The Electric Bat Season 13-Part 1 #3 tournament brought out 100 competitors to the Electric Bat Arcade in Tempe, AZ, on a sweltering September night. With five intense rounds and 63 pinball machines, participants faced one tough battle after another. By the time it was over, two and a half hours of competition had passed, and only the top players emerged victorious. Organizer Rachel Bess kept everything moving smoothly despite the packed field of eager pinball wizards.
Electric Bat Arcade: Pinball Paradise in the Desert
Located inside Yucca Tap Room, Electric Bat Arcade is a well-loved spot for pinball lovers. Packed with machines that connect to Stern’s online leaderboards, it offers a fun mix of modern and classic pins. The atmosphere is always welcoming, with friendly staff and plenty of space to play. Whether you’re there to take on the monthly leaderboard challenges or just hang out with friends, the vibe at Electric Bat keeps you coming back for more. The separate bar inside ensures you’re never far from refreshment, making it a great spot for any arcade or pinball enthusiast.
Iron Maiden Shines in Round 4 Showdown
Round 4 saw a thrilling match on Stern’s Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast. Known for its fast-paced gameplay and mesmerizing features like the Pharaoh’s Tomb Multiball, this game never disappoints. State-ranked 64th player James Turner claimed 1st place in this round, besting Adam Horton, ranked 11th, in a nail-biting finish. Adam, with his usual cool under pressure, gave a good fight but couldn’t quite match James’ mastery of the Egyptian-themed mayhem. Mark Pearson, the 3rd-ranked player in the state, and Cesar Alcantar, who remains unranked in IFPA, rounded out the intense four-player showdown.
Pinball Variety: Machines That Defined the Tournament
With 63 machines in play, participants had a lot of variety to challenge them. A few of the standouts include:
- Nitro Ground Shaker (Bally, 1978): This drag racing-themed pin, designed by George Christian, keeps you on the edge of your seat with high-speed action and a layout that feels like you’re burning rubber. The fast-paced gameplay made it a favorite in the tournament.
- Hotdoggin’ (Bally, 1979): A unique wide-body ski-themed machine, it’s both quirky and competitive. Greg Kmiec’s design and Kevin O’Connor’s colorful artwork make it an eye-catching game, though its wide body adds a layer of complexity to scoring.
- Foo Fighters (Pro) (Stern, 2023): The latest in Stern’s catalog, Foo Fighters was a crowd favorite. The fast gameplay and awesome music selection from the band make it a perfect mix of fun and frenzy.
- TX-Sector (Gottlieb, 1988): Known for its teleportation feature, this machine offers something out of the ordinary with its electronic sound effects and futuristic theme. It’s a challenge but a fun ride for those ready to take it on.
Winners Who Survived the 100-Player Gauntlet
After five rounds of heated competition, only a handful of players could rise to the top in this massive 100-player showdown:
- Roland Nadeau (Phoenix, AZ) – As the state’s top-ranked player, Roland showed everyone why he holds the crown, blasting through tough competition like it was nothing. His experience in 318 IFPA events undoubtedly paid off in this tournament.
- Bob Kennedy (Mesa, AZ) – Coming in second was Bob, ranked 25th in Arizona, who fought his way through the large field to land just behind Roland. With 137 IFPA events under his belt, Bob proved that consistency counts.
- Jard Cassell (Arizona, USA) – Jard, ranked 6th in the state, earned his spot on the podium with some slick play and strategic decision-making, marking his 75th IFPA event with a solid finish.
- Jeff Wegener – Rounding out the top four was Jeff, ranked 15th in Arizona. His steady performance helped him navigate the crowded field, proving once again why he’s a rising star in the local pinball scene.
Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roland Nadeau | 833.84 | |
| 2 | John Shopple | Mesa | 788.36 |
| 3 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 783.05 |
| 4 | Greg Drewes | Mesa | 395.81 |
| 5 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 335.04 |
| 6 | Jard Cassell | Scottsdale | 309 |
| 7 | John Magyar | Gilbert | 308.5 |
| 8 | Andrew Roesch | 307.81 | |
| 9 | Nicholas Zachry | Gilbert | 299.67 |
| 10 | Ben Clement | Marana | 299.43 |
Final Thoughts
Electric Bat Season 13-Part 1 #3 was a fierce competition, with 100 players battling it out across 63 machines. Congratulations to Roland Nadeau for taking the top spot, showing once again why he’s ranked #1 in Arizona. If you haven’t been to Electric Bat Arcade yet, be sure to check it out—there’s always another tournament or high-score challenge just around the corner. Stay tuned for more pinball action!