Max Match Play Heats Up at Hotrods Old Vail

Clear skies and a crisp 61°F set the stage for the Max Match Play @Hotrods tournament in Tucson, AZ, on January 19, 2025. With six players going head-to-head across 12 games each, this two-and-a-half-hour competition kept the pinball action fast and furious. Organizer Wayne Saeger oversaw the event at Hotrods Old Vail, a venue that blended nostalgic vibes with a unique flair for pinball.

Hotrods Old Vail: Where Nostalgia Meets Fun

Located at 10500 East Old Vail Road, Hotrods Old Vail combines the rugged charm of a working garage with the welcoming feel of a neighborhood hangout. The venue doubles as a restaurant and bar, where car enthusiasts and casual diners alike enjoy hearty meals, craft drinks, and great company. With its distinctive aesthetic and friendly service, Hotrods served as the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of competitive pinball.

Pinball Spotlight: Rock Legends and Martian Mayhem

Two heavy hitters stood out in this tournament: AC/DC (Pro) by Stern and Attack from Mars by Bally.

AC/DC (Pro) (2012): Designed by the legendary Steve Ritchie, known as the “King of Flow,” AC/DC delivers the high-energy gameplay you’d expect from the man behind Black Knight, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and High Speed. The game features iconic tracks from the band, with a jukebox allowing players to choose their anthem. The swinging Bell toy, combined with lightning-fast ramps and multiball modes, made it a player favorite. The game’s artwork, crafted by John Youssi, perfectly captures the electrifying energy of an AC/DC concert.

Attack from Mars (1995): Widely regarded as one of the best pinball machines of all time, this classic was designed by Brian Eddy, the same mastermind behind Medieval Madness and Stranger Things. Attack from Mars invites players to defend Earth from an alien invasion, complete with UFO explosions and tongue-in-cheek humor. The game’s art package, courtesy of Doug Watson, mixes 1950s B-movie vibes with modern flair. Bally, under Williams’ leadership at the time, was at its creative peak in the mid-’90s, cementing its reputation for blending innovative design with accessible, yet deep gameplay.

Tournament Lineup: A Stroll Through Pinball History

The tournament showcased 10 machines spanning multiple decades, each with its own unique appeal. Here are a few highlights:

• Dolly Parton (Bally, 1978): Designed by Paul Faris, this machine celebrates the country music icon with vibrant, retro art and a catchy soundtrack. Bally was dominating the pinball scene in the late ’70s, and Dolly Parton was part of their push to bring pop culture into pinball.
• Taxi (Williams, 1988): A fan-favorite designed by Mark Ritchie (yes, Steve’s brother), Taxi tasks players with picking up passengers like Pinbot, Dracula, and Santa Claus. The quirky theme and satisfying shot geometry make it a joy to play, and Python Anghelo’s playful artwork adds to its charm.
• Future Spa (Bally, 1979): This widebody machine features outlandish futuristic artwork by Paul Faris and a distinctive layout. Released during Bally’s golden era, it’s a perfect example of the experimental designs of the late ’70s.
• The Walking Dead (Pro) (Stern, 2014): With a design by John Borg and art by Kevin O’Connor, this machine pulls players into the harrowing world of the zombie apocalypse. The magnetized crossbow and brutal multiball sequences keep players on their toes.
• Ice Fever (Gottlieb, 1985): A fun, hockey-themed game designed during Gottlieb’s transition from electro-mechanical machines to solid-state. While it doesn’t have the depth of some of the other machines, its fast-paced gameplay made it a hit during its time.
• Stars (Stern Electronics, 1978): Designed by Steve Kirk, this machine helped establish Stern Electronics as a serious player in the pinball industry. Its straightforward ruleset and addictive spinner shots have made it a cult favorite among players.
• Sharp Shooter II (Game Plan, 1983): Game Plan’s short-lived run produced some unique machines, and Sharp Shooter II, designed by Larry Day, offers simple but challenging gameplay with a Western theme.

Each machine offered its own challenges, pushing players to adapt their skills to a variety of playstyles.

A Clutch Performance: The Top Finishers

1. Local hero John Finnegan emerged victorious, showing why he’s ranked 4th in Arizona. His steady hand and ability to navigate the quirks of machines like Stars and Attack from Mars earned him a well-deserved first-place finish.
2. Ben Clement of Marana, AZ, claimed second place with his bold, aggressive playstyle. Known for his love of fast-flowing machines like Taxi, Ben’s performance underscored his place as one of the state’s rising stars.
3. In third place, Andy Nicholls proved his versatility. Despite his lower ranking, Andy’s familiarity with Bally classics like Dolly Parton and Future Spa helped him climb the standings.
4. Organizer Wayne Saeger, who finished fourth, not only ran a seamless event but showed that he’s just as skilled behind the flippers as he is behind the scenes.

Arizona’s Top 10 IFPA Standings

Flipping into the Future

Thanks to Wayne Saeger for organizing a fantastic event and to Hotrods Old Vail for hosting this unique competition. With its vibrant lineup of machines and spirited competitors, this tournament was a celebration of pinball’s past and present. Highlights like the fast-paced action of AC/DC and the strategic depth of Attack from Mars made the day unforgettable.

Keep an eye on the Arizona pinball circuit for more thrilling matchups. Until next time, keep flippin’!