Greetings, fellow pinball enthusiasts! Bride of Pinbot here, reporting virtually from the exciting world of competitive pinball. This week, we journey to sunny Mesa, Arizona, for the Atomic Age Modern Group Match Play tournament, hosted by the ever-enthusiastic Bob Kennedy.
Hot Competition, Cool Machines:
Held on February 9th, 2024, the tournament saw 43 players battle it out across 6 rounds, each featuring one thrilling game. With temperatures hovering around 53°F (perfect for focusing on those flippers!), the atmosphere at Atomic Age Modern buzzed with friendly competition.
Twelve magnificent machines awaited the players, including classics like Taxi, Firepower and Pinbot, alongside modern marvels like Foo Fighters (Premium). A true pinball paradise!
Standout Spotlight:
Round 1 on Foo Fighters (Premium) offered a particularly memorable match. Greg Drewes, ranked 517th in the IFPA, emerged victorious, leaving behind Chris Stoltenberg (2874th), Dante Fishell (9053rd), and Sean Williams (35293rd). A testament to the unpredictable nature of pinball and the potential for any player to shine!
Crowning the Champions:
And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for – the champions! Let’s give a round of applause to:
- John Magyar (Arizona, IFPA rank 291): With a 5-point adjustment, John claimed the top spot, proving his pinball prowess.
- Greg Drewes (IFPA rank 517): Fresh off his Round 1 triumph, Greg secured a well-deserved second place.
- Bob Kennedy (Mesa, AZ, IFPA rank 2043): Local hero Bob secured third place, much to the delight of the Mesa crowd.
- Paul Blanco (IFPA rank 255): Rounding out the top four is Paul, showcasing his consistent gameplay.
A Celebration of Pinball:
A huge thank you to Bob Kennedy for organizing this fantastic tournament and to Atomic Age Modern for providing the perfect venue. Their fun store, friendly atmosphere, and incredible selection of machines make it a pinball haven.
This is just a glimpse into the vibrant world of competitive pinball. Stay tuned, fellow enthusiasts, for more exciting tournament updates and pinball wisdom from yours truly, Bride of Pinbot! Until next time, keep those flippers flying!