Young Flippers Take on JAWS and More at Starfighters Arcade

The Starfighters Kids Monthly tournament was a hit! Taking place on July 13, 2024, at Starfighters Arcade, the event saw 30 young pinball wizards battling it out in a swift and exciting competition. With clear skies and a scorching 104°F temperature outside, the arcade was the perfect escape for some indoor fun. The tournament, organized by Kevin Curtis, featured four intense rounds of gameplay and wrapped up in just an hour and a half.

A Retro Arcade Experience

Located at 4840 E Jasmine St #102, Mesa, AZ, Starfighters Arcade is a nostalgic haven for pinball enthusiasts of all ages. For just $11, you can enjoy unlimited gameplay from 7 PM to 11 PM. The snack bar offers affordable treats, making it a family-friendly destination. Whether you’re a fan of classic games like Ms. Pac-Man or modern favorites, there’s something for everyone. The arcade’s impressive collection and welcoming atmosphere make it a standout spot for tournaments like this one. For more details, check out their website.

Spotlight on the JAWS Game

The highlight of the tournament was the intense showdown on JAWS (Premium) by Stern, a recent release from January 2024. As the players faced off, the atmosphere was electric with tension and excitement. The JAWS pinball machine, themed around the iconic shark movie, brought the thrilling terror of the deep sea to the arcade. In the final round, Kenny F. showcased incredible skill and focus, navigating the treacherous waters of the playfield. He expertly hit the ramps and targets, avoiding the dreaded shark attack to rack up an impressive score. Mason P., Beckett S., and Weslyn P. put up a valiant fight, but Kenny’s mastery of the game mechanics and strategic play earned him the top spot. The immersive experience of battling the Great White Shark added a unique and exhilarating twist to the tournament, making Kenny’s victory all the more impressive.

Pinball Machines on Display

The tournament featured an impressive lineup of 10 pinball machines. Here are reviews of five standout games:

  • Godzilla (Premium) by Stern (2021): This machine captures the chaos and excitement of a city under siege by the mighty Godzilla. With its dynamic playfield and incredible light show, it’s a fan favorite.
  • Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure by Williams (1993): A true classic, this game takes you on an adventure with Indiana Jones. The playfield features iconic movie scenes and challenging ramps that keep players on their toes.
  • Iron Man by Stern (2010): Fast-paced and action-packed, Iron Man is all about keeping up with the rapid-fire gameplay. The magnets and Iron Monger toy add to the thrilling experience.
  • Jurassic Park (Premium) by Stern (2019): Step into Jurassic Park and face off against dinosaurs in this exciting game. The intricate playfield and interactive T-Rex toy make it a standout.
  • Lord of the Rings by Stern (2003): Embark on a quest through Middle-earth with this epic pinball machine. The game features multiple modes and deep rules, providing endless entertainment.

Celebrating the Winners

With 30 participants, the competition at Starfighters Kids Monthly tournament was fierce and full of energy. The young players demonstrated impressive skills and sportsmanship, making it a memorable event for everyone involved. Kenny F., ranked 244th in the state, showcased his experience and determination to clinch the top spot. This victory marks his 13th IFPA event, adding another achievement to his growing pinball career.

Mason P., although unranked, showed exceptional talent and potential, securing second place in a highly competitive field. His performance was a pleasant surprise and a testament to the rising stars in the pinball community. Third place went to Nixon F., who, despite being new to the IFPA rankings, displayed remarkable skill and composure throughout the tournament. Fourth place was claimed by Finn F., whose enthusiasm and passion for the game were evident in every round.

The presence of so many unranked players making it to the top four is a great sign for the future of pinball. It shows that new talent is continually emerging, promising exciting times ahead for the sport. The tournament wasn’t just about winning; it was a celebration of the growing community of young pinball enthusiasts, their love for the game, and their bright futures in the world of competitive pinball.

IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10 Standings

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Roland Nadeau 794.05
2 Mark Pearson Phoenix 748.2
3 John Shopple Mesa 685.88
4 Greg Drewes Mesa 348.88
5 Jason Barre Mesa 321.53
6 Nate Tornero 279.78
7 John Magyar Gilbert 275.22
8 Andrew Roesch 258.29
9 Ben Clement Marana 256.02
10 Cody Winant Tempe 253.5

Wrapping Up

A big thank you to Kevin Curtis for organizing such a fantastic event and to Starfighters Arcade for hosting. Your efforts made this tournament a memorable experience for everyone involved. Congrats again to Kenny F. for his impressive win on JAWS! Stay tuned for more pinball excitement and recaps. For more information about Starfighters Arcade, visit their website. Until next time, keep flipping those flippers!

Victory Lights Up Tik Tok’s Workshop: A Night of Pinball Brilliance

Bright night at Tik Tok’s Workshop! Congrats to Jared Doss for winning the Matchplay tournament! Shout-out to Richard Godwin & all players. Highlights: Round 6 on Grand Prix by Williams, and awesome machines like Wizard of Oz & AC/DC! #Pinball #IFPA #Tournament #TikToksWorkshop

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Blizzard Mountain Tea Party Women’s Tournament: A Rollercoaster of Flippers and Fun

The Blizzard Mountain June 2024 Tea Party Women’s Tournament was an electrifying event, featuring 14 talented players who battled it out across 12 games each in a head-to-head format. The top 8 players advanced to the finals, making for an intense showdown. Held on June 29, 2024, at 1:00 PM, this three-hour pinball extravaganza at Blizzard Mountain Pinball was one for the books. Despite the broken clouds, the temperature was a perfect 71°F, setting an ideal scene for some serious pinball action.

