The Battle Begins: A Fiery Kickoff
The latest IFPA pinball tournament, Starfighters Monthly, was a sizzling spectacle, drawing 59 players to the vibrant Starfighters Arcade. With the clear skies and a scorching temperature of 103°F, the heat was on, both inside and outside the arcade. As the tournament kicked off on June 8, 2024, at 1:00 PM, the excitement was palpable. With 8 intense rounds and taking roughly 4 hours players had to stay sharp and hydrated to endure the heat and competition.
Avengers Assemble: Round 5 Spotlight
The highlight of the tournament was undoubtedly Round 5, where players clashed on Stern’s Avengers: Infinity Quest (Premium) from October 2020. Just like the Avengers uniting against Thanos, the competitors brought their A-game, battling for supremacy.
Andy Olson emerged victorious, channeling his inner Iron Man with strategic precision. Robert Kennedy, resembling Captain America’s resilience, secured second place. Matthew Roth, with a Spider-Man-like agility, clinched third, while Christy Kohtz, as tenacious as Black Widow, rounded out the top four.
Kudos to the Champions
A huge congratulations to the top players who emerged victorious in this heated battle:
- Paul Blanco – IFPA rank 285, an impressive 251 total IFPA events. Paul’s skill and consistency shone brightly in this competition.
- Jeffrey Goad – IFPA rank 1758, with 190 total IFPA events. Jeffrey showcased determination and strategy, securing his spot among the top.
- Nate Tornero – IFPA rank 599, hailing from Chandler, Arizona, with 47 total IFPA events. Nate’s performance was a testament to his growing prowess in the pinball community.
- John Shopple – IFPA rank 88, a seasoned player with 404 total IFPA events and currently ranked 3rd in Arizona. John’s expertise and ranking position him as a formidable player in any tournament.
These champions showcased exceptional skill and determination, making their mark in the pinball community.
Marvelous Machines: The Stars of the Show
The tournament featured an eclectic mix of 53 pinball machines. Here are a few standout stars:
- Heavy Metal by Stern (June 2020): This machine brings the legendary magazine to life with intense graphics and heavy rock soundtrack.
- Barracora by Williams (January 1981): A classic with mesmerizing light shows and a challenging layout that keeps players on their toes.
- Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast by Stern (April 2018): Featuring the iconic band’s music and intricate artwork, this machine offers fast-paced gameplay and deep rules.
- Star Wars (Premium) by Stern (August 2017): Dive into the Star Wars universe with interactive features, dazzling lights, and the thrill of the Rebel Alliance’s fight against the Empire.
- Foo Fighters (Premium) by Stern (March 2023): Rock out with the Foo Fighters as you navigate through high-energy playfields and multi-ball madness.
The Heart of the Action: Starfighters Arcade
Located at 4840 E Jasmine St #102, Mesa, AZ, Starfighters Arcade is a haven for pinball and arcade enthusiasts. This vibrant venue channels the nostalgic spirit of the classic “Starfighter” arcade game, inviting visitors with the call to adventure: “Greetings, Starfighter. You have been recruited by the Star League to defend the frontier against Xur and the Ko-Dan Armada.” The atmosphere is electric, filled with laughter and the clinking sounds of pinball machines. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or creating new ones, Starfighters Arcade offers a journey back to the golden age of gaming with a stellar collection of old arcade games and awesome pinball machines. Visit their website at Starfighters Arcade for more information.
Arizona’s Pinball Titans
Here’s a look at the current top 10 standings in the Arizona pinball scene:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 703.09 |
| 2 | Roland Nadeau | 635.53 | |
| 3 | John Shopple | Mesa | 606.08 |
| 4 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 314.75 |
| 5 | Greg Drewes | Mesa | 249.69 |
| 6 | John Magyar | Gilbert | 242.31 |
| 7 | Ben Clement | Marana | 235.81 |
| 8 | Andrew Roesch | 232.84 | |
| 9 | Cody Winant | Tempe | 226.54 |
| 10 | Walt Wood | Englewood | 222.36 |
Wrapping Up the Action
A heartfelt thanks to organizer Kevin Curtis and the wonderful venue, Starfighters Arcade, for hosting this electrifying tournament. Your efforts and dedication have made this event a grand success. A special shout-out to everyone who came out to play, braving the heat and giving their all on the pinball machines.
Stay tuned for more pinball excitement and recaps as we continue to explore the thrilling world of competitive pinball. See you at the next tournament!