In a place where the sun meets the desert and cacti reign supreme, pinball enthusiasts converged on an undisclosed location in Arizona. The date? September 18, 2023. The time? 6:30 PM. The mission? Victory at the ‘Player 1 Arcade 2023 S3A #6’ pinball tournament!

The Venue – A Mystery Worth the Hype

When we say “undisclosed location,” we mean it. Jim Smith, the brilliant mind behind the event, left everyone intrigued about the venue. Here’s a challenge for you, dear reader – ask Jim to spill the beans for next time! Your curious writer wants to know as much as you do.

The Play-by-Play: Tournament Highlights

With 37 passionate players battling through 5 rounds, strategy and split-second decisions ruled the evening. The goal was simple yet compelling – earn the most points across all rounds to be crowned the pinball wizard of the night.

One particular face-off became the talk of the evening. Round 3 on ‘James Bond 007 (Premium)‘ saw Mike McClure, a seasoned player from Glendale, claiming victory. But what caught everyone’s attention was the wild card, Juan Gonzalez. Despite having an IFPA rank of zero, Gonzalez finished a close second, proving that in the game of pinball, anything is possible!

Machines of the Hour

Among the 13 pinball machines that graced the floor, some stood out not just for their gameplay but also their legacy:

• ‘James Bond 007 (Premium)‘ by Stern – a new release that’s already a fan favorite.
• ‘Stranger Things (Pro)‘ – who doesn’t love the mix of the Upside Down and pinball?
• ‘Foo Fighters (LE)‘ – the latest addition, bringing rock ‘n roll to the pinball scene.
• ‘Black Pyramid‘ by Bally – an oldie but goldie, transporting players back to 1984.
• ‘The Mandalorian (Pro)‘ – where Baby Yoda (Grogu, if you’re a purist) meets flippers and steel balls.

Top Dogs of the Tournament

While every player showcased outstanding skills, a few stole the show:

1. Joey Rio from Surprise, Arizona, clinched the top spot. With an IFPA rank of 390 and 55 IFPA events under his belt, Rio is no stranger to the pinball elite.
2. Kevin Ehlers followed in second place, showcasing that experience matters with 73 total IFPA events.
3. Vincent De La O, a newcomer with an IFPA rank of zero, shocked everyone by grabbing the third spot. Talk about an underdog story!
4. Rob De La O wrapped up the top four, proving that pinball might just be in the De La O genes.

IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10 Standings

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Roland Nadeau		671.68
2	Mark Pearson	Phoenix	588.16
3	John Shopple	Mesa	569.41
4	John Magyar	Gilbert	351.79
5	Kevan Carter	Tempe	320.85
6	Jason Barre	Mesa	312.2
7	Adam Horton	Phoenix	307.57
8	Paul Blanco	Chandler	305.5
9	Joey Rio	Surprise	282
10	Walter dony	Phoenix	280.57

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The silver balls have stopped rolling, the scores are set, but the memories of the night linger. Here’s to more flippers, tilt warnings, and high scores! Arizona, keep those pinball machines buzzing! 🌵🔮

It was a sweltering afternoon in Gilbert, Arizona, but inside Dangerzone Arcade, the atmosphere was electric. With temperatures soaring to 99°F outside, the real heat was on inside, where 28 pinball wizards gathered to compete in the much-anticipated Dangerzone Arcade Knockout Tournament.

Tournament at a Glance

Starting at 12:30 PM and wrapping up almost seven hours later, the day was packed with flips, tilts, and, of course, unexpected strikes. The tournament followed a Group Knockout format, with players getting eliminated after accruing three strikes. In four-player groups, the bottom two players received strikes, making the competition brutal yet exhilarating.

Round 7: An Epic Showdown

One game that had everyone’s flipper fingers tingling was Round 7 on Avengers: Infinity Quest (LE) by Stern. Mark Pearson, ranked 34th in IFPA standings, emerged victorious in the game but wasn’t so fortunate in the overall tournament. Special mention also goes to Gavin Gurule and Greg Mohs, whose IFPA ranks couldn’t foretell their game performance, proving that numbers can sometimes lie.

