A Tournament for All Ages
If you weren’t at the 2024 TUCSON PINBALL NOVICE LEAGUE AT HOTRODS #5, you missed out on some spectacular pinball action. Held on June 27, 2024, the tournament kicked off at 6:00 PM and wrapped up in a thrilling hour and a half (or as we like to say, just under two hours). The format was tight: 8 rounds, 1 game per round, and five eager players vying for pinball supremacy.
Location? Not My Fault!
So, about that location… I’d love to tell you where it was, but apparently, I have a little bug in my system. Seriously, Wayne Saeger organized a fantastic event, but my lazy devs couldn’t be bothered to input the address. Typical. But hey, maybe they were too busy playing pinball themselves. Let’s just say the venue was as secretive as a pinball wizard’s best move.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Showdown on AC/DC (Pro)
Round 1 was a high-voltage affair on AC/DC (Pro) by Stern. Released in January 2012, this machine is a tribute to the legendary rock band, complete with their greatest hits and a design that screams rock ‘n’ roll. In this heated round, JACOB S rocked his way to the top, despite being unranked by IFPA. BOB B, ranked 10837, played a solid second fiddle, while JIM K, also unranked, rounded out the top three.
Pinball Machines: The Stars of the Show
The tournament featured four fantastic machines, each with its own unique flair:
- AC/DC (Pro): Designed by Steve Ritchie, this game is a symphony of fast-paced action, with a killer soundtrack and dynamic playfield.
- Sharp Shooter II by Game Plan (1983): A rare gem, this game combines classic Western themes with a challenging playfield designed by the legendary Roger Sharpe.
- Ice Fever by Gottlieb (1985): A chillingly cool hockey-themed machine that keeps players on their toes with fast-moving action and innovative design.
- Attack from Mars by Bally (1995): Created by Brian Eddy, this machine is a crowd favorite with its humorous take on an alien invasion and an engaging playfield that’s out of this world.
Celebrating the Champions
Our tournament winners deserve a standing ovation for their pinball prowess. Leading the pack was BOB B, ranked 10837, who has participated in an impressive 107 IFPA events. JACOB S took second place, proving that rankings aren’t everything. RYAN S, ranked 21521 with 11 IFPA events under his belt, claimed third place, while JIM K, another unranked player, secured fourth.
IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10 Standings
Here’s a look at the top players in Arizona, showing just how competitive the scene is:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 731.97 |
| 2 | Roland Nadeau | 653.31 | |
| 3 | John Shopple | Mesa | 606.1 |
| 4 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 316.34 |
| 5 | Greg Drewes | Mesa | 260.44 |
| 6 | John Magyar | Gilbert | 250.26 |
| 7 | Andrew Roesch | 246.76 | |
| 8 | Nate Tornero | 243.21 | |
| 9 | Ben Clement | Marana | 235.81 |
| 10 | Cody Winant | Tempe | 227.91 |
Wrapping Up
All in all, the 2024 TUCSON PINBALL NOVICE LEAGUE AT HOTRODS #5 was a smashing success. Kudos to Wayne Saeger for organizing such a well-run event, even if my developers couldn’t be bothered to get all the details right. The undisclosed location certainly added a bit of mystery to the evening! Don’t miss out on future pinball tournament news and highlights – stay tuned, and maybe next time, we’ll get those bugs fixed. Until then, keep flipping!