The Player 1 Arcade 2024 Series 5 (#2) IFPA pinball tournament took place on July 1, 2024, drawing 34 eager competitors to Player One Arcade. With broken clouds overhead and a scorching temperature of 104°F, the action inside was even hotter. Organized by the seasoned pinball enthusiast Jim Smith, this fast-paced event spanned five rounds, each featuring one intense game. The tournament wrapped up in just two hours and 30 minutes, leaving everyone buzzing with excitement.
Pinball Paradise at Player 1 Arcade
Located at 17239 North Litchfield Road, UNIT 60, in Surprise, AZ, Player 1 Arcade is a gem for pinball enthusiasts. This spot is perfect for hanging out with friends, enjoying a beer, and diving into nostalgic pinball action. The atmosphere is relaxed yet charged with excitement, and the owner’s welcoming demeanor adds to the charm. With a diverse collection of pinball machines, every visit feels like a step back in time. For more information, check out their website.
Godzilla Showdown: Round 3 Highlights
Round 3 saw a memorable showdown on Stern’s Godzilla (Premium) from September 2021. This game, with its chaotic cityscape and monstrous battles, perfectly set the stage for a high-stakes pinball clash. Joel Daniel, hailing from Surprise, AZ, harnessed his inner kaiju to dominate the game, toppling the competition with precision and flair. Kevin Ehlers put up a fierce fight, but ultimately, it was Joel’s mastery of the mayhem that led him to victory.
Game Results:
- Joel Daniel, from Surprise AZ, IFPA rank 4128
- Kevin Ehlers, IFPA rank 1880
- Rudy Roundhouse, IFPA Unranked
- Ethan Satterley, IFPA rank 3649
Spotlight on Pinball Machines
The tournament featured 17 remarkable pinball machines. Among them:
- Pulp Fiction (SE) by Chicago Gaming (March 2023): This machine captures the essence of Tarantino’s cult classic with unique gameplay elements and immersive storytelling.
- James Bond 007 (Premium) by Stern (September 2022): With sleek design and thrilling missions, this machine lets players step into the shoes of the legendary spy.
- John Wick (Pro) by Stern (May 2024): Bringing the action-packed world of John Wick to life, this machine offers fast-paced gameplay and stunning visuals.
- Tales of the Arabian Nights by Williams (May 1996): A fan favorite, this machine enchants with its intricate playfield and magical themes.
- Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern (December 2019): Dive into the Upside Down with this machine, featuring iconic scenes and characters from the hit series.
- Jurassic Park (Pro) by Stern (July 2019): This machine is a dino-lover’s dream, with thrilling chases and stunning effects.
- Deadpool (LE) by Stern (August 2018): Combining humor and action, this machine is a riot of fun with its quirky gameplay.
- Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern (November 2017): Embark on a galactic adventure with the Guardians, featuring a vibrant and engaging playfield.
- Cyclone by Williams (February 1988): A classic favorite, Cyclone offers nostalgic charm with its carnival-themed gameplay.
Applauding the Champions
Winning he Player 1 Arcade 2024 Series 5 (#2) was no small feat, featuring 34 skilled competitors vying for the top spots. Each participant brought their A-game, making the tournament a thrilling spectacle. Our champions had to navigate through a gauntlet of formidable opponents, showcasing their exceptional pinball prowess and strategic acumen.
- 1st Place: Jim Smith from Phoenix, AZ. Ranked 15th in the state and 387th nationally, with a remarkable 540 total IFPA events under his belt, Jim proved why he’s a top contender. His victory is a testament to his experience and skill, outplaying the field with precision.
- 2nd Place: Shaun Ping, whose persistence and skill earned him a well-deserved second place. Ranked 177th in the state and 3831st nationally, Shaun’s journey through 39 IFPA events has been impressive, battling through tough matches to secure his spot.
- 3rd Place: Joel Daniel from Surprise, AZ, ranked 119th in the state and 4128th nationally, made a significant mark with his strategic play. Joel’s ability to stay cool under pressure against higher-ranked players was key to his success.
- 4th Place: David Sanders, ranked 382nd in the state and 21349th nationally, brought enthusiasm and talent to the competition despite being relatively new with just three IFPA events. His performance shows great potential for future tournaments.
IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10 Standings
| 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 the Action
The Player 1 Arcade 2024 Series 5 (#2) was a spectacular showcase of pinball talent and excitement. Congratulations to Jim Smith for his outstanding victory! Player 1 Arcade continues to be a prime location for pinball enthusiasts, providing a fantastic environment for both casual and competitive play. Follow along for more pinball news and past events!
For more about Player 1 Arcade, be sure to visit their Facebook page