Under the crisp, clear skies of Surprise, Arizona, the Finals for Player 1 Arcade Monthly kicked off on January 5, 2025, at 12:30 PM. Players dove into a thrilling single round of intense competition, with four players battling it out over nearly five hours of non-stop pinball action. Kevin Curtis orchestrated this event flawlessly at Player 1 Arcade, bringing together pinball enthusiasts for an unforgettable showdown.
Stepping into Nostalgia: Player 1 Arcade
Player 1 Arcade in Surprise, Arizona, is a true throwback to the golden age of arcades. Located at 17239 N Litchfield Rd #60, this spot mixes vintage charm with modern flair. The arcade hums with the sounds of classic games like Street Fighter and Galaga, alongside an impressive collection of pinball machines. With vibrant murals featuring icons like Bowie and the Beastie Boys and a rotating selection of craft beers—including standout sours—Player 1 Arcade is a top-tier destination for both casual visitors and hardcore pinball fans. Plus, their pinball league keeps the competitive spirit alive!
Game Spotlight: Foo Fighters (LE) Turns Up the Volume
The spotlight game of the day lit up in Round 1 on Stern’s Foo Fighters (LE), released in March 2023. This machine isn’t just a rock concert in pinball form—it’s a battlefield of skill and strategy. In the game’s action-packed “Overlord Multiball” mode, players must juggle multiple balls while hitting strategic targets to fend off alien invaders. Alex Kee, ranked 4552, turned up the heat with an aggressive playstyle, crushing shots and controlling multiballs to edge out higher-ranked players. Mike McClure, ranked 1325, kept pace but couldn’t match Alex’s momentum, landing in second. Kevin Ehlers and Derek D’Avignon fought valiantly but couldn’t break through Alex’s rock-solid lead.
Pinball Machines That Stole the Show
This tournament boasted a stellar lineup of 15 pinball machines, each offering a unique challenge and design that thrilled players and spectators alike.
Foo Fighters (LE) by Stern (2023): This fast-paced game is a tribute to the legendary rock band, combining high-energy music with interactive play. Players take on alien invaders through modes like “Overlord Multiball” and navigate intricate ramps and loops, making it a test of both speed and precision.
Star Wars (Premium) by Stern (2017): Featuring iconic sound bites and movie clips, this machine immerses players in the Star Wars universe. Missions align with the original trilogy, and the hyperdrive ramp offers adrenaline-pumping multiball action.
The Uncanny X-Men (LE) by Stern (2024): One of the latest machines to hit the scene, this game bursts with comic book flair. Players choose from classic X-Men heroes, each unlocking unique abilities, and battle through villainous story arcs with fast shots and challenging objectives.
Tales of the Arabian Nights by Williams (1996): A true classic and personal favorite, this game enchants with its stunning art and magical gameplay. The spinning lamp, genie modes, and flying carpet ramp create an immersive storybook experience that’s as challenging as it is charming.
Godzilla (Premium) by Stern (2021): Known for its towering Godzilla figure and chaos-inducing bridges, this machine has players defending cities from monster attacks with dynamic playfields and thrilling multiball features.
Celebrating the Champions
A massive congratulations to Alex Kee from Stardust for clinching first place! Despite their IFPA rank of 4552, Alex’s 68 tournament appearances clearly sharpened their skills, proving that rankings don’t always dictate results. Mike McClure, a seasoned competitor with 178 events under their belt and ranked 1325, took a strong second place. Kevin Ehlers, ranked 2154 with 101 events, secured third, showing off his deep experience. Derek D’Avignon, with 71 events and a rank of 4255, rounded out the top four, holding their own in this fierce competition. Hats off to all players for showcasing incredible talent!
Closing Out the Competition
Player 1 Arcade set the perfect stage for this thrilling tournament, and Kevin Curtis deserves applause for organizing an event that kept players and spectators hooked. Congratulations again to Alex Kee for their standout performance! For more upcoming tournaments and arcade fun, be sure to check out Player 1 Arcade’s website at www.p1arcade.com. Keep your flippers warm—more exciting pinball battles are just around the corner!
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