A Scorching Night of Pinball: Level 1 Arcade Bar Tournament

Kicking Off a Sizzling Tournament

Phoenix may be breaking temperature records, but that didn’t stop a group of die-hard pinball wizards from battling it out at the Level 1 Arcade Bar in Mesa. The Stern Army hosted their Week 7 BONUS POT tournament on July 3, 2024, drawing ten enthusiastic players ready to compete through four intense rounds. The action kicked off at 7:00 PM and lasted for 1 hour and 30 minutes—time well spent in an air-conditioned haven from the relentless 108°F heat outside.

Level 1 Arcade Bar: A Cool Oasis for Pinball Aficionados

Level 1 Arcade Bar, located at 48 W Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201, proved to be the perfect sanctuary for pinball enthusiasts. This retro gem is beloved for its nostalgic charm and top-notch pinball machines, all meticulously maintained. Parents and their kids alike find joy in navigating classic arcade games, while pinball aficionados flock to the upstairs section, where a treasure trove of iconic machines awaits. With games costing just a few tokens, Level 1 delivers a blast from the past without breaking the bank. Check out more about this awesome spot on their website.

Battle of the Titans on Godzilla (Premium/LE)

The highlight of the night came during Round 2 on Stern’s Godzilla (Premium/LE), a fan-favorite released in September 2021. The match was fierce, with Kevin Burns, ranked 119th in Arizona, clinching first place. Pamela Campbell, ranked 243rd, secured second, while Jeff Janoski from Gilbert, ranked 308th, took third. Chris Celaya, ranked 191st, rounded out the top four. Godzilla’s immersive gameplay and chaotic multi-ball features pushed these players to their limits, showcasing their skills and strategic prowess.

Spotlight on Star Pinball Machines

The tournament featured 13 stellar machines, each with unique designs and features:

• Avengers: Infinity Quest (Premium/LE) by Stern (September 2020): This game transports players into the Marvel Universe with intricate playfields and dynamic challenges.
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Premium/LE) by Stern (June 2020): Fans of the heroes in a half-shell love the fast-paced action and vibrant artwork.
• The Addams Family by Bally (January 1992): A classic pin with beloved characters and spooky-themed gameplay.
• Terminator 2: Judgment Day by Williams (July 1991): Known for its groundbreaking use of a dot matrix display and compelling playfield.
• The Mandalorian (Premium/LE) by Stern (May 2021): Features thrilling missions inspired by the hit series.
• John Wick (Pro) by Stern (May 2024): A new entry that captures the high-octane action of the film series.
• Creature from the Black Lagoon by Bally (December 1992): Combines drive-in theater nostalgia with exciting gameplay.
• No Fear: Dangerous Sports by Williams (May 1995): Appeals to adrenaline junkies with its extreme sports theme.
• Fish Tales by Williams (January 1992): A fishing-themed pin that’s fun and challenging.

Celebrating the Victors

Kudos to the champions who emerged victorious in this heated competition. Shawn Barnett, with an impressive IFPA rank of 2944 and 120 events under his belt, took first place. Kevin Burns, ranked 1702, followed closely in second, proving his skill and consistency across 164 events. Pamela Campbell, despite her lower ranking at 11659, demonstrated remarkable tenacity to secure third place. Alex Kee, from Stardust, rounded out the top four with an IFPA rank of 4734 and 44 events, showcasing the diversity and depth of talent in the field.

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Wrapping Up a Fiery Tournament

A big thanks to Scott Goldsmith for organizing this fantastic event and to Level 1 Arcade Bar for hosting it. Despite the blistering heat outside, the tournament was a refreshing break filled with fierce competition and fun. For more pinball action and future tournament news, keep an eye on their Facebook page. Until next time, let’s hope for cooler days and even hotter games!

Stay tuned for more pinball thrills!