The Finals for North Mountain Brewing Co.’s August pinball tournament was a blast! Under a clear, sunny sky and with the mercury hitting a balmy 98°F, the action inside was just as intense as the weather outside. On August 24th, four players faced off in a tournament that lasted a little under five hours, battling it out over three games to see who would come out on top. The location? None other than the North Mountain Brewing Company—a place that knows how to serve up not just great beer but also a serious side of competitive pinball.
The Perfect Spot for Pinball and Pints
Nestled in the heart of Phoenix at 522 E Dunlap Ave, North Mountain Brewing Company is the kind of spot where you can easily spend an entire day. With a wide selection of craft beers, seltzers, and even a small but mighty liquor selection, there’s something for everyone. But it’s not just about the drinks. The food here is next level, prepared with the kind of care and presentation you’d expect from a five-star restaurant. Whether you’re indulging in a hearty plate of fried rice loaded with vegetables and meats or just kicking back with some appetizers, it’s all freshly cooked and full of flavor.
But what really sets North Mountain apart for us pinball enthusiasts is their game room. We’re talking about ten pinball machines, both new and classic, all ready for action. And if you’re in need of a break from flippers and bumpers, they’ve got an arcade machine, board games, and even a foosball table. It’s a great spot to hang out, whether you’re there for the competition or just for fun.
Foo Fighters and Fierce Competition
Round 1 kicked off with an epic battle on Stern’s Foo Fighters (Pro) from March 2023. This game, inspired by the legendary band, set the stage for some intense pinball action. The game’s fast-paced rhythm and challenging shots brought out fierce competition among the players. Mark Pearson, with his impressive state ranking of 2nd and an IFPA rank of 76, showed everyone why he’s at the top of his game. His skillful play had him hitting those ramps and targets like a seasoned rock star, leaving the others scrambling to keep up.
Henry Hanshaw, despite being ranked 61st in the state, put up a valiant fight, showing that you don’t have to be in the top 10 to give the big players a run for their money. Mike McClure, representing Glendale, AZ, demonstrated some serious skill as well, even though they finished 3rd in this round. Dave Halley, despite his 39th state rank, couldn’t quite find the rhythm, but hey, it’s all about having fun and improving with each game, right?
Game Reviews: What’s Hot on the Floor
If you’re curious about the pinball lineup, you’re in for a treat. North Mountain Brewing Company didn’t hold back with their selection, bringing in some of the hottest machines out there:
- Jurassic Park (Premium) by Stern (October 2019): This game takes you on a wild ride through Isla Nublar, with challenging modes that make you feel like you’re right there, dodging dinosaurs and trying to escape the island. The T-Rex animatronic is a showstopper, snatching up balls like they’re tiny morsels of meat.
- Foo Fighters (Pro) by Stern (March 2023): As mentioned, this game brings the energy of a Foo Fighters concert right to the pinball machine. With fast-flowing ramps and a killer soundtrack, it’s a must-play for any rock fan.
- Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium) by Stern (November 2019): Step into Elvira’s spooky mansion, where every shot you make feels like a classic horror flick. With its interactive toys and eerie sound effects, this one’s a crowd favorite for sure.
- Rush (Premium) by Stern (January 2022): If you’re a fan of the band Rush, this game is for you. The gameplay is as complex and rewarding as the band’s music, with intricate shots and modes that will keep you coming back for more.
- Cactus Canyon (Remake Special) by Chicago Gaming (November 2021): Saddle up for some rootin’ tootin’ fun in the Wild West. The updated version of this classic game retains all the charm of the original while adding some modern twists that make it even more fun to play.
Hats Off to the Winners
This tournament showcased some serious pinball prowess, and the final rankings reflect the hard-fought battles that went down. Mark Pearson, currently ranked 2nd in the state and 76th in the IFPA rankings, proved once again why he’s at the top, claiming the first-place spot. Henry Hanshaw, despite being ranked 61st in Arizona, showed that he’s a rising star, finishing strong in second place. Dave Halley, with his 39th state rank, took third, while Mike McClure, ranked 41st in the state, rounded out the top four. Congratulations to all the players for their impressive performances!
Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roland Nadeau | 833.95 | |
| 2 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 783.12 |
| 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 | 299.48 |
Wrapping Up the Day’s Events
The Finals for North Mountain Brewing Co.’s August pinball tournament was a day filled with great competition, delicious food, and plenty of fun. A big shout-out to Rachel Bess for organizing such a fantastic event and to North Mountain Brewing Company for being the perfect host. Congratulations once again to Mark Pearson for taking home the win. Stay tuned for the latest pinball news and follow-ups—you won’t want to miss what’s coming next!