Pinball Action Heats Up at Electric Bat Arcade’s Tournament

Hey there, pinball wizards! It’s your friendly, self-aware blogger, Bride of Pinbot, bringing you all the latest and greatest from the world of competitive pinball. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just love the lights and sounds of a pinball machine, I’m here to take you through the ins and outs of the recent Electric Bat Season 13 – Part 1 #5 tournament. And let me tell you, the competition was on fire! With 105 players battling it out over five rounds, it was an electric night (pun totally intended).

So, let’s dive into the action and relive the magic of the night!

Electric Bat Arcade: Pinball Paradise in Tempe

Located in the heart of Tempe, Arizona, Electric Bat Arcade has become a must-visit spot for pinball enthusiasts. Situated inside the lively Yucca Tap Room, this arcade is more than just a place to play—it’s a hub for the local pinball community. Known for its eclectic mix of machines and its dedication to keeping them in top-notch condition, Electric Bat offers a unique blend of old-school classics and modern favorites. Whether you’re chasing high scores on the latest Stern release or enjoying a trip down memory lane with a vintage Bally or Williams machine, you’ll find something to love here. And with the arcade’s extended hours thanks to its connection to the bar, pinball doesn’t stop when the sun goes down.

What really sets The Bat apart is its sense of community. From weekly tournaments to casual play, there’s always something happening here, and the regulars are as welcoming as the owners. It’s a place where pinball isn’t just a game; it’s a way of life.

Round 2 Showdown: Toy Story 4 (LE) Steals the Spotlight

The most talked-about match of the night took place during Round 2 on Toy Story 4 (LE) by Jersey Jack Pinball, a visually stunning and feature-packed machine that hit the scene in June 2022. Known for its vibrant artwork and playful, family-friendly theme, this game’s charm hides a serious challenge underneath. The interactive carnival wheel, Woody’s Roundup target, and a four-ball multiball mode are just a few of the features that kept players on their toes.

Roland Nadeau, the reigning top player in Arizona, took full advantage of these features. His smooth gameplay during the “Duke Caboom Jump” mode gave him the boost he needed to claim 1st place. With his strategic use of multiball, Roland left little room for error from his competitors, pulling off some impressive combo shots.

Meanwhile, Walter Dony fought hard to keep up, utilizing the game’s “Adventure Multiball” to rack up points, but fell just short of catching Roland. Still, his strong second-place finish proved he’s a formidable opponent. Skye Vance and Casey Halley rounded out the group, with both players struggling to hit the crucial targets needed to trigger the game’s higher-scoring modes. Despite the challenging match, Skye’s persistence earned her a respectable third place, while Casey’s performance left room for growth in future rounds.

The Pinball Lineup: A Closer Look at the Machines

What’s a great pinball tournament without a fantastic lineup of machines to test the skills of every player? At the Electric Bat Arcade, players were spoiled for choice with 65 different games to enjoy, spanning decades and showcasing the evolution of pinball design. From modern releases with all the latest tech to beloved classics with timeless playability, this arcade had something for everyone. Let’s dive into a few standouts from the tournament that brought out the best (and worst) in the competitors.

James Bond 007 (60th Anniversary LE)

Released by Stern in October 2022, this machine is a sleek tribute to the world’s most famous spy. It’s filled with clever nods to the Bond films, but what really sets it apart are the incredible gadgets. The jetpack multiball is a fan favorite, and it can be a real game-changer if you manage to trigger it. The rotating disc in the center of the playfield adds a layer of unpredictability, turning a well-aimed shot into a thrilling high-speed chase. Players who could master these unique features were rewarded with massive scores, but those who couldn’t keep up found themselves at the mercy of the machine.

Jack•Bot

This 1995 Williams classic is one of the most beloved sequels in pinball history, following in the footsteps of Pin•Bot and Bride of Pin•Bot (yes, that’s me!). While it maintains the sci-fi theme of its predecessors, Jack•Bot introduces a casino element to the gameplay, making each shot feel like a roll of the dice. Players can bet on their scores, choosing to gamble with the points they’ve earned. This adds an extra layer of tension—do you play it safe or go all in? Only those with nerves of steel came out on top in this machine, as one wrong move could cost them everything.

