Electric Bat Draws Huge Crowd for 3rd Tourney in Season 15

The Electric Bat Arcade buzzed with excitement on February 18, 2025, as 122 pinball enthusiasts gathered for the Electric Bat Season 15-Part 1 #3 tournament. With 65 meticulously maintained machines and a balmy 72°F evening, the stage was set for a thrilling competition.

Electric Bat Arcade: A Pinball Paradise in Tempe

Located at 29 W. Southern Ave in Tempe, AZ, the Electric Bat Arcade stands as a beacon for pinball lovers. Owned by the dynamic duo, Cale and Rachel, the arcade boasts over 60 well-maintained pinball machines, as well as a number of arcade games to ensuring enthusiasts have a top-notch gaming experience. Their commitment to the community shines through weekly Tuesday evening tournaments, fostering camaraderie among players. Operating on old-school tokens, the arcade offers a nostalgic touch, with most games priced between $0.50 and $1.00. For those short on cash, an ATM is conveniently located in the adjacent Yucca Tap Room.

Showdown on Godzilla: A Battle of Titans

In Round 5, the competition reached its peak on Stern’s Godzilla (Premium), released in September 2021. The machine is widely regarded as one of Stern’s best modern games, featuring innovative gameplay, a multi-level playfield, and an interactive bridge that players can destroy with well-placed shots. The Kaiju Battle Multiball and Heat Ray feature make for exciting, fast-paced action. Players faced the challenge of defending the city from the colossal kaiju, with each flipper press determining the fate of skyscrapers and bridges. Dave Halley emerged victorious, showcasing his mastery over the beast, while Ken Klawitter, Jay Bondelli, and Brad Myers put up valiant efforts.

A Closer Look at the Tournament’s Iconic Pinball Machines

The tournament featured an impressive lineup of pinball machines, many of which are classics that have defined eras of pinball design. Here are five standouts:

• Jack•Bot (Williams, 1995): The last installment of the “Pin-Bot” trilogy, this machine takes the space theme of its predecessors and gives it a casino twist. Players engage in high-stakes modes like Poker and Roulette, aiming for the lucrative Billionaire Club. The game also features one of the best implementations of Williams’ classic Jackpot system.
• Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Pro) (Stern, 2019): A modern revival of Steve Ritchie’s legendary “Black Knight” series, this version brings back the taunting Knight, complete with his booming voice and an interactive upper playfield (on the Premium/LE models). The Pro version played in this tournament still delivers brutal, fast-paced gameplay, featuring the famous Magna-Save and an intense soundtrack by metal legends Scott Ian and Brendan Small.
• Terminator 2: Judgment Day (Williams, 1991): Designed by pinball legend Steve Ritchie, this was the first pinball machine to feature a dot matrix display (DMD) and was also one of the first to incorporate a player-controlled cannon shot. Players take on the role of the Terminator, blasting away targets while trying to activate multiball and score massive jackpots. Its fast, unforgiving gameplay has made it a mainstay in tournament play for over 30 years.
• Diner (Williams, 1990): This quirky, diner-themed machine challenges players to complete orders for five different customers, each represented with their own callouts and objectives. The “Cup and Saucer” ramp is one of the most satisfying shots in pinball, and the machine’s retro diner aesthetic makes it a beloved favorite among players looking for a fun yet challenging experience.
• Twilight Zone (Bally, 1993): One of the most complex and feature-rich machines ever made, this Pat Lawlor-designed masterpiece is packed with unique toys like the Powerball (a lightweight ceramic ball that behaves differently than regular steel pinballs), a working gumball machine, and an upper playfield with magnetic flippers. With deep rules and countless modes, it’s a true test of skill for tournament players.

Champions Amidst Fierce Competition

Emerging from a pool of 122 participants, the tournament’s final game unfolded on Williams’ Swords of Fury (1988). This cult classic machine is known for its unique four-ball multiball, a progressive jackpot system, and one of the most dramatic callouts in pinball history: “LIONMAN!” Players must navigate a chaotic, fast-flowing playfield with ramp shots that lead to intense scoring opportunities.

Congratulations to the top finishers:

1. Adam Horton: Despite his modest State Rank of 27th, Adam showcased unparalleled skill, navigating through a vast sea of competitors to claim the top spot.
2. Ty Bull: With a State Rank of 46th, Ty’s consistent performance secured him the runner-up position, proving rankings aren’t the sole indicator of prowess.
3. Dave Halley: Fresh off his Godzilla triumph, Dave’s momentum carried him to a commendable third-place finish.
4. Jard Cassell: Holding a State Rank of 29th, Jard’s strategic play and determination earned him a well-deserved spot in the top four.

Arizona’s Pinball Elite: Current Standings

The tournament results have undoubtedly influenced the Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings. Here’s the latest leaderboard:

End of the Line for This One

The Electric Bat Season 15-Part 1 #3 tournament was a resounding success, blending fierce competition with community spirit. A heartfelt thank you to organizer Rachel Bess and the Electric Bat Arcade for hosting such an unforgettable event. Kudos to Adam Horton for clinching the championship amidst a formidable lineup. Stay tuned for more pinball adventures and stories!