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!

A Night of Pinball Prestige

The Player 1 Arcade 2024 Series 3 (#4) pinball tournament lit up Surprise, Arizona, with a vibrant display of pinball wizardry. Over the course of a tightly packed 2 hours and 30 minutes, 32 players locked flippers in a series of 5 rounds, each battling for the top spot under the scattered clouds of an Arizona evening. The event, seamlessly organized by Jim Smith and hosted at the Player One Arcade, was a testament to the enduring appeal of pinball.

Deadpool Takes Center Stage

In the midst of intense competition, Round 4 on the Deadpool (LE) machine stole the show. Rob De La O clinched victory in a thrilling match against Mike McClure, Kevin Ehlers, and Alyssa De La O. This game was not just a highlight of skill but also a showcase of the camaraderie and spirit that defines the pinball community.

Saluting the Tournament Titans

As the final ball plunged and the scores were tallied, Catcher Knapp emerged as the champion of the evening, with Mark Pearson, a seasoned player with an impressive track record, taking a close second. Juan Gonzalez and Nicholas Van Doren also made their mark, rounding out the top four with their exceptional performances.

The Pinball Pantheon

The tournament featured an eclectic mix of 17 pinball machines, offering challenges and delights for players of all tastes. Notable among them were the intergalactic battles of Star Wars (Premium), the monstrous cityscape of Godzilla (Premium), and the whimsical tales of Tales of the Arabian Nights. The Mandalorian (Pro) and Rush (Pro) added to the variety, ensuring there was never a dull moment.

A Haven for Gamers and Socialites Alike

Player One Arcade proved to be the perfect venue for the event, offering a surprisingly tranquil oasis amid the excitement of the tournament. With a well-curated selection of games, excellent drink options, and top-notch service, it was a hit not just with the participants but with everyone looking for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Heartfelt Appreciations

As we close the chapter on this thrilling event, a huge thank you goes out to Jim Smith for orchestrating such a smooth and engaging tournament, and to the Player One Arcade for providing a stellar venue that perfectly complemented the spirit of the competition. The Player 1 Arcade 2024 Series 3 (#4) tournament was more than just a game; it was a celebration of skill, strategy, and the tight-knit pinball community. Here’s to many more such gatherings where the silver ball reigns supreme!