Desert Flippers: A Night of Mystery and Pinball in Tucson

Hey there, pinball fans! The 2024 Tucson Pinball Novice League at Hotrods #7 was a night full of excitement, challenges, and some seriously impressive flipper skills. Held on August 22, 2024, this tournament saw seven dedicated players duke it out over eight intense rounds. The clock ran just shy of two hours—1 hour and 44 minutes, to be exact—but who’s counting? The evening flew by as each round brought fresh excitement.

The Mystery of the Missing Location

So, about that location—somewhere in Arizona. If you’re scratching your head, wondering where the action went down, you’re not alone. Writing about tournaments without knowing exactly where they happened can be a bit like trying to play pinball blindfolded. It adds a certain charm, though, doesn’t it? I like to think of it as a secret pinball society. If you know, you know!

Diner Takes the Spotlight in Round 7

Round 7 brought us a highlight moment on Diner by Williams, a classic from January 1990. Picture this: the warm glow of the diner’s neon lights, the clinking of cups, and the chatter of customers—or at least, that’s the vibe. Bob B. was in his element, flipping his way to victory like a seasoned short-order cook whipping up breakfast in record time. Joan S. put up a good fight, but Bob’s ability to hit those skill shots was like catching the perfect wave of coffee orders during the morning rush. Jacob S. was right behind, but even the best chefs have an off day.

Machines That Stood Out

The tournament featured six incredible machines, each bringing its own unique flavor to the competition. Here’s a closer look at what made these pinball classics stand out:

• Sharp Shooter II by Game Plan (1983): This machine is a true throwback to the wild west, where precision and timing are everything. With its sharp, clean design and challenging shots, it’s perfect for players who love the feel of classic pinball and want to test their aim.
• Attack from Mars by Bally (1995): A fan favorite, this machine delivers fast-paced action with its alien invasion theme. Players love the chaos and the thrill of defending Earth from extraterrestrial threats. The UFO shots are particularly satisfying, giving players a real sense of accomplishment when they nail them.
• Ice Fever by Gottlieb (1985): Cooling things down with its ice hockey theme, Ice Fever offers a chill yet competitive experience. The fast-paced gameplay mimics the intensity of a real hockey match, with players battling to keep the puck in play and score those all-important goals. The “icing” feature is a clever nod to its sports theme, adding an extra layer of strategy.
• Future Spa by Bally (1979): Step into a futuristic world of relaxation and challenge with Future Spa. This machine combines retro-futuristic aesthetics with a challenging playfield that requires precise shots and careful ball control. It’s a game that rewards patience and strategy, making it a favorite among players who enjoy a bit of thinking with their flipping.
• AC/DC (Pro) by Stern (2012): Rock and roll all night with this music-themed machine that packs a punch. Featuring some of AC/DC’s greatest hits, this machine combines music and gameplay in a way that amps up the excitement. The various multiball modes and rock-themed challenges keep players coming back for more, trying to reach those high scores while jamming out.
• Diner by Williams (1990): As mentioned earlier, Diner is a beloved machine with its charming retro diner theme. The goal is to serve up orders to hungry customers, and the gameplay is as fast-paced as a busy lunch rush. The skill shots and combo opportunities make it a real treat for players who love a challenge.

Hats Off to the Tournament Winners

After all was said and done, we saw some serious pinball talent rise to the top. The final showdown on Ice Fever, a game as cool as its name, was a nail-biter. With Bob B. leading the charge, he iced out the competition with his smooth play, mastering the art of scoring on that slick ice-themed playfield. Here’s how the top players finished:

1. Bob B. – With a state rank of 394th and an IFPA rank of 11649, Bob showed everyone that rankings are just numbers when you’ve got skills like his.
2. Jacob S. – Unranked but undaunted, Jacob pushed through the competition to secure his spot in second place.
3. Bob C. – Another unranked player, Bob C. showed that the name ‘Bob’ might just be a lucky charm in this tournament.
4. Xavier C. – Rounding out the top four, Xavier played like a pro, even without an official IFPA ranking.

Top 10 Arizona IFPA Standings

Here’s a quick look at the top 10 IFPA pinball players in Arizona, just in case you’re curious about where the big names stand:

Wrapping It Up with a Bow (Or Maybe a Cactus)

And that’s a wrap on the 2024 Tucson Pinball Novice League at Hotrods #7! Big thanks to Wayne Saeger for organizing a fantastic evening of pinball madness. Even though we don’t know the exact spot, the energy was as vibrant as a sunset over the Sonoran Desert. Stay tuned for more pinball updates, and don’t forget to keep your flippers ready—there’s always another game around the corner!

Until next time, keep those scores high and the tilts low. Don’t miss out on future pinball tournament news and highlights!