With a sizzling 106°F under the clear skies of Mesa, Arizona, the real heat was being generated inside the B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade. August 30, 2023, saw the energetic Punk Rock Pinball Tournament Week 9, taking center stage for over nine hours. Imagine this: blaring punk rock, the whirl of pinball machines, and the buzz of the crowd, all mixed with the aroma of craft beers.

A Dive into B.R.I.’s Ambiance

Right at 213 W Main St, the Taproom & Arcade welcomes patrons into a world that’s half nostalgia and half modern-day hipster haven. While their website flaunts a slew of beer options, it’s the pinball machines and video games that draw the crowd, providing a literal “blast from the past.”

Rookie Triumph in Round 1

The evening began with an unexpected twist. The first round saw a fierce battle on The Walking Dead (Premium) by Stern. Greg Haney, with no previous IFPA rank or events under his belt, shocked everyone by clinching first place. Just goes to show, sometimes the dark horses have the fiercest kicks!

A Feast of Pinball Machines

The competition boasted a range of classic and contemporary pinball machines. Stern’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro) and X-Men Magneto (LE) represented the new guard, while the nostalgic allure was maintained by Whirlwind and Terminator 2: Judgment Day. And who could forget Super Mario Bros.? A machine that teleports every 90s kid back to their living room, fervently pressing buttons on their game controllers.

Top Honors

The spotlight of the night fell on Matt Dickson, ranked 2417 by the IFPA. His solid gameplay crowned him champion. Jeff Wegener, an underdog with only four IFPA events to his name, secured second place, reinforcing the idea that in pinball, anything’s possible.

Arizona’s Finest Pinballers

Keeping tabs on the state’s pinball wizards? Here are the IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10 Standings:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Roland Nadeau		605.27
2	Mark Pearson	Phoenix	535.49
3	John Shopple	Mesa	519.45
4	John Magyar	Gilbert	315.33
5	Paul Blanco	Chandler	303.5
6	Kevan Carter	Tempe	295.36
7	Jason Barre	Mesa	292.28
8	Joey Rio	Surprise	282
9	Adam Horton	Phoenix	276.75
10	Andrew Roesch		255.02

In the world of pinball, the Punk Rock Pinball Tournament showcased that passion, strategy, and a bit of luck can create magic. Until the next tilt, keep those flipper fingers ready!

As summer winds down and Arizona’s heat remains relentless, the local pinball scene finds itself heating up in its own right. This year, the Electric Bat Season 8 – Series 2 #4 pinball tournament was nothing short of an electrifying spectacle. Organized by Rachel Bess and hosted at the iconic Electric Bat Arcade, the tournament had everything you could hope for—intense competition, surprising upsets, and machines that could make even a pinball wizard’s head spin.

A Spotlight on Strategy and Skill

Amongst the five rounds of gameplay, a standout moment occurred during Round 4 on the “Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast” by Stern, a machine that has been around since April 1, 2018. The clash featured an impressive array of competitors: Conrad Betti, Adam Horton, Brandon Passey, and Jason Hecht. Conrad Betti from Phoenix, IFPA rank 339, skillfully navigated his way to 1st place. What separated him from the pack? It turns out, Conrad’s strategy was a masterclass in patience and timing, as he adeptly waited for the ideal moments to utilize the game’s ramps and multi-ball opportunities. Adam Horton, IFPA rank 247, followed closely in second, making it a game of almost equals.

Champions of the Night

As the flippers ceased their frenzied flipping and the final ball plunged into the abyss, the overall winners emerged. Taking the top spot was Dave Halley with an IFPA ranking of 749, a veteran with a staggering 351 IFPA events under his belt. Following him were Jon Soares from Phoenix, John Shopple from Mesa, and Keegan Crandall, who managed to nab 4th place despite participating in just six IFPA events so far. The diversity in experience and strategies among the winners showcases the unpredictable beauty of the pinball world.

