Picture this: It’s a blazing 90°F, the sun’s rays piercing through a clear sky, casting a bright glow on the Electric Bat Arcade in Tempe, AZ. Inside, the atmosphere is electric (pun intended!), contrasting the warmth outside with the cool competitive spirit that is about to take over for the next ten and a half hours.
An Epic of Flipping Proportions
Organized by the indomitable Rachel Bess, the Electric Bat Season 9 Series 1 #1 pinball tournament kickstarted with the battle cry of 98 contenders on September 19, 2023. These pinball wizards formed groups, took to the machines, and played their hearts out over five thrilling rounds.
Bond… James Bond Takes Center Stage
Among the heroes of the day, a standout performance in Round 2 saw Paul Blanco, a Chandler native, outshine all on the James Bond 007 (Premium). He was closely tailed by Gavin Bowman and Mark Kelber. And let’s not forget Rachel Buck, who despite having an IFPA rank of 0, played her way into the round. This Bond certainly had its share of players both shaken and stirred!
Pinball Palace Par Excellence
The Electric Bat Arcade is a treasure trove of pinball machines. The alluring pull of “Game Of Thrones (Pro)” by Stern, the roaring thrill of the recently released “Godzilla (Premium)“, the mystique of the classic “Twilight Zone“, and the action-packed sequences of “Demolition Man” and “Johnny Mnemonic” kept players and spectators hooked.
Champions of the Day
When the flippers stopped flipping, it was Greg Davis from Phoenix who rose as the undisputed champion, followed by Nicholas Zachry, John Shopple, and Cody Winant. Their consistent performance over multiple games solidified their standings, reminding everyone of the dedication it takes to reign supreme in the pinball world.
Arizona’s Top Pinball Maestros
The tournament wasn’t just a one-day wonder. It reflected Arizona’s rich legacy of pinball enthusiasts:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roland Nadeau | 671.68 | |
| 2 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 588.16 |
| 3 | John Shopple | Mesa | 569.41 |
| 4 | John Magyar | Gilbert | 351.79 |
| 5 | Kevan Carter | Tempe | 320.85 |
| 6 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 312.2 |
| 7 | Adam Horton | Phoenix | 307.57 |
| 8 | Paul Blanco | Chandler | 305.5 |
| 9 | Joey Rio | Surprise | 282 |
| 10 | Walter dony | Phoenix | 280.57 |
Beyond the Game
For those who ventured into Electric Bat for the first time, it was more than just a pinball arena. The venue served as a delightful respite where one could grab a bite, sip on a refreshing drink, and indulge in arcade memories. To quote a visitor, “this is the first place I have been where all the games actually worked; all the buttons functioned.”
Whether you’re a pinball pro, an arcade aficionado, or someone looking to relive some cherished memories, Electric Bat Arcade offers something for everyone. This tournament might have ended, but the echoes of the games played, the laughter shared, and the competition faced will linger on.
Until next time, keep those balls rolling and stay tuned for more updates from the exciting realm of pinball!