Side Tournament Showdown: Halley Dominates at Player 1 Arcade

The Player 1 Arcade 2025 S1 Side Tournament, although not the main event, still had plenty of heat and excitement on January 6, 2025. Hosted by Jim Smith, this fast-paced tournament featured five rounds with one game each, testing the skills of 13 players over two hours. The crisp weather outside—clear skies and a temperature of 57°F—provided the perfect backdrop for a night of pinball action.

Player 1 Arcade: The Pinball Destination You Can’t Miss

Located at 17239 North Litchfield Road in Surprise, AZ, Player 1 Arcade is a pinball lover’s dream. This isn’t your typical arcade; it’s a pinball-first atmosphere that showcases a well-maintained collection of machines. Players rave about the clean, accessible space and a welcoming bar with a variety of drinks to enjoy between rounds. The arcade’s ambiance is laid-back, with murals in the bathrooms adding some quirky local charm. With classic titles like Street Fighter and Galaga mixed with top-tier pinball machines, it’s clear why Player 1 Arcade is a local favorite. A bonus? Happy hour runs from 3-7 PM, offering $1 drinks for a great pre-game wind-down.

Round 4’s Godzilla Match: A Battle of Rankings

In Round 4, the spotlight was on Godzilla (Premium), a 2021 Stern release that quickly became a fan favorite for its dynamic modes and engaging theme. During this round, players showcased their skills in the “King of the Monsters” mode, where they faced off against Godzilla’s devastating attacks while trying to rack up points in the multi-level gameplay.

Dave Halley, with his impressive IFPA rank of 724, showed why he’s consistently near the top of the leaderboards. His calculated moves helped him avoid Godzilla’s most challenging features, securing his first-place spot. Casey Halley, ranked 5921, wasn’t far behind, coming in second. Despite some tricky moments battling Godzilla’s nuclear breath, she kept a steady hand to remain competitive. Terri Boyd, with a rank of 2932, fought valiantly but couldn’t quite match the Halley duo’s consistency, taking third.

Pinball Machines: A Diverse Lineup of Champions

The tournament offered players a chance to face off on 15 different machines, each with its own set of challenges. Here’s a look at five of the standout games:

• The Walking Dead (Pro): Released in 2014, this pin is all about surviving a zombie apocalypse. With its multiball modes and intense drop targets, it’s a high-stakes game that rewards skillful shot-making.
• Cyclone: This classic 1988 Williams pinball machine delivers on nostalgia with its fast spins and looping ramps, coupled with a carnival theme that’s sure to bring out your inner kid.
• Foo Fighters (LE): The 2023 limited edition of Foo Fighters brings the band’s electrifying presence to life. With vibrant lighting and a killer soundtrack, it’s a modern machine that demands precision and rhythm.
• Star Wars (Premium): For Star Wars fans, this 2017 release is a must-play. The dynamic playfield includes immersive modes based on the original trilogy, including the thrilling Battle of Endor.
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Another Stern release from 2017, this game captures the essence of the Marvel franchise. With interactive elements and modes based on the film’s key scenes, it’s both fun and challenging.

Tournament Champions: A Well-Deserved Victory

Let’s give it up for the players who claimed the top spots:

1st – Dave Halley, ranked 724 with a career total of 508 IFPA events. His performance in this tournament solidified his spot at the top.
2nd – Allen Krahn, ranked 7946, showing that experience and dedication—32 events in total—pay off in consistency.
3rd – Kevin Erickson, ranked 0 but making an impressive debut. His first event saw him finishing in the top three, proving that fresh talent can certainly make waves.
4th – Christi Newlove, ranked 21332, with 10 events under her belt. Christi played strong but couldn’t quite match the top three’s momentum.

Closing: A Fun and Competitive Tournament

A big thanks to Jim Smith for organizing the Player 1 Arcade 2025 S1 Side Tournament and to Player 1 Arcade for providing such a great location. Congratulations to Dave Halley for clinching the victory in this exciting event, and kudos to all the players who took part.

Look forward to more exciting pinball updates and stories!