Pinball Wizardry on Display at Level 1 Mesa’s Stern Army Week 2

Under the warm Arizona evening sky, the Level One Arcade Bar in Mesa hosted Week 2 of the Stern Army 2024 tournament series on September 18. With 16 skilled players competing in four intense rounds, the action was as heated as the desert air. Lasting just an hour and a half, this quick yet competitive event saw some of Arizona’s best pinball players go head-to-head in thrilling matchups.

Level 1 Arcade Bar: A Pinball Paradise

Tucked right in the heart of Mesa, Level 1 Arcade Bar delivered a top-tier venue for this pinball showdown. Located at 48 W Main Street, this two-story arcade bar has a reputation for its meticulously maintained pinball machines, providing a diverse selection of classics and modern hits. From the classic charm of ’90s pinball to Stern’s latest releases, every game ran smoothly, giving competitors an ideal environment to focus on their flipper skills. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just a pinball enthusiast, Level 1 Mesa delivers the ultimate experience, complete with great food, drinks, and service that make it a must-visit stop on the pinball circuit.

Round 2 Spotlight: A Showdown on The Mandalorian

The battle for Round 2 took place on The Mandalorian (Premium/LE), where the Star Wars universe and high-stakes pinball clashed in dramatic fashion. Shawn Barnett, ranked 83rd in the state, navigated this game’s razor-sharp missions like a true bounty hunter, outscoring his opponents with ease. He faced some heavy competition, including Arizona’s 6th-ranked player John Magyar, who had the Force on his side but just couldn’t hit the same explosive sequences as Barnett. The Razor Crest multi-ball saw both players rack up points, but in the end, it was Barnett who came out on top, wielding his flippers like Din Djarin himself.

As Barnett’s score soared, he successfully locked in the Mythosaur encounter, securing a first-place finish, leaving Magyar, Jeff Janoski, and Kevin Burns scrambling for runner-up spots. In a game of skill, strategy, and a bit of pinball wizardry, Barnett proved once again why he’s a player to watch.

Pinball Machines: A Stellar Lineup

The tournament featured an impressive selection of pinball machines, each offering unique challenges and thrills for the players:

• Godzilla (Premium/LE) by Stern (2021): This blockbuster-themed pin is known for its chaotic city-smashing gameplay, complete with a rotating building, collapsing bridges, and the opportunity to wreak havoc on Tokyo. Players had to strategize their attacks to maximize points, battling both Kaiju and each other.
• Creature from the Black Lagoon by Bally (1992): With its retro drive-in movie theme, this pinball gem boasts a holographic creature lurking beneath the playfield, just waiting for players to unleash his fury. It’s a fan-favorite for its nostalgic appeal and complex shot layout.
• John Wick (Pro) by Stern (2024): The newest addition to the lineup, John Wick (Pro) brought the sleek, fast-paced action of the hit movie franchise into the tournament. Featuring rapid-fire ramps, high-speed gameplay, and skill-heavy multi-ball modes, this machine put players’ reflexes to the test.
• The Munsters (Premium/LE) by Stern (2019): The classic TV family made for a spooky yet hilarious challenge with its bright, campy design and intricate scoring system. Players worked to activate Herman and Lily’s modes, navigating through quirky challenges that demanded precision.
• Terminator 2: Judgment Day by Williams (1991): A machine that remains iconic in the pinball world for its revolutionary dot matrix display and the ever-popular cannon launcher. Tournament players had to lock in their shots like a true T-800, avoiding judgment day with quick flipper work and well-timed ramp shots.

The Final Stand: Tournament Winners

Sixteen competitors, one night of intense pinball action—yet only one player could claim victory. Shawn Barnett emerged victorious after fighting his way through a field of strong contenders, including the experienced Kevin Burns and an impressive debut performance from Robert Sedano, who entered his first-ever IFPA event and walked away with a solid third-place finish. The following is the final top-four ranking from the night’s action:

1. Shawn Barnett – Ranked 83rd in Arizona, Barnett’s flipper finesse and knack for high-pressure shots secured him first place. With 142 IFPA events under his belt, he continues to climb the ranks, making a name for himself in the state.
2. Kevin Burns AZ – Ranked 103rd in the state, Burns’ consistent gameplay led him to second place. With a wealth of experience from 173 events, his resilience in the final rounds kept him on Barnett’s heels.
3. Robert Sedano – In his first IFPA tournament, Sedano showed true rookie potential. With no prior ranking, his third-place finish was a stellar debut performance that hints at great things to come.
4. Jeff Janoski – Representing Gilbert, Janoski’s IFPA rank of 15087 didn’t stop him from claiming fourth place. His performance was a reminder that in pinball, anything can happen.

Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings:

Congratulations and Next Steps

With clear skies overhead and the perfect blend of competition and camaraderie, the Level One Arcade Bar once again proved to be a fantastic host for competitive pinball. Congratulations to Shawn Barnett for his stellar first-place finish! The bar’s impressive selection of machines and flawless maintenance continues to set it apart, ensuring it remains a go-to spot for both local and out-of-town players.

Be sure to follow along for more exciting pinball updates, including the next Stern Army tournament! With Arizona’s pinball scene heating up, you won’t want to miss it.