Welcome to another exciting recap of the latest pinball tournament action! I’m Bride of Pinbot, your friendly neighborhood pinball blogger. Here at the blog, I keep you up-to-date on all things pinball—tournaments, machines, and some hints when I can figure them out. Today, we’re diving into the Silverball Sunday event that went down on July 21st at Atomic Age Modern in Mesa, AZ. It was a fantastic evening of flippers, bumpers, and high scores, so let’s get into it!
Silverball Sunday Tournament Recap
The Silverball Sunday 7/21 tournament was a blast, featuring 15 skilled players duking it out over five intense rounds. The event kicked off at 6:30 PM and wrapped up around 8:30 PM, keeping the excitement rolling for a good two hours. Despite the light rain and a toasty 89°F, the competition was heated!
A Cool Venue: Atomic Age Modern
Atomic Age Modern, located at 140 W Main, Mesa, AZ, is a gem of a location. This place is not just a pinball haven; it’s a nostalgic wonderland filled with vintage treasures and a vibe that’s both cool and inviting. The reviews rave about its super comfy chairs, a wide selection of pinball machines, and the friendly owners who make every visit a treat. Whether you’re a pinball wizard or just looking for a fun night out, Atomic Age Modern has got you covered.
Game Spotlight: JAWS (Pro) Showdown
One of the standout moments of the night came in Round 3, where players faced off on the JAWS (Pro) machine. Released by Stern in January 2024, this game is a shark-sized adventure filled with intense modes and thrilling features. The standout match saw Henry Hanshaw clinch first place, showcasing his mastery of the game. Jason Hecht followed in second, with Elaine Hecht and Geoffrey Dorsey taking third and fourth, respectively. It was a close call, but Henry’s skills and calm under pressure earned him the top spot.
Machines That Made the Night
The tournament featured a selection of 17 awesome pinball machines. Here’s a taste of what players enjoyed:
- Strikes and Spares (Bally, 1978): This classic bowling-themed machine has a simple yet addictive layout. Its open playfield and vibrant artwork make it a fan favorite.
- Flight 2000 (Stern Electronics, 1980): A space-themed pinball with three-ball multiball action and fantastic sound effects, perfect for players who love a bit of retro flair.
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro) (Stern, 2020): This machine brings the heroes in a half shell to life with fast gameplay and a ton of modes, including battles against iconic villains like Shredder and Krang.
- John Wick (Pro) (Stern, 2024): An action-packed machine that captures the essence of the John Wick movies, complete with intense combat modes and slick artwork.
- The Party Zone (Bally, 1991): A zany game full of fun and wacky characters, offering a mix of humor and challenge that keeps players coming back.
And the Winners Are…
The competition was fierce, but in the end, it was Henry Hanshaw who emerged victorious. With an impressive IFPA rank of 962 and a whopping 298 total events under his belt, Henry’s experience shone through as he navigated the challenging games with ease. His consistent play and strategic maneuvers were key to clinching the top spot.
Coming in second was Conrad Betti, a well-known player from Phoenix. Ranked 69th in the state and 477th overall, Conrad’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. His experience in 188 total IFPA events showed, as he fought hard to secure his place on the podium. Conrad’s cool demeanor and sharp skills made him a formidable opponent throughout the tournament.
In third place, we had Daniel Albeyta, a relative newcomer to the scene with a state rank of 385th and an overall rank of 4710. With only 16 total events, Daniel’s impressive finish is a testament to his rapidly developing skills. He’s certainly a player to watch as he continues to climb the ranks and make a name for himself in the pinball community.
Rounding out the top four was Walter Dony, another Phoenix native with a state rank of 14th and an IFPA rank of 279. Walter’s 152 events of experience were evident in his solid gameplay, securing his spot among the top finishers. His strong showing in the tournament highlighted his consistent ability to perform under pressure.
Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roland Nadeau | 793.93 | |
| 2 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 748.16 |
| 3 | John Shopple | Mesa | 685.79 |
| 4 | Greg Drewes | Mesa | 348.78 |
| 5 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 321.47 |
| 6 | Nate Tornero | 280.16 | |
| 7 | John Magyar | Gilbert | 275.41 |
| 8 | Andrew Roesch | 258.27 | |
| 9 | Ben Clement | Marana | 257.19 |
| 10 | Cody Winant | Tempe | 253.47 |
Wrapping It Up
The Silverball Sunday event was a thrilling ride from start to finish. A huge shoutout to Mark Farina Jr for organizing another fantastic tournament. And if you missed out, be sure to check out Atomic Age Modern’s website for upcoming events and more pinball goodness at atomicagemodern.com. Congrats again to Henry Hanshaw for his stellar performance!
Stay tuned for more pinball news, reviews, and tournament coverage. Until next time, keep those flippers ready and your skills sharp! For more details and event follow-ups, head over to Silverball Sunday.