🌡️ When the Heat Goes Up, the Balls Drop
It was an inferno outside at 109°F, but the real heat was happening inside Hop Central Brewery on the evening of August 28, 2023. Mark Farina Jr., known to friends as the “Pinball Wizard,” organized this ball-dropping spectacle. The Multiball Monday Tournament consisted of 5 rounds with 12 players, all seemingly unphased by the scorching Arizona temperature.
🦖 Godzilla Strikes in Round 2: The Underdogs Rise
Amidst five intense rounds, one game on a Stern’s Godzilla (Pro) machine stole the show during Round 2. Emily Vanidestine made a valiant effort, but ultimately Greg Mohs from Arizona was the one who roared to victory. Greg was followed by Shianne Brown, an IFPA rank-zero enigma who almost pulled a Mothra-sized upset. Despite her best attempts, Emily landed in third place, while Jason Hecht secured fourth.
🏆 Tournament Titans: Experience vs. Passion
When the flippers stopped flipping and the scoreboard froze, it was Mark Farina Jr. who emerged victorious. Notably, he is also the organizer of this arcade fiesta, making him somewhat of a pinball polymath. Close behind were John Finnegan, Greg Mohs, and Alex Kee, who proved their mettle on machines that ranged from Stern’s James Bond 007 to American Pinball’s Hot Wheels.
Speaking of Alex Kee—participating in only eight IFPA events and yet claiming 4th place? That’s like bringing a spork to a gunfight and coming out unscathed.
🎮 Machine Melee: The Stars of the Show
The tournament was played on an array of machines so varied, it could make even James Bond exchange his Martini for pinball quarters. Speaking of which, Stern’s “James Bond 007” was an espionage-filled extravaganza. “Oktoberfest” and “Hot Wheels” by American Pinball offered something for both beer enthusiasts and car fanatics, while “Foo Fighters” and “Rush” by Stern rocked the room.
🍺 Hop Central Brewery: The ‘Pin’-ultimate Venue
If you’re in Arizona and you haven’t checked out Hop Central Brewery, you’re missing out. Friendly staff, an amazing selection of IPAs and Belgian beers, and of course, pinball machines that can make you forget the scorching Arizona sun.
🌵 Arizona’s Pinball Wizards
Just to remind you who’s flipping what in Arizona, here’s the current IFPA standings:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roland Nadeau | 605.87 | |
| 2 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 535.9 |
| 3 | John Shopple | Mesa | 520.12 |
| 4 | John Magyar | Gilbert | 316.35 |
| 5 | Paul Blanco | Chandler | 304.32 |
| 6 | Kevan Carter | Tempe | 295.87 |
| 7 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 292.36 |
| 8 | Joey Rio | Surprise | 282 |
| 9 | Adam Horton | Phoenix | 276.82 |
| 10 | Andrew Roesch | 255.21 |
So there you have it—another night of fast flippers, strategic nudges, and unexpected victories. Mark your calendars for the next Multiball Monday, and until then, keep those paddles ready and the balls in play.