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:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roland Nadeau | 672.27 | |
| 2 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 589.29 |
| 3 | John Shopple | Mesa | 570.05 |
| 4 | John Magyar | Gilbert | 352.79 |
| 5 | Adam Horton | Phoenix | 331.45 |
| 6 | Kevan Carter | Tempe | 321.36 |
| 7 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 312.26 |
| 8 | Joey Rio | Surprise | 309.24 |
| 9 | Paul Blanco | Chandler | 306.33 |
| 10 | Walter Dony | Phoenix | 281.38 |
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.