Rising to the Top: Roland Nadeau Wins the Starfighters Monthly

The Starfighters Monthly was an action-packed, five-hour tournament where 77 players braved a knockout format with 13 rounds of intense competition. With players being eliminated after three strikes, the stakes were high, and the tension built up round by round. Held at Starfighters Arcade in Mesa, AZ, the tournament saw competitors going head-to-head on some of the coolest machines around. Even though it was a chilly 56°F outside with clear skies, things were heating up inside with a fierce battle for the top spots. Organized by Kevin Curtis, this event was one to remember!

Starfighters Arcade: Where Pinball Lives

Starfighters Arcade in Mesa is a hidden gem for pinball lovers. Don’t let the exterior fool you—it might not look massive from the outside, but once inside, it’s a sprawling arcade that covers every wall with an impressive range of vintage and modern games. From the friendly staff (shoutout to Jacob, who got a special mention in a review) to the nostalgic atmosphere, Starfighters has a unique charm. Whether you’re into old-school classics or the latest releases, this place has something for everyone. The $14 admission price is more than worth it, considering the massive collection of games to choose from. If you’re ever in Mesa, make sure to stop by!

Game Spotlight: Godzilla (Premium) – Round 2 Showdown

Round 2 brought out some monster moves on the Godzilla (Premium) machine by Stern. This game is a real beast, filled with iconic moments from the King of Monsters franchise. The action was intense, with players battling for supremacy as they went head-to-head in a four-player group. Roland Nadeau, currently ranked 1st in the state, showed off his kaiju-slaying skills, dominating the game and leaving the competition in the dust. Will McKinney, coming in second, kept it close, but in the end, Roland’s strategy was unstoppable. With Godzilla’s wild multiball modes and epic ramp shots, it was a showdown that lived up to the machine’s monstrous reputation.

Pinball Machines That Kept the Tournament Roaring

Here’s a look at some of the standout machines that made the tournament so exciting. With 82 machines in total, the choices were incredible!

• Phoenix (Williams, 1978): This classic has stood the test of time with its space-themed gameplay and colorful artwork. The unique spinner setup and progressive scoring make it a fan favorite, offering a mix of skill and luck that keeps you coming back for more.
• Alien Poker (Williams, 1980): A unique pinball experience that combines poker and pinball. The flippers are a little tricky, but mastering this one is a real thrill. The multi-level playfield and the “Poker” modes are definitely standout features.
• Attack from Mars (Bally, 1995): This one’s all about the humor and fun, packed with alien invasions and ramp-heavy gameplay. The multiball feature is one of the best, with a playful take on the “Mars Attacks” theme.
• Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure (Williams, 1993): An adventure-packed game full of ramps, loops, and thrilling moments. The sound effects and video clips from the movie make it a truly immersive experience.
• Swords of Fury (Williams, 1988): A fast, in-your-face machine. The drop targets and slingshots make it a real challenge, but it’s the “Sword Duel” mode that’s the real highlight.

Overall Tournament Winners

It wasn’t an easy battle at the Starfighters Monthly—players had to fight through 13 rounds and plenty of competition to make it to the top. A total of 77 players fought tooth and nail, but only one could come out on top.

Here are the final results:

1. Roland Nadeau (Phoenix, AZ) – With a State Rank of 1st and an impressive IFPA Rank of 48, Roland proved why he’s a top contender in the pinball scene.
2. Mark Lindbergh (Chandler, AZ) – Ranking 6th in the state, Mark fought hard and showed his experience with a solid 2nd place finish.
3. Wiley Bumtail (Phoenix, AZ) – Wiley, ranked 7th in the state, made a strong showing, securing 3rd place and adding to his growing pinball resume.
4. John Shopple (Mesa, AZ) – Coming in 4th, John, ranked 2nd in the state, kept his composure and battled his way through tough rounds.

Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Here’s how the top 10 players in Arizona are shaping up:

Closing: Another Epic Starfighters Showdown

What an event! Congratulations to Roland Nadeau for taking the top spot in this month’s Starfighters Monthly. A big shout-out to Kevin Curtis for organizing another smooth and successful tournament, and to Starfighters Arcade for hosting such an epic showdown. Stay tuned for the latest pinball news and follow-ups!