Tournament Highlights
On a clear and warm April afternoon, the Starfighters Monthly pinball tournament saw an exciting battle among pinball enthusiasts. Held at Starfighters Arcade in Mesa, Arizona, and organized by Kevin Curtis, this event lasted for a spirited 4.5 hours. Fifty-seven competitors took part in a grueling 8-round competition where precision and strategy were key to accumulating points and advancing in the standings.
Unforgettable Gameplay Moments
The standout game of the tournament took place during Round 4 on Star Trek: The Next Generation by Williams. Kevin Curtis himself, not just the organizer but also a skilled player, led the round. He was closely followed by Krisha Shufran from Chandler, Jim Smith from Phoenix, and Mike McClure from Glendale, making it a memorable battle that showcased some top-notch pinball skills.
Celebrating Our Champions
At the close of the tournament, accolades were awarded to the most skillful and persistent players:
- Will McKinney claimed the top spot, further solidifying his standing as a formidable player in the pinball community.
- John Shopple from Mesa followed closely in second place, bringing years of experience to the fore.
- Mark Pearson, one of the highest-ranked players present, finished a strong third.
- Hailey Buhrman from Chandler rounded out the top four, demonstrating great skill and potential for future tournaments.
Featured Pinball Machines
The venue was packed with 31 pinball machines, each adding its own unique challenge:
- Elvira’s House of Horrors (LE) by Stern: Combines spooky themes with engaging, multi-ball play.
- Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast by Stern: A rock and roll adventure with deep rules and dynamic playfield.
- Firepower by Williams: A classic from 1980 that tests reflexes with its fast-paced action.
- Jurassic Park (Premium) by Stern: Brings dinosaurs to life with immersive gameplay and intricate missions.
- Godzilla (Premium) by Stern: Challenges players to save the city in a battle against the king of monsters.
- AC/DC (Pro) by Stern: Rocks the arcade with high-energy music and electrifying play.
- Creature from the Black Lagoon by Bally: Features a unique holographic creature in a nostalgic, movie-themed setting.
Venue Vibes
Starfighters Arcade, with its vintage charm and bustling atmosphere, provided the perfect nostalgic backdrop for the tournament. Although the space was a bit cramped due to the large turnout, the array of classic and modern pinball machines made it a pinball lover’s paradise. The atmosphere was lively, evoking memories of childhood arcades and fostering a community spirit among players.
Acknowledgments and Thanks
A big thank you to Kevin Curtis for organizing such a fantastic event and to Starfighters Arcade for hosting. Your efforts have created a vibrant and welcoming community space that celebrates the joy of pinball.
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