LAKE HAVASU CITY – In 2022 the owners of Glitch Barcadium, Kevin Wright and Corey Wilcox, dreamt of opening a video arcade in Lake Havasu. This past Sunday it was decided to bring arcade enthusiasts together for their very first pinball tournament.
Glitch Barcadium’s First Ever Pinball Tournament took place on Sunday, August 11 at Glitch Barcadium arcade. The business owners formed a friendship with one major common interest, a strong background with arcades and gaming.
In his past hometown of St. Louis, MO, Wright would take regular visits to arcades and pinball bars. He became friendly with the owners and had aspirations of someday having his own arcade business.
For Wilcox, his inspiration came from his childhood. The Cincinnati, Ohio native is from two generations of bar owners with arcade and pinball machines. Some 90 days after the two brainstormed at a local brewery, Glitch Barcadium was born. This was not your standard pinball tournament.
The game rules were two players per team with the arcade’s machines having fun and engaging obstacles that the players had to overcome. Participants played two games on 10 machines. Points were awarded for each machine for the top five scores. Players were provided with various ways to earn more points for each game. Entry fees were $40 per team and the tournament also included swag giveaways. The top three teams went away with cash prizes as well as a place on the podium.
Third place went to James and Kelly Arnold with their win of $75 while second place winners Taylor Powell and Keith Aquilar won a cash prize of $125. But no one could out-win pinball players Corey Wilcox and Stephanie Sconce with their win of $185.
The arcade is dedicated to keeping the arcade era alive for veteran players and beginners.There’s always ongoing free leagues where people can sign up to practice their skills, meet other gamers, and form lasting friendships. Questions about leagues can be answered by calling the arcade directly at 928-302-1006 or simply stop in and say hello, the friendly staff at Glitch Barcadium welcomes pinball wizards from all over.
Phaedra Veronique
