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

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!

The Player 1 Arcade 2024 Series 3 (#6), held on April 22, 2024, saw 29 pinball enthusiasts gather for a spirited competition in Surprise, Arizona. Organized by Jim Smith, the event unfolded over five rounds, with each participant battling it out in a single game per round. Despite the broken clouds and a sweltering 93°F, the arcade buzzed with excitement as players aimed for their best performances within the 2 hour and 54-minute tournament window.

Spotlight on Rush: A High-Velocity Challenge

Round 3 highlighted the Rush (Pro) by Stern, a game that tests both speed and strategy. Mark Pearson, holding an impressive IFPA rank of 49, took the lead in this round, followed closely by Kevin Ehlers and Del Kyger. The competitive gameplay mirrored the energetic soundtrack of Rush, making it a fan favorite for the night.

Pinball Champions of the Night

The tournament showcased some incredible talent, with the final results reflecting the intense competition:

1. Lee Ann Scardina from Phoenix – With an IFPA rank of 1421, Lee Ann showed outstanding skill and consistency, topping the leaderboard after participating in 222 events.
2. Jeremy Reiman from Peoria, AZ – Despite being relatively new to the circuit with only 25 IFPA events, Jeremy’s impressive play earned him a solid second place.
3. Mark Pearson – Already highlighted in the game spotlight, Mark added another top finish to his record, underscoring his elite status in the pinball community.
4. Joel Daniel from Surprise, AZ – Joel’s performance was notable, securing a commendable fourth place from a competitive field.

Featured Machines of the Tournament

Player One Arcade was packed with 16 pinball machines, each offering unique themes and challenges:

• Star Wars (Premium) by Stern, celebrated for its immersive gameplay that pulls players into the epic space saga with missions and characters from the beloved series.
• Tales of the Arabian Nights by Williams, transports players to a world of magic carpets and genies with its rich visuals and captivating storytelling mechanics.
• James Bond 007 (Premium) by Stern, combines elegance and espionage, offering missions that mirror the thrilling adventures of the iconic spy.
• Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern, brings to life the humor and drama of the superhero team with vibrant art and engaging missions.
• Rush (Pro) by Stern, not only featured in a spotlight game but also admired for its fast-paced playfield and rocking soundtrack that enhances the pinball experience.

The Heart of Surprise’s Gaming Scene: Player 1 Arcade

Player 1 Arcade, located at 17239 North Litchfield Road, UNIT 60, has quickly become a local favorite, overshadowing even well-known entertainment venues like Dave and Busters. With its excellent selection of craft beers, friendly atmosphere, and a diverse array of pinball and classic arcade games, it’s no wonder families and gamers alike prefer this spot for a fun outing.

Closing With Thanks

A big thank you to Jim Smith for organizing another successful event in the Player 1 Arcade series, and to Player 1 Arcade for continuing to be an excellent host and a pivotal part of the local gaming community. Keep those flippers ready, and stay tuned for more pinball action from across the United States!

Overview of the Tournament

On a perfect spring afternoon of April 15, 2024, 35 enthusiastic pinball players converged at Player 1 Arcade in Surprise, Arizona for the fifth tournament of the 2024 Series 3. The event unfolded over five rounds, with each round consisting of a single intense game, lasting a total of about 7 hours and 12 minutes. Jim Smith, the organizer of this popular series, successfully orchestrated another thrilling day of flipper action under clear skies and a pleasant 74°F.

Spotlight on James Bond 007 (Premium)

The grand finale of the tournament featured a riveting session on the James Bond 007 (Premium) machine by Stern, which highlighted the skills of the top competitors. Mark Pearson, with an impressive IFPA rank of 49, managed to secure a first-place finish in this round, outplaying opponents such as Del Kyger, Lee Ann Scardina from Phoenix, and Crystal De La O in a nail-biting conclusion to the series.

Celebrating the Champions

The tournament showcased exceptional talent and strategic gameplay, culminating in noteworthy victories:

1. Joel Daniel from Surprise, AZ, with a ranking of 4438, demonstrated his rising prowess in the pinball community by clinching the top position.
2. Mark Pearson, a seasoned player with an IFPA rank of 49, added another runner-up finish to his extensive record of 585 events.
3. Robert Paluc, relatively new to the tournament scene with just 11 events, made a remarkable third-place finish.
4. Scott Ping from Arizona, showcasing consistent skills across 33 events, rounded out the top four.

The Machines That Stole the Show

Player 1 Arcade featured a diverse lineup of 12 pinball machines, each with its own charm and challenge:

• Star Wars (Premium) by Stern, known for its deep rule set and engaging modes that faithfully represent the beloved franchise.
• Stranger Things (Pro), also by Stern, drew players with its immersive gameplay and interactive features based on the hit series.
• Deadpool (LE) offered not just vibrant artwork but also quirky humor and challenging shots, making it a crowd favorite.
• Tales of the Arabian Nights by Williams transported players to a world of magic carpets and genies with its rich visuals and compelling story-driven gameplay.
• Foo Fighters (LE), the newest addition, thrilled fans with its rock theme and exclusive tracks, creating a concert-like experience.

Venue Highlights

Player 1 Arcade, located at 17239 North Litchfield Road UNIT 60, is more than just a venue; it’s a community hub where locals gather to unwind. The arcade offers a cozy, not-too-loud atmosphere perfect for both intense gaming and relaxed conversations, enhanced by a friendly owner who adds a personal touch to the experience.

A Special Thanks

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Jim Smith for organizing such a fantastic event and to Player 1 Arcade for providing a welcoming space for pinball enthusiasts. Events like these enrich the pinball community, bringing together players of all skill levels to share in the joy of the game.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates from the pinball tournaments!