Balls, Bells, and Vintage Vibes: The Atomic Age Pinball Showdown!

When you hear “Mesa, AZ”, what comes to mind? Sun, cacti… and pinball? That’s right. The Atomic Age Modern Group Match Play pinball tournament turned the dial up to eleven in the heart of Mesa on a scorching September evening. Picture this: the clear sky blazing at 94°F and the Atomic Age Modern standing as an oasis of cool vibes amidst the heat.

Taking a Step Back in Time

From the moment you step into Atomic Age Modern, you’re transported. Located at 140 W Main St, this venue isn’t just an antique store; it’s a treasure trove of the past with its rich variety of clothes, housewares, and, of course, pinball tables. A place where you could try that chic 70s couch and, while you’re at it, beat the high score on a classic pinball machine. The owner? Just the right kind of cool without an ounce of pushiness.

From Sorcery to Speed

The tournament was blessed with a fantastic lineup of machines. Whether you were a fan of Williams’ bewitching Sorcerer or needed the adrenaline rush from The Getaway: High Speed II, there was a table waiting for you. Flight 2000 brought some Stern-style old-school flair, while Cactus Canyon (Remake Special) and Gilligan’s Island offered doses of modern and quirky pinball gameplay.

Rush Hour: The Round 4 Rumble

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the night was during Round 4. The game? Rush (Pro) by Stern. This face-off saw Chris Peseri (rank 5006) soar past Jason Barre, who held a rank of 243! A classic underdog tale right there. But don’t feel too bad for Jason. His overall performance secured him the third place in the tournament standings.

Champions of The Night

Carlos Salcido, with his rank of 3822, managed to outplay everyone and stand tall at the number one spot. Following him was Denise Peseri. Now, with an IFPA rank of 9072, many might’ve underestimated them, but Denise’s plays spoke louder than numbers, securing them the second spot. Jason Barre and Krisha Shufran, both exceptional players, landed the third and fourth spots respectively.

The Best in Arizona

While the evening was centered around pinball, it’s hard to ignore the IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10 Standings:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Roland Nadeau605.88
2John ShoppleMesa547.33
3Mark PearsonPhoenix535.9
4John MagyarGilbert338.17
5Paul BlancoChandler304.33
6Jason BarreMesa300.73
7Kevan CarterTempe295.89
8Joey RioSurprise282
9Adam HortonPhoenix277.02
10Andrew Roesch255.2

So, the next time someone mentions Mesa, remember the Atomic Age Modern, where the past meets the present, and pinball players battle it out for the future. Until the next update, may your flippers be swift and your balls stay in play.

The Desert Showdown: TUCSON TIMED MATCH PLAY @TISC SEP 2023

On a blazing day with clear skies where the mercury touched 93°F, pinball enthusiasts converged under the roof of the Tucson Indoor Sports Center. Just a shade away from 4 hours, a pulsating drama of flippers, bumpers, and silver balls was about to ensue.

The Legacy of The Lizard: Celebrating Godzilla

Wayne Saeger had meticulously organized the event, making sure the spotlight shone bright on Stern’s Godzilla (Premium), released precisely two years ago on the same date. In Round 5, the giant lizard roared to life, drawing applause and some nail-biting finishes. Marana’s own Ben Clement, with an impressive IFPA rank of 386, clinched the top spot for this round, followed by the promising KEVIN ANDERSON AZ and the maestro organizer himself, Wayne Saeger.

A Throwback in Time: The Machines

While the tournament featured a total of nine machines, let’s talk about some that truly brought back memories:

The Masters of The Game

The leaderboard saw some familiar and new faces. John Finnegan, with an IFPA rank of 565, stood tall with his impeccable gameplay. Wayne Saeger and Mike LaHaie, from Tucson AZ, followed, proving that home advantage isn’t just a myth. Ben Clement, once again from Marana, wrapped up the top four, marking his territory in the Arizona pinball community.

Tucson Indoor Sports Center: More Than Just Pinball

To the uninitiated, this place might seem like a hockey hub, as evidenced by a visitor from San Jose who, with his brother, came for some puck action. The tiles might differ from San Jose, but the fun is universally understood. Shout out to the accommodating staff at TISC!

Arizona’s Best Flippers

The local leaderboard deserves its own spotlight. Here’s a rundown:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Roland Nadeau660.87
2Mark PearsonPhoenix588.61
3John ShoppleMesa570.08
4John MagyarGilbert352.83
5Kevan CarterTempe321.39
6Jason BarreMesa312.27
7Adam HortonPhoenix307.65
8Paul BlancoChandler306.34
9Joey RioSurprise282
10Walter donyPhoenix281.41

With the sun setting in Tucson and the flipper frenzy dying down, one thing’s for sure: the spirit of pinball is very much alive and well in the heart of Arizona.

Catch you at the next tilt, and remember, in the world of pinball, always keep the ball alive!

Knights, Globetrotters, and Arcade Showdowns: An Epic Pinball Evening in Ohio

Under a clear evening sky with temperatures hovering at a pleasant 72°F, Arcade Legacy Sharonville came alive. This wasn’t just another Thursday night. It was the Thursday Throwdown on September 14, 2023, where metal balls soared, flippers flipped, and legends were made.

Welcome to Arcade Legacy Sharonville

Nestled at 2241 Crowne Point Dr, Cincinnati, the venue was a haven for pinball aficionados. And for the uninitiated, here’s a quick glimpse: think of a relaxed lounge, chilled cocktails, and beer from the tap. Throw in a staff radiating warmth and a sprinkle of retro vibe. If the digital domain ever got too consuming, this would be your detox center. And tonight? The tournament was an added cherry on the top.

On The Tournament Trail

Organized by the astute Erik Wurtenberger, the tournament commenced at 7 PM. Players battled through 7 initial rounds, after which the top 8 moved onto the nail-biting Finals. With a game setup spanning classics like Harlem Globetrotters On Tour and Funhouse, to modern legends like Venom (Pro) and The Beatles, the evening promised – and delivered – electrifying showdowns.

That Sixty-Six Minute Saga

In what could be best described as a mini-epic, the semifinals saw a relentless duel on Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Pro). Clocking in at an astounding 66 minutes, the game had spectators at the edge of their seats (or, well, barstools). Jesse Baker triumphed, with Doug Kuykendoll, Trnon Lewis (pronoun: they), and Dalva Ireland trailing.

The Champions Rise

As the flippers stilled and scores settled, here were the evening’s pinball wizards:

  1. Doug Kuykendoll: Surprising all, especially with an IFPA rank of 2401.
  2. Jesse Baker: The semi-final victor who’s no stranger to the game.
  3. Justin Schnetzer: A quiet storm rising through the ranks.
  4. John Holliday: Proving that every day could indeed be a holiday with the right gameplay. … (And the list went on till the commendable 8th place holder, Dalva Ireland.)

Ohio’s Elite Pinball Players

A special shoutout to Ohio’s finest pinball maestros:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Aaron RIch555.03
2Stephen PrusaCleveland443.5
3Gregory KennedyPlain City385.1
4Carlos DelaserdaColumbus385.05
5John DelzoppoCleveland364.06
6Andrew LeeCleveland299.52
7Jesse BakerCincinnati276.29
8Galvin MorganOlmsted Falls272.15
9Cody WebbWesterville253.02
10Rod LawrenceCleveland229.41

As The Night Ends…

While the Thursday Throwdown might have wrapped up, the legacy of that evening will be recounted for weeks to come. If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie, Arcade Legacy Sharonville promises a good time.

So, till the flippers flip again, keep those reflexes sharp and stay tuned for more pinball adventures!