Blazing Through the Arcade: Level 1 Arcade Bar Stern Army Tournament

The Level 1 Arcade Bar Stern Army tournament on June 19, 2024, was an event filled with thrilling pinball action. The format of 4 rounds with 1 game per round saw 14 players battling it out for supremacy. Starting at 7:00 PM and wrapping up around 9:30 PM, this tournament kept the excitement high in the clear, balmy 100°F evening at Level 1 Mesa.

Venue Vibes: A Pinball Haven

Level 1 Arcade Bar, located at 48 W Main St, Mesa, AZ, is a pinball enthusiast’s paradise. This fun and chill bar boasts a lively atmosphere with friendly bartenders who craft excellent drinks. The bar offers a wide variety of games spread across two floors, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Tokens are reasonably priced, making it easy to indulge in endless pinball fun. You can learn more about this fantastic venue at Level 1 Arcade Bar.

Adventure Awaits: Indiana Jones Takes the Spotlight

Round 4 saw a standout game on the iconic Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure by Williams, released in January 1993. Players were transported into the adventurous world of Indiana Jones, navigating through challenging modes inspired by the movies. John Magyar emerged victorious in this round, showcasing his mastery of the game’s complex features and thrilling multiball modes. Kevin Burns followed closely, while Geoff Bennett and Jocelyn Bowers gave a commendable performance, battling through traps and treasures alike.

Pinball Machines: The Stars of the Show

The tournament featured an impressive lineup of 11 pinball machines. Here are a few highlights:

  • The Munsters (Premium/LE) by Stern (January 2019): This game brings the classic TV show to life with its eerie yet entertaining design. The game features a lower playfield, Grandpa’s Laboratory, and a dynamic code that keeps players on their toes.
  • Creature from the Black Lagoon by Bally (December 1992): A nostalgic tribute to the 1954 monster movie, this game has a unique holographic creature and a fantastic 1950s drive-in theme. The “Move Your Car” video mode and multiball feature are particularly fun.
  • Avengers: Infinity Quest (Premium/LE) by Stern (September 2020): Marvel fans rejoice! This game offers intricate playfield mechanisms and a deep rule set. The spinning disc and portal locks provide an immersive experience that keeps players engaged.
  • Godzilla (Premium/LE) by Stern (September 2021): This machine is a smash hit with its vibrant artwork and innovative playfield features. The magnetic newton ball and skyscraper bash toy add layers of excitement to the gameplay.
  • John Wick (Pro) by Stern (May 2024): Inspired by the action-packed film series, this game features intense shootouts and challenging missions. The adrenaline-pumping music and sleek design make it a crowd favorite.

Triumph and Glory: Tournament Winners

With 14 skilled participants, the competition was fierce. Here are the top performers who rose to the challenge:

  1. John Magyar – Arizona, State rank: 4, IFPA rank: 257, with 249 total IFPA events, he showed why he’s one of the top players in the state.
  2. Shawn Barnett – IFPA rank: 2894, with 119 events under his belt, he secured a commendable second place.
  3. Kevin Burns AZ – IFPA rank: 1670, with 163 events, Kevin proved his consistency and skill.
  4. Geoff Bennett – Gilbert, IFPA rank: 4560, with 43 events, he rounded out the top four with a solid performance.

IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10 Standings

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Mark Pearson Phoenix 722.37
2 Roland Nadeau 635.51
3 John Shopple Mesa 606.1
4 Jason Barre Mesa 314.73
5 John Magyar Gilbert 250.26
6 Greg Drewes Mesa 249.69
7 Nate Tornero 243.22
8 Ben Clement Marana 235.81
9 Andrew Roesch 232.84
10 Cody Winant Tempe 226.54

Wrapping Up: A Shoutout to the Organizer and Venue

A big thank you to Scott Goldsmith for organizing such a fantastic event and to Level 1 Arcade Bar for hosting. Congratulations to John Magyar for his stellar performance and victory. Stay tuned for more pinball updates and stories from the Bride of Pinbot. Until next time, keep those flippers flipping!

Thrills and Spills at the Player 1 Arcade 2024 Series 4 Side Finals

Tournament Extravaganza!

The Player 1 Arcade 2024 Series 4 Side Finals was an absolute blast, bringing together 34 competitive players for an intense evening of pinball action. Held on June 17, 2024, this high-octane tournament lasted 2.5 hours, with five nail-biting rounds of single games. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Jim Smith, the event was a showcase of skill, strategy, and sheer love for pinball. The clear sky and a sweltering temperature of 99°F added to the fiery competition inside.

