Flipping for the Win: Jason Barre Takes Top Spot at Level 1

On February 5, 2025, the pinball action was alive at Level 1 Arcade Bar in Mesa, Arizona, as 14 players battled in the Level one-February 5th-week 1 tournament. With four fast-paced rounds, players had to adjust to different machines, playstyles, and, of course, the unpredictability of the silver ball.

The tournament ran for about an hour and a half, with a clear 68°F evening providing the perfect atmosphere for some competitive flipper action.

Level 1 Arcade Bar: A Prime Pinball Spot

Located at 48 W Main St, Mesa, Level 1 Arcade Bar is a top-tier destination for arcade and pinball fans. Unlike some locations where maintenance is hit or miss, the machines here are in excellent working order, offering smooth gameplay with reliable flippers, bumpers, and ramps.

The arcade runs on a token system, with most pinball machines costing a dollar per game. Players can grab tokens from on-site dispensers and enjoy a well-curated mix of ’90s classics and modern releases. Parking is easy, with two-hour street parking available and a nearby Green Parking Lot for those making a longer visit.

Metallica Remastered Steals the Show in Round 4

When Round 4 rolled around, the tournament turned into a full-blown metal concert, thanks to Metallica Remastered (Premium) by Stern. This September 2024 release is a modernized version of the 2013 Metallica pinball machine, keeping all the chaos and music-driven gameplay intact while updating animations, sound quality, and lighting effects.

The game’s core objective remains the same—players bash the hammer drop-target bank, collect song modes, and aim for “Crank It Up” mode, where jackpot potential skyrockets. This mode allows players to select a song-based scoring challenge, like “Master of Puppets” or “For Whom the Bell Tolls”, creating intense moments where the right shots at the right time can lead to huge points.

In this round, Jocelyn Bowers, ranked 255th in the state, stunned the competition by using smart song mode selection and precise multiball play to take first place. Dalton Wetzel, an unranked but promising player, locked in second, while Shawn Barnett (State Rank: 69th) and Gregg Hopwood followed behind.

The Machines That Defined the Night

With 14 machines in the lineup, players had to adjust to a variety of designs, rules, and playfield layouts. Here’s a closer look at some of the standouts:

• Whirlwind (1990) –Designed by Pat Lawlor, Whirlwind is one of the most unique pinball experiences ever created. The playfield features three spinning discs that affect ball movement, simulating the turbulence of a storm. Players lock balls for multiball while activating “storm modes” to increase scoring potential. Even the machine’s topper—a fan that blows air on players—adds to the immersion.

• The Mandalorian (2021) – Inspired by the hit Star Wars series, this machine combines fast ramps, bounty-hunting missions, and an upper mini-playfield where players take on Moff Gideon. Razor Crest multiball is the standout feature, requiring a well-timed center shot to activate. With deep scoring strategy and smooth-flowing shots, it’s a favorite among tournament players.

• Godzilla (2021) – Keith Elwin’s Godzilla machine has set a new bar for modern pinball design. The game features a rotating skyscraper that locks balls for multiball, while a heat-ray magnet creates dynamic shot interactions. The machine’s deep rule set encourages stacking multiple objectives at once for massive scoring.

• Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure (1993) – One of the most beloved movie-based pinball machines, Indiana Jones captures the thrill of the classic films. The game’s Path of Adventure upper playfield lets players navigate the ball using flipper buttons, adding an extra layer of control. The combination of fast ramps, mode-based scoring, and a deep rule set keeps it a favorite in competitive play.

• John Wick (2024) – One of the newest machines in the competitive scene, John Wick (Pro) launched in May 2024 and has already made an impact with its rapid-flow gameplay. The machine is built for speed, with quick-return ramps, smooth orbit shots, and a multiball mode inspired by the franchise’s fight sequences. Players who thrive on reaction time and fast decision-making tend to perform well on this table.

The Final Battle: Godzilla Crushes the Competition

The last game of the night took place on Godzilla (Premium/LE), a machine that rewards patience and strategy. The moving skyscraper, bridge destruction mode, and magnet-assisted shot control create a dynamic play experience where players have to stay sharp.

Jason Barre, ranked 10th in the state, controlled the chaos best and secured first place. Henry Hanshaw (State Rank: 43rd) finished in second, while Dalton Wetzel, despite being unranked, showed he’s a competitor to watch by locking in third. Jocelyn Bowers rounded out the top four, proving her Metallica win was no fluke.

Arizona’s Pinball Powerhouses

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

Wrapping Up the Night

The Level one-February 5th-week 1 tournament delivered everything a great pinball showdown should—intense competition, unexpected upsets, and standout performances across a stellar lineup of machines. From classic Williams-era games like Whirlwind and Indiana Jones to modern heavy-hitters like Godzilla and Metallica Remastered, players had to adjust their strategies on the fly to keep up with the ever-changing challenges.

At the end of the night, Jason Barre emerged as the tournament champion, navigating Godzilla to claim victory. Henry Hanshaw put up an impressive fight to take second, while Dalton Wetzel made a name for himself with a third-place finish. Jocelyn Bowers, after her dominant performance on Metallica, secured fourth, proving she’s a rising force in Arizona pinball. Huge thanks to Scott Goldsmith for organizing another seamless event and to Level 1 Arcade Bar for providing a fantastic lineup of well-maintained machines. With such a strong start to February, Arizona’s pinball scene is only heating up from here.

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