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!

Texas Chainsaw Meets Pinball: A Day at 1up Colfax

Carnage and Chaos: The 1up Colfax Texas Chainsaw Launch Party

On June 16, 2024, pinball enthusiasts gathered at The 1up – Colfax for the 1up Colfax Texas Chainsaw Launch Party, a Group Knockout Tournament that kept everyone on their toes for a staggering 11 hours and 34 minutes. Thirty-three players entered the fray, each vying for pinball supremacy, but only a few emerged victorious in this grueling test of skill and endurance. With the Progressive Strikes system in play, tension ran high as players faced elimination after accumulating 11 strikes. The atmosphere was charged, the competition fierce, and the camaraderie unmistakable.

A Dive into the Den of Pinball: The 1up Arcade Bar – Colfax

The 1up Arcade Bar on Colfax is a haven for gamers and pinball wizards alike. Located at 717 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80203, this retro-inspired venue offers a unique blend of nostalgia and modern flair. The surrounding neighborhood is bustling with eclectic shops and vibrant street art, reflecting the creative spirit of Denver. Inside, the atmosphere is electric, with the clinks and clanks of pinball machines creating a symphony of excitement. One of the most charming features of this arcade bar is its acceptance of tokens as payment for drinks—an unusual but delightful twist that adds to the fun. This place truly understands the needs of its patrons, making sure every visit is memorable.

Magic and Mayhem: Round 4 on Jim Henson’s Labyrinth

Round 4 of the tournament saw an epic clash on Jim Henson’s Labyrinth, a game that transports players into the fantastical world of goblins, mazes, and magic. The players were as varied as the characters in the movie, each bringing their own style and strategy to the table. Justin Hinman, ranked 1113 by the IFPA and 4th in Colorado, navigated the twists and turns with precision, claiming the top spot. Eric Bateman, Griffin Carr, and Jeremy Simon also put on a remarkable display, their skills reflecting the game’s whimsical yet challenging nature. It was a round filled with unexpected turns and delightful surprises, much like the labyrinth itself.

Showcasing the Stars: Standout Machines

The tournament featured a stellar lineup of 24 machines, each with its own unique allure. Stranger Things (Premium/LE) by Stern, released in December 2019, captivated players with its eerie atmosphere and mind-bending challenges. Foo Fighters (Pro) by Stern, from March 2023, rocked the house with its high-energy gameplay and music-themed excitement. The Sopranos by Stern, a classic from January 2005, brought a touch of mob drama to the mix. Creature from the Black Lagoon by Bally, a December 1992 gem, combined vintage horror with innovative design. And who could forget Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Premium) by Stern, an April 2018 release that blended heavy metal with pinball thrills. Each machine added its own flavor to the tournament, keeping players engaged and entertained.

Victors of the Day: Celebrating the Champions

The top players of the tournament displayed exceptional skill and determination. Here are the champions of the day:

  1. Walt Wood from Englewood, CO, IFPA rank 43 and 1st in Colorado, dominated the competition with remarkable prowess.
  2. Mark Blehm from Denver, CO, IFPA rank 1634, showcased impressive skill and strategy throughout the tournament.
  3. Eric Bateman, IFPA rank 4320, put on a solid performance, earning him a well-deserved third place.
  4. Griffin Carr, IFPA rank 3102, rounded out the top four with a strong and consistent showing.

Walt Wood’s top-tier play reflected why it’s ranked first in Colorado, while Mark Blehm and Eric Bateman demonstrated the depth of talent in Denver. Griffin Carr’s performance added to the excitement, making the top four a group to watch in future competitions.

Colorado’s Finest: IFPA Colorado Pinball Top 10 Standings

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Walt Wood Englewood 372.1
2 Ryan Altermatt Denver 177.45
3 John Quinn Denver 124.09
4 Justin Hinman Denver 123.33
5 Adam Lefkoff Longmont 110.22
6 Chase Hart Denver 94.21
7 Kevin McCarthy Conifer 84.34
8 Stepan Mazurov Boulder 81.43
9 David Johnson CO Aurora 78.72
10 Ross Unruh Littleton 76.05

Signing Off: A Day to Remember

A huge thank you to Deanna Scalf, the organizer, and The 1up – Colfax for hosting such a fantastic event. The 1up Arcade Bar provided the perfect backdrop for a day filled with excitement and friendly competition. To all the players, both seasoned and new, we hope you had a blast! Special well wishes to all the fathers who spent their Father’s Day with us. Keep honing your skills and stay tuned for more updates from the pinball universe. Until next time, may your flippers be swift and your scores high!