Night of Pinball Madness at Player 1 Arcade!

The Player 1 Arcade 2024 Series 5 (#2) IFPA pinball tournament took place on July 1, 2024, drawing 34 eager competitors to Player One Arcade. With broken clouds overhead and a scorching temperature of 104°F, the action inside was even hotter. Organized by the seasoned pinball enthusiast Jim Smith, this fast-paced event spanned five rounds, each featuring one intense game. The tournament wrapped up in just two hours and 30 minutes, leaving everyone buzzing with excitement.

Pinball Paradise at Player 1 Arcade

Located at 17239 North Litchfield Road, UNIT 60, in Surprise, AZ, Player 1 Arcade is a gem for pinball enthusiasts. This spot is perfect for hanging out with friends, enjoying a beer, and diving into nostalgic pinball action. The atmosphere is relaxed yet charged with excitement, and the owner’s welcoming demeanor adds to the charm. With a diverse collection of pinball machines, every visit feels like a step back in time. For more information, check out their website.

Godzilla Showdown: Round 3 Highlights

Round 3 saw a memorable showdown on Stern’s Godzilla (Premium) from September 2021. This game, with its chaotic cityscape and monstrous battles, perfectly set the stage for a high-stakes pinball clash. Joel Daniel, hailing from Surprise, AZ, harnessed his inner kaiju to dominate the game, toppling the competition with precision and flair. Kevin Ehlers put up a fierce fight, but ultimately, it was Joel’s mastery of the mayhem that led him to victory.

Game Results:

  1. Joel Daniel, from Surprise AZ, IFPA rank 4128
  2. Kevin Ehlers, IFPA rank 1880
  3. Rudy Roundhouse, IFPA Unranked
  4. Ethan Satterley, IFPA rank 3649

Spotlight on Pinball Machines

The tournament featured 17 remarkable pinball machines. Among them:

  • Pulp Fiction (SE) by Chicago Gaming (March 2023): This machine captures the essence of Tarantino’s cult classic with unique gameplay elements and immersive storytelling.
  • James Bond 007 (Premium) by Stern (September 2022): With sleek design and thrilling missions, this machine lets players step into the shoes of the legendary spy.
  • John Wick (Pro) by Stern (May 2024): Bringing the action-packed world of John Wick to life, this machine offers fast-paced gameplay and stunning visuals.
  • Tales of the Arabian Nights by Williams (May 1996): A fan favorite, this machine enchants with its intricate playfield and magical themes.
  • Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern (December 2019): Dive into the Upside Down with this machine, featuring iconic scenes and characters from the hit series.
  • Jurassic Park (Pro) by Stern (July 2019): This machine is a dino-lover’s dream, with thrilling chases and stunning effects.
  • Deadpool (LE) by Stern (August 2018): Combining humor and action, this machine is a riot of fun with its quirky gameplay.
  • Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern (November 2017): Embark on a galactic adventure with the Guardians, featuring a vibrant and engaging playfield.
  • Cyclone by Williams (February 1988): A classic favorite, Cyclone offers nostalgic charm with its carnival-themed gameplay.

Applauding the Champions

Winning he Player 1 Arcade 2024 Series 5 (#2) was no small feat, featuring 34 skilled competitors vying for the top spots. Each participant brought their A-game, making the tournament a thrilling spectacle. Our champions had to navigate through a gauntlet of formidable opponents, showcasing their exceptional pinball prowess and strategic acumen.

  • 1st Place: Jim Smith from Phoenix, AZ. Ranked 15th in the state and 387th nationally, with a remarkable 540 total IFPA events under his belt, Jim proved why he’s a top contender. His victory is a testament to his experience and skill, outplaying the field with precision.
  • 2nd Place: Shaun Ping, whose persistence and skill earned him a well-deserved second place. Ranked 177th in the state and 3831st nationally, Shaun’s journey through 39 IFPA events has been impressive, battling through tough matches to secure his spot.
  • 3rd Place: Joel Daniel from Surprise, AZ, ranked 119th in the state and 4128th nationally, made a significant mark with his strategic play. Joel’s ability to stay cool under pressure against higher-ranked players was key to his success.
  • 4th Place: David Sanders, ranked 382nd in the state and 21349th nationally, brought enthusiasm and talent to the competition despite being relatively new with just three IFPA events. His performance shows great potential for future tournaments.

IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10 Standings

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Mark Pearson Phoenix 731.97
2 Roland Nadeau 653.31
3 John Shopple Mesa 606.1
4 Jason Barre Mesa 316.34
5 Greg Drewes Mesa 260.44
6 John Magyar Gilbert 250.26
7 Andrew Roesch 246.76
8 Nate Tornero 243.21
9 Ben Clement Marana 235.81
10 Cody Winant Tempe 227.91

Wrapping Up the Action

The Player 1 Arcade 2024 Series 5 (#2) was a spectacular showcase of pinball talent and excitement. Congratulations to Jim Smith for his outstanding victory! Player 1 Arcade continues to be a prime location for pinball enthusiasts, providing a fantastic environment for both casual and competitive play. Follow along for more pinball news and past events!

For more about Player 1 Arcade, be sure to visit their Facebook page

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!