A Stormy Finish: Whirlwind Decides the Level 1 Tournament Champion

The second week of February brought 19 pinball wizards together at Level 1 Arcade Bar in Mesa for a night of fast flippers, brutal drains, and big comebacks. The four-round, single-game format kept things moving at a solid clip, wrapping up in about two hours. With a cool 57 degrees outside and scattered clouds, it was the perfect night to dodge the weather and dive into some fierce competition.

A Pinball Playground in Downtown Mesa

Level 1 Arcade Bar isn’t just another spot to grab a drink and play a few games—it’s a full-on arcade playground packed with both classic and modern pinball machines. If you’re a fan of Data East’s Phantom of the Opera (1990), this is one of the rare places you can find it. This machine is famous for its eerie organ soundtrack and unique single-ramp layout, making it a true collector’s piece. Level 1 also boasts a basement bar, a friendly staff, and enough arcade nostalgia to keep you entertained between rounds. Whether you’re here for a tournament or just a casual night out, Level 1 delivers a solid mix of competition and fun.

Metallica Showdown: Round 4 Brings the Heat

The final round saw players take on Metallica Remastered (Premium), Stern’s latest take on the heavy metal classic, and it did not disappoint. This game takes everything that made the 2013 version great—fast flow, deep rules, and blistering music—and adds upgraded animations, a redesigned layout, and new game modes. This match had everything—big jackpots, brutal ball saves, and some serious Coffin Multiball action.

Chris Vanloon, an unranked player, came out swinging and shredded the competition like a Kirk Hammett solo, taking first place. Henry Hanshaw, ranked 38th in Arizona, fought hard but fell just short, securing second. Adan Gonzalez, another unranked player, landed third, while Pamela Campbell, ranked 97th in the state, had a rougher go, finishing fourth. This game proved that in pinball, rankings don’t mean everything—sometimes, it’s just about who finds their groove when it counts.

Standout Machines: A Deep Pinball Lineup

With 14 machines in the tournament rotation, players had no shortage of legendary tables to battle on. A few standouts included:

• Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure (Williams, 1993) – Designed by Mark Ritchie, this game features an interactive Path of Adventure upper playfield, a rewarding multiball mode, and audio straight from the movies. One of the most cinematic pinball experiences ever made.
• The Munsters (Premium/LE) (Stern, 2019) – A quirky tribute to the classic sitcom, this pin features a lower mini-playfield that acts as a mini-pinball game within the game. It’s lighthearted but deceptively challenging.
• Phantom of the Opera (Data East, 1990) – Known for its striking artwork and gothic organ soundtrack, this machine is a favorite among Data East fans. Its asymmetrical playfield and single-ramp design make it stand out from other early ’90s pins.
• Creature from the Black Lagoon (Bally, 1992) – A 1950s drive-in theater theme meets Universal Monsters in this cult classic. The holographic lagoon monster, combined with the game’s challenging multiball setup, makes it a standout.
• Terminator 2: Judgment Day (Williams, 1991) – The first pinball machine to feature a video mode and a gun launcher. Designed by Steve Ritchie, this machine offers some of the best flow and ramp shots of any ‘90s pin.
• Godzilla (Premium/LE) (Stern, 2021) – Keith Elwin’s masterpiece, packed with innovative playfield features, city-smashing destruction, and a deep ruleset that keeps even the best players coming back for more.
• The Addams Family (Bally, 1992) – The highest-selling pinball machine of all time, featuring the beloved Thing hand that grabs balls and a rule set that rewards skilled shot-making.
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Premium/LE) (Stern, 2020) – Fast, brutal, and multiball-heavy, this game brings the chaos of the TMNT universe to life with quick combo shots and deep character-based strategies.
• The Mandalorian (Premium/LE) (Stern, 2021) – Featuring a tilting upper playfield, dynamic multiball modes, and plenty of Baby Yoda moments, this game is as visually stunning as it is fun to play.

And the Winners Are…

After four rounds of battle, it all came down to a final showdown on Whirlwind—a true classic among Williams’ early ‘90s machines. Designed by Pat Lawlor, this game is infamous for its chaotic spinning discs that send the ball careening unpredictably and the working fan topper that literally blows air onto players as they play. Featuring some of the best flow of any System 11 game, Whirlwind challenges players to light storm modes, activate multiballs, and rack up high-value jackpot shots. It’s an adrenaline rush from start to finish.

In a surprise victory, Jason Detherow took first place, proving that sometimes, being unranked just means you’re an unknown threat. Kevin Burns (ranked 34th in Arizona) snagged second, showing his tournament experience with over 200 IFPA events played. Jason Barre, a local from Mesa and currently ranked 10th in the state, rounded out the podium in third place. Meanwhile, Jeff Janoski, hailing from Gilbert and sitting at 198th in the state, put in a strong effort to take fourth.

Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping It Up

The Level 1 tournament delivered yet another night of thrilling pinball action, packed with skillful play, unexpected upsets, and some legendary machines. Scott Goldsmith deserves major credit for keeping everything running smoothly, making sure players had a top-tier experience.

Congratulations to Jason Detherow for taking home the victory and to all the competitors who battled their way through some of the best pinball machines out there. Whether you’re ranked in the IFPA or just here for the fun, tournaments like these are what make the pinball community thrive.

Keep your flippers sharp and your nudging on point—more pinball action is just around the corner!