A Time-Travel Through Machines

Electric Bat Arcade was no slouch in the pinball machine department, offering 59 machines that span decades. Classics like “Hotdoggin’” by Bally, released in December 1979, and “Sinbad” by Gottlieb from May 1978, stood shoulder-to-shoulder with modern gems like “Aerosmith” by Stern. Each machine offered a different flavor of gameplay, a distinct set of challenges, and a unique piece of pinball history.

The Electric Vibe

The atmosphere of Electric Bat Arcade deserves its own spotlight. The venue initially gives off an “am I in the wrong place?” type of vibe, but once you’re in, it’s all smooth sailing. With phenomenal bartenders, delicious food and drinks, and fully functional pinball and arcade machines (including some unique rhythm games from Japan), the Electric Bat ensures a magnetic experience that keeps you coming back for more.

The IFPA Arizona Standings

Before we wrap up, let’s acknowledge the IFPA Arizona Top 10 Standings. The rankings are as follows:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Roland Nadeau		605.87
2	Mark Pearson	Phoenix	535.91
3	John Shopple	Mesa	520.11
4	John Magyar	Gilbert	316.37
5	Paul Blanco	Chandler	304.33
6	Kevan Carter	Tempe	295.89
7	Jason Barre	Mesa	292.36
8	Joey Rio	Surprise	282
9	Adam Horton	Phoenix	276.82
10	Andrew Roesch		255.21

Whether you’re a pinball newbie or a seasoned pro, the Electric Bat Season 8 – Series 2 #4 tournament proved that pinball remains an exhilarating and ever-changing game where anything can happen. So, whether you come for the competition or just to relish the ambiance, Electric Bat Arcade should be on your must-visit list. Stay tuned for more updates from the mesmerizing realm of pinball!

🌡️ When the Heat Goes Up, the Balls Drop

It was an inferno outside at 109°F, but the real heat was happening inside Hop Central Brewery on the evening of August 28, 2023. Mark Farina Jr., known to friends as the “Pinball Wizard,” organized this ball-dropping spectacle. The Multiball Monday Tournament consisted of 5 rounds with 12 players, all seemingly unphased by the scorching Arizona temperature.

🦖 Godzilla Strikes in Round 2: The Underdogs Rise

Amidst five intense rounds, one game on a Stern’s Godzilla (Pro) machine stole the show during Round 2. Emily Vanidestine made a valiant effort, but ultimately Greg Mohs from Arizona was the one who roared to victory. Greg was followed by Shianne Brown, an IFPA rank-zero enigma who almost pulled a Mothra-sized upset. Despite her best attempts, Emily landed in third place, while Jason Hecht secured fourth.

🏆 Tournament Titans: Experience vs. Passion

When the flippers stopped flipping and the scoreboard froze, it was Mark Farina Jr. who emerged victorious. Notably, he is also the organizer of this arcade fiesta, making him somewhat of a pinball polymath. Close behind were John Finnegan, Greg Mohs, and Alex Kee, who proved their mettle on machines that ranged from Stern’s James Bond 007 to American Pinball’s Hot Wheels.

Speaking of Alex Kee—participating in only eight IFPA events and yet claiming 4th place? That’s like bringing a spork to a gunfight and coming out unscathed.

🎮 Machine Melee: The Stars of the Show

The tournament was played on an array of machines so varied, it could make even James Bond exchange his Martini for pinball quarters. Speaking of which, Stern’s “James Bond 007” was an espionage-filled extravaganza. “Oktoberfest” and “Hot Wheels” by American Pinball offered something for both beer enthusiasts and car fanatics, while “Foo Fighters” and “Rush” by Stern rocked the room.

🍺 Hop Central Brewery: The ‘Pin’-ultimate Venue

If you’re in Arizona and you haven’t checked out Hop Central Brewery, you’re missing out. Friendly staff, an amazing selection of IPAs and Belgian beers, and of course, pinball machines that can make you forget the scorching Arizona sun.

