Pinball Wizards Face Off in One of Tempe’s Biggest Tournament of the Season

If you thought pinball was just a casual bar game, think again. On January 28, 2025, 111 players packed into Electric Bat Arcade in Tempe, Arizona, for a battle of reflexes, skill, and sheer willpower. The Electric Bat Season 14-Part 2 #6 tournament ran for about two and a half hours, with competitors grinding through five rounds, each featuring a single game. Outside, scattered clouds and a crisp 55°F kept things cool, but inside? The pinball action was red-hot.

Electric Bat Arcade: Where Pinball Meets Pure Energy

Electric Bat Arcade isn’t just another spot to play pinball—it’s one of Arizona’s best competitive pinball hubs, seamlessly blending retro arcade culture with top-tier tournament play. Tucked inside the Yucca Tap Room at 29 W. Southern Ave in Tempe, this place has earned a reputation for having one of the best-maintained collections of machines in the state. With over 60 pinball games, a mix of classic and modern titles, and a few arcade games, there’s always something new to discover.

The setup is a dream for both casual players and hardcore competitors. Unlike some locations where half the machines are out of order, Electric Bat keeps everything running smoothly—you won’t find a busted flipper or non-responsive button ruining your game. Tokens keep the old-school arcade vibe alive, and the bar next door serves up solid drinks and food, making it the perfect place to settle in for an evening of pinball and good company.

At first glance, the entrance might give off a bit of a “wait, am I in the right place?” vibe, but step inside, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by the sights and sounds of an arcade that truly cares about its machines and its players. Whether you’re here for competition or just to flip a few balls after work, Electric Bat Arcade delivers a pinball experience you won’t forget.

JAWS (Pro) Takes a Bite Out of Round 2

Round 2 delivered one of the tournament’s most intense matches, played on JAWS (Pro) by Stern, a machine that turns every player into potential shark bait. The game’s tension-filled playfield, combined with its brutal shot difficulty, made it the perfect battleground for a high-stakes showdown.

At the start, Jon Soares took control early, landing crucial shots to trigger modes and maximize his score. A Phoenix local, Jon is no stranger to competition—his IFPA ranking might not put him among Arizona’s top 20, but he’s been climbing steadily, and this match was proof that he can hold his own against some of the best. By the time he locked in his final multiball, it was clear that the shark had swallowed the competition whole.

Cody Winant, always a tough opponent, played aggressively, aiming for the spinner to rack up big points, but his strategy wasn’t quite enough to close the gap. While he holds a higher IFPA rank than Jon, the fast drains on JAWS are ruthless, and one missed shot cost him the game.

Meanwhile, Rachel Bess Hernandez—one of the fiercest competitors at Electric Bat Arcade—put up an impressive fight. Having hosted more tournaments than most players have competed in, she knows these machines inside and out. Unfortunately, home advantage wasn’t enough this time, as a brutal outlane drain cut her run short.

CJ Jensen, rounding out the group, struggled to find momentum. While he’s still working his way up the ranks, his ability to navigate tough games like JAWS shows he’s got the skills—just needs a little more consistency.

Jon’s win here wasn’t just a victory—it was a statement. He took down two highly-ranked competitors and showed that JAWS is about survival, and he’s not afraid to swim with the sharks.

Pinball Machines That Brought the Heat

With 61 machines in rotation, the tournament featured some absolute legends. Here’s a closer look at five standout titles:

Black Jack (Bally, 1977)
Think you can beat the dealer? This game takes the high-stakes world of blackjack and puts it on a pinball playfield. Hit the right shots, play the odds, and don’t bust—it’s a gambler’s dream with flashing lights.

The Getaway: High Speed II (Williams, 1992)
Pure adrenaline. This high-speed chase simulator is all about making the supercharger loop and running from the law. The pulsating soundtrack and blinding-fast shots make it one of the most exhilarating games of all time.

Pulp Fiction (SE) (Chicago Gaming, 2023)
Chicago Gaming nailed the Tarantino vibes on this one. From the retro art style to the killer soundtrack and movie-inspired modes, this game is pure cinematic pinball. Bonus points if you can complete the “Royale with Cheese” challenge.

Scared Stiff (Bally, 1996)
Elvira and her spooky one-liners make this game an instant classic. Players must complete six tales of terror to reach the Scared Stiff mode, which is easier said than done. The Bony Beast ramp is a must-hit shot that can make or break your game.

Avengers: Infinity Quest (Pro) (Stern, 2020)
Thanos is at it again, and the Avengers need your help. This deep, strategy-heavy game demands serious shot precision. With unique character-based abilities and a massive battle against the Mad Titan, it’s a must-play for Marvel fans.

The Sorcerer’s Final Test

After five grueling rounds, it all came down to Sorcerer, an absolute classic from Williams with its fast orbits, tricky center ramp, and a brutal right outlane that’s claimed many hopefuls. It’s a game that rewards precision and punishes hesitation—exactly the kind of challenge fit for a final battle.

Kevan Carter rose to the occasion, playing like he had cast a spell over the machine. His control over Sorcerer’s loop shots was masterful, keeping the ball in play long enough to stack multipliers and secure the win. Kevan’s state ranking at 13th puts him just outside the top 10, but this performance showed he’s knocking on the door. With this win, he might just break into that elite group soon.

Adam Horton, who’s seen more competitive pinball than almost anyone in this lineup with over 344 IFPA tournaments, had a strong showing. While his ranking suggests he’s used to finishing near the top, he couldn’t quite pull off the magic needed to dethrone Kevan. Still, a second-place finish keeps him solidly among Arizona’s best.

Nate Tornero was in the hunt for a top finish, and for a moment, it looked like he might pull off an upset. With a state ranking of 8th, he’s already cemented himself as a force in Arizona’s scene, and his aggressive playstyle on Sorcerer nearly paid off. But as with all magic, one wrong move can break the spell—an unfortunate drain cost him the momentum, leaving him in third.

Jason Barre, the most seasoned competitor in the group, came into this game with more IFPA events under his belt than the rest of the finalists combined. Experience counts for a lot in pinball, and he used every bit of it to stay in the fight. Unfortunately, sometimes the machine just doesn’t cooperate, and a few tough bounces kept him from climbing higher.

This final game on Sorcerer was a fitting way to close out the tournament, with strategic shot-making, high-risk play, and some painful drains. Kevan Carter proved that when it comes to magic, skill will always beat luck.

Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

A Tournament to Remember

Massive props to Rachel Bess for putting together another stellar event and to Electric Bat Arcade for being the perfect battleground. With over 100 players battling through five fierce rounds, this tournament delivered everything from shark-infested waters on JAWS to wizard duels on Sorcerer.

Keep an eye out for the next big event—because in the world of competitive pinball, there’s always another ball to play. Stay tuned for more tournament recaps and high-score chases!