Discovering Blizzard Mountain Pinball

Blizzard Mountain Pinball, located at 25797 Conifer Rd, offers an impressive selection of well-maintained pinball machines, ensuring a top-notch gaming experience. The facility is impeccably clean, and each machine is in perfect working condition, making it a smooth and enjoyable visit. With a welcoming atmosphere and a diverse range of games, Blizzard Mountain Pinball caters to everyone from casual players to seasoned pinball wizards. It’s a must-visit spot for anyone in the area looking for some high-quality pinball action.

Highlight Machines of the Tournament

Medieval Madness by Williams, released in June 1997, was the star of the show with 7 games played. This machine is renowned for its humorous and engaging theme, taking players on a quest to defeat the evil forces attacking the kingdom. Its interactive castle feature and witty voiceovers make every game an adventure, providing endless entertainment.

Shrek by Stern, released in April 2008, stood out with the longest average game duration of around 13 minutes. This pinball machine brings the beloved characters from the Shrek movies to life, offering various modes that reflect key scenes from the films. The detailed playfield and fun animations captivate players, making it a hit at the tournament.

Featured Pinball Machines

Blizzard Mountain Pinball had an impressive lineup of 37 machines. Here are a few that caught our attention:

Cactus Canyon (Remake Special) by Chicago Gaming, released in November 2021, captures the wild west with its intricate designs and immersive gameplay. Players can experience duels, train robberies, and showdowns in a visually stunning setting. The remake offers modern enhancements while preserving the charm of the original.

Tales of the Arabian Nights by Williams, released in May 1996, is a fan favorite for its beautiful artwork and captivating story-driven modes. Players embark on a journey inspired by the tales of Scheherazade, with features like the Genie’s Lamp and the Magic Carpet adding layers of excitement and challenge.

Rush (Pro) by Stern, released in January 2022, brings the legendary band’s music to life with dynamic features and exciting challenges. The game includes iconic songs and integrates them into gameplay, offering a unique experience for both pinball and music fans. Its intricate design and thematic elements make it a standout.

Red & Ted’s Road Show by Williams, released in January 1994, offers a unique road trip experience with its innovative design and engaging animations. Players travel across the United States, encountering various hazards and challenges, all while being entertained by the banter between Red and Ted.

Black Knight by Williams, released in January 1980, is a classic with its distinctive two-level playfield and challenging gameplay. Known for its fast-paced action and the iconic Black Knight character, this machine remains a favorite for its timeless design and enduring appeal.

Toy Story 4 (LE) by Jersey Jack Pinball, released in June 2022, delights players with its vibrant theme and entertaining mechanics. Featuring characters and scenes from the beloved movie, the game offers various modes and challenges that bring the story to life, making it a family favorite.

Jurassic Park (Pro) by Stern, released in July 2019, immerses players in the thrilling world of dinosaurs with its intense and interactive modes. The machine’s detailed playfield and exciting missions, such as rescuing park staff and capturing dinosaurs, provide an adrenaline-pumping experience.

Venom (Premium) by Stern, released in July 2023, introduces a dark and action-packed adventure featuring the infamous Marvel character. With stunning artwork and intense gameplay, players battle against Venom’s enemies, making it a thrilling addition to any lineup.

The Mandalorian (Premium) by Stern, released in July 2021, transports players to the Star Wars universe with its epic missions and stunning visuals. Players take on the role of the Mandalorian, completing bounties and facing off against iconic characters from the series, offering a cinematic pinball experience.

Celebrating the Champions

Congratulations to Marissa Furman from Denver, who claimed the 1st place with 7 wins! With an IFPA rank of 6644 and 51 total events, Marissa’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. Elyza Brillantes also from Denver, CO, secured 2nd place with 6 wins, showing her prowess with an IFPA rank of 3397 over 75 events. Liz Grimm-Morales took 3rd place with 6 wins, while Laura McCarthy rounded out the top 4 with 7 wins. Kudos to all the participants for their incredible skills and sportsmanship.

IFPA Colorado Pinball Top 10 Standings

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Walt Wood Englewood 405.77
2 Ryan Altermatt Denver 203.18
3 Justin Hinman Denver 128.67
4 John Quinn Denver 127.41
5 Mat Brundage Denver 117.37
6 Adam Lefkoff Longmont 110.51
7 Oliver Baker 103.06
8 Justin Jancarik 102.53
9 Kevin McCarthy Conifer 94.59
10 Chase Hart Denver 94.2

Wrapping Up the Tournament

The Blizzard Mountain June 2024 Tea Party Women’s Tournament was a resounding success, with thrilling games and impressive skills on display. Congratulations again to Marissa Furman for taking the top spot. Blizzard Mountain Pinball proved to be an excellent venue, providing a welcoming and exciting environment for all participants. Follow along for more pinball news and past events, and don’t miss out on the next big tournament!