Pinball Showdown in Tempe: Highlights from Electric Bat Season 14

The Electric Bat Season 14-Part 2 #4 tournament brought together an impressive crowd of 119 players, showcasing the vibrant pinball community of Tempe, Arizona. Taking place on January 14, 2025, the event featured a fast-paced format of five rounds with one game per round. Starting at 6:30 PM, the tournament wrapped up just shy of three hours under clear skies and a pleasant 56°F. Organized by the talented Rachel Bess, this event proved that Electric Bat Arcade continues to be a key hub for competitive pinball.

A Pinball Oasis in the Valley

Electric Bat Arcade, located at 29 W. Southern Ave in Tempe, is a local treasure for pinball enthusiasts. Connected to a bar with long hours, the arcade buzzes with activity from early morning until late at night. The team at Electric Bat is deeply involved in the community, hosting friendly weekly competitions and offering an inclusive, welcoming space. With an ever-changing lineup of 65 pinball machines, there’s something for everyone—from retro classics to modern marvels. Affordable token pricing and a range of machine costs make it easy to lose yourself in a flurry of flippers and multiballs.

For more on Electric Bat Arcade, check out their website: electricbatarcade.com.

Pinball Machine Highlights

The lineup of 65 machines at the tournament had something for every kind of player. Here’s a peek at some standout games:

Tales from the Crypt (Data East, 1993)
Inspired by the classic horror anthology series, this machine is packed with creepy charm. From a ghoulish Crypt Keeper to spooky ramps, it’s a frightfully fun experience. The gruesome multiball mode and the animated backglass are sure to give players chills (and thrills!).

The Mandalorian (Pro) (Stern, 2021)
This machine takes you to a galaxy far, far away with missions centered around the beloved Disney+ series. Packed with custom callouts from Carl Weathers, a rotating playfield, and Razor Crest multiball, it’s no wonder this game remains a crowd favorite.

Fish Tales (Williams, 1992)
A fishing adventure with quirky humor, this machine’s reel animations and boat-themed ramp shots make it a reel good time (pun intended). Players love chasing the Monster Fish jackpot, a test of skill and timing that separates the pros from the amateurs.

Stranger Things (Premium) (Stern, 2019)
Journey into the Upside Down with this modern gem. The Demogorgon bash toy, UV-reactive playfield, and high-stakes multiball modes perfectly capture the essence of Hawkins’ supernatural adventures.

When Godzilla Reigns Supreme

Round 4 on Godzilla (Premium) turned out to be a fiery showdown worthy of the King of the Monsters himself. This Stern blockbuster, released in 2021, puts players in the middle of city-destroying chaos, where they rack up points by unleashing Godzilla’s devastating powers.

Ty Bull, ranked 35th in Arizona, faced off against seasoned competitors, including John Shopple, the state’s 2nd-ranked player. Despite John’s formidable skills, Ty’s mastery of the building destruction shots and relentless multiballs secured him the win. Elaine Hecht and Logan Jonson brought their A-games, but Ty’s dominance on the playfield proved unstoppable in this round.

Crowning the Champions

In a tournament packed with 119 skilled competitors, claiming victory required focus, resilience, and a knack for navigating intense pinball battles. Here’s how the top four players stacked up:

1. Andre Gierczynski – With an IFPA rank of 2423, Andre navigated the massive field like a true underdog. His 17 IFPA events might not seem like much experience, but Andre showed that determination beats numbers.
2. Greg Davis – Hailing from Phoenix, Greg (IFPA rank 424) added another strong showing to his 173-event career.
3. Nate Tornero – With a state rank of 140 and an IFPA rank of 319, Nate demonstrated his skills over 79 tournaments, earning him a well-deserved podium finish.
4. Amber Valdivia – Amber, ranked 19th in Arizona, used her experience from 90 events to claim fourth place, solidifying her reputation as a top player to watch.

Arizona’s Top 10 Pinball Rankings

Looking Ahead

The Electric Bat Season 14-Part 2 #4 tournament was a pinball spectacle, filled with thrilling competition and passionate players. Special thanks to Rachel Bess for organizing such a seamless event and to Electric Bat Arcade for hosting in their fantastic space.

Congratulations to Andre Gierczynski for battling through 118 other players to emerge as the champion! Stay tuned for more updates as we bring you stories from the world of pinball—one flipper at a time.