Battles, Multiballs, and Pinball Glory at Player 1 Arcade

The Player 1 Arcade 2025 Series 2 (#1) tournament, held on January 13, 2025, kicked off at 6:30 PM with 26 players ready to battle it out for the top spot. With a format of five rounds, each featuring one game, the competition was intense, lasting a total of about 2 hours and 45 minutes. Players were challenged by a variety of pinball machines, testing their skills and strategy. A huge shout-out to Jim Smith for organizing such a smooth event at Player 1 Arcade in Surprise, AZ. Let’s dive into the machines and the action that made this night unforgettable!

Player 1 Arcade: The Ultimate Pinball Destination

Player 1 Arcade, located at 17239 North Litchfield Road UNIT 60, Surprise, AZ, isn’t just your average arcade. It’s a pinball lover’s dream come true, known for its pristine machines and welcoming atmosphere. It’s not a dive bar with just a few pinball machines—it’s a place dedicated to pinball excellence. The arcade is home to a well-maintained collection of machines, both classic and modern, ensuring an authentic pinball experience. Beyond the games, the friendly and knowledgeable staff help create an enjoyable, relaxed vibe. If you’re a fan of pinball, this spot is a must-visit. The bar offers a solid selection of drinks, with happy hour specials and a variety of craft beers. Whether you’re aiming for high scores or just enjoying a night out, Player 1 Arcade has it all. For more info, visit their website.

A Monster Match on Godzilla

Round 2 of the tournament brought out the big guns—Godzilla (Premium) by Stern, which hit the scene in 2021. This machine is a true beast in the pinball world, featuring an impressive sculpted Godzilla figure that rises up to intimidate players as they go head-to-head with the King of the Monsters. The Premium edition takes the game to another level, with a rotating building and exciting multiball features that keep players on their toes. In this round, Joel Daniel went full-on monster mode, using Godzilla’s multiball chaos to his advantage. The game’s action-packed destruction of cities and battling monsters creates a whirlwind of excitement, with players earning massive points as they progress through various modes, including the Super Jackpot. It was a hard-fought battle, but Joel emerged victorious, demonstrating a perfect blend of precision and strategy that was essential in conquering the King of the Monsters.

Key Pinball Games in the Tournament

The Player 1 Arcade 2025 Series 2 (#1) tournament featured 15 amazing pinball machines. From classics to new releases, each game brought something unique to the table. Here’s a deeper look at some of the standout machines from the night:

• Guardians of the Galaxy (Stern, 2017)
  If you’re a fan of Marvel and fast-paced gameplay, Guardians of the Galaxy delivers on both fronts. This machine offers Infinity Gem modes that make hitting ramps and collecting Guardians essential for big points. The game’s tight shots and multiball modes, including the Orb Multiball, are key to pushing your score to the limit. With its colorful, action-packed layout and the legendary soundtrack, this machine keeps you on the edge of your seat, making it a fan favorite in tournaments.
• Cyclone (Williams, 1988)
  A true classic, Cyclone takes you to a carnival of thrills. Players aim to complete the Cyclone wheel spins, which unlock a jackpot, while also battling the ramps and ramps-to-reel shots that set up Super Cyclone Multiball. The game’s whimsical design, combined with its challenging mechanics, has made it a staple in arcades for decades. It’s an exciting, unpredictable game that rewards skillful play with a fun, carnival atmosphere.
• James Bond 007 (Stern, 2022)
  Featuring an interactive playfield and an array of gadgets and missions, James Bond 007 offers a dynamic pinball experience. In the Premium version, the rotating ramps and Bond’s Car feature add an extra layer of strategy. Players trigger different missions based on the movie’s plot, and with the Villain’s Escape and 007 Multiball, you’ll need quick reflexes and smart shot placement to succeed. If you’re looking for a game that combines excitement with espionage, this one’s a must-play.
• Pulp Fiction (Chicago Gaming, 2023)
  The Pulp Fiction pinball machine transports players into the iconic world of Quentin Tarantino’s film. With ramps and a ball lock that leads to the Vega Multiball, this machine is all about hitting your shots and unlocking special modes like Hitman and The Diner. The Jack Rabbit Slims mode offers another fun twist, and fans of the film will appreciate the quotes and references scattered throughout the game. With its unique theme and exciting gameplay, Pulp Fiction offers a fresh spin on pinball.
• The Uncanny X-Men (LE) (Stern, 2024)
  The Limited Edition X-Men pinball machine brings the excitement of mutant powers to the playfield. Featuring the Danger Room multiball and the X-Jet ramp, this game offers a mix of speed and strategy. Each mutant character’s power is integrated into the gameplay, making every shot count toward unlocking unique modes. It’s a fast-paced, competitive machine that’s sure to challenge even the most skilled players.

Congratulations to the Tournament Champions

Let’s give a huge round of applause to the Player 1 Arcade 2025 Series 2 (#1) tournament winners! Joel Daniel claimed first place with his impressive performance on Guardians of the Galaxy, making the most of the game’s multiball features and tight shot precision. Here’s how the final standings looked:

1. Joel Daniel – Taking first place with his calculated approach, Joel showed that experience and focus win out in the end. Ranked 134th in the state, he’s certainly a player to watch.
2. Jim Smith – The tournament organizer kept things exciting by finishing second. Ranked 4th in the state and with a wealth of experience, Jim is always a top contender.
3. Janel Valdez – A strong third-place finish for Janel, who demonstrated consistent skill throughout the night. Ranked 135th in the state, she’s definitely someone to keep an eye on.
4. Kevin Ehlers – Kevin rounded out the top four, showing his expertise on the game and finishing strong with a state rank of 52nd.

Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

A Big Shout-Out to Player 1 Arcade

It’s always a blast at Player 1 Arcade, and the 2025 Series 2 (#1) tournament was no exception. Congratulations to the overall winner, Joel Daniel, for a fantastic performance, and thanks to Jim Smith for organizing such a smooth event. If you’re ever in Surprise, AZ, make sure to swing by Player 1 Arcade for a pinball experience you won’t forget. You can find out more about this awesome venue and upcoming events by checking out their Facebook page. Stay tuned for more pinball action!