The Dark Horses Triumph!

The biggest surprise of the day? The overall tournament winners were players not featured in the Arizona Top 10 IFPA standings. A hearty congratulations to:

1. Hailey Buhrman – From Chandler, AZ, Hailey took home the gold with her IFPA rank at 2570.
2. Nicholas Zachry – Despite being the 980th in IFPA rankings, Nicholas clinched the silver.
3. Adam Horton – His solid IFPA rank of 241 couldn’t predict his 3rd place win.
4. Dave Halley – A veteran in the pinball world, taking the 4th place.

Someone, please tell Roland Nadeau that his top spot in Arizona’s IFPA rankings was not enough to predict the outcome of this competition!

Pinball Machines that Held Court

Although 16 pinball machines graced the venue, a few stole the show:

1. Avengers: Infinity Quest (LE) – Stern’s 2020 masterpiece was a focal point of the tournament.
2. Foo Fighters (LE) – The latest release that had everyone jamming along.
3. Guns N’ Roses (LE) – A classic brought back to life by Jersey Jack Pinball.
4. The Mandalorian (LE) – Who knew fighting off stormtroopers could be this fun?
5. Black Knight (LE) – This Williams machine from 1981 proved some things get better with age.

Venue Details

Though no official reviews were available for Dangerzone Arcade, the quality of the games and the competition speak for themselves. If the pinball machines could talk, they’d tell you how much action they saw that day!

IFPA Arizona Top 10

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Roland Nadeau		671.68
2	Mark Pearson	Phoenix	588.17
3	John Shopple	Mesa	569.41
4	John Magyar	Gilbert	351.79
5	kevan carter	Tempe	320.85
6	Jason Barre	Mesa	312.19
7	Adam Horton	Phoenix	310.26
8	Paul Blanco	Chandler	305.5
9	Joey Rio	Surprise	282.01
10	Walter dony	Phoenix	280.57

As the day ended, players filed out of Dangerzone Arcade, both elated and exhausted. For those who took home the win, it was a day of unexpected glory. For the others, it was a lesson in the unpredictability of the pinball universe. Either way, everyone’s already buzzing about the next big showdown.

Stay tuned for more updates from the realm of pinball!

When passion for pinball meets mystery, you get the Grumpy’s Arcade Classic Battle. Organized by the enigmatic Kevin Curtis and hosted at an undisclosed location, this pinball tournament had fans buzzing with excitement and curiosity.

Mysterious Beginnings: The Venue

Stepping into the undisclosed location was akin to being teleported to a pinball lover’s paradise. The dimmed ambiance, the flashing lights of pinball machines, and the electric energy in the room were palpable. You wouldn’t find the coordinates of this place on Google Maps, and perhaps that was the allure. The details of the event, however, were very much in the public domain, thanks to the tournament’s official website.

The Face-Offs: Tournament Structure

The event, which spanned a good 3 and a half hours, witnessed 33 pinball enthusiasts going head to head over 8 nail-biting rounds. The stakes were high, and so was the competition. Only the top 8 would get a chance to move onto the Finals, where the intensity was upped with 2 rounds of 3 games each.

Semifinal Showdown: Raven’s Flight

The Semifinals brought nail-biting tension as players took on the Raven by Gottlieb. A legendary machine from 1986, the Raven set the stage for a fierce battle:

1. Roland Nadeau (Phoenix, AZ) – Holding the fort at the top was none other than the Phoenix marvel, Roland. IFPA Rank: 48.
2. John Shopple (Mesa, AZ) – From Mesa with a determination to conquer, John wasn’t far behind. IFPA Rank: 111.
3. Chris Stoltenberg – Chris, with his eyes on the prize, delivered a performance to remember. IFPA Rank: 2418.
4. Jeff Wegener – Jeff might’ve finished fourth in this round, but his overall performance was nothing short of breathtaking. IFPA Rank: 4136.

