How David Cruz Dominated TRON's Deadly Mini-Games

With TRON: Ares now in theaters following its October 10th release, there’s no better time to revisit the golden age of arcade gaming and the champions who conquered it. Back in 2012, I sat down with David Cruz of Brandon, Florida—the world record holder for TRON, one of the most challenging arcade games ever created.

In July 2011, Cruz achieved what many thought impossible: a staggering 14,007,645 points on the classic 1982 cabinet, cementing his place in Twin Galaxies history. This interview captures the dedication, strategy, and pure skill required to master all four brutally difficult mini-games—from battling in the Game Grid to surviving the deadly MCP Cone.

As TRON returns to the big screen, discover what it takes to reach the pinnacle of competitive play in one of Disney’s most beloved video game adaptations. This conversation with a true master of the Grid offers a fascinating glimpse into both gaming history and the enduring appeal of the TRON universe.

Watch now and witness the intersection of arcade mastery and the franchise’s triumphant return.