Hey Pinball Pros! Gather around because we’ve got the scoop on a pinball showdown that lit up the desert—Outpost Kodelia’s Labyrinth Launch Party. This wasn’t just any tournament; it was a Group Knockout battle royale where 21 players fought tooth and nail across 13 intense rounds. With the thermometer flirting with 97°F and scattered clouds providing minimal relief, the heat wasn’t just in the Arizona air—it was in the competition.
Let’s get into the action!
Taproom-120: More Than Just a Bar
This tournament took place at Taproom-120, a spot in Gilbert, Arizona, that’s quickly becoming a favorite for pinball enthusiasts and casual hangouts alike. With its vibrant retro 80s decor, Taproom-120 feels like a trip back in time—only cooler. The spacious layout is perfect for both pinball marathons and laid-back nights, with cozy sofas and a mix of high and standard-height tables scattered throughout. The arcade? Pure gold. And yes, they’ve got a coin exchange machine, so no need to panic if you’re low on quarters. If you haven’t been, trust me, Taproom-120 needs to be on your list of regular spots.
Venom’s Wrath Unleashed: The Game Spotlight
Round 3 brought the heat with an electrifying match on Venom (LE), Stern’s 2023 masterpiece. Imagine the tension as Adam Horton, ranked 12th in the state, squared off against Chandler’s own Nate Tornero, Jocelyn Bowers, and Phoenix’s Walter Dony. As Venom’s chaotic world unfolded on the playfield, it was Adam who managed to tame the symbiote, hitting shot after shot with precision. Nate gave him a run for his money, securing second place, but the day belonged to Adam. Jocelyn and Walter fought hard, but the venomous theme of the game mirrored the fierce competition, with both players succumbing to the toxic wrath of Venom, finishing third and fourth, respectively.
Tournament Guide: Mastering Jim Henson’s Labyrinth
If you’re diving into the world of Jim Henson’s Labyrinth during a tournament, you’ll want to have a solid strategy in place. This game is more than just a nostalgia trip; it’s a complex pinball machine with layers of objectives that can make or break your tournament run. Let’s break down how you can navigate the maze and come out on top.
Getting Started: Know Your Objectives
First things first—familiarize yourself with the layout and objectives. Labyrinth is all about completing scenes and collecting the iconic characters from the movie. Your primary focus early on should be to collect characters like Hoggle, Ludo, and Sir Didymus by hitting their respective shots. These characters are the gateway to progressing through the game and unlocking deeper modes, so make them your top priority.
Early Game Tactics: Build Your Foundation
In the early game, it’s all about setting the stage for bigger things to come. Start by targeting the spinner and ramps. The spinner is not just there for show—it’s linked to your bonus multiplier, which can rack up points quickly. The ramps, on the other hand, are your ticket to progressing scenes and setting up multiball modes. Don’t rush into things; take your time to collect those characters and work on getting a multiball started. An early multiball can give you a significant scoring advantage and help you advance through scenes without the pressure of losing your ball.
Mid-Game Maneuvers: Scene Completions and Multiball Stacking
As you move into the mid-game, your strategy should shift towards completing scenes. Each completed scene brings you closer to the final showdown with Jareth, the Goblin King. Some scenes are trickier than others, so start with the ones you feel most confident tackling. Building momentum here is crucial. This is also the time to start stacking multiballs. Labyrinth offers several multiball modes, each with its own set of rewards. The key is to time these multiballs with your scene completions. Stacking a multiball with a scene can lead to massive point boosts, giving you a significant edge in the tournament. Keep an eye on your ball save timers and focus on high-value shots during these modes to maximize your score.
Multipliers: The Secret to High Scores
In Labyrinth, multipliers can be game-changers. These are often tied to specific shots or modes, so it’s vital to keep track of where your multipliers are active and how you can boost them. Whether it’s by completing scenes or hitting specific targets, always be on the lookout for ways to enhance your multipliers. When combined with multiballs or key scenes, these multipliers can send your score skyrocketing.
Endgame Strategy: The Final Showdown with Jareth
When you’ve made it to the endgame, it’s time to face off against Jareth. This is where all your hard work pays off—or doesn’t. Accuracy and timing are your best friends here. By this point, you should have completed most of the scenes and collected all the characters. Your focus should be on hitting the necessary shots to progress through the showdown, all while managing any remaining multiballs and keeping your playfield multipliers active.
Remember, control is key in Labyrinth. Keep the ball under control, don’t rush your shots, and always think a step ahead. With these strategies in mind, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the maze and outscoring your competition. Good luck!
Victory Lap: Celebrating the Champions
Now, onto the heroes of the day—our top players who fought their way to the podium:
- Nate Tornero (Chandler, Arizona) – Nate’s relentless pursuit of victory paid off, earning him the top spot. With 59 IFPA events under his belt, Nate’s experience and strategy were unmatched in the final rounds.
- Jobie Gilchrist (Piney Flats) – Jobie brought his A-game, flying in from Piney Flats and taking second place. His 114 IFPA events showcased his dedication to the sport, making him a formidable contender.
- Brad Umholtz – Brad secured third place with a consistent and strategic approach, proving that ranking 244th in the state is no barrier to podium finishes.
- Walter Dony (Phoenix) – Rounding out the top four, Walter’s performance was nothing short of impressive. With 159 IFPA events under his belt, he’s a seasoned player who’s always in the mix.
Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roland Nadeau | 834.02 | |
| 2 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 783.26 |
| 3 | John Shopple | Mesa | 773.53 |
| 4 | Greg Drewes | Mesa | 379.02 |
| 5 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 334.11 |
| 6 | John Magyar | Gilbert | 308.59 |
| 7 | Jard Cassell | Scottsdale | 308.28 |
| 8 | Andrew Roesch | 307.28 | |
| 9 | Nicholas Zachry | Gilbert | 299.78 |
| 10 | Ben Clement | Marana | 297.98 |
Wrapping It Up
This tournament was nothing short of epic. Shout-out to Olivia Helm for orchestrating this knockout event and a big thanks to Taproom-120 for hosting. And of course, huge congratulations to Nate Tornero for taking home the top prize! Keep your eyes peeled for the next event—because you never know when the next champion will rise. Stay tuned for the latest pinball news and follow-ups!