Pinball Prowess & Electric Excitement: Inside Atomic Age’s Latest Tournament

In the heart of Mesa, Arizona, when the sun was beginning to set and the temperature was a sweltering 94°F, pinball enthusiasts from all corners converged for the ‘Atomic Age Modern Group Match Play’. On September 28, 2023, at 6:30 PM, Atomic Age Modern, located at 140 W Main St, became the epicenter of pinball excitement.

Setting the Scene at Atomic Age Modern

Atomic Age Modern is not just a venue for pinball. Walking in, one is greeted with an eclectic blend of antiques ranging from furniture to housewares, interspersed with the rhythmic clinking of pinball machines. The ambiance is something of a vintage dream, making it easy to get lost in time. A shopper’s paradise by day, and a gamer’s by night.

The Mighty Rush (Pro) Showdown

If there were a game that had people perched at the edge of their seats, it was in Round 2 on the ‘Rush (Pro)‘. Mark Farina Jr. from Gilbert, Arizona, took the top spot, showcasing some stellar gameplay. Close on his heels was Chris Peseri, followed by Denise Peseri and Brigg Sabol. The game became a fascinating dance of strategy, skill, and just a touch of luck.

Saluting the Champions

Out of the 25 fierce competitors, a few stood tall:

  • Connor Kennedy: A star player holding an IFPA rank of 2030.
  • Stephen Shufran: Representing Chandler, he’s proved his mettle time and again.
  • Mark Farina Jr.: Besides winning the spotlight round, he clinched the third spot.
  • Brandon Passey: His gameplay ensured he secured a position amongst the top four.

Pinball Par Excellence

The tournament showcased a mix of classic and contemporary pinball machines. Highlights include:

  • Godzilla (Pro) by Stern: An electrifying game that came alive in 2021.
  • Rush (Pro) by Stern: Fresh from its 2022 release, it’s already a favorite.
  • Gilligan’s Island by Bally: Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale, a tale dating back to 1991.
  • Night Rider (EM) by Bally: Dating back to 1976, it’s an oldie but goldie.
  • Sorcerer by Williams: Unleashing magic since 1985.

Arizona’s Pinball Elite

The evening also gave us a glimpse of Arizona’s top pinball players:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Roland Nadeau672.27
2Mark PearsonPhoenix589.29
3John ShoppleMesa570.05
4John MagyarGilbert352.79
5Adam HortonPhoenix331.45
6Kevan CarterTempe321.36
7Jason BarreMesa312.26
8Joey RioSurprise309.24
9Paul BlancoChandler306.33
10Walter DonyPhoenix281.38

The tournament, organized meticulously by Bob Kennedy, was not just about the competition. It was about reliving nostalgia, making new memories, and celebrating the enduring charm of pinball. Until the flippers come alive again, here’s signing off from the world of pinball! Stay tuned for more exciting updates.

The High-Stakes Throwdown at Arcade Legacy: A Night to Remember!

In the heart of Cincinnati, on a slightly cool evening with broken clouds, the unmistakable sounds of flippers and bells resonated at the Arcade Legacy Sharonville. The occasion? None other than the eagerly awaited “Thursday Throwdown at Arcade Legacy 9/28/23” pinball tournament, which kicked off at 7:00 PM on September 28, 2023.

An Evening at Arcade Legacy Sharonville

Nestled in the urban expanse of Cincinnati at 2241 Crowne Point Dr, the venue is a haven for arcade lovers. And its website doesn’t do justice to the electrifying atmosphere inside. It’s not just about the games, but the impeccable staff, tantalizing cocktails, and the overall vibe. As one enthusiast put it, “Gonna have to make it a regular stop on my hometimes!” High praise indeed.

The Legendary 69-Minute Game

While each round had its moment, the semi-finals on Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Pro) took the cake. Clocking in at a whopping 69 minutes, it was a test of skill, patience, and endurance. Stuart Nyswonger emerged victorious, with Jesse Baker, Shawn Kenter, and Sam McConnell trailing closely.

Champions Rise

In the world of pinball, every point counts, every flipper move matters, and every strategy can make or break the game. And at the end of a fiercely competitive evening, the champions emerged:

  1. Jesse Baker – A pinball maestro with an IFPA rank of 405.
  2. Roy Richey – Who punched well above his IFPA rank of 2071.
  3. Stuart Nyswonger – Fresh from his semi-final victory, securing third place.
  4. George Cavalaris – A consistent player with an IFPA rank of 2911.
  5. Evan Crouch – Cincinnati’s very own, representing with an IFPA rank of 6536.
  6. John Holliday – With an impressive showing despite his rank of 5461.
  7. Shawn Kenter – Not just a semi-finalist, but seventh place overall.
  8. Sam McConnell – Rounding out the top eight with his skillful gameplay.

Pinball Machines That Stood Out

Several machines were the star attractions of the night:

The Best of Ohio Pinball

The cream of the crop in Ohio’s pinball scene:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Aaron RIch587.63
2Gregory KennedyPlain City515.95
3Stephen PrusaCleveland511.83
4Carlos DelaserdaColumbus424.33
5John DelzoppoCleveland364.06
6Andrew LeeCleveland343.81
7Cody WebbWesterville309.65
8Galvin MorganOlmsted Falls301.32
9Jesse BakerCincinnati277.88
10Jack NebraskaColumbus271.44

Till the flippers flip again, and the silver ball bounces back, stay tuned for more pulse-pounding updates from the world of pinball!