Outside, the Mesa, Arizona sun baked the pavement at a blistering 101°F with 23% humidity, but inside Starfighters Arcade, the arcade room was buzzing with a different kind of heat. Tucked away at 4840 E Jasmine St, this nostalgic location is a beloved neighborhood spot for young players, sitting slightly off the beaten path and hidden from casual casual street traffic. Families and young players frequently praise the walls lined with vintage toys, classic posters, and an incredible lineup of pinball machines kept in pristine working order. On June 13, 2026, thirty energetic young competitors gathered in this colorful, retro atmosphere for the Starfighters Kids Monthly tournament.
Organized by Kevin Curtis, the monthly event utilized a Group Match Play format, mapping out a thrilling schedule of 32 total games across the floor. This style of play tests the focus of these young flipper wizards by putting them into four-player groups, where every single finishing position earns precious points toward the final tally. While the thirty total participants made for a healthy, bustling turnout, the story of the afternoon belonged to one remarkable run. Aaron H. put on an absolute masterclass of ball control and precision, charting a spectacular path from his very first plunge of the day.
Mastering the Upside Down on Stranger Things
The tournament floor brought together a lively group of local kids, all eager to step up to the glass and show what they could do. Aaron H. wasted no time setting a blistering pace for the rest of the field to chase. In the opening round, he found himself stepped up to Stranger Things Premium, a fast-moving 2019 Stern machine that rewards quick reflexes.
Faced with a 14-minute battle against Jack T., Nicholas K., and Jameson R., Aaron H. navigated the complex playfield with the poise of a seasoned player. He focused his shots effectively, finding the right angles to maximize his score and take a clean first-place finish in his group. Earning seven points right out of the gate gave him an immediate boost of confidence as the arcade room echoed with cheers.
Dominating the Field on Bond and X-Men
As the tournament progressed into the second round, Aaron H. moved over to the action-packed James Bond 007 Premium machine. This particular layout demands careful target selection, and Aaron H. proved he was more than up to the challenge. In a highly competitive 13-minute round, he outlasted Preston D., Mason P., and Shaina F. to secure his second consecutive group victory.
By the time Round 3 rolled around, Aaron H. was dialed into the flippers, facing off against Michael K., Nova U., and Jack T. on the vibrant playfield of The Uncanny X-Men LE. In a rapid 10-minute contest, he once again captured first place, racking up another seven points to separate himself from the pack. Aaron H. put up the top score on 3 of 4 machines played on the way to first place. This incredible run across different eras and styles of machines showed just how well he could adapt on the fly.
Rising to the Challenge Across the Arcade
While Aaron H. was busy making his run at the top, plenty of spectacular battles were unfolding all over the Starfighters floor. Kenny F. showed remarkable resilience after a tough fourth-place finish on Fish Tales in the very first round. Refusing to let the slow start get him down, Kenny F. found his groove in Round 2 on Batman 66 Premium, taking a first-place group finish to jumpstart a brilliant comeback. He then carried that momentum onto Jurassic Park Premium in Round 3, capturing another seven points against a tough group.
Meanwhile, Jason C. was putting together a fantastic tournament of his own, showcasing great skill in the middle rounds. In Round 4, Jason C. was grouped on King Kong: Myth of Terror Island Premium, a new 2025 machine that features a wild, roaring playfield layout. Young players on this table have to master the action button, which triggers a special block to feed the ball directly to the upper left flipper for crucial drop-target shots. In a dramatic 14-minute battle, Jason C. utilized these mechanics beautifully to slide his ball past the targets, outscoring Adelyn H., Shaina F., and Mason P. to take a hard-earned victory.
A Party Monster Finale on the Floor
The final round brought the tournament’s top performers together for a dramatic finish on the legendary 1989 Bally classic, Elvira and the Party Monsters. This brightly colored table is a favorite among the kids, challenging them to lock three balls inside the left skull shot to kick off a high-scoring multiball frenzy. It was here that top contenders Teddy W. and Aaron H. shared the glass in a highly anticipated 12-minute showdown alongside Nova U. and Camden R..
Teddy W. put on a spectacular show of precision flipping, perfectly hitting the ramps to secure a huge first-place group finish and seven points. Aaron H. fought hard to keep pace, navigating the dangerous outlanes to claim a solid second-place finish for five points. Though Teddy W. took the final game, Aaron H. topped the field on most machines played — a dominant night on the floor that secured his overall championship crown. The entire arcade erupted in applause as the final scores were tallied, celebrating a wonderful day of play for all the young competitors.
- 1st Place: Aaron H.
- 2nd Place: Teddy W.
- 3rd Place: Kenny F. (Tied)
- 3rd Place: Michael K. (Tied)
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