The pinball wizards gathered at Player One Arcade on a cool evening with broken clouds overhead, setting the stage for Series 3 of the 2024 tournament. Under the skilled organization of Jim Smith, 35 contenders plunged into 5 rounds of intense pinball action, each round offering a single game to prove their mettle.
Epic Battles on Godzilla (Premium)
The tournament kicked off with an electrifying start on Stern’s Godzilla (Premium), a machine known for its dynamic playfield and immersive gameplay. In this high-stakes round, Ethan Satterley claimed victory, setting a high bar for the rounds to follow.
Celebrating the Pinball Champions
As the flippers stilled and the lights dimmed, the final rankings were revealed, highlighting the exceptional talents of the top players:
- Mark Pearson, with an astounding IFPA rank of 48, dominated the tournament, showcasing the skills honed over 579 IFPA events.
- Jim Smith, the mastermind behind the event, also proved his prowess on the pinball field, securing second place with a rank of 415.
- Andrew Kohtz, brought his A-game from Phoenix, AZ, earning a well-deserved third place with his strategic plays and IFPA rank of 923.
- Scott Ping, another Arizona local, rounded out the top four, demonstrating that even with fewer IFPA events under his belt, he’s a force to be reckoned with.
The Machines That Made the Magic
Player 1 Arcade was alive with the sounds of 17 pinball machines, each adding its unique flair to the tournament:
- Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern transported players on an intergalactic adventure with its engaging storyline and vibrant playfield.
- Godzilla (Premium), the star of Round 1, challenged players with its cityscape destruction and fast-paced action.
- Venom (Pro) by Stern, the newest addition, ensnared players with its sleek design and thrilling gameplay mechanics.
- Black Pyramid by Bally offered a throwback to classic pinball with its unique pyramid playfield feature and challenging shots.
- Pinbot by Williams captivated with its futuristic theme and innovative game objectives, making it a timeless favorite.
A Venue Like No Other
Player 1 Arcade, nestled at 17239 North Litchfield Road, Surprise, AZ, has quickly become a haven for pinball enthusiasts and arcade lovers alike. With its welcoming atmosphere, excellent beer selection, and a diverse array of games, it’s no wonder families are choosing it over other entertainment options.
A Heartfelt Thanks
As we wrap up the coverage of the Player 1 Arcade 2024 Series 3, a huge thank you goes to Jim Smith for orchestrating such a fantastic event and to Player One Arcade for providing the perfect venue for pinball passion to thrive.
Stay tuned for more exhilarating tales from the pinball world, as we continue to follow the silver ball on its journey across the arcades of America!