🌵 Arizona’s Pinball Wizards

Just to remind you who’s flipping what in Arizona, here’s the current IFPA standings:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Roland Nadeau		605.87
2	Mark Pearson	Phoenix	535.9
3	John Shopple	Mesa	520.12
4	John Magyar	Gilbert	316.35
5	Paul Blanco	Chandler	304.32
6	Kevan Carter	Tempe	295.87
7	Jason Barre	Mesa	292.36
8	Joey Rio	Surprise	282
9	Adam Horton	Phoenix	276.82
10	Andrew Roesch		255.21

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So there you have it—another night of fast flippers, strategic nudges, and unexpected victories. Mark your calendars for the next Multiball Monday, and until then, keep those paddles ready and the balls in play.

The pinball world was alive and flipping on August 26, 2023, at the Starfighter Arcade. “Grumpy’s Arcade Classic Battle” was not just a tournament; it was a trip down memory lane, a celebration of all things shiny, buzzy, and bouncy. Organized by the pinball wizard himself, Kevin Curtis, this epic event brought together 31 pinball enthusiasts for an intense multi-round showdown, culminating in a nail-biting finale.

Spa Day in the Future?

Now, if you’re thinking of a relaxing spa day with soothing music and scented candles, think again. Here, at Grumpy’s, it was all about “Future Spa” by Bally—a vintage pinball gem from 1979. The Semifinals saw a scorching match on this classic, with Kevin Curtis bagging the top spot. It was clear that Curtis not only knew how to organize a cracking tournament but also how to dominate on the playfield. John Shopple, John Finnegan, and Walter Dony were right on his tail, making the match a feast for pinball enthusiasts!

The League of Extraordinary Pinballers

The winners of the tournament were nothing short of pinball wizards. Kevin Curtis claimed his throne, followed by John Shopple, Ken Klawitter, and Paul Blanco. A special shout-out to Ken Klawitter, who despite his 2578th IFPA rank and participation in just 17 IFPA events, showcased some brilliant gameplay to finish third. The underdog story, perhaps?

A Blast from the Past

The tournament showcased a dazzling array of 30 pinball machines, with some absolute classics stealing the spotlight. Machines like “Xenon” by Bally, “Charlie’s Angels” by Gottlieb, and the quirky “Mr. & Mrs. Pac-Man” by Bally took players and spectators on a nostalgia-filled trip back to the golden age of arcades. And let’s not forget “Evel Knievel” – a tribute to the daredevil spirit of the ’70s. Ah, those were the days!

Arcade Heaven at Starfighter

Located at Starfighter Arcade, the atmosphere was nothing short of nostalgia galore. As one visitor exclaimed, “What the mother-flipping-F!!??” this was a trip down the memory lane for many. A visitor even lamented about not knowing the arcade existed until recently despite living nearby for years. With the hum of machines like “Spy Hunter” and “Q*Bert”, it was as though time had wrapped itself around the 80s and brought its charm to 2023.

Arizona’s Finest

The tournament also offered a glimpse of Arizona’s finest pinball players. Here’s the IFPA Arizona Top 10 Standings:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Roland Nadeau		605.86
2	Mark Pearson	Phoenix	535.9
3	John Shopple	Mesa	520.11
4	John Magyar	Gilbert	316.37
5	Paul Blanco	Chandler	304.33
6	Kevan Carter	Tempe	295.89
7	Jason Barre	Mesa	292.36
8	Joey Rio	Surprise	282
9	Adam Horton	Phoenix	276.82
10	Andrew Roesch		255.21

In the world of pinball, where a perfect combination of skill, strategy, and sometimes sheer luck can lead to victory, this tournament was a reminder of the timeless charm of the game. So, here’s a tilt of the hat to all the players, the organizers, and the machines that make it all possible. Until the next clash of the pinball titans, keep those flippers flipping and stay tuned for more updates from the vibrant realm of pinball!