1984): With its ancient Egyptian theme and intricate playfield, Black Pyramid offers a visually stunning and challenging experience.
- Dolly Parton by Bally (1978): This machine combines country music charm with fast-paced pinball action, featuring artwork and music inspired by Dolly Parton.
- Meteor by Stern Electronics (1979): Known for its space-themed design and exciting gameplay, Meteor continues to be a hit in classic pinball tournaments.
Electric Bat Arcade: The Perfect Venue
The Electric Bat Arcade, located at 29 W. Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282, provided a fantastic setting for the tournament. The atmosphere was vibrant, with a vast selection of pinball machines to choose from. The adjacent Yucca Tap Room offered great drinks at reasonable prices, adding to the overall experience. Although some games cost more than $1.00 per play, the joy of playing classic pinball made it worthwhile.
Closing: A Thank You to the Organizers and Venue
A heartfelt thank you to Rachel Bess for organizing such a memorable event and to the Electric Bat Arcade for hosting it. Stay tuned for more updates from the world of pinball as we continue to cover tournaments and celebrate the excitement of this timeless game!
For more information, visit Electric Bat Arcade.
Until next time, keep flipping!