Classic Cars and Pinball Stars: The Tucson Timed Match Play

On January 11, 2025, the Tucson Timed Match Play @Hotrods event lit up the pinball scene in Vail, Arizona. Nine players battled through 11 rounds, each taking on one game per round. The tournament, which wrapped up in just over three hours, was organized by the ever-energetic Wayne Saeger. And with clear skies and a brisk 56°F temperature, the action was as intense as the weather was calm.

Hotrods Old Vail: A Garage-Lover’s Paradise

Hotrods Old Vail is a true Tucson gem, blending a love for cars with a lively atmosphere. Located at 10500 East Old Vail Road, this restaurant and bar doubles as a working garage where customers can enjoy hearty meals and great drinks while checking out vehicles being worked on. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just looking for a fun, casual place to hang out, Hotrods offers something for everyone. The food’s massive portions and friendly service have earned rave reviews, making it the perfect setting for a pinball tournament. Get the full scoop on their website.

Round 2 Heat: Metallica Rocks the Tournament

Round 2 at the tournament saw players face off on Metallica (Pro), a game known for its high-octane action. The electric chair multiball feature gave competitors a chance to rack up serious points, and the tension was palpable as they aimed for those difficult ramps. Matthew Sitko may have been ranked lower at 746th in the IFPA, but they came out on top in this round, proving that rankings don’t always tell the whole story. Wayne Saeger, the local Vail favorite, placed second, while Thomas Urban from Portland finished third, showing that the competition was fierce from all angles.

Pinball Machines: A Diverse Lineup That Kept Players on Their Toes

The tournament featured an impressive lineup of pinball machines, each bringing its own set of challenges and thrills to the competition. Here’s a closer look at five standout games that kept the action lively throughout the day:

• Future Spa (Bally, March 1979): This vintage machine from Bally is a perfect example of late ’70s pinball design. With a unique sci-fi theme, Future Spa challenges players to hit drop targets and lane shots, requiring precise control and timing. The game’s playful artwork and quirky gameplay make it a hidden gem for fans of classic machines.
• Attack from Mars (Bally, January 1995): A true fan favorite, Attack from Mars delivered high-energy action with its UFO targets and engaging multiball modes. Players had to strategically shoot for ramps to unlock bonus features and avoid being overwhelmed by the incoming Martian invaders. With its great balance of skill and chance, this game remains one of the most beloved in competitive pinball circles.
• Dolly Parton (Bally, October 1978): Dolly Parton might not be the first machine that comes to mind for most players, but it offers a fun and nostalgic experience. The spinning disk ramps and bright, colorful playfield make it stand out, while the integration of the music and voiceovers from the legendary country singer adds to the charm. It’s a perfect mix of lighthearted fun and challenging shots.
• Sharp Shooter II (Game Plan, January 1983): Known for its fast-paced gameplay, Sharp Shooter II keeps players on their toes with tight ramps and combo shots. The game’s skill-based design rewards players who can string together multiple shots while dealing with the game’s random elements. It’s a machine that requires precision and quick reflexes, making it an exciting pick for tournament play.
• AC/DC (Pro) (Stern, January 2012): One of the most exciting modern machines in the tournament, AC/DC (Pro) combines rock and pinball in a high-octane experience. The game’s ramps and multiball modes give players plenty of chances to rack up points, while the combo shots reward those who can quickly chain their moves together. With its pulsating soundtrack and energetic gameplay, AC/DC kept the tournament moving at full speed.

The Winners: Top Scores, Big Cheers

After a nail-biting finish on Stars, the top players claimed their spots on the leaderboard. Ben Clement, from Marana, AZ, dominated the tournament, taking home first place despite fierce competition. Ranked 8th in Arizona and 168th nationally, Ben showed why he’s a top contender in the IFPA scene. Derek Jordan, ranked 2316th in the IFPA, finished in second, while Robert Noble claimed third, with Wayne Saeger rounding out the top four. It was a fantastic display of talent all around!

Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Check out the latest top 10 rankings for Arizona’s finest pinball players:

Wrapping It Up: Thanks for the Fun!

A huge thank you goes out to Wayne Saeger for putting together such an excellent event and to Hotrods Old Vail for being the perfect venue. Congratulations to Ben Clement for his impressive victory! It was a great day of pinball, and we’re excited to keep bringing you more action from tournaments across the country. Stay tuned for the next round of thrilling updates, and keep flipping!