Rivalries don’t always need theatrics. Sometimes, it’s just two players showing up to the same tournaments again and again, trading wins, outpacing each other by a single placement, and leaving everyone else to wonder who’ll blink first. That’s exactly what’s been building between Tommy Bizzi and David Sanders AZ—and their latest showdown at Player 1 Arcade’s Series 6 Opener on July 28 was another chapter in this quietly electric feud.
Hosted in Surprise, Arizona, Player One Arcade has become a cornerstone of the state’s competitive pinball scene. With its nostalgic glow, exposed brick walls, rotating pinball lineup, and Monday night league regulars, it’s more than just a venue—it’s a proving ground. The air conditioning was fighting off 108°F desert heat, and 38 players showed up anyway.
Among them: familiar names like Alex Kee, Walter Dony, and Mike McClure, all looking to claim the night.
Long-Time Competitor vs. The Newcomer with Bite
Tommy Bizzi walked in as the most experienced player in the field—over 390 events and a cabinet full of wins. David Sanders, on the other hand, was entering just his 15th career tournament, but with three podium finishes already and the best average finish in the field, he was nobody’s underdog.
They’ve now competed in five tournaments together at this very arcade, and heading into this one? They were tied 2-2 in head-to-head outcomes. You could call this a tiebreaker, or maybe just round five in a story that’s still being written.
Slaying the Dead in Round 5
The defining moment of the night came in Round 5 on The Walking Dead (Pro)—a machine that’s as unforgiving as the IP it’s based on. Between the deadly Prison shot and tight major modes, players often walk away limping. But David didn’t flinch.
Matched up with Alex Kee and Walter Dony, two of the top players in the standings, David took first place in a blisteringly short 21-minute match. The strategy? It’s hard to say exactly—Walking Dead rewards players who can balance risk (hello, Blood Bath and Well Walker multiballs) with control. But when the lights dimmed, Sanders had survived.
Tommy wasn’t in that group, but he didn’t need to be. He was grinding out his own wins across the bracket.
Final Standings: Bizzi on Top, Sanders Right There
When the last ball drained and scores were tallied, the results spoke volumes:
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Tommy Bizzi – 1st place overall, highest win count in the tournament.
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David Sanders AZ – 2nd place, and the best average round finish in the field.
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Alex Kee – consistent and composed, coming off 85 career events with 17 top-3s.
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Mike McClure – made the finals from deep in the pack, representing Glendale well.
Honorable mention goes to Walter Dony, who brought the highest IFPA rank into the event and kept pace until a shaky Round 5 dropped him to 23rd. That’s pinball—one ball away from the podium, every time.
A Bigger Picture: Arizona’s Top 10
While Tommy and David were the stars of the night, it’s worth zooming out to appreciate just how competitive Arizona pinball has become. Several players in this week’s field—including tournament organizer Jim Smith AZ—are ranked among the state’s best, and it’s a list that gets tighter every month.
Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John Shopple | Mesa | 757.12 |
| 2 | Brian Pinney | Mesa | 468 |
| 3 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 456.24 |
| 4 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 412.03 |
| 5 | Raymond Davidson | Elk Grove Village | 395.47 |
| 6 | Adam Horton | Phoenix | 345.9 |
| 7 | Greg Mohs | 344.28 | |
| 8 | Will McKinney | Phoenix | 308.29 |
| 9 | Michael B Cameron AZ | Chandler | 305.65 |
| 10 | Jim Smith AZ | Phoenix | 298 |
The takeaway? Whether you’re a tournament veteran like Bizzi, a fast-riser like Sanders, or a newcomer looking to break into the rankings, Arizona is not short on talent—or competition. These standings are a snapshot of who’s currently riding high, but with how tight the scene is, any Monday night could shake them up.
A Rivalry Worth Watching
This tournament didn’t crown a new contender—Tommy Bizzi once again proved why he’s still king of the arcade, locking in another first-place finish. But it did tighten the narrative. David Sanders kept things close all night and walked away with second place and the tournament’s best average round finish.
With this result, Tommy edges ahead 3-2 in their growing head-to-head series at Player 1 Arcade. But if you think that settles anything, you haven’t been paying attention. These two keep finding ways to elevate each other’s game—and we’re all better off for it.
Player One Arcade delivered another high-stakes, high-fun night of competitive play. With regular leagues, monthly finals, and a deep roster of talent, it’s become the kind of place where rivalries don’t just happen—they thrive.
So the next time you hear Tommy and David are both signed up? Clear your Monday night. You won’t want to miss the next matchup.