The air was charged with excitement and a hint of eerie anticipation on Friday the 13th, October 2023. Pinball enthusiasts from near and far gathered at Atomic Age Modern on Main Street, Mesa, Arizona, for the highly anticipated IFPA pinball tournament. Bob Kennedy, the mastermind behind the event, transformed the venue into a pinball paradise, complete with the latest and greatest machines that had players buzzing with excitement.
As the sun set, casting eerie shadows over the venue, the stage was set for an unforgettable night of flipper-fueled fun. With clear skies and a temperature of 82°F (feeling like 80°F), it was the perfect backdrop for an evening of pinball mastery.
Game Spotlight: Cactus Canyon Strikes Fear
One of the standout moments of the tournament came in Round 4 when players gathered around the mesmerizing Cactus Canyon (Remake Special) by Chicago Gaming. The game unfolded with nail-biting intensity, and when the dust settled, the results were spine-tingling:
1st Place: Jason Barre, hailing from Mesa, AZ, with an IFPA rank of 258. 2nd Place: Miguel Martinez, a local player with an IFPA rank of 4282. 3rd Place: Connor Kennedy, ranked 1877 in IFPA. 4th Place: Everett Day, a rising star with an IFPA rank of 0.
Jason Barre’s eerie precision on Cactus Canyon was a sight to behold, earning them the top spot and sending shivers down the spines of their competitors.
Champion of the Night: John Shopple’s Haunting Victory
When the final ball rolled to a stop, it was John Shopple who emerged as the champion of the night. With an IFPA rank of 104 and a whopping 360 IFPA events under his belt, Shopple’s victory was a testament to his unwavering dedication to the game.
Mark Farina Jr., another local player from Gilbert, Arizona, took the second spot with an IFPA rank of 1865 and 89 IFPA events. Nate Tornero, with a 10-point adjustment, secured third place, while Jason Barre, who left a mark with their Cactus Canyon victory, finished fourth.
The Spooky Lineup of Pinball Machines
The tournament featured a spine-chilling lineup of 12 pinball machines, each with its own unique charm and terror. Among them were classics like The Party Zone, Taxi, Gilligan’s Island, Night Rider, Pinbot, The Getaway: High Speed II, Flight 2000, and the recently released Godzilla and Rush by Stern. These machines added an extra layer of thrill and excitement to the tournament.
Venue and Atmosphere: A Pinball Haven
The Atomic Age Modern venue was nothing short of a pinball haven, boasting a super cool Mid-Century Modern cedar chest with reversible panels, creating an atmosphere that was both retro and mysterious. The venue’s unique ambiance added to the allure of the tournament, making it a night to remember for all attendees.
IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10 Standings:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roland Nadeau | 671.64 | |
| 2 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 607.86 |
| 3 | John Shopple | Mesa | 591.98 |
| 4 | Adam Horton | Phoenix | 378.21 |
| 5 | John Magyar | Gilbert | 351.77 |
| 6 | Paul Blanco | Chandler | 341.8 |
| 7 | Kevan Carter | Tempe | 320.85 |
| 8 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 313.18 |
| 9 | Joey Rio | Surprise | 309.15 |
| 10 | Walter Dony | Phoenix | 280.56 |
The top 10 rankings in Arizona’s pinball scene showcase the fierce competition and talent that was on display at the tournament.
In the realm of pinball, Friday the 13th proved to be more thrilling than spooky, leaving everyone with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the art of the silver ball. Stay tuned for more updates as the world of pinball continues to captivate players and fans alike.