Arizona’s Pinball Warriors Face Off at Player 1 Arcade

High Scores and Good Times in Surprise, AZ

On a crisp and clear January evening, thirty players gathered at Player 1 Arcade in Surprise, Arizona, for the latest installment of the Player 1 Arcade 2025 Series. With five intense rounds of one-on-one battles, players flipped, nudged, and strategized their way through a lineup of classic and modern pinball machines. The tournament, organized by Jim Smith, wrapped up in just about two and a half hours—proof that these competitors knew their way around a playfield.

Where Pinball Meets Nostalgia: Player 1 Arcade

If stepping into Player 1 Arcade doesn’t make you feel like you’ve traveled back to the golden age of arcades, you might need to adjust your nostalgia goggles. Packed with a diverse selection of pinball machines and retro arcade cabinets, this spot keeps the quarters (or at least the tap payments) rolling. While they don’t serve food, the bar selection more than makes up for it, offering everything from sours to IPAs. With a happy hour stretching from 3-7 PM and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s no surprise (pun intended) that this arcade has earned a solid local following. Whether you’re in for a casual night of flippers or serious competition, Player 1 Arcade has you covered. Check them out at Player 1 Arcade.

When Kaiju Clash: Round 2 on Godzilla (Premium)

One of the most electrifying matches of the night took place in Round 2 on Stern’s Godzilla (Premium)—a game that’s as chaotic as a rampaging kaiju. State-ranked 82nd, Frankie Estrella stomped over the competition, securing first place by expertly navigating the Bridge Attack Multiball, a mode where chaos reigns and jackpots stack up quickly.

Trailing behind was Kevin Erickson, ranked 177th in the state, proving that even the underdog can take on the big beasts. Brittany Daniel, sitting at 166th in the state, held her ground in third, while Kevin Ehlers (61st AZ) found himself locked in a tough battle against some serious firepower, rounding out the group in fourth. The kaiju may have been the game’s theme, but these players played like true titans.

Tournament Machines: A Lineup of Heavy Hitters

This tournament brought out a stellar lineup of pinball machines, giving players a mix of modern depth and classic charm.

• Jurassic Park (Pro) – Stern, 2019: Designed by Keith Elwin, this machine challenges players to capture dinosaurs while navigating a treacherous jungle of ramps and targets. The fast-paced layout keeps players on their toes, with the Raptor Multiball and Chaos Multiball providing high-scoring opportunities for those brave enough to take on the T-Rex.
• The Uncanny X-Men (LE) – Stern, 2024: A fresh addition to the pinball world, this game throws players into battles between Marvel’s beloved mutants. With a deep rule set featuring character-specific abilities, fast ramps, and multiple wizard modes, it rewards strategic shot-making and quick reflexes.
• Cyclone – Williams, 1988: A carnival-themed classic from Barry Oursler, Cyclone lacks multiball but makes up for it with tight shots, a Ferris wheel ball lock, and the ever-iconic “Comet” ramp shot. This game is all about precision and consistency, rewarding players who can control the ball and rack up big points.
• Austin Powers – Stern, 2001: A groovy throwback loaded with references to the famous spy parody franchise. With humor-packed callouts, a chaotic playfield featuring a “Dr. Evil” toy, and a mix of quick ramps and skill shots, this game thrives on its fun factor and unpredictable nature.
• Foo Fighters (LE) – Stern, 2023: An adrenaline-fueled rock-and-roll experience, this game features looping orbits, fast-moving shots, and multiball modes that feel like a concert in pinball form. Players who can hit the fast-moving ramps consistently will keep the flippers flying.
• The Walking Dead (Pro) – Stern, 2014: Designed by John Borg, this game immerses players in the post-apocalyptic world of AMC’s hit TV series. Featuring brutal gameplay, multiple multiball modes, and tough shot layouts, it separates the casual players from the true survivors.
• Godzilla (Premium) – Stern, 2021: As mentioned earlier, this kaiju-themed powerhouse from Keith Elwin is a true challenge. Its unique bridge collapse mechanism and destruction jackpot add an extra layer of strategy, making every game feel like an epic monster battle.
• Guardians of the Galaxy – Stern, 2017: A visually striking pin with high-energy gameplay. The mode-based progression through different movie scenes keeps things fresh, and the interactive Groot toy provides a fun, challenging shot for players looking to maximize their score.
• Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast – Stern, 2018: Another Keith Elwin-designed masterpiece, this game rewards combo-based play, deep strategic thinking, and careful multiball management. The layout is fast and unforgiving, perfect for players looking for a challenge.

And the Winners Are…

After five grueling rounds, David Sanders emerged victorious, proving that state rankings don’t always tell the whole story. Sitting at 114th in Arizona, David powered through the competition despite having played in only nine IFPA events. Jim Smith, tournament organizer and a seasoned competitor (7th in the state), took second, showing that experience counts. Andrew Kohtz (45th AZ) held on to third place, while Janel Valdez (149th AZ) rounded out the top four, proving that determination and skill go a long way.

Arizona’s Top 10 Pinball Players

One More Credit?

With another thrilling tournament in the books, Player 1 Arcade continues to prove itself as a hotspot for competitive pinball in Arizona. Major kudos to Jim Smith for organizing a smooth event that ran on time and delivered top-tier pinball action. If you’re looking to test your skills in an upcoming competition, keep an eye on their event page at Player 1 Arcade on Facebook.

Until next time, keep your flippers up and your tilts gentle—because you never know when the next high-score showdown will hit!