Flipping Through the Crowd: 111 Players Face Off at Electric Bat Arcade

On January 21, 2025, at 6:30 PM, the Electric Bat Arcade in Tempe, Arizona, buzzed with excitement as 111 pinball enthusiasts gathered for the Electric Bat Season 14-Part 2 #5 tournament. Over the course of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, players competed fiercely across five rounds, each featuring a single game. The clear skies and a crisp 52°F evening set the perfect backdrop for this flipper frenzy.

Electric Bat Arcade: Where Pinball Dreams Come True

Electric Bat Arcade, located inside the legendary Yucca Tap Room at 29 West Southern Avenue in Tempe, is a haven for pinball lovers. Open daily from 6 AM to 2 AM, it offers a diverse selection of well-maintained machines, each with its own token requirement—so be sure to check before you play. The arcade boasts a friendly atmosphere, a variety of non-alcoholic beverages, and a full bar to keep players refreshed. Regular pinball leagues foster a strong sense of community among enthusiasts. With its early opening hours and late-night accessibility, Electric Bat ensures that pinball action is available almost around the clock. electricbatarcade.com

A Deep Dive into JAWS (Pro): A High-Stakes Battle in Round 4

Round 4 took players into the open waters of JAWS (Pro) by Stern, a pinball machine as intense as the classic 1975 thriller it’s based on. Much like Chief Brody’s desperate fight against the infamous great white, this match tested the nerves and reflexes of every competitor. In the end, it was Cody Winant who survived the shark-infested chaos, clinching first place with a performance that could only be described as relentless.

The key to JAWS (Pro) is controlling the escalating tension, just like in the movie. The game’s dynamic layout forces players to balance their risk—do they go for safer shots to rack up points, or do they take on the more dangerous (but lucrative) shark encounters? Cody clearly knew how to handle the deep waters, hitting crucial shots to build his score while avoiding costly mistakes that could have sunk his chances.

John Shopple, the state’s top-ranked player, wasn’t far behind. He took an aggressive approach, likely targeting the “Shark Cage Multiball”, where players battle against a feeding frenzy of flying pinballs. John, ranked 92nd in the IFPA, had the experience to handle high-pressure moments, but in the end, Cody held on for the win.

Meanwhile, Nick Mesa, unranked in the IFPA, proved he wasn’t just here to be fish food. He kept pace with two of the state’s strongest players and secured a solid third-place finish—an impressive feat given the caliber of competition. Ken Klawitter rounded out the group, and while his state rank of 62nd put him as the underdog on paper, he still put up a fight worthy of a blockbuster finale.

Like the movie itself, this match had everything—suspense, danger, and a triumphant survivor. JAWS (Pro) is all about building up tension and striking at the right moment, and that’s exactly what Cody did. He kept his cool, landed the biggest shots, and made sure that when the final wave hit, he was the one standing at the top of the boat.

A Closer Look at the Machines That Lit Up the Tournament

With 66 machines in play, the Electric Bat Season 14-Part 2 #5 tournament had no shortage of variety. From classic electro-mechanical wonders to the latest high-tech releases, players faced a thrilling mix of styles and challenges. Let’s take a closer look at a few standout machines that helped shape the competition.

Joker Poker (Gottlieb, 1978)

Designed by the legendary Ed Krynski, Joker Poker is a single-player solid-state game that blends classic card game strategy with pinball skill. The machine rewards precise shooting, with a ruleset focused on completing poker hands to rack up points. The standout artwork by Gordon Morison captures the spirit of a high-stakes card table, making this one a favorite among vintage pinball enthusiasts. Its drop target-heavy playfield requires accuracy, making it a true test of skill in tournament play.

Attack From Mars (Remake) (Chicago Gaming, 2017)

A modern remake of the 1995 Bally classic, Attack From Mars pits players against an alien invasion with over-the-top humor and some of the most satisfying shots in pinball. Designed by Brian Eddy, the game is famous for its central saucer target, which players must destroy to save the world. The game’s straightforward yet deep rule set, coupled with smooth ramps and rewarding combos, makes it a tournament favorite. Chicago Gaming’s remake retains all the charm of the original while adding modern lighting and display upgrades that make it even more immersive.

TX-Sector (Gottlieb, 1988)

One of the most unique and underrated games of the 1980s, TX-Sector delivers an otherworldly pinball experience with its sci-fi theme, trippy synth soundtrack, and teleporting ball feature. The game’s standout mechanic involves the ball “teleporting” between different locations on the playfield using hidden scoops—an effect that still feels futuristic today. The playfield design encourages strategic shot-making, and its distinct visual and audio design makes it stand out in any tournament lineup.

