Pinball Showdown in the Desert: Stern Army Week 1 Recap

Level 1 Arcade Bar in Mesa hosted its first Stern Army Week event on September 11, 2024, with 14 dedicated players ready to battle it out over four intense rounds. As the Arizona sun set on a sweltering 99°F day, the action inside was as heated as the desert outside. The tournament lasted just under two hours, but the excitement felt like it could have gone all night.

Let’s dive into the key moments, highlight a few of the games, and celebrate those who made their mark in this thrilling tournament.

Level 1 Arcade Bar: The Ultimate Pinball Playground

Nestled right in the heart of Mesa, Level 1 Arcade Bar delivers on its promise of a top-tier pinball experience. With two levels packed with entertainment, players often find themselves gravitating toward the upper floor for a little extra elbow room and a touch of cooler air. The selection of machines? Impeccable. Unlike some spots where half the games might be out of commission, this place prides itself on well-maintained machines from the ’90s and newer Sterns. You can almost hear the soft hum of nostalgia paired with modern pinball brilliance as you make your way through the lineup. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just looking to try your hand at a classic, Level 1 has something for everyone. It’s no wonder this spot has become a go-to for local tournaments.

Godzilla Strikes in Round 4

One of the most exciting moments of the night came in the fourth round on Godzilla (Premium/LE), a favorite among modern players. Released by Stern in 2021, this game brings chaos with its magnetic ball catch and building destruction animations. As if that wasn’t enough, the famous “Bridge Attack” mode sent the crowd buzzing, perfectly fitting the atmosphere of competitive pinball.

In this round, Kevin Burns, ranked 123rd in the state, came out swinging and clinched 1st place on Godzilla, delivering an upset to higher-ranked players. Even though Kevin was ranked much lower than his fellow competitors, he played like a true monster wrangler, snatching victory right from the hands of John Magyar, one of Arizona’s top players, ranked 7th in the state. John couldn’t quite keep up with the destruction Kevin brought to the table, but still secured 2nd place. Shawn Barnett, ranked 81st, finished in 3rd, and local favorite Jason Barre, ranked 5th, found himself struggling against Godzilla’s wrath, taking 4th.

Pinball Machines of the Night

While Godzilla roared in the final round, several other games made waves during the tournament.

• John Wick (Pro) by Stern (2024): Fresh off its release, this machine brings high-energy gameplay with its fast-flowing ramps and challenging missions. The crisp design mirrors the action-packed scenes from the films, and this one’s already turning into a tournament favorite.
• Phantom of the Opera by Data East (1990): A hauntingly beautiful machine with gothic elements, this one stands out for its intricate ramps and spellbinding soundtrack. It was the perfect game for those who like their pinball with a bit of drama.
• Whirlwind by Williams (1990): With spinning discs and the infamous fan that blows real air at players, this machine has a way of keeping competitors on their toes. The stormy theme fits well with the fast-paced nature of tournament play.
• The Addams Family by Bally (1992): A classic game that’s always a crowd-pleaser, The Addams Family has iconic features like the electric chair and Thing’s hand, which brings an element of surprise to the competition.

Each of these machines played a vital role in testing the skills of every competitor, offering unique challenges that separated the good from the great.

Champions of the Night

Coming in strong and snatching the top spot was John Magyar, one of Arizona’s pinball elite. His journey to 1st place was anything but easy, with close competition from Kevin Burns. John’s consistent performance and skill helped him rise to the top, showing why he’s one of the most respected players in the state. Kevin Burns, not far behind, proved that rankings don’t always dictate performance. He made a name for himself with some impressive victories throughout the night, ultimately finishing in 2nd place.

Local Mesa hero, Jason Barre, rounded out the top three. Ranked 5th in Arizona, Jason has seen his fair share of victories, but tonight wasn’t his night to claim the crown. His efforts, however, shouldn’t go unnoticed. With over 475 total IFPA events under his belt, he remains a formidable opponent in any competition. Meanwhile, Tim Crowe, unranked but undeterred, fought hard and secured a solid 4th place finish.

Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings:

A Night to Remember

With the final flipper flipped and the last ball drained, it was clear that Stern Army Week 1 at Level 1 Arcade Bar was a smashing success. Huge thanks go to Scott Goldsmith for organizing such a fun and well-run event, as well as to Level 1 for providing the perfect environment for competitive pinball. Congratulations to John Magyar for his well-deserved victory, and to everyone else who made this tournament one for the books.

Keep your eyes peeled for more pinball action, and we can’t wait to bring you the next chapter in Arizona’s growing pinball scene!