On September 13, 2023, just as the sun began its descent and the evening turned a balmy 90°F, the heart of Mesa, AZ pulsated with energy. The reason? The electrifying Punk Rock Pinball Tournament Week 11. An affair where pinballs rolled and punk rock souls soared.
B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade: Mesa’s Pinball Palace
Located at 213 W Main St, B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade wasn’t just another location. With tantalizing ales, guest taps, and the freedom to bring your food, the venue became a haven for pinball enthusiasts and punk rock fans. It wasn’t just a tournament; it was a party downtown Mesa style.
An Electrifying Pinball Face-Off
With 9 ardent players, the tournament unfurled a sextuple round robin, with 3 games simultaneously buzzing and blinking. Each player was geared to play 10 nerve-wracking games, making the atmosphere thick with anticipation.
The Battle of Balls and Bells
Amidst the array of 8 classic and contemporary machines, here’s a glimpse at some that stood out:
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro) by Stern (2020): Players were taken back to sewers of New York, with this game boasting the longest average game duration of 12 minutes.
- Whirlwind by Williams (1990): The darling of the evening with 8 games played. There’s nothing like the rush of chasing after those twisters!
- The Walking Dead (Premium) by Stern (2015): For those with a knack for the undead.
- Red & Ted’s Road Show by Williams (1994): A journey with the titular duo, this machine was an ode to adventure lovers.
- Bram Stoker’s Dracula by Williams (1993): For participants with a bite for classic horror!
Pinball Punk Rockstars
The night crowned some true pinball maestros:
- Jim Smith AZ: Rising from the depths of Phoenix, AZ, he claimed the throne with 5 wins and an added twist of a 5-point adjustment.
- Nick Goegan: Hailing from Chandler, AZ, he also bagged 5 wins, a phoenix rising in the pinball world.
- Geoff Bennett: A newbie in the scene with only 3 IFPA events, yet he stood tall with 5 wins. Watch out for this one!
- Mahina Hayashi: With her spirited gameplay, she clinched the fourth spot with 4 wins, marking her third IFPA event.
Arizona’s Pinball Prestige
Here’s a look at the crème de la crème of Arizona’s pinball players:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roland Nadeau | 660.87 | |
| 2 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 588.61 |
| 3 | John Shopple | Mesa | 570.08 |
| 4 | John Magyar | Gilbert | 352.83 |
| 5 | Kevan Carter | Tempe | 321.39 |
| 6 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 312.27 |
| 7 | Adam Horton | Phoenix | 307.65 |
| 8 | Paul Blanco | Chandler | 306.34 |
| 9 | Joey Rio | Surprise | 282 |
| 10 | Walter Dony | Phoenix | 281.41 |
Rolling To The Future
While the echoes of the flippers might have faded, the spirit of Punk Rock Pinball remains eternal. As pinballs ricocheted and points racked up, downtown Mesa once again proved its mettle as a hotspot for pinball aficionados.
Keep those eyes peeled and flippers ready for more updates from the pinball world!