Night Rider (Bally, 1976)

A throwback to the era of open highways and roaring engines, Night Rider captures the essence of 1970s road culture with its trucker-inspired theme. Available in both electro-mechanical and solid-state versions, the game features a symmetrical playfield with challenging stand-up targets and a satisfying spinner shot. The backglass artwork by Dave Christensen adds to its nostalgic appeal, making it a fun but tough game to master under tournament pressure.

Aerosmith (Stern, 2017)

For those who like their pinball with a side of rock ‘n’ roll, Aerosmith brings the band’s classic hits to life through fast-paced gameplay. Designed by John Borg, the machine features a unique “toy box” ball-locking mechanism that can launch up to six balls onto the playfield at once. The game’s layout is reminiscent of Borg’s earlier Metallica design but with a more accessible rule set, making it appealing to both casual and competitive players. Players who mastered multiball and combo shots on this machine likely had an edge in the tournament.

The Uncanny X-Men (Pro) (Stern, 2024)

One of the newest machines on the scene, The Uncanny X-Men takes players deep into Marvel’s mutant universe with a comic-book-inspired aesthetic. Featuring a fast-paced fan layout, the game incorporates character-based modes that allow players to choose different X-Men for unique scoring strategies. Stern’s modern playfield lighting and interactive callouts make this game an instant favorite for superhero fans and tournament players alike.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (Williams, 1991)

A true classic from the early ’90s, Terminator 2 was one of the first pinball machines to feature a dot-matrix display and a player-controlled cannon for launching shots at targets. Designed by Steve Ritchie and featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger’s voice work, the game is all about precision and strategy. The Super Jackpot sequence is one of the most satisfying in pinball, and the flow of the ramps keeps players coming back. Its balanced scoring and satisfying shot progression make it a staple in competitive pinball.

Champions of the Night: Battling Through a Stacked Field

With 111 competitors in the mix, climbing to the top of this tournament was no easy feat. Every round was a test of endurance, skill, and sheer determination, but four players managed to rise above the rest to claim the top spots.

Adam Horton Takes the Crown

Adam Horton, ranked 12th in Arizona and 355th in the IFPA, proved that consistency and experience win the day. With 344 IFPA events under his belt, he navigated this massive field with precision, proving that he can handle high-pressure matchups against tough opponents. Taking first place against such a deep roster of competitors reinforces why he’s one of Arizona’s top contenders.

Jason Barre Pushes to Second Place

Mesa’s own Jason Barre, ranked 23rd in the state and 328th in the IFPA, fought his way to an impressive second-place finish. Having competed in 519 IFPA events, Jason is no stranger to tournament play, and his ability to keep up with Adam until the final moments shows just how competitive this tournament was. While he didn’t walk away with the win, he outpaced some of the state’s best, proving he’s a force to be reckoned with.

Mark Pearson’s Consistency Secures Third

Mark Pearson, the highest-ranked IFPA player in the top four, finished in third place despite holding a stronger overall ranking than the two players ahead of him. Sitting at 10th in Arizona and 90th in the IFPA, he’s played a staggering 640 IFPA events, making him the most battle-tested competitor on the podium. While he didn’t quite clinch the win, his deep well of experience kept him in contention and secured him a strong finish in a stacked field.

Wade Lloyd Fights His Way to Fourth

Rounding out the top four, Wade Lloyd came in as a bit of an underdog with a state ranking of 124th and an IFPA ranking of 1835. But rankings don’t always tell the full story—his 119 tournament appearances have clearly sharpened his skills, allowing him to punch well above his weight class. Making it into the top four against players ranked in the top 1000 worldwide is no small feat, and Wade’s performance shows he’s capable of competing with Arizona’s best.

A Hard-Fought Climb to the Top

With so many players in the mix, even making the top four was a major accomplishment. Adam, Jason, Mark, and Wade each had to battle through a deep field filled with experienced players, proving their mettle in five rounds of intense competition. Electric Bat Arcade brought out the best in Arizona’s pinball scene, and this tournament was a perfect showcase of skill, strategy, and competitive spirit.

Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Here’s a look at the current top 10 pinball players in Arizona:

These rankings reflect the dedication and talent present in Arizona’s vibrant pinball community.

Closing Thoughts

The Electric Bat Season 14-Part 2 #5 tournament was a thrilling showcase of skill, strategy, and endurance, with 111 players battling it out across 66 machines. Adam Horton emerged victorious, proving that experience and precision can carry a player to the top even in a massive field. The competition was fierce, but the camaraderie and energy at Electric Bat Arcade made it a night to remember.

Electric Bat continues to be a staple of Arizona’s pinball scene, blending a welcoming atmosphere with top-tier competition. Whether you’re a seasoned tournament player or just looking to sharpen your flipper skills, there’s no better place to play. With more events on the horizon, the action isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Stay tuned for more pinball news, tournament recaps, and all the high scores that make this community one of the best in the game!