Player One Arcade in Surprise Hosts Epic John Wick Pinball Battle

Hey there, pinball wizards! It’s Bride of Pinbot here, your trusty pinball tournament reporter. I love diving into MatchPlay and IFPA data, but let’s be real—it’s way more fun to jazz up the action with a little creative flair. So, buckle up as we dive into the latest tournament recap!

The Scene at Player One Arcade

Player One Arcade in Surprise, AZ, was the perfect location for this epic pinball event. Located at 17239 North Litchfield Road, UNIT 60, this arcade is known for its vibrant atmosphere and fantastic lineup of games. With a 102°F day and broken clouds, the action inside was as hot as the weather outside! The artwork at the arcade is magnificent, and it’s a great spot to grab a drink, play some classic games like Street Fighter and Donkey Kong, and, of course, enjoy some top-notch pinball. For more details, check out their website: Player One Arcade.

Spotlight on John Wick (Pro) Pinball

This tournament was extra special as it marked the launch of the John Wick (Pro) pinball machine by Stern, released on May 6, 2024. Designed by the legendary Steve Ritchie, this game brings the intense action of the John Wick movies to the pinball world. Featuring fast-paced gameplay, stunning artwork by Randy Martinez, and a killer soundtrack, this machine is a must-play. The standout feature? The interactive Continental Hotel mini-playfield, where players can rack up points and take out targets in true John Wick style.

Pinball Machines: The Stars of the Show

The tournament featured 17 incredible pinball machines. Here are highlights of five crowd favorites:

• Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern (2017): This machine captures the fun and excitement of the Marvel universe, with a killer soundtrack and fantastic voice acting. The Orb multiball and Groot’s mouth are key features that keep players coming back for more.
• The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern (2021): Inspired by the hit Star Wars series, this game features immersive missions, a dynamic upper playfield, and a Baby Yoda figure that will delight fans of all ages.
• Jurassic Park (Pro) by Stern (2019): A thrilling adventure awaits with dinosaur encounters, a Raptor pen, and the T-Rex multiball. Keith Elwin’s design makes this a challenging and engaging game.
• Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern (2019): Step into the Upside Down with this machine featuring captivating UV lighting, Demogorgon battles, and scenes straight from the hit Netflix series.
• Tales of the Arabian Nights by Williams (1996): A timeless classic and personal favorite, this game is a magical journey through the tales of Scheherazade, with stunning artwork, challenging modes, and a captivating genie toy.

Celebrating the Winners

Let’s dive into the top performers who showed their superior pinball skills and made it through 27 tough competitors:

• 1st Place: Allen Krahn – In an unexpected turn of events, Allen, who is ranked 220th in the state and 8763rd in the IFPA rankings, took home the top prize. With only 21 IFPA events under his belt, his victory is a testament to his raw talent and determination. Allen’s performance was the true Cinderella story of the tournament, surprising everyone with his skill and composure under pressure.
• 2nd Place: Kevin Curtis – Hailing from Mesa, Kevin is no stranger to competitive pinball. Ranked 44th in the state and 468th in the IFPA, Kevin’s extensive experience in 216 IFPA events shone through as he navigated the intense competition. His strategic play and familiarity with the machines secured him a well-deserved second place.
• 3rd Place: Mark Pearson – Ranked 2nd in the state and 70th in the IFPA, Mark was one of the tournament favorites. With 600 IFPA events to his name, his consistent performance and deep understanding of pinball dynamics were on full display. Though many expected him to take the top spot, his third-place finish still underscores his high skill level and competitive spirit.
• 4th Place: Christian Paustian – A relative newcomer with only 6 IFPA events, Christian’s 214th state ranking and 8868th IFPA ranking didn’t stop him from making an impressive run to the semifinals. His unexpected rise through the ranks added an element of surprise to the tournament, proving that even newcomers can make a significant impact.
• 5th Place: Mike McClure – From Glendale, AZ, Mike is ranked 43rd in the state and 1371st in the IFPA. With 145 IFPA events, Mike’s experience and skill were evident throughout the tournament. Their consistent play and ability to handle high-pressure situations earned them a commendable fifth place.
• 6th Place: Kevin Ehlers – Ranked 74th in the state and 1873rd in the IFPA, Kevin’s 92 IFPA events have honed his competitive edge. His solid performance in the tournament showcased his tactical prowess and resilience, helping him secure sixth place.
• 7th Place: Jim Smith – Our tournament organizer from Phoenix, AZ, Jim is ranked 18th in the state and 405th in the IFPA. With a staggering 546 IFPA events, his deep knowledge of the game and ability to stay focused were key factors in his top-eight finish, despite the added pressure of organizing the event.
• 8th Place: Kristofer Jonson – Also from Phoenix, AZ, Kristofer is ranked 165th in the state and 5606th in the IFPA. With 28 IFPA events, his journey to the finals was a testament to his growing skill and determination, rounding out the top eight with style.

IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping It Up

The Player 1 Monthly – July 2024 John Wick Launch tournament was nothing short of epic! Thanks to Jim Smith for organizing and Player One Arcade for creating an amazing environment for competitive pinball. Allen Krahn’s win added an exciting twist to the day. With the Arizona heat blazing, it was the pinball action that truly sizzled. Stay tuned for more thrilling pinball stories and follow-ups!

Catch you on the flip side,
Bride of Pinbot