The Player 1 Arcade 2025 Series 2 (#5) took over Surprise, Arizona, on February 10, bringing 24 players together for a fast-paced, five-round battle of skill, strategy, and a little bit of luck. In just two and a half hours, the tournament was in the books, and a new champion emerged. With overcast skies and a comfortable 70 degrees outside, players were free to focus entirely on the silver ball.
A Pinball Paradise in the West Valley
Player 1 Arcade isn’t just a bar with some pinball machines in the corner—it’s a fully dedicated pinball playground. Located at 17239 North Litchfield Road, this spot is known for its well-maintained machines, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and an atmosphere that transports visitors straight back to the golden age of arcades. No food? No problem. What it lacks in snacks, it makes up for with a fantastic drink selection, a welcoming pinball community, and a packed schedule of competitive events. If you’re anywhere near Surprise and haven’t visited yet, do yourself a favor and check them out at http://www.p1arcade.com/.
Battle on the Milano: Guardians of the Galaxy Stands Out
Round 4 saw an absolute slugfest on Guardians of the Galaxy (Stern, 2017), where four players fought for control of the universe—or at least for a solid lead in the tournament standings. Designed by John Borg, this game is packed with fast-flowing ramps, an intense soundtrack, and a deep rule set that rewards skilled shot-making. The big winner of the match was Dave Halley, who made his State Rank 31 standing look justified by blasting through Cherry Bomb Multiball like he had Star-Lord himself guiding his shots. Allen Krahn (State Rank 152) put up a serious fight, proving that rankings don’t always tell the whole story. Meanwhile, Christian Ortiz and Frankie Estrella had their hands full, struggling to break out of the clutches of Ronan the Accuser. In the end, it was Halley’s game to win, and he did just that.
The Machines That Made the Magic Happen
A total of 17 pinball machines made up the battlefield for this tournament, but some truly stole the spotlight.
- Avengers: Infinity Quest (Premium) (2020) – Designed by Keith Elwin, this machine features an incredibly deep rule set where players must collect the six Infinity Stones by completing unique objectives. With innovative wireform ramps and combo-heavy play, it’s a game that rewards precision and planning.
- Jurassic Park (Pro) (2019) – Another Keith Elwin masterpiece, this machine is famous for its chaotic dinosaur-filled adventure. The T-Rex Ramp and Raptor Pen multiball are some of the most exhilarating moments in pinball, keeping players on their toes with its mix of control and unpredictable ball movement.
- John Wick (Pro) (2024) – The newest Stern pinball machine, John Wick is an adrenaline rush from start to finish. Featuring fast-flowing ramps, high-speed gunplay-inspired gameplay, and deep objective-based missions, players feel like they’re right in the middle of the action-packed franchise.
- Cyclone (1988) – A classic carnival-themed Williams game, designed by Barry Oursler, featuring a Ferris wheel, a Comet ramp, and an iconic Mystery Wheel that keeps players coming back for more.
- James Bond 007 (Premium) (2022) – This Stern pin offers an immersive spy experience with a layout that encourages controlled shots and strategic play. With clips from classic Bond films, it captures the essence of the world’s greatest secret agent.
- Metallica (Pro) (2013) – One of Stern’s best music-themed pinball machines, designed by John Borg. The inline drops, electric chair multiball, and fuel lane are just a few of the exciting gameplay elements, all paired with the hard-hitting sound of Metallica.
- Godzilla (Premium) (2021) – Widely regarded as one of the best modern pinball machines, Keith Elwin’s Godzilla delivers incredible flow, destruction-based objectives, and interactive toys like the Mechagodzilla spinner and the bridge destruction feature.
- Rush (Pro) (2022) – A prog-rock lover’s dream, featuring deep rules and a layout that rewards both careful planning and quick reflexes. The time machine multiball adds a unique layer of strategic depth.
- Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (2018) – Another Elwin gem, Iron Maiden features four unique multiballs, an upper left playfield, and one of the best risk-reward structures in modern pinball. The game’s shot geometry is a dream for flow-loving players.
And the Winners Are…
After five rounds of intense competition, Janel Valdez emerged victorious, showing that perseverance and precision pay off. With 234 IFPA events under her belt, she added another impressive win to her record. Mike McClure secured second place, demonstrating why their 40th state ranking shouldn’t be taken lightly. David Sanders, despite only having nine IFPA events on record, put in an impressive performance for third place. And John Stein, visiting from Portland, rounded out the top four with a strong showing.
Arizona’s IFPA Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John Shopple | Mesa | 208.12 |
| 2 | Keegan Crandall | 78.1 | |
| 3 | Ty Bull | 74.55 | |
| 4 | Brian Pinney | Mesa | 72.67 |
| 5 | Jard Cassell | Scottsdale | 72.3 |
| 6 | Jim Smith AZ | Phoenix | 70.87 |
| 7 | Roland Nadeau | 66.47 | |
| 8 | Nathan Tornero | 64.85 | |
| 9 | Adam Horton | Phoenix | 63.75 |
| 10 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 63.06 |
Wrapping It Up
A huge thank you goes to Jim Smith for organizing yet another fantastic tournament and to Player 1 Arcade for providing such an outstanding venue. The fierce competition, the stellar lineup of pinball machines, and that unforgettable battle on Guardians of the Galaxy made this event one to remember. If you’re looking to dive into Arizona’s pinball scene, be sure to check out Player 1 Arcade’s upcoming events over at https://www.facebook.com/player1arcade.
Until next time, keep flipping and may your multiballs be plentiful!
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