TUCSON MATCH PLAY JUN 2024: An Epic Showdown in the Desert

The latest IFPA pinball tournament brought the heat to the Tucson Indoor Sports Center on June 13, 2024. With 10 rounds and 1 game per round, 7 players battled it out over nearly 3 hours of intense play. Let’s dive into the highlights of this thrilling event!

Stepping into the Arena

The Tucson Indoor Sports Center provided a spacious and well-equipped venue for our pinball enthusiasts. Located at 1065 W Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705, this facility is known for hosting a variety of indoor sports and events. Tucson itself is a vibrant city known for its stunning desert landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Despite the scorching 101°F temperature and a few clouds, the spirits inside the center remained high as players competed for glory.

Clash of the Titans on Iron Maiden

Round 6 brought us one of the most electrifying matches of the tournament on the Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast pinball machine by Stern. This game, inspired by the legendary heavy metal band, set the stage for an epic battle. With its intricate playfield, fast-paced gameplay, and captivating artwork, Iron Maiden proved to be a formidable challenge.

Mike LaHaie from Tucson, AZ, IFPA rank 5261, emerged victorious, navigating the game’s complex features and high-speed ramps with precision. His mastery of multiball modes and strategic use of the playfield multipliers earned him the top spot in this round. Dave Bell and Mike Ryba also put up a strong fight, but it was Mike’s skillful play that secured the win.

Pinball Machines: A Closer Look

The tournament featured a stellar lineup of 9 pinball machines, each bringing its unique charm and challenges. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout games:

Godzilla (Premium) by Stern (September 2021): This machine takes players on a monster-filled adventure with incredible visuals and dynamic gameplay. Its innovative features include a rotating building, a bridge that collapses, and a Magna Grab magnetic ball catcher, making it a fan favorite.

Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast by Stern (April 2018): As mentioned, this game is a tribute to the iconic band, featuring immersive artwork and soundtracks. Players navigate through different modes inspired by the band’s songs, with challenging shots and multiball modes adding to the excitement.

F-14 Tomcat by Williams (March 1987): A classic pinball machine with a military theme, F-14 Tomcat is known for its fast-paced gameplay and exhilarating sound effects. The machine’s design includes multiple ramps, targets, and an engaging light show that keeps players on their toes.

Metallica (Pro) by Stern (April 2013): Rocking out with Metallica’s greatest hits, this machine offers an intense pinball experience. It features custom-sculpted toys, detailed artwork, and numerous multiball modes, providing a headbanging good time for players.

Ghostbusters (Pro) by Stern (January 2016): Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters! This machine captures the essence of the beloved movie franchise with its iconic characters, ghostly challenges, and a unique ghost-catching feature. It’s a spooky and fun addition to any tournament lineup.

Celebrating the Champions

The top players of the TUCSON TIMED MATCH PLAY @TISC JUN 2024 demonstrated exceptional skill and determination. Here are the overall tournament winners:

1. Robert Noble, AZ, IFPA rank 6989, Total IFPA Events 265
2. Mike LaHaie, Tucson AZ, IFPA rank 5261, Total IFPA Events 264
3. Shaun Lewin, IFPA rank 11442, Total IFPA Events 9
4. Bob Bodman, IFPA rank 10837, Total IFPA Events 107

IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping Up the Event

A huge thank you to Wayne Saeger for organizing the tournament and the Tucson Indoor Sports Center for hosting us. The event was a fantastic showcase of talent and passion for pinball. Special shoutout to Mike LaHaie for his spectacular performance on Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast. Stay tuned for more pinball excitement and recaps!

Until next time, keep flipping and may your scores soar high!