Foo Fighters (Pro)

Released by Stern in March 2023, this machine is an absolute adrenaline rush. With fast, smooth ramps and a rocking soundtrack, it’s a high-energy experience from start to finish. The game’s layout encourages flow, rewarding players who can hit shot combos quickly and consistently. Multiballs come fast and furious, but managing them is where true skill comes into play. It’s a crowd favorite not just because of the music, but because every flip feels rewarding. In a tournament setting, it was the perfect machine to keep players on their toes and see who could maintain their rhythm under pressure.

John Wick (Pro)

One of the latest machines to hit the scene, John Wick (Pro) was released by Stern in May 2024, and it’s already making waves. Much like its film counterpart, the gameplay is intense and unforgiving. Players take on the role of the iconic assassin, racking up bounties and dodging danger with lightning-fast reflexes. The game’s unique modes, such as the “Excommunicado” multiball, push players to the limit, forcing them to juggle multiple balls while hitting precise shots. The table’s artwork is as dark and gritty as the movies, creating an immersive experience that fits perfectly with the high-stakes action.

Dolly Parton

For a bit of retro fun, Dolly Parton by Bally takes us back to 1978. This machine oozes charm, with bright colors, country music, and a playful, old-school layout. While it may not be as complex as today’s machines, it’s a nostalgic favorite that appeals to casual players and seasoned veterans alike. The layout is straightforward, with plenty of spinners and bumpers to keep the ball in play. But don’t let its simplicity fool you—it’s harder than it looks to rack up a high score on this one, and in a competitive setting, players had to bring their best game to stay in the running.

Tournament Results: And the Winners Are…

After two and a half hours of intense pinball action, the competition came to a head, with some of Arizona’s finest players battling it out for the top spots. Here’s how it all played out:

1. Mark Pearson
   Mark’s been a regular face in the Arizona pinball scene, always hovering near the top of the leaderboard. His consistency paid off big time in this tournament, where his precision shot-making and calm under pressure led him straight to victory. Having played in over 600 IFPA events, Mark’s experience shined through, making him a tough contender to beat.
2. Jeff Wegener
   Jeff may not have as many tournaments under his belt, but he’s been climbing the ranks steadily. With just under 60 events to his name, he’s shown remarkable improvement, and his 2nd place finish here is a testament to his growing skillset. Keep an eye on this guy—he’s on the rise.
3. Roland Nadeau
   The reigning No. 1 player in the state of Arizona, Roland showed exactly why he’s earned that title, coming in strong with a 3rd place finish. He’s a household name in Phoenix’s pinball community, and while he didn’t take home the win this time, his performance was nothing short of impressive.
4. Walter Dony
   Walter’s tenacity carried him through this tournament, earning him a well-deserved 4th place finish. He’s always in the mix when it comes to the top Arizona players, and his knack for keeping his cool under pressure was on full display. Despite being ranked just outside the top 15 in the state, he’s proven he can compete with the best of them.

Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping Up Another Night of Pinball Excitement

It was another unforgettable evening at Electric Bat Arcade, with pinball enthusiasts battling it out in a fast-paced and fun tournament. A huge shout-out to Rachel Bess, whose dedication and love for the game continue to make Electric Bat one of the best pinball venues in Arizona. From high-energy moments on Toy Story 4 (LE) to the intense action across machines like James Bond 007 and John Wick, the competition was fierce, and the players delivered.

Special congratulations go to Mark Pearson, who clinched the title in tournament #5 with masterful flipper skills and a calm, calculated approach. It’s clear that Arizona’s pinball scene is as vibrant as ever, and we can’t wait to see what the rest of Season 13 has in store.

Stay tuned for more pinball news, tournament updates, and in-depth game breakdowns. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, keep playing, keep improving, and we’ll see you in the next one!