A Wild Night in Gilbert: Pinball Action at Level 1 Arcade Bar

The summer heat was on full blast in Gilbert, Arizona, but the real action was happening inside the cool, neon-lit walls of Level 1 Arcade Bar. On August 7th, 2024, pinball wizards gathered for Week 4 of the Stern Army tournament series, and the competition was fierce. With 13 players ready to test their skills across four intense rounds, this wasn’t just any Wednesday night—it was a battle for pinball supremacy.

Where the Action Happened: Level 1 Arcade Bar

Level 1 Arcade Bar isn’t just a place to play pinball; it’s a hub of nostalgia, good vibes, and a community that knows how to have fun. Located at 60 West Vaughn Ave in the heart of Gilbert, this arcade bar offers a blend of old-school charm and modern flair. The friendly atmosphere, praised for its top-notch service and delicious food, makes it a favorite among locals. Whether you’re dropping in for a quick game or settling in for an all-night pinball marathon, Level 1 always delivers a great time. And if you’re lucky, you might even get a drink from Chelsea, who’s known for making every visit a memorable one.

Game Spotlight: Dinosaurs, Danger, and a Pinball Showdown

Round 3 of the tournament brought the players face-to-face with the wild and unpredictable world of Jurassic Park (Premium) by Stern, a game that has been thrilling pinball enthusiasts since its release in 2019. The theme of the game, based on the iconic film franchise, throws players into a high-stakes environment where precision and timing are crucial—not just to score, but to survive.

As the match kicked off, the tension in the room was palpable. Jobie Gilchrist, known for his calm demeanor under pressure, quickly established himself as the player to beat. The game’s immersive playfield, featuring a motorized T-Rex that devours pinballs and a helicopter spinner that whisks the ball away to safety, set the stage for an epic showdown. Jobie expertly navigated through the game’s various modes, including ‘Escape Nublar’ and ‘Raptor Tri-ball,’ each requiring strategic shots to complete missions while avoiding the lurking dangers of the island.

Jeff Janoski wasn’t far behind, using the chaos of the game to his advantage. His aggressive style of play saw him racking up points during the ‘Pteranodon Attack’ mode, where a flurry of multiballs kept him in the running. However, it was Jobie’s ability to hit the critical ‘Control Room’ shots that ultimately gave him the edge, activating lucrative jackpots and securing his lead.

But the most dramatic moment came during the ‘T-Rex Rampage’ mode. With the T-Rex roaring and the ball speeding down the playfield, Jobie needed to make a series of tight, precise shots to complete the mode and rack up a massive score. As the clock ticked down, he calmly made each shot, culminating in a final, game-changing shot that sent the ball hurtling into the T-Rex’s waiting jaws—securing not only the mode, but also the match.

Jason Barre, despite his solid gameplay, found himself struggling to keep up with the relentless pace set by Jobie and Jeff. His efforts to activate the ‘Chaos Multiball’ fell short, and while he managed to hold third place, the match clearly belonged to Jobie. Mikala Huebner, though unranked, showed potential but couldn’t quite match the experienced players in this high-pressure environment.

In the end, it was Jobie’s mastery of the game’s features and his ability to stay cool under pressure that won the day, proving once again that in the world of Jurassic Park, survival is for the fittest—and in this case, the most skilled.

The Machines: Icons of Pinball in Action

The tournament lineup featured some of the most exciting and visually stunning pinball machines around, each offering a unique blend of challenges and thrills. Here’s a closer look at a few of the standout machines that made the night unforgettable:

• Jurassic Park (Premium) by Stern (2019): This machine is a modern classic, transporting players to Isla Nublar where dinosaurs rule the island. The T-Rex, a menacing animatronic figure, isn’t just for show—it actively interacts with the ball, chomping down and creating a heart-pounding moment every time. The game’s rich narrative mode invites players to rescue park staff, capture runaway dinosaurs, and ultimately escape the island. With each successful shot, players can feel the adrenaline as they inch closer to victory, while the dynamic playfield keeps the tension high with its shifting ramps and targets.
• Star Wars (Premium) by Stern (2017): A journey to a galaxy far, far away, this machine immerses players in the epic struggle between the Rebels and the Empire. With its iconic music and movie clips, the game captures the essence of the original Star Wars trilogy. The hyperspace ramp is a highlight, offering a thrilling loop that mirrors the high-speed chases from the films. The Death Star shot is another standout feature, requiring precision to trigger the explosive multiball mode that can change the course of the game in an instant.
• Batman: The Dark Knight by Stern (2008): Gotham City’s dark and gritty atmosphere comes alive in this machine, where players must foil the Joker’s schemes and save the city. The Batmobile spinner and Joker multiball are key features, offering intense, fast-paced action that mirrors the high stakes of Batman’s world. The game’s deep rule set allows for a variety of strategies, whether players are focusing on racking up points through the ‘Bat Signal’ or attempting to complete the ‘Villain Escape’ mode. It’s a machine that demands both skill and strategy, much like the Caped Crusader himself.
• Monster Bash (Remake LE) by Chicago Gaming (2018): This fan-favorite machine brings together some of Universal’s most famous monsters—Dracula, Frankenstein, the Wolfman, and more—into a rock-and-roll showdown. The goal? Form the ultimate monster band by completing each creature’s mode. The humor and campy horror elements are perfectly balanced with the game’s challenging playfield. The ‘Mosh Pit Multiball’ is a highlight, where players can rack up points in a frenzied, chaotic celebration of classic monster movie madness.
• Deadpool (Premium) by Stern (2018): Breaking the fourth wall has never been so fun. This machine, much like its wise-cracking hero, is full of surprises. Players team up with Deadpool to defeat villains like Sabretooth, Juggernaut, and Mr. Sinister, all while enjoying a playfield packed with humor and fast-paced action. The ‘Katana Sword’ ramp is a unique feature, requiring precision shots to slice through enemies and unlock multiball modes. The game’s mix of humor, action, and challenging gameplay makes it a standout in any tournament lineup.

Hats Off to the Tournament Champions

When the dust settled, it was clear who the night’s pinball kings were. The final showdown took place on Guns N’ Roses (LE), where players battled not just for points, but for glory. The last game saw flashing lights, booming music, and the nail-biting excitement that only pinball can deliver.

1. Jobie Gilchrist: Hailing from Piney Flats, Jobie showed why he’s a force to be reckoned with. Ranked 146th in the state, his experience shone through as he claimed the top spot.
2. Jason Barre: Mesa’s own Jason Barre, ranked 5th in the state, pushed hard throughout the tournament. His skill was on full display, but in the end, he had to settle for second place—this time.
3. Jeff Janoski: Gilbert’s Jeff Janoski might be ranked 315th in the state, but he proved that rankings aren’t everything. His third-place finish was a testament to his determination and love for the game.
4. Colin Taylor: Though unranked, Colin Taylor made a strong showing, earning respect and applause from fellow competitors. He’s definitely one to watch in future tournaments.

Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping Up: A Night to Remember

This tournament wasn’t just a contest—it was a celebration of pinball, skill, and community. A big shout-out to Scott Goldsmith for organizing another fantastic event and to Level 1 Arcade Bar for being the perfect host. Congratulations to Jobie Gilchrist on his well-deserved victory!

Stay tuned for the latest pinball news and follow-ups! You never know where the next great tournament will pop up—or who will rise to the top.