High Scores, No Sunscreen Needed: Inside SPF 25 Sunday Fair Strikes

Under the clear skies of Mesa, Arizona, with temperatures hovering around a comfortable 67°F, pinball enthusiasts gathered at Starfighters Arcade on February 23, 2025, for the SPF 25 Sunday Fair Strikes tournament. This Group Knockout event attracted a staggering 121 players, each aiming to outlast their competitors in a 10-round showdown where accumulating five strikes meant elimination. The Fair Strikes system added a strategic twist: in four-player groups, 2nd and 3rd place received one strike each, while 4th place got two strikes; in three-player groups, 2nd place received one strike, and 3rd place got two strikes. The tournament wrapped up in just under four hours, a testament to the arcade’s efficient organization.

Starfighters Arcade: A Retro Playground for Pinball Enthusiasts

Starfighters Arcade, located at 4840 E Jasmine St #102 in Mesa, AZ, is a dream destination for pinball and arcade lovers. With an ever-growing collection of over 160 vintage games, this spot is known for its extensive selection of well-maintained pinball machines spanning multiple eras. From electro-mechanical classics to modern solid-state marvels, players can experience decades of pinball evolution under one roof.

Beyond the impressive lineup of machines, Starfighters offers an inviting atmosphere with friendly staff, a dedicated player base, and an affordable $11 admission for all-day play. The arcade also boasts a snack bar with budget-friendly treats, making it a great hangout spot for casual visitors and competitive players alike. Whether you’re here to relive childhood favorites or to test your skills in a high-stakes tournament, Starfighters Arcade delivers an authentic pinball experience that keeps players coming back for more.

Celebrating ‘Stars’ by Stern Electronics

In a nod to the anniversary of Stern Electronics’ 1978 release, Stars, the tournament kicked off with this classic machine in Round 1. One of the earliest solid-state machines from Stern, Stars is famous for its unpredictable play, drop target strategy, and high-scoring opportunities through its star rollovers. The game, designed by Steve Kirk, was one of the first to implement inline drop targets, influencing countless future pinball designs. Jim Belsito, holding an impressive IFPA rank of 35, showcased his expertise by clinching 1st place. Kevin Burns, despite his 1901 IFPA rank, demonstrated that rankings aren’t everything by securing 2nd place. John Finnegan from Tucson and Alex Cardwell rounded out the group, finishing 3rd and 4th respectively. This match was a testament to the unpredictable nature of pinball, where skill and a bit of luck can lead to surprising outcomes.

Machines That Stole the Spotlight

The tournament featured 38 diverse pinball machines, each bringing its unique flair to the competition. Standouts included:

• Cosmic Gunfight (Williams, 1982): Designed by Barry Oursler with artwork by Constantino Mitchell, this sci-fi-inspired pinball machine is known for its innovative use of three flippers and inline drop targets. It features an asymmetrical playfield with an upper mini-flipper that demands precision. The backglass art alone is a masterpiece, perfectly embodying the intergalactic battle theme.
• Majorettes (Gottlieb, 1964): This electro-mechanical beauty features a classic dancing majorette theme with a mechanical backbox animation. Players aim to hit various stand-up targets to advance the majorettes, adding a unique gameplay element that makes this vintage machine a true relic of its time.
• Space Shuttle (Williams, 1984): This game revitalized the pinball industry in the mid-80s, thanks to its introduction of molded toy elements. The central toy, a space shuttle, serves as both an aesthetic highlight and an integral game mechanic, guiding players toward multi-ball play and high scores.
• Barracora (Williams, 1981): One of the more obscure yet beloved classics from Williams, Barracora is notable for its unique dual-ball locks and cascading inlane features. Designed by Barry Oursler, this machine is a fast-paced, high-skill game with a hypnotic backglass that screams ’80s sci-fi fantasy.
• High Speed (Williams, 1986): Designed by Steve Ritchie, this game introduced storytelling elements to pinball with its police chase theme. It was also the first pinball machine to use auto-launch and a jackpot concept, making it one of the most influential machines in modern pinball history.
• Central Park (Gottlieb, 1966): Known for its whimsical, nostalgic feel, this electro-mechanical game features a bell-ringing monkey that keeps players entertained as they hit the right targets. Its straightforward yet rewarding gameplay makes it a must-play for fans of classic machines.
• El Dorado (Gottlieb, 1975): One of the most celebrated drop-target games in pinball history, El Dorado was so popular that it inspired multiple re-releases over the years. Its Western theme and precision-based target layout make it a true test of player skill.
• Magic (Stern Electronics, 1979): One of Stern’s lesser-known but highly regarded games, Magic combines classic early solid-state gameplay with a simple yet engaging ruleset. It features a challenging spinner shot that can be a make-or-break moment for any player.
• Bronco (Gottlieb, 1977): A late electro-mechanical era game featuring a rodeo theme, Bronco uses a unique bonus countdown system that forces players to balance risk and reward in each shot selection.

Each of these machines not only provided a platform for competition but also a journey through the rich history of pinball design and innovation.

Conquering the Competition: A Nod to the Champions

Emerging victorious from a pool of 121 participants is no small feat. Kudos to Trent Augenstein, who clinched 1st place. With an IFPA rank of 94 and a whopping 1,156 events under his belt, Trent’s dedication and skill are evident. In 2nd place, Eric Fryc showcased remarkable prowess, holding an IFPA rank of 566 across 243 events. Claiming 3rd, Hadi Seyed-Ali from Frisco, TX, demonstrated impressive talent with an IFPA rank of 303 in just 73 events. Rounding out the top four, Walt Wood from Englewood, CO, boasts an impressive IFPA rank of 65 over 353 events. Their achievements highlight the depth of competition and the high level of skill present at the tournament.

Til Next Time, Keep Flipping!

The SPF 25 Sunday Fair Strikes tournament proved once again why pinball remains one of the most exciting and unpredictable competitions around. Whether it was the strategic drop target battles on Stars or the high-speed chases on High Speed, every machine had a story to tell. A huge thank you to Kevin Curtis for keeping the games rolling and to Starfighters Arcade for hosting another memorable event. With more tournaments on the horizon, the flippers won’t be cooling down anytime soon.

Keep your skills sharp, your tilts in check, and your eyes on the next big competition—because the silver ball never stops rolling!