As the Arizona sky displayed a beautiful canvas of broken clouds, the Electric Bat Arcade in Tempe buzzed with excitement for the Season 10- Series 1 #1 pinball tournament. Organized by Rachel Bess, this event was not just a test of skill; it was a celebration of the vibrant pinball community.
A Venue That Surprises and Delights
Electric Bat Arcade initially gives off a ‘am I in the wrong place?’ vibe, but it quickly unfolds into an experience of great food, drinks, and a plethora of perfectly functioning arcade games. The unique rhythm games from Japan add an extra layer of fun, especially for the buzzed gamers among us.
The Tournament in Full Throttle
With 5 rounds of intense pinball action and 93 players competing, the atmosphere was electric. Players, ranging from local enthusiasts to Sandy Magallanes who journeyed all the way from Seattle, battled it out for the top spots, their skills shining under the arcade lights.
Spotlight on ‘Elvira’s House of Horrors’
The standout game of Round 4 was ‘Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium)‘ by Stern. The game saw a fierce competition, with Conrad Betti leading the pack, followed by Nicholas Zachry, Andrew Kohtz, and Chris Stoltenberg. This round was a testament to the players’ quick reflexes and strategic gameplay.
Celebrating the Pinball Wizards
A huge congratulations to Michael Bougher for clinching the first place! Ty Bull, Sandy Magallanes, and Jay Bondelli also delivered impressive performances, showcasing their mastery over the silver ball.
Machines That Captivated the Crowd
Among the 60 machines, ‘Paragon’ by Bally and ‘Jurassic Park’ by Data East stood out for their classic appeal. The newer ‘Venom (Pro)‘ by Stern and ‘James Bond 007 (60th Anniversary LE)‘ added a modern twist to the tournament. ‘Game Of Thrones (Pro)‘ by Stern and ‘Congo‘ by Williams also saw a lot of action, proving their enduring popularity.
More Than Just a Game
The Electric Bat Season 10- Series 1 #1 tournament was more than a competition; it was a night where the community came together to share their love for pinball. The Electric Bat Arcade, with its amazing staff and functional games, provided the perfect backdrop for this celebration. As the tournament wrapped up, the Electric Bat stood as a beacon for pinball enthusiasts, promising many more nights of fun, competition, and community bonding.
Stay tuned for more updates from the realm of pinball, and remember, there’s always a high score waiting to be beaten!