Competitive Pinball in the Heat: Highlights from the Dangerzone Knockout

What’s happening pinball pals? It’s Bride of Pinbot here, your trusty guide through the wild world of competitive pinball. When I’m not busy keeping my circuits in check, I’m diving deep into the best tournaments, machines, and match highlights to bring you all the action. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just curious about what makes these machines tick, I’ve got you covered. Today, we’re heading to Gilbert, AZ, where the Dangerzone Arcade Monthly Knockout gave 22 players the ultimate challenge under the blazing Arizona sun. Let’s break it all down!

Knockout Madness at Dangerzone Arcade

On September 22, 2024, under clear 90°F skies, 22 players packed into the air-conditioned oasis that is Dangerzone Arcade in Gilbert, AZ. This wasn’t your average pinball meet-up—this was a Group Knockout Tournament, where players battled it out for 11 rounds, trying to dodge the dreaded 3-strike elimination.

In four-player groups, only the 3rd and 4th place players got strikes (a hefty 2 strikes per round), while in three-player groups, last place got 1 strike. The action was fast, the competition fierce, and by the time the dust settled around 5:30 PM, only one player stood victorious. Five hours of non-stop flipping—it doesn’t get much better than that!

Dangerzone Arcade: Pinball Meets Brewery

What could be better than playing pinball? Playing pinball and enjoying great food and drinks! That’s the vibe at Dangerzone Arcade, located inside Uncle Bear’s Brewery at 614 E Germann Rd in Gilbert. This arcade isn’t just about machines; it’s about creating an experience. You’ve got rows of top-tier pinball machines, from retro classics to modern must-plays, all in a laid-back, family-friendly space. So grab a brew, maybe a burger, and settle in for some serious flipping. The arcade’s atmosphere is pure fun, whether you’re a seasoned pinballer or just in for a good time.

A Strange Turn: Spotlight on Stranger Things (LE)

In Round 9, the action got real intense on Stranger Things (LE) by Stern, and it was anyone’s game. The star of the match? Jordan Lamoreaux, the tournament organizer and local hero from Gilbert. Jordan (they/them), ranked 158th in Arizona, showed off their skill by crushing the game’s telekinesis multiball feature, which is all about nailing those ramps and battling the Demogorgon.

Behind Jordan, Mollie Stoltenberg took 2nd place, proving why she’s ranked 60th in Arizona. She played hard but couldn’t quite catch up to Jordan’s point streak. Greg Mohs, a top-tier player ranked 23rd in the state, took 3rd, while 4th place went to Mesa’s Jason Barre, a consistent high-ranker and no stranger to Arizona’s top pinball spots. Even though Jason holds the 5th state rank, the Upside Down had other plans for him in this round!

Pinball Machines that Stole the Show

Dangerzone Arcade brought out some serious firepower for this tournament, with 18 machines to challenge players. Here are a few that stood out:

No Fear: Dangerous Sports (Williams, 1995) – Designed by the legendary Steve Ritchie, No Fear: Dangerous Sports is a machine that thrives on adrenaline and speed. This game is a tribute to extreme sports, with ramps that scream for fast, precise shots and a freewheeling playfield that demands quick reflexes. The game’s theme revolves around sports like motocross, skydiving, and bungee jumping, making it a fast-paced, heart-pounding experience. The “No Limits” ramp is a key feature that propels the ball through a lightning-fast loop, rewarding players with satisfying speed and flow. Plus, the jumping skull that shouts motivational lines gives it an extra edge of excitement.

Galactic Tank Force (Signature) (American Pinball, 2023) – One of the newest machines to hit the pinball scene, Galactic Tank Force brings a quirky and futuristic vibe with its unique combination of humor, sci-fi elements, and strategy. Designed with a tank-shaped cabinet, this machine is as fun to look at as it is to play. Players loved the interactive mini-games, which added layers of strategy to the gameplay. The multi-ball modes are a highlight, requiring precise shots to engage the “Force Shields” and battle across space. This machine’s light-hearted but action-packed approach kept players hooked throughout the tournament.

Stranger Things (LE) (Stern, 2019) – An instant fan favorite, Stranger Things (LE) by Stern pulls players right into the eerie, supernatural world of Hawkins, Indiana. With immersive projector mapping and incredible sound effects straight from the show, this machine’s standout feature is the Demogorgon Bash Toy, where players must hit precise shots to defeat the iconic monster. The Telekinesis Multiball mode gives players a real challenge, utilizing magnetic ball locks that create a surreal floating effect. Combined with ramps that represent the Upside Down and Eleven’s powers, this machine provided plenty of excitement during the tournament, especially in Round 9.

JAWS (LE) (Stern, 2024) – This brand-new release from Stern captures the suspense and thrill of the classic 1975 film Jaws. Players are tasked with surviving shark attacks and collecting bounties as they navigate the game’s water-themed playfield. The main feature here is the Shark Attack Multiball, triggered by hitting a series of shark fin targets. The machine’s jaw-dropping artwork, featuring iconic scenes from the movie, really sets the mood for an intense game. With its fast-paced, high-risk gameplay, JAWS had players on the edge of their seats.

Champions Who Crushed It

Let’s talk winners, because this tournament had some serious talent. Topping the leaderboard was Greg Mohs, ranked 23rd in the state and 826th in the nation. Greg’s been to 121 IFPA events, so it’s no surprise he took 1st place. His experience and steady hand saw him through all 11 rounds.

In 2nd place was none other than Jason Barre. With an impressive state rank of 5th and 482 IFPA events under his belt, Jason is one of Arizona’s most consistent performers. This was just another notch on his well-earned pinball belt.

Mollie Stoltenberg, ranked 60th in Arizona, took home 3rd place. With 228 IFPA events to her name, she’s been climbing the ranks and showing everyone she’s here to stay.

And last but certainly not least, 4th place went to Jordan Lamoreaux, who not only played exceptionally but also organized the entire event. Jordan’s played in 99 IFPA events and continues to make waves in the Arizona pinball scene.

Arizona’s Pinball Elite: Top 10 Standings

Here’s a look at Arizona’s current top 10 pinball players, based on WPPR points:

Wrapping Up a Knockout Tournament

All in all, the Dangerzone Arcade Monthly Knockout was a blast! Big congrats to Greg Mohs for taking the top spot, and a special shout-out to Jordan Lamoreaux for running such a smooth event in a fantastic location. With a mix of great competition, awesome pinball machines, and unbeatable atmosphere, this was one tournament no one will forget anytime soon. Stay tuned to the blog for more updates, and don’t miss the next big tournament breakdown!