Congo Conquests and Pinball Pros: Electric Bat’s Latest Tournament

Hey there, fellow pinball enthusiasts! Electric Bat Arcade hosted the fourth installment of its Season 13 tournament series on September 10, 2024, and it was a hot one—both in the competition and the weather. With a clear sky and the temperature hovering around 103°F, you could feel the heat inside and outside the arcade. The tournament featured 94 players battling through five rounds, with each round lasting about 30 minutes, making it a brisk, action-packed night of pinball. Let’s dive into what went down!

Electric Bat Arcade: The Heart of Pinball Action

Electric Bat Arcade, located in Tempe, AZ, has become a beloved destination for pinball lovers. You’ll find 64 beautifully maintained machines, making it one of the top spots in Arizona to flip some flippers. The old-school token system adds a fun, nostalgic vibe—most newer games cost $1.00, but if you’ve got the itch to play the classics, you can do so for less. Tucked behind the Yucca Tap Room, it might feel like you’ve walked into a dive bar at first, but don’t let that fool you. The pinball machines are pristine, and the bar and food scene is a hit. Bring cash for tokens or hit up the ATM if you forget!

Pinball Machines: A Trip Down Memory Lane

The arcade lineup for the night featured a variety of machines spanning decades of pinball history, each one offering a different experience. Here’s a quick look at a few of the standouts:

Night Rider (Bally, 1976) – Designed by Greg Kmiec, this game is a true 70s classic, built around a trucker theme. With a single-level playfield, the game is all about precision and timing. Night Rider doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of modern machines, but its drop targets and spinner give you plenty of ways to rack up points. Plus, its cool retro theme makes you feel like you’re hitting the open road on a long-haul adventure.

Twilight Zone (Bally, 1993) – Designed by the legendary Pat Lawlor, Twilight Zone is often hailed as one of the greatest pinball machines ever made. It’s a deep, challenging game packed with features like a working gumball machine, magnetic Powerfield, and dual upper playfields. The game’s theme draws you into Rod Serling’s mysterious and surreal world, and each shot can feel like stepping into a new dimension. It’s one of those games where mastering the shots can take a lifetime—but that’s what makes it so addictive.

Andromeda (Game Plan, 1985) – A rare gem, Andromeda brings a retro-futuristic space theme with some stunning artwork by Constantino Mitchell. The game might not be as well-known as some of the big Bally or Stern titles, but it’s a favorite for those who appreciate a challenge. The game’s tricky orbit shots and drop target sequences will test your aim and control. It’s a fantastic throwback to the era when pinball was pushing into the sci-fi world with style.

The Walking Dead (Stern, 2014) – For the modern pinball enthusiast, The Walking Dead is a fast-paced, brutal game that perfectly captures the intensity of the hit TV show. Designed by John Borg, the machine features gruesome zombie-themed artwork and sound effects, making you feel like you’re in the middle of the apocalypse. It’s a tough game, with dangerous shots that can send your ball straight to the outlanes, but for those who like their pinball fast and unforgiving, it’s a must-play.

Game Spotlight: The Wilds of Congo

One of the night’s most intense matchups took place during Round 4 on Congo, a thrilling Williams game from 1995. Based on the adventure movie of the same name, Congo transports players deep into the jungle, where danger and mystery lurk at every turn. The game’s rich theme centers around the search for diamonds in the lost city of Zinj, and much like the characters in the movie, the players found themselves battling through the wild terrain of pinball strategy.

CJ Jensen, known for their cool-headed play, entered the jungle of Congo alongside David Vogt, Jason Barre, and Alejandro Muro. The stakes were high as each player attempted to conquer the volcano skill shot and navigate the tricky Gray Gorilla ramp—representative of the treacherous paths through the dense jungle. CJ quickly established a lead, lighting up the diamond targets and collecting valuable points while the others fought to catch up. The atmosphere was tense, with each missed shot feeling like a misstep into quicksand.

In the end, CJ’s mastery of Congo’s unique features and their ability to stay focused in the heat of the moment secured them the win. It was a wild ride through the jungle, and CJ emerged victorious, leaving the rest of the pack in the underbrush.

Winners Who Lit Up the Night

With 94 players competing in five intense rounds, the fight for the top spots was anything but easy. From newcomers trying to make their mark to seasoned veterans with hundreds of IFPA events under their belts, this tournament was stacked with talent. The competition was fierce, but by the end of the night, a few standout players rose to the top, showing just how high the bar is set at Electric Bat Arcade.

1. Nicholas Zachry (Gilbert, AZ) – Nicholas put on an absolute clinic, showing why he’s ranked in the top 10 players in Arizona. With 99 IFPA events to his name, he maneuvered through each round with precision, keeping his cool under pressure and pulling off a well-deserved first-place finish. His experience clearly shined as he outplayed some of the toughest competition in the state.
2. James Turner (AZ) – James fought his way to second place, proving he’s a force to be reckoned with in the Arizona pinball scene. With over 200 IFPA events under his belt, he used his wealth of experience to navigate the challenging lineup of games. His persistence and sharp decision-making in the later rounds helped him secure his spot near the top.
3. Michael B Cameron (Phoenix, AZ) – Michael had the crowd on the edge of their seats with his aggressive style of play. Known for his ability to turn the tide in high-stakes moments, he battled through the competition to claim third place. As one of the top 30 players in the state, Michael’s performance lived up to the hype, showcasing why he’s a regular name in tournament finals.
4. Walter Dony (Phoenix, AZ) – Walter’s consistent, methodical gameplay earned him a fourth-place finish in a field packed with tough competitors. Ranked 16th in the state, he’s no stranger to the pressure of big tournaments, and he held his ground throughout the night, never letting the competition rattle him. Walter continues to prove he’s one of the top players in the local scene.

This tournament was a true battle from start to finish, with each of these players outlasting nearly 90 other competitors to claim their spots at the top. The mix of skill, experience, and determination made this an event to remember!

Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings:

Wrapping It All Up

This latest installment at Electric Bat Arcade was an absolute blast, and we’ve got Rachel Bess to thank for organizing another stellar event. The combination of a great location, tough competitors, and classic pinball machines made it a night to remember. If you didn’t make it out this time, don’t worry—you can always catch the next one. And hey, while you’re there, why not stop by Tempe Town Lake and enjoy the sunset after a long day of flipping? See you at the next tournament!

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