Pinballs, Pints, and Unexpected Twists: The Multiball Monday 8/14 Showdown!

On a breezy August evening, pinball aficionados made their way to Chandler’s tranquil oasis, Hop Central Brewery. Little did they know, this Multiball Monday 8/14 pinball tournament would etch itself into the annals of local pinball folklore!

Setting the Stage: Hop Central Brewery

Tucked away at 5055 W Ray Rd #2, Chandler, AZ, Hop Central Brewery isn’t just a taproom with an impressive assortment of brews. This establishment, orchestrated by Mark Farina Jr., turned into an electrifying arena for pinball gladiators. Though primarily known as a sanctuary where one can sip a craft beer with a side of board games, on this fated day, it was all about the silver ball.

Battle on the Bells: Tournament Structure

The tournament’s structure was straightforward yet relentless: 5 rounds, 1 game each round, and groups of four. The mission? Rack up points and climb the leaderboard. But as every pinball wizard knows, the path to victory is never linear.

Drama on “Legends of Valhalla”

Every tournament has its crowning moment, and for Multiball Monday, it was the staggering battle on Legends of Valhalla. Four combatants: John Finnegan (a mystery man from Flipper’s Paradise), Amanda Kennedy from Mesa, Bryan Temen, and Jason Hecht from Chandler locked flippers in an epic showdown. By the end, Finnegan emerged triumphant, reminding everyone why he’s ranked 537 in the IFPA.

The Cream of the Crop

While Finnegan’s performance on Valhalla was praiseworthy, it was Mark Farina Jr. from Gilbert, AZ, who stole the show. Holding an IFPA rank of 1713, Mark proved why he’s the kingpin of pinball in the region. Following closely were John Finnegan (from the aforementioned Flipper’s Paradise), Bob Kennedy of Mesa, AZ, and the starry-eyed Alex Kee from the cosmic lanes of Stardust.

A Parade of Pinball Machines

It wasn’t just about the players; it was a showcase of some of the finest pinball machines. From the festive Oktoberfest to the high-octane Hot Wheels and the chilling chills of “Elvira’s House of Horrors,” the lineup was nothing short of spectacular. For those itching for a deeper dive into the specs and histories of these machines, take a detour to the Internet Pinball Database.

Signing Off:

As the flippers rested and the lights dimmed, the pinball community retreated from Hop Central, leaving behind tales of extraordinary plays, intense rivalries, and machines that, for a night, became legends. Here’s a toast to every player, every bounce, every tilt, and every jackpot. Until next time, keep those flippers flipping!

On August 10, 2023, a unique pinball tournament unfolded at the Tucson Indoor Sports Center, attracting 12 pinball enthusiasts and filling the atmosphere with buzzers, bells, and plenty of flashing lights. Organized by Wayne Saeger, this tournament was not just about high scores; it was a test of endurance, skill, and strategic thinking, epitomized by a game that lasted almost an hour.

The Never-Ending Game

Astonishingly, the longest game of the tournament unfolded during Round 6 on “Godzilla (Premium)” by Stern, a machine that is barely two years old. For 55 minutes and 49 seconds, Wayne Saeger, Ben Clement, Andy Rouse, and Kevin Anderson AZ went toe-to-toe, flipper-to-flipper in a marathon match. Wayne Saeger, the organizer and a participant, snagged first place in this lengthy game, with Ben Clement trailing right behind him. But what was their secret? Long-term concentration and precise aim were the buzzwords of this battle, with each player meticulously calculating each shot to milk the game for all it was worth.

The Final Showdown

Despite the seemingly endless match on “Godzilla,” the tournament came to a conclusion with some expected and some surprising results. Ben Clement from Marana, AZ, emerged as the overall winner, besting even the organizer Wayne Saeger. Ben, holding an IFPA rank of 378 and having participated in 341 IFPA events, proved that experience and composure could reign supreme. Wayne Saeger took the second spot, followed by Derek Jordan and John Finnegan, who rounded out the top four.

The Classic and the Contemporary

The tournament boasted an eclectic array of 11 pinball machines, featuring classics like “Old Chicago” by Bally from April 1976 and modern hits like “The Walking Dead (Pro)” by Stern from October 2014. Each machine offered unique challenges that tested the participants’ adaptability. “Attack from Mars,” released by Bally in 1995, saw players strategizing around its notorious Martians, while “Metallica (Pro)” required a completely different skill set with its complex playfield.

Sports and Pinball: An Unusual Marriage

Now, let’s talk about the venue, the Tucson Indoor Sports Center, usually a haven for hockey enthusiasts. One might say that pinball and hockey are an odd mix, but the venue worked surprisingly well. The staff were welcoming, and the pinball machines felt right at home alongside the hockey tiles. Whether you were a local or, like one reviewer, a San Jose native in Tucson on vacation to play some hockey, the venue promised a great time to all.

The Top Players in Arizona

Before wrapping up, let’s look at the IFPA Arizona Top 10 Standings:

In the grand scheme of Arizona’s pinball scene, the tournament was a microcosm of the diverse talents and characters that populate this ever-entertaining sport. As the flippers come to a rest and the lights dim for now, the participants and spectators alike can’t help but anticipate what’s next in the realm of Arizona pinball. After all, the only predictable thing about pinball is its unpredictability. Stay tuned!

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that pinball is unpredictable. This was evident in the recent IFPA Electric Bat Season 8 – Series 2 #1 pinball tournament. Held at the iconic Electric Bat Arcade on August 8th, 2023, this competition, organized by the indomitable Rachel Bess, showed us why pinball remains a game of skill, luck, and pure thrill.

Venue Vibes:

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s set the stage. The Electric Bat Arcade, located inside Yucca Tap Room, is not your ordinary arcade. With pinball games connected to Stern Online, monthly leaderboards are showcased on the TVs inside. The ambiance? Simply electric! Whether you’re there for the top-notch bar or the mesmerizing lineup of arcade games, this is one joint every arcade enthusiast needs to experience. Don’t take our word for it – check out their website!

Machines of Legacy:

Among the 55 pinball machines present, a few deserve a special mention. Demolition Man, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and Terminator 2: Judgment Day from Williams take us on a nostalgic trip back to the 90s. But it’s not just about the classics. Stern’s latest additions, like the Foo Fighters (Pro) and James Bond 007 (Premium), showed that innovation in pinball design is alive and well. And for the true pinball geeks among us? You can dive deep into the specifications and histories of these legendary machines at the Internet Pinball Database.

The Game That Stole The Show:

Let’s talk about that exhilarating game in Round 2 on Godzilla (Premium) by Stern. Mark Pearson (from the illustrious “Pinball Palace of the Peculiar”), clinched the top spot, followed by Jason Barre (hailing from “Bumper Bayou”), and Brandon Passey (representing “Flippers’ Fantasy Land”). A special shout-out to Jard Cassell from Arizona, USA, for giving them a tough competition.

Tournament Titans:

But who took the crown at the end of this pinball extravaganza? Wesley Worosello, from the mysterious “Arcade Archipelago,” emerged as the victor. Mike Fishell, representing “Multiball Mountain,” took the second spot. Our Arizona natives, John Magyar and Greg Davis from Phoenix, secured the third and fourth positions, respectively. Their ranks and participation in IFPA events were a testament to their prowess and dedication to the sport.

The pinball world is ever-evolving, filled with exciting turns, flips, and unexpected victories. This tournament was a reminder of why so many of us are enchanted by those shiny metal balls and the flashing lights.

To all pinball wizards out there, keep those flippers flipping, and stay tuned for more electrifying updates from the realm of pinball!