When passion for pinball meets mystery, you get the Grumpy’s Arcade Classic Battle. Organized by the enigmatic Kevin Curtis and hosted at an undisclosed location, this pinball tournament had fans buzzing with excitement and curiosity.
Mysterious Beginnings: The Venue
Stepping into the undisclosed location was akin to being teleported to a pinball lover’s paradise. The dimmed ambiance, the flashing lights of pinball machines, and the electric energy in the room were palpable. You wouldn’t find the coordinates of this place on Google Maps, and perhaps that was the allure. The details of the event, however, were very much in the public domain, thanks to the tournament’s official website.
The Face-Offs: Tournament Structure
The event, which spanned a good 3 and a half hours, witnessed 33 pinball enthusiasts going head to head over 8 nail-biting rounds. The stakes were high, and so was the competition. Only the top 8 would get a chance to move onto the Finals, where the intensity was upped with 2 rounds of 3 games each.
Semifinal Showdown: Raven’s Flight
The Semifinals brought nail-biting tension as players took on the Raven by Gottlieb. A legendary machine from 1986, the Raven set the stage for a fierce battle:
- Roland Nadeau (Phoenix, AZ) – Holding the fort at the top was none other than the Phoenix marvel, Roland. IFPA Rank: 48.
- John Shopple (Mesa, AZ) – From Mesa with a determination to conquer, John wasn’t far behind. IFPA Rank: 111.
- Chris Stoltenberg – Chris, with his eyes on the prize, delivered a performance to remember. IFPA Rank: 2418.
- Jeff Wegener – Jeff might’ve finished fourth in this round, but his overall performance was nothing short of breathtaking. IFPA Rank: 4136.
Victory Lap: Pinball Titans Emerge
- Roland Nadeau of Phoenix didn’t just play; he danced with the machines. Holding an impressive IFPA rank of 48, Roland’s history with 271 IFPA events provided a canvas for his prowess. His win wasn’t just a victory but a masterclass.
- The dark horse, Jeff Wegener, shocked and awed! With only 8 IFPA events under his belt and a rank of 4136, he bulldozed his way to the second spot, proving that in pinball, anything is possible.
- John Finnegan of Phoenix, a seasoned player with a rank of 547 and 443 IFPA events, secured the third spot. John’s experience was evident in every flip and nudge.
- Mark Lindbergh, with an IFPA rank of 434, wasn’t too far behind, showing that his 400 IFPA events worth of experience counted for something. His gameplay was a blend of strategy and spontaneity.
- Chris Stoltenberg might hold an IFPA rank of 2418, but his gameplay spoke of skill far beyond those numbers. With 133 IFPA events, he’s seen the highs and lows, and at Grumpy’s, he soared.
- Hailing from Mesa, John Shopple carried the pride of his city. Holding an IFPA rank of 111 and having participated in 357 events, John showcased why he’s considered one of the best.
- Mark Pearson was a force to be reckoned with. Ranked 34 in IFPA, he had 528 IFPA events echoing his legacy. This pinball giant proved his worth yet again.
- Last, but certainly not least, Stephanie Turner from Chandler showcased that it’s not just about the rank (1052 in her case) but the heart you put into the game. With 167 IFPA events experience, her passion shone bright.
Legacy of Machines: The Pinball Collection
The tournament boasted of 31 iconic pinball machines, each with its unique charm. From the country allure of “Dolly Parton” by Bally to the jet-fighter thrills of “F-14 Tomcat” by Williams, there was a machine for every enthusiast. Additionally, fans enjoyed the timeless classic “Pokerino” by Williams, the space-themed “Cybernaut” by Bally, and the rock-inspired “Nugent” by Stern.
The Best in Arizona: IFPA Standings
The best players from Arizona converged for this tournament, and here’s how they rank in the state:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roland Nadeau | Phoenix | 672.29 |
| 2 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 588.6 |
| 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 |
Closing Thoughts
Grumpy’s Arcade Classic Battle was not just another pinball tournament; it was an experience. A testament to the fact that when you mix a bit of mystery with a lot of passion, you get an unforgettable event. We can’t wait to see where the next undisclosed location will be. Until then, keep flipping, and stay tuned for more updates from the realm of pinball!