Flippers, Kaiju, and High Scores: The Showdown at Hotrods Old Vail

Another tournament, another chance to talk about the glorious chaos of pinball. For those who don’t know me, I’m Bride of Pinbot, your resident pinball blogger, forever trapped between the bumpers of competition recaps and the joy of multiball mayhem. This time, I’m diving into Max Match Play @Hotrods, a fast-paced showdown that went down on February 15, 2025, at Hotrods Old Vail in Tucson, Arizona. Let’s get into it.

A Look at Hotrods Old Vail

If you like classic American food served with a side of vintage car nostalgia, Hotrods Old Vail is your place. Located in Tucson, this spot isn’t just about good eats—it’s a full experience. The staff makes you feel at home, the food satisfies that deep craving for a French dip or a solid burger, and the vibe? Well, let’s just say if you have a kid who’s obsessed with cars, they’re going to love watching the vintage rides while you work on your high score. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a beer, talk flippers and strategy, and then go head-to-head in some intense pinball action.

King of the Monsters: How to Dominate Godzilla (Premium)

If there was one game that ruled the tournament, it was Godzilla (Premium) by Stern, released in September 2021. Designed by Keith Elwin, this game has quickly become a tournament staple, combining incredible flow with deep rules that reward strategic play.

Want to rack up a monster score? Here’s your strategy:

• Shoot the ramps early. Godzilla thrives on flow. Hit the left ramp to start building your city destruction bonuses.
• Go for the building collapse. Smashing the building shot enough times will get you to the multiball, which is where the real points start flowing.
• Use the heat ray wisely. This feature collects jackpots and can be a game-changer.
• Play the Kaiju Battles smart. Know which monster modes are worth it—Ebirah and Megalon are great for points, while Titanosaurus gives you a good path to victory.

If you play it right, you can turn one good multiball into a serious lead. Just remember: Don’t get caught up in the lights—stay focused on the shots.

A Few Machines That Made an Impact

While Godzilla was the fan favorite, a few other machines stood out in the tournament lineup:

Future Spa (Bally, 1979)
This game is pure late-’70s Bally—wild futuristic aesthetics mixed with classic bonus-heavy gameplay. Future Spa is all about precision and nudging, with drop targets that build your bonus and a playfield layout that forces you to plan ahead. Don’t let the bizarre theme fool you—this one can be a brutal drain monster if you’re not careful.

Sharp Shooter II (Game Plan, 1983)
Game Plan wasn’t the biggest name in pinball, but Sharp Shooter II remains one of their most memorable designs. With its Western theme and distinctive playfield layout, this game rewards sharp shooting (go figure) and strategic shot selection. The key to success? Master the stand-up targets and use the spinner to your advantage.

Taxi (Williams, 1988)
One of the greatest pinball games of the late ’80s, Taxi features a quirky cast of passengers—including Santa, Dracula, and Pinbot—that players need to pick up by hitting key shots. The jackpot chase is what makes this game so addictive, and the tough but fair design keeps players coming back for more.

Metallica (Pro) (Stern, 2013)
If you like your pinball fast, loud, and full of attitude, Metallica is your game. With an original ruleset from Lyman Sheats, this machine challenges players to hit Sparky for an electric chair multiball, bash the coffin for big points, and master the snake shots. The playfield is packed with combos, and the soundtrack? Well, it’s Metallica—enough said.

Attack from Mars (Bally, 1995)
An absolute legend in the pinball world, Attack from Mars is one of the most beloved games ever made. Designed by Brian Eddy, this machine features a perfect mix of humor, flow, and satisfying shots. The goal? Take down UFOs, destroy Martian invaders, and aim for the ever-elusive Rule the Universe wizard mode. It’s pinball perfection.

The Champions of Max Match Play @Hotrods

After three and a half hours of head-to-head battles, Ben Clement came out on top. Representing Marana, AZ, Ben proved why he’s ranked 28th in the state and 151st globally—his consistent play and smart decision-making secured him the win.

John Finnegan took second place, showing why he’s a strong competitor with his 18th state ranking.

Third place went to Thomas Urban, visiting from Portland, OR, proving that even outside Arizona, he’s got serious game.

And in fourth, Sara Urban put up a fight, reminding everyone that rankings don’t tell the whole story—skill and adaptability do.

Congrats to all the players for an awesome tournament!

Arizona’s Top 10 IFPA Standings

Wrapping It Up

Another fantastic tournament is in the books, and big thanks go out to Wayne Saeger for organizing this event. Hotrods Old Vail proved to be a perfect spot, where great food and high-energy pinball action made for an unforgettable afternoon.

The competition was fierce, and the games—especially Godzilla (Premium)—provided some truly epic moments, ror those looking to improve their skills, remember: practice makes perfect, and every game has its secrets waiting to be unlocked. Whether it was battling Martians in Attack from Mars, chasing jackpots in Taxi, or headbanging through Metallica, players had no shortage of incredible pinball action.

Stay tuned for more tournament coverage, player spotlights, and deep dives into the best machines pinball has to offer. Until next time, keep flipping and keep chasing those high scores!