Rising Stars Shine in Dangerzone’s Inaugural Weekly League

Under a blazing 91°F Arizona sun, 17 players gathered at Dangerzone Arcade in Gilbert on September 19, 2024, for the inaugural Dangerzone Arcade Weekly League Tournament #1. With a clear sky above, the action inside was just as intense, as players faced off in five rounds of high-octane pinball across 20 different machines. The tournament’s duration of two hours and fifteen minutes flew by as the competition heated up.

Hosted by Jordan Lamoreaux, the event was as thrilling as the arcade itself, showcasing the best of local pinball talent. Let’s take a look at how the tournament unfolded, the standout games, and who came out on top.

A Pinball Paradise in Gilbert

Dangerzone Arcade, located at 614 E Germann Rd in Gilbert, AZ, is a pinball lover’s dream nestled inside Uncle Bear’s Brewery. With an impressive collection of pinball machines and other arcade classics, this spot provides more than just games. The cool atmosphere, food, and drinks make it a perfect hangout for families and gamers alike. The arcade’s blend of quality pinball machines and a laid-back, family-friendly vibe has quickly earned it a loyal following, making it an exciting venue for competitive tournaments like this one.

Epic Showdown on Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast

The final round of the tournament took place on Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Premium), a 2018 Stern classic that channels the heavy-metal energy of the iconic band into a thrilling pinball experience. In this round, Kevin Burns, Jordan Lamoreaux, Chris Stoltenberg, and Bradley Yost faced off in a battle that felt like a true rock-and-roll adventure.

As the game unfolded, Kevin Burns wasted no time unleashing the full power of “Cyborg Multiball,” stacking jackpots and hitting key shots like the “Trooper” and “Mummy” targets with precision. The crowd watched as he racked up a massive score while Eddie’s animated spirit filled the playfield with flashing lights and intense music. Jordan Lamoreaux wasn’t far behind, engaging in a fierce chase, collecting Soul Shards and pushing through the “Fear of the Dark” mode, but their efforts couldn’t quite close the gap.

Meanwhile, Chris Stoltenberg held steady with a solid performance, but struggled to reach the higher multipliers needed to keep up with Kevin’s lead. Bradley Yost put up a valiant fight as well, making good use of the “Revive” feature to keep his game alive, but ultimately, it was Kevin Burns who claimed victory in this electrifying final round.

With fast loops, intense music, and thrilling multiball modes, Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast delivered a grand finale that perfectly captured the high stakes of this competition.

Pinball Machines That Made an Impact

The Dangerzone Arcade tournament featured a stellar lineup of 20 pinball machines, each offering a unique challenge to the competitors. Here’s a look at some standout games that brought out the best (and worst) in players:

• Avengers: Infinity Quest (LE) – Released in September 2020, this Stern machine plunges players into the Marvel universe. Designed by Keith Elwin, it’s packed with intricate shots and deep rules. Players must collect all six Infinity Stones to defeat Thanos, which requires precise shot-making and strategic multiball play. The LE version features a beautiful mirrored backglass and special cabinet art, making it a visual treat in addition to a competitive challenge.
• Jurassic Park (Premium) – From October 2019, this game takes players on a wild ride through Isla Nublar. With a dynamic playfield, including the iconic T-Rex that physically grabs the ball, and an intense “Escape Nublar” mode, this pin tests both nerves and reflexes. Designed by John Borg, Jurassic Park is known for its fast flow, sharp ramps, and thrilling modes that recreate the excitement of the film.
• No Fear: Dangerous Sports – This 1995 Williams classic, designed by Steve Ritchie, embodies the adrenaline rush of extreme sports. With its iconic skull ramp, fast-paced play, and no outlanes, this machine forces players to stay sharp at all times. Players rack up points by completing stunts in sports like skydiving and bungee jumping, all while keeping the ball in constant motion. No Fear’s speed and relentless flow make it a fan favorite for high-energy gameplay.
• Black Knight (LE) – A legendary machine released in 1981 by Williams, Black Knight is famous for its dual-level playfield and the iconic “Magna-Save,” which gives players the power to save balls from draining with the push of a button. The game’s fast-paced action, challenging upper playfield, and memorable sounds have kept it in players’ hearts for over 40 years. This LE version includes custom artwork and enhancements that make the gameplay even more thrilling.
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (LE) – Stern’s 2020 release brings the heroes in a half shell to life with vibrant artwork, dynamic ramps, and challenging modes. Designed by John Borg, this game features team-ups with Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo, with fast gameplay centered around completing various missions to defeat Shredder and his henchmen. The LE edition adds special lighting and animations, making each game feel like a journey through the cartoon.

Tournament Champions Shine Bright

When the dust settled and the final scores were tallied, it was Marty Mesloh who took the tournament crown. Despite being relatively new to the competitive scene with just two IFPA events under his belt, Marty’s steady play and sharp flipper skills earned him first place. Shaniya Lee claimed second, adding another top finish to her budding pinball career. In third was Nicholas Zachry, hailing from Gilbert, who fought hard to secure his podium spot. Kevin Burns, fresh off his win on Iron Maiden, rounded out the top four.

1. Marty Mesloh – State Rank: 572nd, IFPA rank: 30747
2. Shaniya Lee – State Rank: 409th, IFPA rank: 22390
3. Nicholas Zachry – State Rank: 9th, IFPA rank: 397
4. Kevin Burns AZ – State Rank: 103rd, IFPA rank: 1888

Arizona’s Top 10 Pinball Players

Here’s how the top Arizona IFPA players stack up:

Wrapping Up the First of Many Battles

The Dangerzone Arcade Weekly League Tournament #1 was a fantastic kickoff for what promises to be an exciting weekly event series. Congratulations to Marty Mesloh for clinching the top spot, and a special thanks to Jordan Lamoreaux for organizing the tournament and to Dangerzone Arcade for hosting it. With such a great lineup of games and competition, pinball fans can expect even more thrilling matches in the future.

Stay tuned for more pinball updates and news, and don’t forget to check out Dangerzone Arcade for their upcoming events. You can find more information on their Facebook page.