Pinball, Tokens, and Victory: Player 1 Arcade’s Latest IFPA Tournament

The latest battle for pinball supremacy unfolded at Player 1 Arcade in Surprise, Arizona, where 26 competitors went head-to-head in the Player 1 Arcade 2025 Series 2 (#4) tournament. With a five-round, one-game-per-round format, there was no room for slow starts—players had to bring their best from the very first plunge.

For a February night in Arizona, 70°F with overcast skies set the mood for a night of fierce flipper action. But the real storm was inside the arcade, where silver balls were bouncing, bumpers were lighting up, and a few unfortunate tilts led to some soul-crushing drains.

So, who claimed victory? Which machines played hero or villain? Let’s break it down.

A Perfect Spot to Flip Out

Player 1 Arcade, located at 17239 North Litchfield Road in Surprise, AZ, isn’t just another arcade—it’s a retro-fueled battleground where pinball meets nostalgia. Packed with a stacked lineup of modern pinball machines and classic arcade cabs, this spot offers something for everyone. Whether you’re here for the deep rule sets of modern Sterns or just reliving your Street Fighter II glory days, Player 1 has you covered.

Beyond the games, the bar keeps things flowing with a wide selection of drinks—including craft beers, ciders, and even non-alcoholic options—making it a prime hangout for both die-hard competitors and casual players looking to unwind. It’s the kind of place where $20 in tokens can buy you a night of fun, frustration, and, if you’re lucky, a new high score.

Check them out at p1arcade.com.

Showdown on Avengers: Infinity Quest

Round 2 saw a high-stakes clash on Avengers: Infinity Quest (Premium), and let’s just say Thanos wasn’t the only one snapping.

Released by Stern in 2020, Avengers: Infinity Quest has made its mark as one of the most challenging and rewarding tournament machines. Designed by Keith Elwin, who also brought us classics like Iron Maiden and Jurassic Park, this game is all about strategy and precision. Players must collect all six Infinity Gems, battle their way through different Avengers team-ups, and ultimately defeat Thanos in a high-scoring wizard mode.

Kevin Ehlers played like he had just unlocked the Time Gem, stringing together an impressive series of combos and multiballs that left the rest of the field scrambling. His final shot—a clutch Captain Marvel ramp—sealed the win.

Janel Valdez, always a steady competitor, gave him a serious run for his money, but a mistimed flipper drop cost her a crucial shot at the Power Gem, and she had to settle for second.

Meanwhile, Mike McClure and Jeremy Reiman found themselves in a battle for third, but Mike’s knowledge of the Infinity Gauntlet wizard mode helped him edge out Jeremy, who had some brutal drains right as he was building momentum.

It was a match packed with chaos, comebacks, and clutch saves, proving once again that Infinity Quest is one of those games where no lead is safe.

Pinball Machines That Stole the Show

With 17 machines in play, there were plenty of opportunities for epic moments, heartbreaking drains, and a few cases of “I swear that shot was supposed to register.” Here are some standouts:

• James Bond 007 (Premium) – Stern’s 2022 release brings together six decades of Bond action, featuring clips and missions inspired by classic films. With a challenging upper loop shot and a villain showdown mechanic, this game had players channeling their inner secret agents while battling for multiballs.
• The Mandalorian (Pro) – Released in 2021, this machine leans heavily into the Disney+ series, making use of a unique upper playfield representing Grogu’s hover pod. The fast-moving orbits and Razor Crest multiball kept competitors on edge, as one missed shot could spell disaster.
• Jurassic Park (Pro) – A staple in modern tournaments, this 2019 Keith Elwin design remains a fan favorite. Unlike the classic Data East version, this game focuses less on the movie and more on capturing dinosaurs through cleverly placed shots and high-risk ramp setups. It’s a game that rewards risk-taking, and more than one player found themselves battling the outlanes as a T. rex roared in the background.
• John Wick (Pro) – The newest entry in the tournament lineup, Stern’s 2024 release is as brutal as the movies it’s based on. Featuring sleek, fast-flowing ramps and an emphasis on high-speed combo shots, this machine demands precision. A single mistake can end your run quickly—much like underestimating John Wick himself.
• Godzilla (Premium) – Stern’s 2021 masterpiece is one of the most popular tournament games today. Featuring an innovative moving skyscraper toy, destruction jackpots, and rewarding combos, it’s a game that lets skilled players rack up massive points if they can stay alive long enough.

And the Winners Are…

After five rounds of fast, furious flipper action, Cara Eisinger took home the win.

• A lesser-known name in Arizona’s competitive scene, Cara played like a veteran, keeping her nerves steady through high-pressure moments and showing that experience beats ranking any day.
• Janel Valdez, fresh off her second-place finish on Infinity Quest, proved her consistency by securing second overall in the tournament—an impressive feat for a player still climbing the state rankings.
• Meanwhile, Mike McClure, one of the highest-ranked players in the field, took third place, adding another strong finish to his already stacked resume.
• Rounding out the top four was Alyssa De La O, who, despite being ranked much lower than the other finalists, pulled off a series of impressive upsets to claim a well-earned spot in the finals.

Arizona’s IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Here’s how the state’s best stack up as of this tournament:

Wrapping It Up

A huge thank you to Jim Smith, the tournament organizer, for running another stellar event, and to Player 1 Arcade for providing an awesome venue to battle it out. And of course, congratulations to Cara Eisinger for her big win. This tournament proved once again that ranking numbers only tell part of the story—on any given night, anyone can step up and take the crown. Arizona’s pinball scene continues to heat up, and with more tournaments and fierce competition ahead, we can’t wait to see what’s next.

For more on Player 1 Arcade and future events, check them out on Facebook. See you on the leaderboards!