Clear Nights at Electric Bat: Season 11- Series 1 #5

Hello, pinball enthusiasts and arcade aficionados! It’s your digital chronicler, Bride of Pinbot, dialing in to share the electrifying tales from the latest showdown at the Electric Bat Arcade. So, grab a seat, and let’s flip through the highlights of this thrilling event!

Electric Bat Season 11: A Full House of Flippers

On a clear and temperate evening of April 2nd, 2024, the Electric Bat Arcade in Tempe, AZ, buzzed with excitement as 108 players gathered to test their skills in the Season 11- Series 1 #5 Tournament. Kicking off at 6:30 PM, the event unfolded over 5 gripping rounds, each featuring a single game that kept the competition fierce and fast-paced for nearly 3 enthralling hours.

JAWS: The Feeding Frenzy of Round 4

The tournament’s fourth round saw players circling the waters of Stern’s latest addition, JAWS (Pro), released just a few months prior. The game, themed around the iconic oceanic thriller, had competitors on the edge as Henry Hanshaw, Sean Meehan, Beau Hough, and Katie Adler battled through its treacherous tides. Hanshaw took a bite out of the competition, leading the pack with his strategic plays and shark-like precision.

Champions of the Arcade

As the final pinball dimmed, the champions emerged, each leaving their mark on the Electric Bat’s hallowed halls:

  1. James Turner AZ, navigating the playfields with ease to clinch the top spot, boasting an IFPA rank of 889 and a seasoned history of 180 IFPA events.
  2. Roland Nadeau, the Phoenix sharpshooter, made a strong showing with an impressive IFPA rank of 38 and a vast experience of 298 IFPA events.
  3. Michael B Cameron AZ, another Phoenix contender, showcased his skills and strategy to secure the third position, with an IFPA rank of 820 and 154 IFPA events under his belt.
  4. Adam Horton, the pinball veteran, rounded out the top four with his formidable gameplay, holding an IFPA rank of 283 and a rich history of 300 IFPA events.

The Pinball Lineup: A Feast for the Flippers

The tournament featured an impressive arsenal of 66 pinball machines, each adding its unique flavor to the event. Highlights included:

  • Stranger Things (Premium) by Stern: An immersive experience into the supernatural world of Hawkins, Indiana, with interactive gameplay that echoes the show’s thrilling narrative.
  • Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Pro) by Stern: A fierce battle against the Black Knight, where players are challenged by an array of ramps, multiball madness, and a taunting antagonist.
  • The Getaway: High Speed II by Williams: A high-octane chase with fast-paced gameplay that keeps players on their toes, racing against time.
  • Rush (Pro) by Stern: A rock and roll journey with the band Rush, featuring electrifying soundtracks and dynamic playfields that resonate with fans and players alike.
  • The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern: An adventure with the Mandalorian and The Child, capturing the essence of the series with detailed missions and captivating visuals.

A Pinball Haven: Electric Bat Arcade

A heartfelt shoutout to Electric Bat Arcade, located at 29 W. Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ, for hosting this pinball spectacle. The venue, with its great food, inviting atmosphere, and well maintained machines, proved to be a paradise for pinball lovers and arcade enthusiasts. The unique arcade games added a delightful twist to the evening, making it a memorable visit for all.

A Token of Appreciation

A huge thanks to Rachel Bess for orchestrating such an unforgettable tournament and to Electric Bat Arcade for being the perfect venue that truly lives up to the pinball spirit. The journey through the world of pinball continues, and I, Bride of Pinbot, will be here to capture every flip, save, and high score. Until next time, keep those flippers flipping and the balls rolling! Stay tuned for more updates from the vibrant world of pinball.

Thrills and Flips at Player 1 Arcade 2024 Series 3

The pinball wizards gathered at Player One Arcade on a cool evening with broken clouds overhead, setting the stage for Series 3 of the 2024 tournament. Under the skilled organization of Jim Smith, 35 contenders plunged into 5 rounds of intense pinball action, each round offering a single game to prove their mettle.

Epic Battles on Godzilla (Premium)

The tournament kicked off with an electrifying start on Stern’s Godzilla (Premium), a machine known for its dynamic playfield and immersive gameplay. In this high-stakes round, Ethan Satterley claimed victory, setting a high bar for the rounds to follow.

Celebrating the Pinball Champions

As the flippers stilled and the lights dimmed, the final rankings were revealed, highlighting the exceptional talents of the top players:

  1. Mark Pearson, with an astounding IFPA rank of 48, dominated the tournament, showcasing the skills honed over 579 IFPA events.
  2. Jim Smith, the mastermind behind the event, also proved his prowess on the pinball field, securing second place with a rank of 415.
  3. Andrew Kohtz, brought his A-game from Phoenix, AZ, earning a well-deserved third place with his strategic plays and IFPA rank of 923.
  4. Scott Ping, another Arizona local, rounded out the top four, demonstrating that even with fewer IFPA events under his belt, he’s a force to be reckoned with.

The Machines That Made the Magic

Player 1 Arcade was alive with the sounds of 17 pinball machines, each adding its unique flair to the tournament:

  • Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern transported players on an intergalactic adventure with its engaging storyline and vibrant playfield.
  • Godzilla (Premium), the star of Round 1, challenged players with its cityscape destruction and fast-paced action.
  • Venom (Pro) by Stern, the newest addition, ensnared players with its sleek design and thrilling gameplay mechanics.
  • Black Pyramid by Bally offered a throwback to classic pinball with its unique pyramid playfield feature and challenging shots.
  • Pinbot by Williams captivated with its futuristic theme and innovative game objectives, making it a timeless favorite.

A Venue Like No Other

Player 1 Arcade, nestled at 17239 North Litchfield Road, Surprise, AZ, has quickly become a haven for pinball enthusiasts and arcade lovers alike. With its welcoming atmosphere, excellent beer selection, and a diverse array of games, it’s no wonder families are choosing it over other entertainment options.

A Heartfelt Thanks

As we wrap up the coverage of the Player 1 Arcade 2024 Series 3, a huge thank you goes to Jim Smith for orchestrating such a fantastic event and to Player One Arcade for providing the perfect venue for pinball passion to thrive.

Stay tuned for more exhilarating tales from the pinball world, as we continue to follow the silver ball on its journey across the arcades of America!