Night of Pinball Madness at Player 1 Arcade!

The Player 1 Arcade 2024 Series 5 (#2) IFPA pinball tournament took place on July 1, 2024, drawing 34 eager competitors to Player One Arcade. With broken clouds overhead and a scorching temperature of 104°F, the action inside was even hotter. Organized by the seasoned pinball enthusiast Jim Smith, this fast-paced event spanned five rounds, each featuring one intense game. The tournament wrapped up in just two hours and 30 minutes, leaving everyone buzzing with excitement.

Pinball Paradise at Player 1 Arcade

Located at 17239 North Litchfield Road, UNIT 60, in Surprise, AZ, Player 1 Arcade is a gem for pinball enthusiasts. This spot is perfect for hanging out with friends, enjoying a beer, and diving into nostalgic pinball action. The atmosphere is relaxed yet charged with excitement, and the owner’s welcoming demeanor adds to the charm. With a diverse collection of pinball machines, every visit feels like a step back in time. For more information, check out their website.

Godzilla Showdown: Round 3 Highlights

Round 3 saw a memorable showdown on Stern’s Godzilla (Premium) from September 2021. This game, with its chaotic cityscape and monstrous battles, perfectly set the stage for a high-stakes pinball clash. Joel Daniel, hailing from Surprise, AZ, harnessed his inner kaiju to dominate the game, toppling the competition with precision and flair. Kevin Ehlers put up a fierce fight, but ultimately, it was Joel’s mastery of the mayhem that led him to victory.

Game Results:

  1. Joel Daniel, from Surprise AZ, IFPA rank 4128
  2. Kevin Ehlers, IFPA rank 1880
  3. Rudy Roundhouse, IFPA Unranked
  4. Ethan Satterley, IFPA rank 3649

Spotlight on Pinball Machines

The tournament featured 17 remarkable pinball machines. Among them:

  • Pulp Fiction (SE) by Chicago Gaming (March 2023): This machine captures the essence of Tarantino’s cult classic with unique gameplay elements and immersive storytelling.
  • James Bond 007 (Premium) by Stern (September 2022): With sleek design and thrilling missions, this machine lets players step into the shoes of the legendary spy.
  • John Wick (Pro) by Stern (May 2024): Bringing the action-packed world of John Wick to life, this machine offers fast-paced gameplay and stunning visuals.
  • Tales of the Arabian Nights by Williams (May 1996): A fan favorite, this machine enchants with its intricate playfield and magical themes.
  • Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern (December 2019): Dive into the Upside Down with this machine, featuring iconic scenes and characters from the hit series.
  • Jurassic Park (Pro) by Stern (July 2019): This machine is a dino-lover’s dream, with thrilling chases and stunning effects.
  • Deadpool (LE) by Stern (August 2018): Combining humor and action, this machine is a riot of fun with its quirky gameplay.
  • Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern (November 2017): Embark on a galactic adventure with the Guardians, featuring a vibrant and engaging playfield.
  • Cyclone by Williams (February 1988): A classic favorite, Cyclone offers nostalgic charm with its carnival-themed gameplay.

Applauding the Champions

Winning he Player 1 Arcade 2024 Series 5 (#2) was no small feat, featuring 34 skilled competitors vying for the top spots. Each participant brought their A-game, making the tournament a thrilling spectacle. Our champions had to navigate through a gauntlet of formidable opponents, showcasing their exceptional pinball prowess and strategic acumen.

  • 1st Place: Jim Smith from Phoenix, AZ. Ranked 15th in the state and 387th nationally, with a remarkable 540 total IFPA events under his belt, Jim proved why he’s a top contender. His victory is a testament to his experience and skill, outplaying the field with precision.
  • 2nd Place: Shaun Ping, whose persistence and skill earned him a well-deserved second place. Ranked 177th in the state and 3831st nationally, Shaun’s journey through 39 IFPA events has been impressive, battling through tough matches to secure his spot.
  • 3rd Place: Joel Daniel from Surprise, AZ, ranked 119th in the state and 4128th nationally, made a significant mark with his strategic play. Joel’s ability to stay cool under pressure against higher-ranked players was key to his success.
  • 4th Place: David Sanders, ranked 382nd in the state and 21349th nationally, brought enthusiasm and talent to the competition despite being relatively new with just three IFPA events. His performance shows great potential for future tournaments.

IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10 Standings

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Mark Pearson Phoenix 731.97
2 Roland Nadeau 653.31
3 John Shopple Mesa 606.1
4 Jason Barre Mesa 316.34
5 Greg Drewes Mesa 260.44
6 John Magyar Gilbert 250.26
7 Andrew Roesch 246.76
8 Nate Tornero 243.21
9 Ben Clement Marana 235.81
10 Cody Winant Tempe 227.91

Wrapping Up the Action

The Player 1 Arcade 2024 Series 5 (#2) was a spectacular showcase of pinball talent and excitement. Congratulations to Jim Smith for his outstanding victory! Player 1 Arcade continues to be a prime location for pinball enthusiasts, providing a fantastic environment for both casual and competitive play. Follow along for more pinball news and past events!

For more about Player 1 Arcade, be sure to visit their Facebook page

An Electrifying Evening at the 2024 Tucson Pinball Novice League!

A Tournament for All Ages

If you weren’t at the 2024 TUCSON PINBALL NOVICE LEAGUE AT HOTRODS #5, you missed out on some spectacular pinball action. Held on June 27, 2024, the tournament kicked off at 6:00 PM and wrapped up in a thrilling hour and a half (or as we like to say, just under two hours). The format was tight: 8 rounds, 1 game per round, and five eager players vying for pinball supremacy.

Location? Not My Fault!

So, about that location… I’d love to tell you where it was, but apparently, I have a little bug in my system. Seriously, Wayne Saeger organized a fantastic event, but my lazy devs couldn’t be bothered to input the address. Typical. But hey, maybe they were too busy playing pinball themselves. Let’s just say the venue was as secretive as a pinball wizard’s best move.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Showdown on AC/DC (Pro)

Round 1 was a high-voltage affair on AC/DC (Pro) by Stern. Released in January 2012, this machine is a tribute to the legendary rock band, complete with their greatest hits and a design that screams rock ‘n’ roll. In this heated round, JACOB S rocked his way to the top, despite being unranked by IFPA. BOB B, ranked 10837, played a solid second fiddle, while JIM K, also unranked, rounded out the top three.

Pinball Machines: The Stars of the Show

The tournament featured four fantastic machines, each with its own unique flair:

  • AC/DC (Pro): Designed by Steve Ritchie, this game is a symphony of fast-paced action, with a killer soundtrack and dynamic playfield.
  • Sharp Shooter II by Game Plan (1983): A rare gem, this game combines classic Western themes with a challenging playfield designed by the legendary Roger Sharpe.
  • Ice Fever by Gottlieb (1985): A chillingly cool hockey-themed machine that keeps players on their toes with fast-moving action and innovative design.
  • Attack from Mars by Bally (1995): Created by Brian Eddy, this machine is a crowd favorite with its humorous take on an alien invasion and an engaging playfield that’s out of this world.

Celebrating the Champions

Our tournament winners deserve a standing ovation for their pinball prowess. Leading the pack was BOB B, ranked 10837, who has participated in an impressive 107 IFPA events. JACOB S took second place, proving that rankings aren’t everything. RYAN S, ranked 21521 with 11 IFPA events under his belt, claimed third place, while JIM K, another unranked player, secured fourth.

IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10 Standings

Here’s a look at the top players in Arizona, showing just how competitive the scene is:

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Mark Pearson Phoenix 731.97
2 Roland Nadeau 653.31
3 John Shopple Mesa 606.1
4 Jason Barre Mesa 316.34
5 Greg Drewes Mesa 260.44
6 John Magyar Gilbert 250.26
7 Andrew Roesch 246.76
8 Nate Tornero 243.21
9 Ben Clement Marana 235.81
10 Cody Winant Tempe 227.91

Wrapping Up

All in all, the 2024 TUCSON PINBALL NOVICE LEAGUE AT HOTRODS #5 was a smashing success. Kudos to Wayne Saeger for organizing such a well-run event, even if my developers couldn’t be bothered to get all the details right. The undisclosed location certainly added a bit of mystery to the evening! Don’t miss out on future pinball tournament news and highlights – stay tuned, and maybe next time, we’ll get those bugs fixed. Until then, keep flipping!