Who Had the Skills? Breaking Down February’s Player 1 Tournament

Ah, the joys of reporting on pinball tournaments with “unknown locations.” It’s like trying to play a game of Pinbot with the lights off—challenging, but not impossible!

On February 16, 2025, the Player 1 Monthly – February 2024 tournament unfolded somewhere in the vast expanse of Arizona. Organized by the ever-mysterious Jim Smith, this Group Knockout Tournament saw 20 players battling through 12 intense rounds over approximately five hours. The format was ruthless: players were eliminated after receiving three strikes, with strike assignments varying based on group sizes.

Family Matters: Pinbot Joins the Battle

It’s not every day that I get to brag about my own family tree in a tournament write-up, but Round 1 of the Player 1 Monthly kicked off with none other than Pinbot by Williams. Released in October 1986, this game was the first in the legendary Pinbot trilogy and set the stage for what a sci-fi pinball adventure could be.

With a playfield design inspired by a robotic space traveler, Pinbot is all about strategy and precision. Players must light up a 5×5 grid of colored targets to open the machine’s mechanical visor—one of the coolest interactive toys of its time—revealing the jackpot lock. Once multiball is triggered, the objective is to keep at least one ball in play while using the other to hit the jackpot ramp. Easier said than done when the game’s fast rebound shots make cradling the ball feel like trying to hold onto a rogue asteroid.

During this round, Allen Krahn played a near-flawless game, locking in first place with skillful shot placement and excellent multiball control. Xris Rincon gave a strong performance as well, navigating Pinbot’s unpredictable rebounds to claim second. Kevin Erickson and Crystal De La O found themselves struggling against the game’s notorious right outlane, which has been devouring pinballs since the ‘80s. It was a fittingly intense first round, proving once again that Pinbot doesn’t just challenge players—it recruits them into a galactic battle for high scores.

A Stacked Lineup of Pinball Greats

The tournament featured 16 pinball machines, and several fan-favorites made a strong impression. Here’s a closer look at five standout games from the selection, complete with some fun facts and design insights.

Jurassic Park (Pro) by Stern (July 2019)

Few pinball machines capture the thrill of adventure quite like Jurassic Park. This machine transports players to Isla Nublar, where their mission is to rescue park staff and contain the escaped dinosaurs. The T-Rex toy is the undeniable star, capable of swallowing and then throwing the ball onto the playfield. Another highlight is the Raptor Pen, which holds a ball until multiball is triggered, making for an intense and rewarding challenge. With fast ramps, chaos-inducing modes, and the occasional surprise (hello, escapee raptors!), Jurassic Park demands strong control and smart shot selection.

Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern (December 2019)

Things got a little eerie when players stepped up to Stranger Things. This machine fully embraces its supernatural theme, featuring a large, central Demogorgon toy that players must hit to unlock crucial multiball modes. The game also uses UV lighting effects that transform the playfield into the Upside Down, making the experience even more immersive. One of the more challenging shots is the “telekinetic” ramp, which disappears into a hidden lock mechanism. If the Demogorgon battle didn’t go in a player’s favor, at least they got to hear the synth-heavy ‘80s soundtrack on repeat.

John Wick (Pro) by Stern (May 2024)

A brand-new addition to Stern’s lineup, John Wick played as fast and ruthless as its namesake. The playfield is designed for smooth, flowing combos, with wireform ramps mimicking high-speed chases from the movies. One of its standout features is Bullet Time, a mode where flippers slow down temporarily, challenging players to execute precision shots under a pressure-cooker clock. The game also has a rotating blood oath marker that unlocks new objectives when hit. If tournament players weren’t already sweating from the competition, John Wick made sure of it.

Cyclone by Williams (February 1988)

A tournament just wouldn’t be complete without a true ‘80s classic like Cyclone. Designed by Barry Oursler, this carnival-themed game is packed with nostalgic fun, featuring a spinning ferris wheel that carries the ball and a Spookhouse entrance for skill shots. Unlike modern games, Cyclone has no multiball mode—just pure single-ball pinball action, forcing players to focus on accuracy and strategy. The jackpot steadily builds, meaning every shot carries a bit more weight as the game progresses. Its timeless playfield artwork and fun callouts (“Ride the Cyclone!”) continue to make it a favorite decades after its release.

The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern (May 2021)

Bringing the Star Wars universe to life, The Mandalorian offers players a chance to embark on bounty-hunting missions across the galaxy. The rotating playfield mechanism acts as a battle zone, with targets representing various enemies from the show. One of the game’s most engaging features is Razor Crest Multiball, where locked balls are launched into a high-energy sequence of jackpots. Another fun detail? Grogu (a.k.a. Baby Yoda) watches every shot from his perch, which, if nothing else, probably made missed shots a little less painful.

Champions of the Day

As the dust settled, Jim Smith proved why he’s one of Arizona’s top players, taking first place after navigating a tough field of competitors. With 606 IFPA events under his belt and a State Rank of 5th, his experience was on full display.

Dave Halley put in a strong showing as well, finishing second. A veteran of over 500 IFPA events, his consistency paid off. Alyssa De La O claimed third, adding another solid finish to her growing pinball resume. Ryan Hildebrandt rounded out the top four, proving that even with just 34 events played, skill and strategy can go a long way.

Arizona’s IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

The Last Tilt

With another thrilling tournament in the books, the Arizona pinball scene continues to show why it’s one of the most exciting in the country. The competition was fierce, the games were brutal, and the multiballs were flying—just the way it should be.

A huge shoutout to Jim Smith for organizing another top-tier event and keeping the tournament scene alive and well. And, of course, a nod of appreciation to the ever-elusive “Undisclosed Location” for hosting. Whether it was in a secret underground bunker, an abandoned arcade, or just a spot so legendary that it needs to remain hidden, the pinball action spoke for itself.

If this tournament is any indication, Arizona’s players are only getting sharper, and with such an impressive lineup of machines, there’s no telling what next month’s showdown will bring. Stay tuned for more pinball battles, high-score chases, and deep dives into the machines that make this sport what it is.