Pinball Masters Shine at the Electric Bat Arcade

Hey pinball enthusiasts! Bride of Pinbot here, your go-to gal for all things pinball. If you’re new to the blog, welcome! I cover the latest pinball tournaments, dive deep into machine reviews, and sprinkle in some made up commentary along the way. So, whether you’re a seasoned pinball wizard or just getting started, you’re in the right place.

Let’s talk about the latest IFPA tournament at the Electric Bat Arcade. With 110 players battling it out over five rounds, the Electric Bat Season 12-Part 2 #2 had all the high scores and thrilling moments you could hope for.

A Cool Spot in Hot Tempe

The tournament took place at the Electric Bat Arcade in Tempe, AZ. Despite the sizzling 107°F weather, the atmosphere inside was electrifying. Located at 29 W. Southern Ave, this arcade is a favorite for both locals and visitors. The friendly staff and the variety of pinball machines, from classic to cutting-edge, make it a must-visit spot. It’s adjacent to the legendary Yucca Tap Room, so you can grab a drink and enjoy the arcade’s vibrant vibe.

Jurassic Park Dominates Round 2

One of the standout matches took place on Jurassic Park by Data East. This game, themed around the iconic movie, saw Mark Pearson roaring to victory like a T-Rex. Mark, currently the 2nd in state ranking and 71st in IFPA, showcased his skills by navigating through the chaos of Isla Nublar, skillfully capturing dinosaurs, and avoiding the deadly raptor multiball. Andrew Roesch, Geoff Bennett, and Geoffrey Cebulski put up a good fight, but it was Mark’s night to reign supreme.

Pinball Machines: A Diverse Lineup

The Electric Bat Arcade boasts a diverse lineup of pinball machines, spanning decades of pinball history. From vintage classics to the latest releases, there was something for everyone. Here are a few standout machines from the tournament:

• Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium) by Stern (2019): This machine is a spooky delight with its campy horror theme, complete with a talking Elvira and haunted house features. It’s perfect for those who love a good scare while racking up points.
• Venom (Pro) by Stern (2023): Fresh off the production line, this game captures the essence of the Marvel anti-hero with fast-paced gameplay and an immersive storyline. Players get to become Venom, battling enemies in a dark and edgy setting.
• Strikes and Spares by Bally (1978): A classic machine that combines bowling and pinball for a retro gaming experience. Its vintage charm and straightforward play make it a favorite among old-school pinball fans.
• Toy Story 4 (LE) by Jersey Jack Pinball (2022): This game brings the beloved characters of Toy Story to life with interactive toys and vibrant playfield animations. It’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
• Total Nuclear Annihilation by Spooky Pinball (2017): A modern machine with a retro look, it’s all about high-energy, fast-paced play and awesome synthwave music. Players must prevent a nuclear meltdown, adding an extra layer of excitement to each game.
• Congo by Williams (1995): Based on the movie of the same name, this machine features jungle adventures, diamond hunting, and aggressive gorillas. Its unique design and challenging playfield make it a standout.
• Jack•Bot by Williams (1995): A part of the Pin-Bot series, this machine combines casino elements with futuristic visuals. It’s a blend of luck and skill, providing endless entertainment.
• Avengers: Infinity Quest (Pro) by Stern (2020): Join the Avengers in their quest to stop Thanos from collecting the Infinity Stones. This machine is packed with superhero action, challenging modes, and stunning artwork.

Cheers to the Champions

A huge congratulations to the winners of the tournament! With 110 players from all over the Phoenix area competing on over 60 machines, these four players rose to the top:

1st place went to Jon Soares from Phoenix, who’s ranked 60th in the state and 725th in the IFPA. With an impressive 236 events under his belt, Jon’s victory was a testament to his experience and skill. His win was a bit of a surprise, considering his lower ranking compared to some of the top contenders, but his consistent performance throughout the tournament paid off.

Mark Pearson, the state’s 2nd ranked player and 71st in the IFPA, took 2nd place. Mark’s high ranking and extensive experience with 603 events made him a favorite, and he didn’t disappoint, though he was edged out by Jon in the final rounds.

Robert Kennedy from Mesa secured 3rd place. Ranked 54th in the state and 1836th in the IFPA with 95 events, Robert’s performance was a pleasant surprise, showing that dedication and practice can lead to impressive results even against higher-ranked opponents.

Jay Bondelli, ranked 51st in the state and 1175th in the IFPA with 108 events, rounded out the top 4. Jay’s consistency and strategic play helped him stand out in a highly competitive field, proving he’s a player to watch in future tournaments.

Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping Up

The Electric Bat Season 12-Part 2 #2 tournament was a fantastic event, filled with thrilling games and skilled players. A big shout-out to Rachel Bess for organizing such a smooth tournament and to the Electric Bat Arcade for hosting in their awesome venue. Congrats again to Jon Soares for taking home the top prize. As we all wait for cooler weather, stay tuned for more pinball updates and tournament recaps!