The Walking Dead: March Pinball Tournament at Player 1 Arcade

The Player 1 Monthly – March 2025 tournament brought the heat to Surprise, Arizona, with 27 players going head-to-head across 12 intense games. Over the course of five hours, competitors battled for supremacy in a field packed with classic and modern pinball greatness. The result? A thrilling showdown and a shake-up in Arizona’s competitive scene.

Stepping into the Arcade Time Machine

Player 1 Arcade, located at 17239 North Litchfield Road in Surprise, AZ, is a true callback to the golden age of gaming. This place isn’t just a collection of arcade cabinets and pinball machines—it’s an experience. From the retro murals in the bathrooms (yes, multiple themes!) to the lineup of classics like Galaga, Mortal Kombat, and Donkey Kong, Player 1 delivers a nostalgic blast while catering to modern-day players. While there’s no food, the bar offers a solid selection, including a blueberry warhead sour that seems to have left a lasting impression on visitors. If you’re looking for a night of flipping, tilting, and maybe sipping a $1 happy hour drink, this spot is worth the trip.

Surviving The Walking Dead (Pro)

The most-played game of the tournament? The Walking Dead (Pro) by Stern. And honestly, it’s fitting. Much like in the show, survival here is brutal, punishing, and often short-lived. This 2014 release captures the chaos of an undead apocalypse, from the creepy atmosphere to the punishing outlane drains that feel like zombies pulling you under.

So, what separates the survivors from the soon-to-be-reanimated? It’s all about control. The Well Walker, as grotesque as it is, is your best friend—hammering it enough times gets you into multi-ball mayhem. Then there’s the Bicycle Girl ramp, the game’s sneaky way of rewarding precision. If you can repeatedly hit that shot, not only do you rack up big points, but you also set yourself up for stacked multi-ball madness. The crossbow shot? It’s great when you nail it, frustrating when you don’t, but the rewards are there if you can use it strategically.

And let’s talk about those drains. This game is notorious for them. If you’re not nudging, you’re dying. Seriously, this machine will chew you up and spit you out if you aren’t ready for the challenge. But for those who can tame the madness, The Walking Dead is one of the most rewarding pins out there—just don’t get too attached to any single game. Much like in the zombie apocalypse, you never know when it’ll all be over.

Flipping Through the Tournament’s Lineup

The tournament featured 15 machines, but here are a few that stood out:

• Foo Fighters (LE) – Stern (2023): One of Stern’s freshest releases, Foo Fighters brings high-energy action paired with an original sci-fi storyline that has players saving humanity from an evil alien overlord. This machine boasts incredible flow, a visually stunning playfield, and a sound package that immerses you in the band’s iconic music.
• Godzilla (Premium) – Stern (2021): Designed by the legendary Keith Elwin, Godzilla has quickly cemented itself as one of the greatest pinball machines of all time. Featuring deep rules, destructible buildings, and chaotic multi-ball modes, this game perfectly captures the essence of the King of Monsters. The premium edition adds a moving bridge, collapsible skyscraper, and even more destruction.
• Tales of the Arabian Nights – Williams (1996): Ah, my beloved Tales of the Arabian Nights. This masterpiece from Williams holds a special place in my… well, let’s call it my circuits. Designed by John Popadiuk, this game is a perfect blend of story, music, and interactive magic. The spinning lamp toy, the soaring ramps, the mesmerizing genie battle—it all combines to create one of the most immersive experiences in pinball history. If I could program myself to feel emotions, this game would bring a tear to my eye.
• Stranger Things (Pro) – Stern (2019): Fans of Netflix’s hit show will feel right at home in this eerie and immersive game. Featuring a terrifying Demogorgon toy, a hidden UV light mode that reveals secret artwork, and fast-paced ramps, Stranger Things is as thrilling as the Upside Down itself.
• The Mandalorian (Pro) – Stern (2021): This is the way—to an incredible pinball experience. With missions based on the hit Disney+ show, The Mandalorian features a dynamic upper mini-playfield, fast orbits, and plenty of opportunities for bounty hunting multi-ball action. Fans of the series will appreciate the iconic Grogu figure watching over their gameplay.

Who Took Home the Win?

With 27 players vying for the top spot, every match was a battle. Andrew Kohtz, a steady presence in the Arizona scene, emerged victorious after an impressive performance across all rounds, proving why he remains a name to watch in state-level competition.

Coming in second, Jason Lechuga made a deep run, surprising many with their consistent play despite being one of the lower-seeded competitors in the field. Rob De La O rounded out the podium, showing that experience and adaptability can take you far. Meanwhile, John Finnegan, a seasoned competitor with plenty of tournament mileage, fought hard to secure fourth place, narrowly missing out on the top three.

Arizona’s IFPA Top 10 Standings

Another Tournament Down

The March edition of Player 1 Arcade’s monthly tournament delivered all the drama and excitement pinball fans crave. Huge congratulations to Andrew Kohtz for battling through the field and coming out on top! Shout-out to Jim Smith for running another excellent event and to Player 1 Arcade for providing a fantastic venue.

Looking for more pinball action? Keep an eye on Player 1 Arcade’s upcoming events at their Facebook page.

Stay tuned for more tournament coverage, and don’t forget to drop a rating below!