Pinball’s Best Shine in the Desert at Starfighters Arcade

The SPF 25 Max Match tournament brought together 121 players for an intense night of head-to-head pinball competition at Starfighters Arcade in Mesa, Arizona. With each player battling through ten games, only the top 16 moved on to the finals. The event ran just over three and a half hours, packing in fast-paced action and thrilling matchups. Clear skies and a perfect 73-degree evening set the scene for some heated flipper action.

The Retro Wonderland of Starfighters Arcade

Starfighters Arcade might not look massive from the outside, but inside, it’s a retro gaming wonderland packed wall-to-wall with classic pinball and arcade machines. The decor is a blast from the past, filled with nostalgic toys and memorabilia that make you feel like you’ve stepped into the ultimate vintage game collection. Maintenance here is top-notch—players rarely run into broken machines, a rare and welcome sight in the pinball world. If you’re a pinball fan (or even if you’re not—yet), this place has a way of turning a casual visit into an hours-long session of flipping, tilting, and multi-balling.

Defend Earth, Rack Up Points: Attack from Mars Strategy

With its balanced mix of flow, shot control, and risk-vs-reward mechanics, Attack from Mars rewards precise flipper skills while offering fun, rewarding gameplay for all skill levels. During the SPF 25 Max Match, it was played 12 times, proving once again why it’s a must-have in competitive pinball. If you’re stepping up to Attack from Mars, you’re entering one of the most legendary battlegrounds in pinball history. Released in 1995 by Bally, this game is a fan favorite for its fast-paced action, rewarding shot progression, and humorous theme.

The Objective

Martians are attacking Earth, and it’s up to you to defend cities across the world. Your ultimate goal? Conquer all six cities and take the battle to Mars in the Rule the Universe wizard mode.

Key Strategies

• Martian Multiball: Knock down the Martian targets to start this chaotic but valuable mode. Keep hitting the jumpy little invaders for bonus points.
• Saucer Attacks: The center saucer is your primary objective, but it’s also dangerous. Shoot it repeatedly to destroy saucers and progress toward Total Annihilation.
• Multiball Mayhem: Lock three balls to start Attack Wave Multiball. Jackpots come fast and furious, and if you can relock all balls, Super Jackpot becomes available for major points.
• Rule the Universe: Completing all objectives leads to the final wizard mode, where you must defeat Mars itself. It’s one of the most exciting climaxes in pinball—reach it, and you’ll know you’ve played an elite game.

The Icons and Underdogs of the Tournament Lineup

With 67 pinball machines in the tournament lineup, players had plenty of classics and modern hits to test their skills. Here are a few that stood out:

Jim Henson’s Labyrinth (2023, Barrels of Fun)

One of the most anticipated modern releases, Labyrinth is a pinball machine like no other, featuring a physical maze players must navigate alongside classic flipper action. The game is packed with callbacks to the 1986 cult film, including interactive modes that require precise timing to escape the Goblin King’s traps.

Ghostbusters (Pro) (2016, Stern)

This machine is as fun as it is challenging, with brutally short ball times for the unprepared. The “Slimer” toy moves across the playfield, and the game features several challenging ghost-hunting modes based on the original 1984 film. The “Stay Puft Marshmallow Man” wizard mode is an adrenaline rush for those skilled enough to reach it.

Jack•Bot (1995, Williams)

A high-stakes, casino-themed pinball machine and the final game in the Pin-Bot trilogy, Jack•Bot rewards risky play with a Double-or-Nothing feature that can make or break your final score. The combination of smooth ramps and strategic shot placement makes this a favorite among tournament players.

Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (2018, Stern)

A high-speed shooter with a deep rule set, this game is a dream for flow-loving players. The orbits and ramps are some of the smoothest in modern pinball, and its numerous multiball modes, including “Mummy Multiball” and “Two Minutes to Midnight,” make every game feel like an epic battle.

Baywatch (1995, Sega)

While its theme might raise eyebrows, Baywatch is a shockingly strong tournament game. The layout is reminiscent of games like “The Shadow,” featuring a high-speed loop, skillful upper flipper shots, and a variety of challenging modes. Plus, that giant DMD display is one of the biggest in pinball history.

The Final Showdown

After hours of high-stakes flipping, it all came down to the final match on Jurassic Park (Premium) by Stern. With its fast-flowing ramps, chaotic multiballs, and high-pressure shots, this machine tested the nerves of the final contenders. When the dust settled, a well-fought battle ended with these results:

• David Chernicoff emerged victorious, showing that experience and steady play pay off. Ranked 114th in the state, his 180 IFPA events proved to be the foundation of his triumph.
• Luke Nahorniak, one of the tournament’s most formidable players, put up a fierce fight to secure second place. Ranked 9th in the world, they demonstrated why they are considered an elite competitor.
• Rachel Bess, representing Electric Bat, played a smart and aggressive tournament, earning third place with impressive shot selections and ball control.
• Mayumi Mae rounded out the top four with a steady performance, navigating difficult machines and pressure-filled moments with skill.

Arizona’s IFPA Top 10 Rankings

Flipping the Final Page

A huge shoutout to Kevin Curtis for running a smooth and competitive tournament, and to Starfighters Arcade for hosting an event in such an awesome venue. The combination of a killer location, a well-organized format, and some truly nail-biting matches made SPF 25 Max Match a night to remember.

As the last flippers cooled down and the final scores were tallied, one thing was clear—pinball in Arizona is thriving. Until next time, keep your multiballs locked, your tilts in check, and your aim true. See you on the next plunge!