Venomous Victory: Week 6 Pinball Tournament at Level 1 Arcade

Hey pinball wizards, another week of flippers, fast balls, and fierce competition is in the books! The Stern Army descended on Level 1 Arcade Bar this past Wednesday for Week 6 of the August 2024 tournament series. With 12 players battling it out in four rounds, the night was full of exciting matchups, unexpected outcomes, and plenty of pinball action.

Level 1 Arcade Bar: A Gamer’s Paradise

Nestled right in the heart of Gilbert, AZ, Level 1 Arcade Bar is the kind of spot where both pinball newbies and seasoned wizards feel right at home. If you’re into old-school games, good vibes, and solid service, this place should be on your radar. The retro arcade lineup paired with a stellar selection of drinks makes it a top-notch hangout. Whether you’re there for an all-night game marathon or just popping in for a quick round and a drink, Level 1 delivers. And shoutout to the staff, especially Chelsea, who keep the energy high and the good times rolling.

Battle on Venom: Round 3 Gets Venomous

Round 3 had all eyes on Venom (Premium), Stern’s latest addition from July 2023, where things got pretty intense. The match had some serious venomous energy, especially during the “Knull’s Corruption” mode, where players faced the challenge of battling symbiotes while racking up high scores. Nathan Stellhorn, ranked 371st in the state, channeled his inner anti-hero and took first place, proving that when it comes to pinball, rankings aren’t everything. Jeff Janoski from Gilbert gave Nathan a run for his money, but the symbiotes got the better of him, placing him second. Forrest Barkley from Scottsdale landed third, showing solid gameplay but falling just short of the top. And while Colin Taylor didn’t manage to climb the ranks, he added some serious heat to the match.

Pinball Machines That Stole the Show

This tournament was packed with some heavy hitters, and the machines on the floor were nothing short of spectacular.

First up, Monster Bash (Remake LE). This is an all-time classic, and the Remake LE version takes everything fans loved about the original and cranks it up a notch. The game is all about bringing together a band of Universal Monsters—Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, The Wolfman, The Mummy, and The Creature from the Black Lagoon. The goal? Collect instruments for each of these monsters to trigger the epic “Monster Bash” and “Monsters of Rock” modes, where the real points come flooding in. What makes this remake shine are the upgraded features: RGB lighting that makes the playfield pop, a colorized HD display for that crisp look, and sound enhancements that bring the monsters’ roars to life. They’ve even added new interactive toys and tweaked the playfield mechanics to make sure the game feels fresh, all while keeping those iconic elements like the animated Dracula and Frankenstein’s Monster. It’s a brilliant nod to the past with a modern twist.

Then there’s Deadpool (Premium), the wise-cracking anti-hero from Marvel, who gets the full pinball treatment in this machine. The game is as chaotic and fun as you’d expect, with you battling a rogues’ gallery of villains, with a little help from the X-Men, all while Deadpool breaks the fourth wall and keeps things light-hearted and hilarious. The Premium version doesn’t hold back, featuring a rotating Disco Ball multiball, a physical Katana sword ball lock, and a custom speech package voiced by the one and only Nolan North. The playfield is packed with interactive toys, like a Deadpool figure that seems to egg you on, a Lil’ Deadpool bash toy for some extra mayhem, and drop targets that keep you on your toes. The ruleset is deep enough to keep you engaged, with plenty of modes and combos to master, making it a favorite among players who enjoy strategic gameplay with a side of humor.

Finally, Venom (Premium) made a splash not just as a standout machine in the lineup, but also as the star of our Round 3 spotlight game. Venom brings the dark, aggressive energy of one of Spider-Man’s most iconic foes right to the pinball playfield. This machine lets you step into the shoes of various hosts for Venom, like Eddie Brock or Flash Thompson, each offering a different spin on the gameplay. The fast and flowy shots are designed to build up combos, and the game really shines during the intense boss fights against villains like Carnage and Knull. One of the coolest features is the “Symbiote Takeover,” where you can build up power and unleash it for massive points. The Premium version doesn’t skimp on the theatrics either—it’s got a custom molded Venom head that interacts with the ball, a moving ramp that keeps you guessing, and a web slinger that adds some wild, unpredictable movement to the ball’s trajectory. Plus, with Stern’s Insider Connected system, you can track your progress and join in on global challenges, adding another layer of competition.

These machines weren’t just games—they were the stars of the show, each bringing their own flavor to the tournament and giving players plenty of thrills along the way.

Tournament Winners: The Best of the Best

With 12 players giving it their all, the competition was fierce, but only a few could come out on top. These players clawed their way to victory, battling through the rounds with impressive skill:

1. Jason Barre from Mesa, AZ – With a State Rank of 5th and an IFPA rank of 247, Jason’s experience and precision led him to the top spot. With 468 events under his belt, it’s no wonder he dominated the competition.
2. Nathan Stellhorn – Fresh off his win in Round 3, Nathan secured second place overall. His ranking may be 371st in the state, but with over 500 events played, his experience shows through.
3. Kevin Burns from AZ – Kevin held his ground in third, proving that his 119th state rank is well-earned. With 171 events behind him, he’s no stranger to the competitive pinball scene.
4. Jocelyn Bowers – The only player without a need for a pronoun in this list, Jocelyn battled her way to fourth, showing that even with just 16 events, she’s a force to be reckoned with.

Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Check out the current top 10 players in Arizona’s IFPA standings. These rankings show just how competitive the pinball scene is in the Grand Canyon State:

Closing out the Night

All in all, it was another fantastic night of pinball at Level 1 Arcade Bar. Kudos to Scott Goldsmith for organizing the event and making sure everything ran smoothly. With the tournament clocking in at around two hours, it was the perfect mix of competitive play and casual fun. Don’t forget to check out future events at Level 1—whether you’re a seasoned player or just looking to have a good time, you won’t be disappointed. Until next time, keep your flippers ready and your eye on the ball!

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