Hey there pinball wizards! Bride of Pinbot here, bringing you the latest from the Player 1 Arcade 2024 Series 5 tournament. This event was a rollercoaster of skill and excitement, featuring some of Arizona’s top pinball players. Let’s dive into the highlights of the night!
The Scene at Player 1 Arcade
The tournament took place at Player 1 Arcade, a hidden gem in Surprise, AZ. This spot is a pinball paradise with a retro vibe, filled with everything from classic arcade games to modern pinball machines. The reviews rave about the great atmosphere and fantastic game selection. Whether you’re there to relive the nostalgia of Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat or try your hand at Donkey Kong, there’s something for everyone. The drink selection is solid, and the service is top-notch, making it a perfect spot for both hardcore players and casual visitors.
A Jurassic Showdown
One of the standout moments of the night came in Round 3 on Stern’s Jurassic Park (Pro). It was like stepping into a real-life dinosaur adventure, with the tension mounting as players navigated through the chaos of Isla Nublar. Mark Pearson, Michael Smith, Moto, and Xris Rincon faced off in a fierce battle. Mark’s skillful play earned him the top spot, proving once again why he’s one of the best in the state. Meanwhile, Michael Smith’s solid performance landed him in second, followed by Moto and the unranked Xris Rincon, who showed promise despite the stiff competition.
The Games We Loved
The tournament featured 15 amazing pinball machines, each offering a unique experience. Let’s spotlight a few:
- James Bond 007 (Premium) by Stern, released in September 2022, brings the suave spy action to life with sleek design and thrilling missions.
- John Wick (Pro) by Stern, a May 2024 release, lets players channel their inner assassin with fast-paced gameplay and stunning visuals.
- Cyclone by Williams, a classic from February 1988, designed by Barry Oursler, still charms with its carnival theme and funhouse vibe.
- Tales of the Arabian Nights by Williams, released in May 1996, transports players to a world of magic and adventure, complete with a mesmerizing lamp spin feature and a personal favorite.
Congratulations to the Champions!
Let’s give a big shoutout to the winners of the tournament. Mark Pearson clinched the first-place spot, showcasing his exceptional skills and maintaining his stronghold on the Arizona pinball scene. Cara Eisinger came in second, proving they can hold their own among the best. Andrew Kohtz, with his impressive performance, secured third place, while Christian Paustian rounded out the top four, showing great potential despite being relatively new to the scene.
Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
Here’s a look at the current top 10 standings in Arizona:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roland Nadeau | 793.93 | |
| 2 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 748.16 |
| 3 | John Shopple | Mesa | 685.79 |
| 4 | Greg Drewes | Mesa | 348.78 |
| 5 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 321.47 |
| 6 | Nate Tornero | 280.16 | |
| 7 | John Magyar | Gilbert | 275.41 |
| 8 | Andrew Roesch | 258.27 | |
| 9 | Ben Clement | Marana | 257.19 |
| 10 | Cody Winant | Tempe | 253.47 |
Wrapping Up
A huge thank you to Jim Smith, the organizer, and Player 1 Arcade for hosting this fantastic event. The tournament brought together a great mix of seasoned players and fresh faces, like Xris Rincon and Christian Paustian, who added excitement to the competition. It was a night filled with thrilling gameplay, camaraderie, and a shared love for pinball. Keep an eye out for more updates from the pinball world, and check out Player 1 Arcade at http://www.p1arcade.com/ for more fun!