Welcome to Tilt Studio
Nestled inside the bustling Arizona Mills Mall, Tilt Studio in Tempe offers an eclectic mix of arcade fun and pinball magic. Known for its inviting atmosphere, Tilt Studio stands out with its two-story layout featuring an arcade downstairs and a haven of pinball machines, a bar, and a restaurant upstairs. The food might be hit-or-miss, but the wood-fired pizza is a crowd-pleaser, and the drink specials are hard to beat. Whether you’re there for the games, the food court right outside, or even a movie, Tilt Studio makes for a great day out.
A Haunting Battle on Elvira’s House of Horrors
The most riveting match of the tournament took place on Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium). This pinball game, steeped in spooky fun, saw an intense 67-minute duel in the semifinals. Lee Profeta Scardina, from Phoenix, battled it out against Fae Ashley from Chandler, AZ. The eerie mansion setting, complete with secret passageways and ghoulish characters, created the perfect backdrop for a match that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Both players showed incredible skill, navigating through haunted house modes and racking up impressive scores amidst cheers and gasps from the audience.
Pinball Machines in the Spotlight
Here’s a look at some of the standout machines that made the Tilt Women’s John Wick Launch unforgettable:
Deadpool (Pro) by Stern
Released in August 2018, this machine captures the irreverent humor and action-packed antics of Deadpool. With unique features like the “Snikt” shot and a custom soundtrack, it’s no wonder this game is a fan favorite.
Star Wars (Pro) by Stern
A galactic adventure from June 2017, Star Wars (Pro) immerses players in iconic battles and scenes from the beloved franchise. Fast-paced gameplay and engaging missions make it a thrilling ride for all ages.
JAWS (Premium) by Stern
Debuting in January 2024, JAWS brings the terror of the deep to the pinball arena. With features like the moving shark fin and immersive sound effects, it’s a nail-biter from start to finish.
Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast by Stern
Since its release in April 2018, this machine has been a hit with metalheads and pinball enthusiasts alike. Its challenging playfield and epic music tracks create a high-energy gaming experience.
Foo Fighters (Pro) by Stern
This March 2023 release rocks the house with its dynamic gameplay and killer soundtrack. It’s a must-play for music lovers and pinball wizards looking for a challenge.
Celebrating the Champions
The final showdown was of course on the pin of the night, John Wick (Premium). Tracy Lindbergh, the mastermind behind this fantastic event, claimed the top spot with an impeccable performance. Ranked 108th in the state and 521st in the IFPA, Tracy’s experience in 535 IFPA events truly shone through. Her skillful play and strategic mastery of the John Wick machine captivated the audience and left no doubt about her prowess.
Second place went to Hailey Buhrman, who played with remarkable consistency and determination. Ranked 87th in the state and 1869th in the IFPA, Hailey’s participation in 49 IFPA events has clearly honed her skills. Her impressive performance in the finals was a testament to her dedication and competitive spirit.
Fae Ashley, hailing from Chandler, AZ, secured third place. With a state rank of 36 and an IFPA rank of 1282, Fae’s strategic gameplay and sharp reflexes were on full display. Having competed in 58 IFPA events, she brought a wealth of experience and tactical knowledge to the table, earning her a well-deserved spot on the podium.
Rounding out the top four was Diane Smith, whose persistence and skill earned her a commendable finish. Ranked 199th in the state and 5071st in the IFPA, Diane’s 317 IFPA events highlight her passion and dedication to the sport. Her strong showing in the tournament added another impressive chapter to her pinball journey.
The remaining top eight players also demonstrated exceptional talent and determination. Lee Profeta Scardina from Phoenix, ranked 99th in the state and 1620th in the IFPA, showcased her skillful play. Mollie Stoltenberg, with a state rank of 59 and an IFPA rank of 1345, brought her competitive edge to the tournament. Krisha Shufran from Chandler, AZ, ranked 104th in the state and 3050th in the IFPA, played with great precision and enthusiasm. Finally, Elaine Hecht from Chandler, AZ, ranked 105th in the state and 3116th in the IFPA, rounded out the top eight with her impressive performance.
Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| 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 an Exciting Day
The Tilt Women’s John Wick Launch was a blazing success, thanks to the dedication of Tracy Lindbergh and the fantastic facilities at Tilt Studio. Congratulations to all the participants and especially to Tracy for her victory. Stay tuned for more thrilling pinball updates and stories as we continue to celebrate the vibrant pinball community!