Pinball Battles in Tempe: Electric Bat Tournament Draws 115 Players

On February 25, 2025, Electric Bat Arcade was buzzing with excitement as 115 players packed into this iconic pinball hotspot for Electric Bat Season 15-Part 1 #4. Over two and a half hours, players faced five rounds of single-game battles, testing their skills across a lineup of some of the best-maintained pins in Arizona.

Electric Bat Arcade: More Than Just a Venue

Located in Tempe, Electric Bat Arcade is a sanctuary for pinball lovers, boasting over 60 machines that are meticulously maintained. Attached to the legendary Yucca Tap Room, it offers the perfect blend of competitive pinball and a laid-back atmosphere, complete with a tiki bar. Owners Cale and Rachel Bess aren’t just running the place—they’re an active part of the local pinball community, organizing weekly Tuesday tournaments and competing alongside regulars.

Kicking Things Off With Foo Fighters (Pro)

The tournament opened with Foo Fighters (Pro) by Stern, a game celebrating its second anniversary since its March 2023 release. Designed by Jack Danger, this machine delivers a high-energy mix of rock and sci-fi, featuring an original storyline where the Foo Fighters battle the Overlord of Rock, an alien bent on controlling Earth’s music. The machine is packed with ramps, flowing loops, and a unique upper playfield that challenges even the best players.

In Round 1, players tackled the New Orleans mode, which required them to hit fast-lit shots across the playfield while navigating the machine’s unpredictable ball returns. It was a battle of precision and patience, as players had to maintain control under pressure. Jason Barre, ranked 42nd in Arizona, put on an impressive performance, using smart shot selection and controlled flipper work to outplay higher-ranked competitors like John Shopple, who holds the second spot in the state. The game’s signature Overlord multiball saw plenty of action, as players attempted to maximize their jackpots while fending off fast drains. Foo Fighters (Pro) is known for rewarding aggressive, high-risk play, but Jason’s methodical approach ultimately earned him the win in this crucial opening round.

Diving Into the Machines: A Tournament Lineup Worth Talking About

With 65 machines in play, this tournament had an enviable selection of classics and modern favorites. Among the highlights was Johnny Mnemonic, a 1995 Williams title designed by George Gomez. This machine, based on the cult cyberpunk film starring Keanu Reeves, is known for its fast loops, tight shots, and its standout feature—a magnetic glove that lets players control the ball mid-air. Williams was famous for pushing pinball innovation, and this game was no exception.

Rollergames, another Williams title from 1990, brought a very different kind of energy to the tournament lineup. Based on a short-lived television show that blended roller derby and professional wrestling, the game is pure speed, with a magnet that momentarily halts the ball before whipping it back into play. Designed by Steve Ritchie, a name synonymous with fast-flowing playfields, Rollergames is a blast for players who love high-paced action.

Of course, a modern pin had to make an impression, and Godzilla (Premium) from Stern was one of the standouts. Designed by Keith Elwin, this game has quickly become a favorite in competitive play thanks to its deep ruleset and interactive playfield. The moving building toy, destructible bridge, and three-flipper layout make for exciting gameplay where players must carefully strategize their shots while battling classic kaiju like King Ghidorah and Mechagodzilla.

Then there’s Sorcerer, a 1985 Williams machine designed by Mark Ritchie. This game may not have the deep rulesets of modern machines, but it delivers on fast action and rewarding loops. With its animated backglass, spell-casting theme, and satisfying upper playfield shots, it remains a favorite among players who appreciate classic-era simplicity with just the right level of challenge.

Another fan-favorite in the lineup was Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium), Stern’s third installment featuring the Mistress of the Dark. This game follows in the footsteps of its predecessors, Elvira and the Party Monsters and Scared Stiff, with a blend of campy horror and humor. Players shoot ramps and targets to unlock classic B-movie clips while Elvira herself chimes in with witty remarks, making for an entertaining and engaging experience.

Battle for the Top: Overall Tournament Winners

With a massive field of 115 players, making it to the top required a blend of consistency, adaptability, and an ability to handle pressure. Nate Tornero, hailing from Chandler, Arizona, rose to the occasion, navigating the deep lineup of machines and competitors to secure the tournament win. With a state ranking of 50th and an IFPA rank of 308, Nate came in as an experienced competitor but not necessarily a favorite. Yet, his steady play and smart shot choices carried him through each round to claim the top spot.

Mark Pearson battled his way to second place, showing why he’s ranked 21st in Arizona and among the top 150 players in the world. His extensive competitive history—over 600 IFPA events—gave him the confidence to fight through challenging rounds, but he ultimately fell just short of victory.

In third, CJ Jensen turned heads with an impressive performance, far exceeding expectations for a player ranked 211th in Arizona and outside the top 2,500 globally. This tournament marked a breakthrough moment, proving that rankings don’t always tell the full story.

Rounding out the top four was Katie Mae from Phoenix, who entered as an underdog with a state ranking of 262nd and an IFPA ranking in the 7000s. Despite the odds, they made a deep tournament run, demonstrating both resilience and skill on some of the toughest machines in the lineup.

Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Final Drain: Wrapping Up an Electric Night

The Electric Bat Season 15-Part 1 #4 tournament delivered high-energy play, thrilling matchups, and a machine lineup that would make any pinball fan jealous. Congratulations to Nate Tornero for taking the win!

For anyone who hasn’t checked out Electric Bat Arcade, it’s more than just an arcade—it’s a living, breathing part of the Arizona pinball scene. Whether you’re battling it out on classic Williams pins or tackling modern Stern masterpieces, it’s a must-visit destination for pinball lovers.

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