Spotted: The crème de la crème of the pinball world gathering at Brews Burger Joint for Silverball Sunday on June 2, 2024. With clear skies and a sizzling 99°F outside, 24 players battled it out in this epic showdown. The air conditioning inside? Blissfully cool. The tension? Hotter than a summer fling.
Shark Bait: Round 1 Drama on JAWS
Round 1 had everyone talking. Stern’s JAWS (Pro) from January 2024 was the scene of some serious drama. Mark Farina Jr., our local pinball heartthrob from Gilbert, Arizona, tamed the beast and walked away victorious. Was it his skill or just pure luck? Who cares, it was entertaining as hell. Like watching a shark movie with an extra-large popcorn.
And the Crown Goes To…
The winners of Silverball Sunday? Let’s just say they didn’t disappoint:
- Mark Farina Jr. – This Gilbert guy, ranked 2459 in IFPA, has 106 events under his belt. He played it cool and collected, and walked away with the crown. King of pinball? For now, darling.
- John Finnegan – From Tucson, with an IFPA rank of 595 and a staggering 521 events. John showed us he’s not just about quantity but quality too, snagging second place.
- Mollie Stoltenberg – Mollie’s ranked 1290 and has rocked 204 events. She proved that she’s not to be underestimated, taking a well-deserved third place.
- Conrad Betti – Phoenix’s own, ranked 426 with 182 events. He may have landed in fourth, but Conrad’s making waves in the pinball scene.
Pinball Machines: Stars of the Show
Here’s the inside scoop on the pinball machines that had everyone buzzing:
- Deadpool (Pro) by Stern (August 2018) – Deadpool’s antics kept everyone laughing and playing. With katanas and chimichanga trucks, what’s not to love?
- Foo Fighters (Premium/LE) by Stern (March 2023) – Rock and roll, baby. This machine syncs with the band’s greatest hits, making every game a rock concert.
- Venom (Pro) by Stern (July 2023) – Dark, twisted, and oh-so-thrilling. Players faced off against Venom in this gripping machine that’s as addictive as it is challenging.
- Godzilla (Pro) by Stern (September 2021) – Epic battles and city-saving drama. Godzilla never disappoints, and neither did the players who took it on.
- John Wick (Pro) by Stern (May 2024) – Slick and deadly, just like the man himself. This machine had everyone channeling their inner assassin.
Brews Burger Joint: The Social Hub
Brews Burger Joint, 5055 W Ray Rd #2, Chandler, AZ 85226, was the perfect backdrop for this pinball extravaganza. New owners, a killer selection of over 30 craft beers, and a menu that’s to die for. Cassandra, our delightful server, made sure everyone was well-fed and hydrated. And with pinball tournaments every other Sunday, it’s the new hot spot in town.
IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 703.09 |
| 2 | Roland Nadeau | 635.54 | |
| 3 | John Shopple | Mesa | 601.16 |
| 4 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 314.29 |
| 5 | Greg Drewes | Mesa | 249.69 |
| 6 | John Magyar | Gilbert | 242.32 |
| 7 | Ben Clement | Marana | 235.81 |
| 8 | Andrew Roesch | 232.84 | |
| 9 | Cody Winant | Tempe | 226.54 |
| 10 | Walt Wood | Englewood | 222.36 |
Wrap It Up
Mark Farina Jr., you orchestrated a fabulous event, and Brews Burger Joint, you were the perfect host. The JAWS (Pro) match? Simply legendary. Thanks to everyone who came out to play and spectate. Your energy and enthusiasm made the night unforgettable. Stay tuned for more pinball drama, intrigue, and excitement in our next recap. Until then, keep those flippers ready and your secrets close.