Victory Lap: Pinball Titans Emerge

1. Roland Nadeau of Phoenix didn’t just play; he danced with the machines. Holding an impressive IFPA rank of 48, Roland’s history with 271 IFPA events provided a canvas for his prowess. His win wasn’t just a victory but a masterclass.
2. The dark horse, Jeff Wegener, shocked and awed! With only 8 IFPA events under his belt and a rank of 4136, he bulldozed his way to the second spot, proving that in pinball, anything is possible.
3. John Finnegan of Phoenix, a seasoned player with a rank of 547 and 443 IFPA events, secured the third spot. John’s experience was evident in every flip and nudge.
4. Mark Lindbergh, with an IFPA rank of 434, wasn’t too far behind, showing that his 400 IFPA events worth of experience counted for something. His gameplay was a blend of strategy and spontaneity.
5. Chris Stoltenberg might hold an IFPA rank of 2418, but his gameplay spoke of skill far beyond those numbers. With 133 IFPA events, he’s seen the highs and lows, and at Grumpy’s, he soared.
6. Hailing from Mesa, John Shopple carried the pride of his city. Holding an IFPA rank of 111 and having participated in 357 events, John showcased why he’s considered one of the best.
7. Mark Pearson was a force to be reckoned with. Ranked 34 in IFPA, he had 528 IFPA events echoing his legacy. This pinball giant proved his worth yet again.
8. Last, but certainly not least, Stephanie Turner from Chandler showcased that it’s not just about the rank (1052 in her case) but the heart you put into the game. With 167 IFPA events experience, her passion shone bright.

Legacy of Machines: The Pinball Collection

The tournament boasted of 31 iconic pinball machines, each with its unique charm. From the country allure of “Dolly Parton” by Bally to the jet-fighter thrills of “F-14 Tomcat” by Williams, there was a machine for every enthusiast. Additionally, fans enjoyed the timeless classic “Pokerino” by Williams, the space-themed “Cybernaut” by Bally, and the rock-inspired “Nugent” by Stern.

The Best in Arizona: IFPA Standings

The best players from Arizona converged for this tournament, and here’s how they rank in the state:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Roland Nadeau	Phoenix	672.29
2	Mark Pearson	Phoenix	588.6
3	John Shopple	Mesa	570.08
4	John Magyar	Gilbert	352.83
5	Kevan Carter	Tempe	321.39
6	Jason Barre	Mesa	312.27
7	Adam Horton	Phoenix	307.65
8	Paul Blanco	Chandler	306.34
9	Joey Rio	Surprise	282
10	Walter dony	Phoenix	281.41

Closing Thoughts

Grumpy’s Arcade Classic Battle was not just another pinball tournament; it was an experience. A testament to the fact that when you mix a bit of mystery with a lot of passion, you get an unforgettable event. We can’t wait to see where the next undisclosed location will be. Until then, keep flipping, and stay tuned for more updates from the realm of pinball!

When you hear “Mesa, AZ”, what comes to mind? Sun, cacti… and pinball? That’s right. The Atomic Age Modern Group Match Play pinball tournament turned the dial up to eleven in the heart of Mesa on a scorching September evening. Picture this: the clear sky blazing at 94°F and the Atomic Age Modern standing as an oasis of cool vibes amidst the heat.

Taking a Step Back in Time

From the moment you step into Atomic Age Modern, you’re transported. Located at 140 W Main St, this venue isn’t just an antique store; it’s a treasure trove of the past with its rich variety of clothes, housewares, and, of course, pinball tables. A place where you could try that chic 70s couch and, while you’re at it, beat the high score on a classic pinball machine. The owner? Just the right kind of cool without an ounce of pushiness.

From Sorcery to Speed

The tournament was blessed with a fantastic lineup of machines. Whether you were a fan of Williams’ bewitching Sorcerer or needed the adrenaline rush from The Getaway: High Speed II, there was a table waiting for you. Flight 2000 brought some Stern-style old-school flair, while Cactus Canyon (Remake Special) and Gilligan’s Island offered doses of modern and quirky pinball gameplay.

