The sun might have set at 79°F with a clear sky in Surprise, AZ, but inside Player 1 Arcade, the temperature was rising. As pinballs clinked and buzzers buzzed, enthusiasts gathered for the anticipated Player 1 Arcade 2023 S3B #1 pinball tournament.
Player 1 Arcade: More Than Just An Arcade
Positioned cozily at 17239 North Litchfield Road UNIT 60, Player 1 Arcade isn’t just any arcade; it’s a time capsule that captures the golden era of arcade gaming. From the myriad of 80’s-90’s arcade games to the strategically placed pinball machines, it’s a paradise for gamers of all ages. And for those seeking a reprieve from the action? A well-stocked bar quenches thirsts with an assortment of beverages.
The Tournament: Where Strategy Meets Skill
Under the guidance of the seasoned organizer, Jim Smith, 30 participants grouped and battled it out over five adrenaline-pumping rounds. The standout match was on the Led Zeppelin (Pro) machine by Stern during Round 4. Mark Pearson, given his impressive IFPA ranking, didn’t surprise many by clinching the top spot, but Joey Rio’s impressive performance turned quite a few heads!
The Crème De La Crème: IFPA Arizona’s Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roland Nadeau | Not Specified | 671.64 |
| 2 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 598.14 |
| 3 | John Shopple | Mesa | 592.14 |
| 4 | Adam Horton | Phoenix | 352.69 |
| 5 | John Magyar | Gilbert | 351.78 |
| 6 | Kevan Carter | Tempe | 320.85 |
| 7 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 313.2 |
| 8 | Paul Blanco | Chandler | 309.72 |
| 9 | Joey Rio | Surprise | 309.24 |
| 10 | Walter Dony | Phoenix | 280.56 |
These players, with their impeccable gameplay and strategies, have solidified their place among the best in Arizona.
Machines: The Soul of the Game
With a staggering 14 machines at the venue, here are some that truly elevated the night:
- Avengers: Infinity Quest (Premium) by Stern, 2020: A recent addition with gameplay as captivating as the Marvel Universe it’s based on.
- Venom (Pro) by Stern, 2023: A slick machine that brought players into the tangled web of Venom’s world.
- Godzilla (Premium) by Stern, 2021: An absolute classic, challenging even for the pros.
- The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern, 2021: Taking players on a galactic journey, this one was a crowd favorite.
- Star Wars (Premium) by Stern, 2017: A timeless masterpiece, echoing the legacy of the beloved franchise.
- Cyclone by Williams, 1988: Its retro charm was irresistible.
- Rush (Pro) by Stern, 2022: Modern, captivating, and a testament to the evolution of pinball.
Until Next Time
With an elapsed time of just shy of 3 hours, the tournament came to a thrilling close. As the lights dimmed at Player 1 Arcade, the echoes of flippers and buzzers slowly faded, but the memories of this electrifying event are sure to linger.
Here’s to more flips, tricks, and pinball magic! Stay tuned for more from the pinball realm!