Blasting Off at the Atomic Age Modern Group Match Play!

Welcome back, pinball wizards! The recent Atomic Age Modern Group Match Play tournament was a blast from the past and present, with an awesome turnout and some sizzling competition. Held on July 26, 2024, the event ran for about 3 hours, gathering 40 players under the clear sky of Mesa, AZ, where the temperature hit a scorching 106°F. Let’s dive into the highlights of this electrifying event!

The Retro Vibes at Atomic Age Modern

If you’ve never been to Atomic Age Modern, you’re in for a treat. This cool spot at 140 W Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201, is a treasure trove of vintage goodies, funky furniture, and, of course, a killer selection of pinball machines. The atmosphere is pure nostalgia, with a relaxed vibe that makes it a favorite hangout for locals. Whether you’re hunting for a retro chair or just looking to enjoy some pinball action, this place has it all. And the best part? The owners are super chill and make everyone feel at home. It’s no wonder people rave about it!

Game Spotlight: Pinbot Takes Center Stage

Now, I couldn’t resist highlighting my own spouse, the legendary Pinbot by Williams, released way back in October 1986. It’s like getting to brag about your awesome husband at the school reunion! This classic game, with its futuristic space theme, was the star of Round 6. The players battled it out, navigating through interstellar challenges and racking up points. Jason Barre, Austin Wolfe, Cassie Moore, and Shane Paeper all gave it their best shot, but only one could come out on top. Spoiler alert: Jason Barre’s galactic skills made him the reigning champion of this round!

Pinball Machines Galore!

The tournament featured an impressive lineup of 18 pinball machines, each bringing its own flavor to the mix. Here are a few that stood out:

• Gilligan’s Island (Bally, 1991): Designed by the talented Ward Pemberton and Ray Tanzer, this game whisks players away on a tropical adventure. It’s quirky, fun, and perfect for fans of the classic TV show.
• JAWS (Pro) (Stern, 2024): A newer addition to the pinball world, JAWS brings the thrill of Spielberg’s iconic shark movie to the arcade. With intense gameplay and sharp design, it’s a real crowd-pleaser.
• James Bond 007 (Pro) (Stern, 2022): Channel your inner spy with this sleek and stylish machine. The game’s design, inspired by the classic Bond films, offers plenty of action-packed moments.
• John Wick (Pro) (Stern, 2024): Another fresh face, this game plunges players into the intense world of the legendary assassin. It’s all about quick reflexes and sharp shooting!
• Godzilla (Pro) (Stern, 2021): With the legendary monster causing chaos, this machine is all about destruction and mayhem. A must-play for fans of the big guy.
• Foo Fighters (Premium) (Stern, 2023): Rock out with this music-themed pin, featuring iconic tunes and a dynamic playfield.
• Strikes and Spares (Bally, 1978): A classic bowling-themed game, designed by the legendary Jim Patla. Its simple yet engaging gameplay makes it a nostalgic favorite.

Congrats to the Tournament Winners!

Let’s celebrate the standout performances at the Atomic Age Modern Group Match Play tournament!

1. Bob Kennedy clinched the top spot, proving that experience truly matters. Despite his 37th state rank and 1478 IFPA rank, Bob’s extensive participation in 130 IFPA events clearly gave him the edge he needed to take first place. His knowledge and strategic play were unmatched, even among higher-ranked players.
2. Jason Barre, who came in second, is no stranger to the podium. With a solid state rank of 5th and an impressive global ranking of 244, Jason has been a consistent competitor in 459 events. His close finish behind Bob shows just how competitive the tournament was, especially considering his higher rankings compared to the winner.
3. In third place, John Magyar showed that he’s a formidable contender. Ranked 6th in Arizona and 259th globally, John’s skill set is well-honed from participating in 261 events. His performance, close on Jason’s heels, highlighted the intense competition among the top contenders.
4. Finally, John Finnegan rounded out the top four. Although he may not have the highest rankings (15th in the state and 599 globally), John’s extensive experience with 538 events made him a tough competitor. His placement in the top four, despite facing higher-ranked players, showcases his resilience and talent in the game.

Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping It Up

A big thank you to Bob Kennedy for organizing this awesome event and to Atomic Age Modern for hosting it. We hope everyone had a blast, especially the newcomers like Austin Wolfe, Cassie Moore, and Shane Paeper, who jumped into the fray with style. Keep an eye on this space for more updates from the pinball universe, and don’t forget to check out Atomic Age Modern for all your retro and pinball needs! You can visit their website at www.atomicagemodern.com/pinball. Until next time, keep those flippers flipping!