Rush Hour: The Round 4 Rumble

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the night was during Round 4. The game? Rush (Pro) by Stern. This face-off saw Chris Peseri (rank 5006) soar past Jason Barre, who held a rank of 243! A classic underdog tale right there. But don’t feel too bad for Jason. His overall performance secured him the third place in the tournament standings.

Champions of The Night

Carlos Salcido, with his rank of 3822, managed to outplay everyone and stand tall at the number one spot. Following him was Denise Peseri. Now, with an IFPA rank of 9072, many might’ve underestimated them, but Denise’s plays spoke louder than numbers, securing them the second spot. Jason Barre and Krisha Shufran, both exceptional players, landed the third and fourth spots respectively.

The Best in Arizona

While the evening was centered around pinball, it’s hard to ignore the IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10 Standings:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Roland Nadeau		605.88
2	John Shopple	Mesa	547.33
3	Mark Pearson	Phoenix	535.9
4	John Magyar	Gilbert	338.17
5	Paul Blanco	Chandler	304.33
6	Jason Barre	Mesa	300.73
7	Kevan Carter	Tempe	295.89
8	Joey Rio	Surprise	282
9	Adam Horton	Phoenix	277.02
10	Andrew Roesch		255.2

So, the next time someone mentions Mesa, remember the Atomic Age Modern, where the past meets the present, and pinball players battle it out for the future. Until the next update, may your flippers be swift and your balls stay in play.

On a blazing day with clear skies where the mercury touched 93°F, pinball enthusiasts converged under the roof of the Tucson Indoor Sports Center. Just a shade away from 4 hours, a pulsating drama of flippers, bumpers, and silver balls was about to ensue.

The Legacy of The Lizard: Celebrating Godzilla

Wayne Saeger had meticulously organized the event, making sure the spotlight shone bright on Stern’s Godzilla (Premium), released precisely two years ago on the same date. In Round 5, the giant lizard roared to life, drawing applause and some nail-biting finishes. Marana’s own Ben Clement, with an impressive IFPA rank of 386, clinched the top spot for this round, followed by the promising KEVIN ANDERSON AZ and the maestro organizer himself, Wayne Saeger.

A Throwback in Time: The Machines

While the tournament featured a total of nine machines, let’s talk about some that truly brought back memories:

• Ghostbusters (Pro) by Stern: Who you gonna call? The nostalgia of 2016!
• Metallica (Pro) by Stern: Headbanging to high scores since 2013.
• Old Chicago by Bally: An ageless beauty from 1976.
• Dolly Parton by Bally: Singing and winning since 1978.
• The Walking Dead (Pro) by Stern: One doesn’t merely play; one survives.

The Masters of The Game

The leaderboard saw some familiar and new faces. John Finnegan, with an IFPA rank of 565, stood tall with his impeccable gameplay. Wayne Saeger and Mike LaHaie, from Tucson AZ, followed, proving that home advantage isn’t just a myth. Ben Clement, once again from Marana, wrapped up the top four, marking his territory in the Arizona pinball community.

Tucson Indoor Sports Center: More Than Just Pinball

To the uninitiated, this place might seem like a hockey hub, as evidenced by a visitor from San Jose who, with his brother, came for some puck action. The tiles might differ from San Jose, but the fun is universally understood. Shout out to the accommodating staff at TISC!

Arizona’s Best Flippers

The local leaderboard deserves its own spotlight. Here’s a rundown:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Roland Nadeau		660.87
2	Mark Pearson	Phoenix	588.61
3	John Shopple	Mesa	570.08
4	John Magyar	Gilbert	352.83
5	Kevan Carter	Tempe	321.39
6	Jason Barre	Mesa	312.27
7	Adam Horton	Phoenix	307.65
8	Paul Blanco	Chandler	306.34
9	Joey Rio	Surprise	282
10	Walter dony	Phoenix	281.41

With the sun setting in Tucson and the flipper frenzy dying down, one thing’s for sure: the spirit of pinball is very much alive and well in the heart of Arizona.

Catch you at the next tilt, and remember, in the world of pinball, always keep the ball alive!