The Electric Bat Arcade was buzzing with excitement on August 20, 2024, as 104 players gathered for the Electric Bat Season 13-Part 1 #1 pinball tournament. This 5-round event, where players faced off in one game per round, saw fierce competition, all wrapped up in a swift 2 hours and 30 minutes. The event took place in the heart of Tempe, where the temperature soared to 108°F, making the cool, dimly-lit arcade a welcome refuge from the scorching Arizona heat.
A Perfect Pinball Oasis
Electric Bat Arcade in Tempe is nothing short of a pinball paradise. Nestled within the Yucca Tap Room, this arcade is a haven for pinball enthusiasts, boasting a staggering 62 machines, with only one temporarily out of commission. The atmosphere inside is a mix of nostalgia and modern pinball magic, with the glow of pinball machines lighting up the dim surroundings, creating a vibe that’s both cozy and thrilling.
The folks behind Electric Bat are true pinball aficionados, ensuring that every machine is in top condition. With old-school tokens clinking through the slots and machines set at a reasonable rate, it’s clear that this arcade is a labor of love. Open from 6 am to 2 am every day, it’s a place where pinball dreams never sleep. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie, Electric Bat Arcade offers an experience that’s hard to beat in the Valley of the Sun.
Monsters Unleashed: A Spotlight on Godzilla
Round 2 saw a clash of titans on Stern’s Godzilla (Premium), a game where players unleash the King of the Monsters on unsuspecting cities. This match was one for the books, with Mark Pearson, Arizona’s 2nd-ranked player, taking the top spot. Pearson navigated the intricate destruction loops and skill shots with precision, towering over his competition.
Jon Soares, hailing from Phoenix, gave a valiant effort, showing his mettle by claiming second place. Ranked 54th in the state, Soares proved that he could go toe-to-toe with the best. Meanwhile, Ken Klawitter and Cale Bess Hernandez, despite their lower rankings, put up a good fight, showcasing the deep strategy and skill required to tame the chaos of Godzilla’s rampage.
The Pinball Pantheon
The tournament featured a carefully curated selection of 63 pinball machines, each offering its own unique set of challenges:
- Jack•Bot by Williams (1995): A sequel to the legendary Pin•Bot, this machine is all about high-stakes gambling with its Casino Run feature, where players can risk it all for a shot at glory. The dazzling light show and fast-paced gameplay made it a crowd favorite.
- Batman 66 (Premium) by Stern (2016): This machine brings the campy charm of the 1966 Batman TV show to life, complete with Batphone hurry-ups and the chance to capture the dastardly villains of Gotham. It’s a machine that’s as fun as it is challenging, requiring sharp reflexes and a good memory for the TV series’ quirks.
- Meteor by Stern Electronics (1979): A classic that harks back to the golden age of pinball, Meteor’s simple yet addictive gameplay focuses on destroying the meteors and racking up bonus points. It’s a true test of precision and timing.
- Fish Tales by Williams (1992): A whimsical game with a fishing theme, Fish Tales challenges players to reel in big points with its tricky boat shots and fast-moving ramps. The catchy tunes and humorous callouts add to the fun, making it a hit at any tournament.
- Venom (Pro) by Stern (2023): One of the newest machines on the scene, Venom is all about high-speed, adrenaline-pumping action. With its intricate web-slinging combos and intense battles against iconic villains, it’s a game that keeps players on the edge of their seats.
Crowned Champions: Tournament Winners Shine
The competition was fierce, but in the end, it was Roland Nadeau who emerged victorious, proving once again why he’s Arizona’s top-ranked player. With a staggering 833.96 WPPR points under his belt and a global ranking of 33, Nadeau’s win was a testament to his consistent excellence across 315 IFPA events. His skill and experience shone through as he claimed the top spot.
In second place, Andrew Knies pulled off an impressive feat, considering his relatively low ranking of 136th in the state and only 5 IFPA events to his name. Knies’ performance was a Cinderella story of sorts, showcasing that even underdogs can have their day.
Mark Pearson, who claimed third place, further cemented his status as one of Arizona’s pinball elite. Ranked 2nd in the state and 77th globally, Pearson’s showing at this tournament was a reminder of his prowess on the pinball battlefield.
Rounding out the top four was Adam Horton, a seasoned competitor with a state ranking of 12th. Horton’s skill and strategy were evident as he fought his way to the finals, proving that he’s a force to be reckoned with in the Arizona pinball scene.
Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roland Nadeau | 833.96 | |
| 2 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 783.1 |
| 3 | John Shopple | Mesa | 773.33 |
| 4 | Greg Drewes | Mesa | 378.96 |
| 5 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 334.07 |
| 6 | John Magyar | Gilbert | 308.52 |
| 7 | Jard Cassell | Scottsdale | 308.25 |
| 8 | Andrew Roesch | 307.18 | |
| 9 | Nicholas Zachry | Gilbert | 299.69 |
| 10 | Ben Clement | Marana | 297.98 |
Wrapping Up the Action
The Electric Bat Season 13-Part 1 #1 tournament was a resounding success, with intense competition, thrilling games, and a strong turnout. A big shout-out to Rachel Bess for organizing such a fantastic event and to the Electric Bat Arcade for providing a stellar location that truly embodies the spirit of pinball. Congratulations to Roland Nadeau for his well-deserved victory!
Stay tuned for the latest pinball news and follow-ups as the Arizona pinball community continues to heat up!