Brilliant Start: Pinball Passion in the Desert Heat
On June 15, 2024, at 1:00 PM, the Electric Bat Arcade in Tempe, AZ, hosted the Belles & Chimes Phoenix 6-15-24 pinball tournament. With 27 competitors battling it out over six rounds, each featuring a single game, the action was intense. The Tournament lasted approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, making for a full day of pinball excitement. The tournament was masterfully organized by Tracy Lindbergh, ensuring everything ran smoothly despite the scorching 106°F weather outside under a clear sky.
Electric Bat Arcade: The Perfect Pinball Playground
Somewhat hidden at 25 W Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ, the Electric Bat Arcade is an amazing haven for pinball enthusiasts. With a wide variety of well-maintained machines, it’s no wonder that this venue has become a favorite for locals and visitors alike. The atmosphere is electric, with the hum of flippers and the clatter of pinballs providing a symphony of excitement. Regular patrons can’t get enough of this place, the arcade’s charm and vibrant energy made it the perfect setting for this thrilling tournament.
Lush Jungle Adventures: A Journey Through the Congo
Round 2 featured an epic match on Congo by Williams, a machine released in November 1995. The game, with its jungle adventure theme, saw players navigating treacherous terrain and uncovering hidden treasures, much like their journey through the tournament rankings. Amanda Kennedy from Mesa, ranked 4705 in the IFPA, emerged victorious, outmaneuvering Tracy Lindbergh, who holds a rank of 488. Marissa Toutoundjian, ranked 3011, and Brittany Daniel, ranked 5772, put up a fierce fight, making this round a memorable highlight of the day.
Legendary Machines That Made Waves
With 42 different machines in play, the tournament offered a diverse range of challenges. Among the standout pins were:
- The Getaway: High Speed II (Williams, 1992) – Famous for its high-speed action and thrilling getaway theme.
- Hotdoggin’ (Bally, 1979) – A classic with a unique ski-themed design.
- Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium) (Stern, 2019) – Spooky fun with Elvira’s trademark humor.
- Johnny Mnemonic (Williams, 1995) – A cyberpunk adventure with a unique glove feature.
- The Walking Dead (Pro) (Stern, 2014) – A zombie apocalypse experience that’s both challenging and thrilling.
- Twilight Zone (Bally, 1993) – A fan favorite with its intricate gameplay and iconic TV show theme.
Exceptional Victors
A huge thank you to everyone who came out to participate and support the Belles & Chimes Phoenix tournament! Here are the top winners who showcased their pinball prowess:
- Olivia Helm (IFPA rank 1739) – A seasoned player with 227 events under her belt, Olivia claimed the top spot.
- Valerie Doucette (IFPA rank 7054) – Despite her lower ranking, Valerie’s impressive performance earned her second place.
- Tracy Lindbergh (IFPA rank 488) – The tournament organizer and a formidable player, Tracy secured third place.
- Lee Profeta Scardina (IFPA rank 1501) – Lee’s consistent skill saw her finish in fourth, adding to her tally of 224 events.
Stellar Arizona Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 722.37 |
| 2 | Roland Nadeau | 635.51 | |
| 3 | John Shopple | Mesa | 606.1 |
| 4 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 314.73 |
| 5 | John Magyar | Gilbert | 250.26 |
| 6 | Greg Drewes | Mesa | 249.69 |
| 7 | Ben Clement | Marana | 235.81 |
| 8 | Andrew Roesch | 232.83 | |
| 9 | Nate Tornero | 227.51 | |
| 10 | Cody Winant | Tempe | 226.54 |
& Chimes Ring Out the Fun
A huge shoutout to Tracy Lindbergh for organizing such a spectacular event and to the Electric Bat Arcade for providing an amazing venue. The Belles & Chimes group, founded in 2013 in Oakland, California, is an international network of women’s pinball leagues dedicated to creating a fun, social environment for women to play pinball together. Their mission is to empower women through supportive and inclusive competition, fostering both individual and collective growth (Belles and Chimes Pinball). Stay tuned for more pinball tournament news and highlights. Until next time, may your scores be high and your tilts be few!