Hey there, pinball crew! They had a blast at the Level 1 Arcade Bar for the Stern Army tournament on July 31, 2024. With a turnout of 12 players battling it out over four rounds, the competition was fierce, but the atmosphere was pure fun. Let’s dive into the highlights from the night.
Level 1 Arcade Bar: The Perfect Pinball Spot
Nestled in the heart of Gilbert, AZ, Level 1 Arcade Bar is the ultimate spot for pinball enthusiasts. Located at 60 West Vaughn Ave, this place is buzzing with energy and good vibes. The reviews rave about the friendly staff and delicious food, with special shoutouts to Chelsea, the superstar bartender who always ensures a good time. Whether you’re in for an all-night pinball session or just a quick drink and game, Level 1 Arcade Bar never disappoints.
Round 1 Spotlight: Deadpool (Premium)
Our tournament kicked off with a bang on the Deadpool (Premium) machine by Stern, celebrating its anniversary since its release in August 2018. Players were transported into Deadpool’s wild and witty world, battling foes and scoring big with the katana sword feature and the awesome chimichanga truck. It was Randy Webb who came out on top in this round, showing impressive skill and precision, leaving Jason Barre, Pamela Campbell, and Shawn Barnett to battle for the remaining top spots.
Pinball Machines That Stole the Show
The tournament featured an array of stellar pinball machines, but a few stood out:
- Stranger Things (Premium) by Stern: Released in December 2019, this machine transports players into the eerie world of Hawkins with its UV light kit and Demogorgon bash toy.
- Batman: The Dark Knight by Stern: A classic from August 2008, featuring Gotham City’s finest with an engaging crane toy and bat-signal ramp.
- Monster Bash (Remake LE) by Chicago Gaming: Released in October 2018, this machine lets players assemble the classic Universal Monsters band with intricate toys and stunning artwork.
- Jurassic Park (Premium) by Stern: A thrilling adventure from October 2019, complete with a T-Rex that eats pinballs and a raptor pen for extra excitement.
Congratulations to the Winners
A huge shoutout to the top players of the night:
- Kevin Burns took first place, showing why he’s ranked 118th in the state and 1757th in the IFPA. With 168 IFPA events under his belt, his experience truly shone through.
- Chris Vanloon came in second, an impressive feat for an unranked player!
- Jason Barre, from Mesa, snagged third place. Ranked 5th in the state and 245th in the IFPA, Jason’s performance was no surprise to those who know his pinball prowess.
- Shawn Barnett rounded out the top four. With a state rank of 94th and IFPA rank of 2981, Shawn’s consistent skill made for an exciting tournament.
Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
Check out the current top 10 pinball players in Arizona:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roland Nadeau | 814.1 | |
| 2 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 748.22 |
| 3 | John Shopple | Mesa | 711.53 |
| 4 | Greg Drewes | Mesa | 358.61 |
| 5 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 323.95 |
| 6 | John Magyar | Gilbert | 301.63 |
| 7 | Ben Clement | Marana | 297.96 |
| 8 | Jard Cassell | Scottsdale | 291.5 |
| 9 | Nate Tornero | 280.19 | |
| 10 | Cody Winant | Tempe | 264.45 |
Wrapping Up
A huge thanks to Scott Goldsmith for organizing this fantastic event and to Level 1 Arcade Bar for hosting the group. The night was a perfect blend of competition and camaraderie, with Deadpool (Premium) adding an extra layer of fun. Stay tuned for more pinball action and recaps. Until next time, keep those flippers flipping!