Epicenter of Fun: Player 1 Arcade

Finals fun was found in Surprise, Arizona, Player 1 Arcade is the quintessential local hangout. Located at 17239 North Litchfield Road UNIT 60, this spot is a haven for pinball enthusiasts and casual gamers alike. The atmosphere here is a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern fun, with a fantastic selection of pinball machines and a laid-back vibe that makes it ideal for relaxing with friends over a beer. The owner’s warm hospitality adds to the charm, making every visit a delightful experience.

Double-O Thrills: Spotlight on James Bond 007 (Premium)

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly Round 4, where players battled it out on the James Bond 007 (Premium) by Stern. Released in September 2022, this machine is a tribute to the suave and thrilling world of the iconic spy. In this round, Scott Ping (who is IFPA ranked 1359th) emerged victorious, displaying impeccable skill and strategy worthy of a true secret agent. The game’s sleek design, fast-paced gameplay, and thematic elements made this match a real spectacle.

Star Performers: Noteworthy Machines

The tournament featured 15 stellar pinball machines that kept the competition fierce and exciting. Here are a few standouts:

  • James Bond 007 (Premium): With its sleek design and fast-paced gameplay, it’s a favorite for those who love high-stakes action. The game includes various missions based on iconic Bond films, with dynamic multiball modes and interactive features like the rotating Aston Martin DB5.
  • Stranger Things (Pro): Dive into the supernatural world of Hawkins with this machine’s eerie design and captivating features. It includes a Demogorgon bash toy, Eleven’s telekinetic abilities for ball control, and projections that bring the Upside Down to life.
  • Foo Fighters (LE): Rock out with this machine that blends music and pinball in an electrifying experience. Featuring exclusive concert footage, custom callouts by the band, and a kinetic spinning target, it’s a must-play for fans.
  • John Wick (Pro): A new addition, this machine brings the intense action of the John Wick series to the pinball realm. It features fast-paced gameplay with multi-level playfields, custom animations, and a plethora of multiball modes.
  • Cyclone: A classic from 1988, it offers a nostalgic ride through amusement park fun. With its famous Ferris wheel and Comet ramp, the game provides a unique and thrilling experience.
  • Tales of the Arabian Nights: This 1996 gem takes players on a magical journey with its intricate design and engaging gameplay. Highlights include a spinning lamp, a flying carpet, and multiball modes inspired by Arabian folklore.
  • The Mandalorian (Pro): Immerse yourself in the Star Wars universe with this machine featuring scenes and characters from the hit series. Interactive elements include a rotating mini-playfield and missions that follow the show’s storyline.
  • Star Wars (Premium): Released in August 2017, this machine captures the epic saga with its immersive gameplay, featuring a hyperdrive loop, TIE fighter multiball, and iconic soundtracks from the films.
  • Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast: Battle through the worlds of Iron Maiden’s songs with this machine’s extensive rule set and captivating artwork. It includes Eddie the Head in various forms, challenging players to conquer different modes and multiballs.

The Champions: Top Performers

A huge shoutout to everyone who participated and made the tournament a roaring success. The competition was fierce, but four players emerged as the top contenders, showcasing exceptional skill and tenacity.

  1. Lee Ann Scardina from Phoenix, with a 5-point adjustment, IFPA rank 1501, Total IFPA Events 224. Lee Ann’s victory was a testament to her consistent performance and strategic prowess.
  2. Scott Ping, IFPA rank 1359, Total IFPA Events 35. Scott’s win on James Bond 007 in Round 4 highlighted its agility and precision, earning it a well-deserved second place.
  3. Christian Paustian, IFPA rank 9138, Total IFPA Events 5. A relative newcomer, Christian’s rapid rise in the ranks has been impressive, with notable smaller local tournaments leading up to this event.
  4. Jay Suckow, IFPA rank 10925, Total IFPA Events 11. Jay’s resilience and focus were on full display, having made a significant comeback since the last tournament.

Arizona’s Pinball Elite: Top 10 Standings

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Mark Pearson Phoenix 722.37
2 Roland Nadeau 635.51
3 John Shopple Mesa 606.1
4 Jason Barre Mesa 314.73
5 John Magyar Gilbert 250.26
6 Greg Drewes Mesa 249.69
7 Ben Clement Marana 235.81
8 Andrew Roesch 232.83
9 Nate Tornero 227.51
10 Cody Winant Tempe 226.54

Closing Remarks

A heartfelt thank you to Jim Smith and Player 1 Arcade for hosting such a phenomenal event. The energy, enthusiasm, and sheer talent on display were truly inspiring. A special nod to our spotlight game, James Bond 007, which added an extra layer of excitement to the evening. Stay tuned for more pinball adventures and recaps. Until next time, keep flipping!

Electric Bat Season 12: A Night of Pinball Glory!

Electric Bat Season 12-Part 1 #3 was a blast! Congrats to the winners, especially Arizona’s top 10 stars Greg Drewes (#6) & Nate Tornero (#9)! Pinball talent was on full display. Huge thanks to Rachel Bess & ElectricBat for hosting! Check out our full recap #Pinball #IFPA #ElectricBatArcade #PinballTournament

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Starfighters Monthly: A Fiery Showdown in Mesa

The Battle Begins: A Fiery Kickoff

The latest IFPA pinball tournament, Starfighters Monthly, was a sizzling spectacle, drawing 59 players to the vibrant Starfighters Arcade. With the clear skies and a scorching temperature of 103°F, the heat was on, both inside and outside the arcade. As the tournament kicked off on June 8, 2024, at 1:00 PM, the excitement was palpable. With 8 intense rounds and taking roughly 4 hours players had to stay sharp and hydrated to endure the heat and competition.

Avengers Assemble: Round 5 Spotlight

The highlight of the tournament was undoubtedly Round 5, where players clashed on Stern’s Avengers: Infinity Quest (Premium) from October 2020. Just like the Avengers uniting against Thanos, the competitors brought their A-game, battling for supremacy.

Andy Olson emerged victorious, channeling his inner Iron Man with strategic precision. Robert Kennedy, resembling Captain America’s resilience, secured second place. Matthew Roth, with a Spider-Man-like agility, clinched third, while Christy Kohtz, as tenacious as Black Widow, rounded out the top four.

Kudos to the Champions

A huge congratulations to the top players who emerged victorious in this heated battle:

  1. Paul Blanco – IFPA rank 285, an impressive 251 total IFPA events. Paul’s skill and consistency shone brightly in this competition.
  2. Jeffrey Goad – IFPA rank 1758, with 190 total IFPA events. Jeffrey showcased determination and strategy, securing his spot among the top.
  3. Nate Tornero – IFPA rank 599, hailing from Chandler, Arizona, with 47 total IFPA events. Nate’s performance was a testament to his growing prowess in the pinball community.
  4. John Shopple – IFPA rank 88, a seasoned player with 404 total IFPA events and currently ranked 3rd in Arizona. John’s expertise and ranking position him as a formidable player in any tournament.

These champions showcased exceptional skill and determination, making their mark in the pinball community.

Marvelous Machines: The Stars of the Show

The tournament featured an eclectic mix of 53 pinball machines. Here are a few standout stars:

  • Heavy Metal by Stern (June 2020): This machine brings the legendary magazine to life with intense graphics and heavy rock soundtrack.
  • Barracora by Williams (January 1981): A classic with mesmerizing light shows and a challenging layout that keeps players on their toes.
  • Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast by Stern (April 2018): Featuring the iconic band’s music and intricate artwork, this machine offers fast-paced gameplay and deep rules.
  • Star Wars (Premium) by Stern (August 2017): Dive into the Star Wars universe with interactive features, dazzling lights, and the thrill of the Rebel Alliance’s fight against the Empire.
  • Foo Fighters (Premium) by Stern (March 2023): Rock out with the Foo Fighters as you navigate through high-energy playfields and multi-ball madness.

The Heart of the Action: Starfighters Arcade

Located at 4840 E Jasmine St #102, Mesa, AZ, Starfighters Arcade is a haven for pinball and arcade enthusiasts. This vibrant venue channels the nostalgic spirit of the classic “Starfighter” arcade game, inviting visitors with the call to adventure: “Greetings, Starfighter. You have been recruited by the Star League to defend the frontier against Xur and the Ko-Dan Armada.” The atmosphere is electric, filled with laughter and the clinking sounds of pinball machines. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or creating new ones, Starfighters Arcade offers a journey back to the golden age of gaming with a stellar collection of old arcade games and awesome pinball machines. Visit their website at Starfighters Arcade for more information.

Arizona’s Pinball Titans

Here’s a look at the current top 10 standings in the Arizona pinball scene:

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Mark Pearson Phoenix 703.09
2 Roland Nadeau 635.53
3 John Shopple Mesa 606.08
4 Jason Barre Mesa 314.75
5 Greg Drewes Mesa 249.69
6 John Magyar Gilbert 242.31
7 Ben Clement Marana 235.81
8 Andrew Roesch 232.84
9 Cody Winant Tempe 226.54
10 Walt Wood Englewood 222.36

Wrapping Up the Action

A heartfelt thanks to organizer Kevin Curtis and the wonderful venue, Starfighters Arcade, for hosting this electrifying tournament. Your efforts and dedication have made this event a grand success. A special shout-out to everyone who came out to play, braving the heat and giving their all on the pinball machines.

Stay tuned for more pinball excitement and recaps as we continue to explore the thrilling world of competitive pinball. See you at the next tournament!