Hey, pinball peeps! Let me tell you about the incredible night had at Atomic Age Modern in Mesa, Arizona. The Silverball Sunday 7/7 – Wick Launch Tournament was the place to be. This Group Knockout Tournament brought together 29 players for 8 intense rounds, where they battled to avoid those dreaded 3 strikes. The top 6 players made it to the Finals, which were just as thrilling with 8 rounds of nail-biting action. The whole event kicked off at 6:00 PM on a clear, blazing hot evening, with temperatures hitting a scorching 110°F.
Atomic Age Modern: A Retro Hot Spot
If you haven’t been to Atomic Age Modern at 140 W Main, Mesa, AZ 85201, you’re missing out on a retro paradise. This place is packed with the coolest mid-century modern furniture and nostalgic décor. The owners are a blast to chat with, making every visit a real treat. Want to check it out? Head over to their website.
Game Spotlight: John Wick (Pro)
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the John Wick (Pro) pinball machine. This beauty, designed by the talented Elliot Eismin, is a real game-changer. If you love the John Wick movies, you’re going to flip (pun intended) over this machine. Tim Sexton and Joshua Henderson nailed the coding, bringing non-stop action and exciting missions to every game.
The playfield is a masterpiece with its slick ramps and a unique ball lock that feels just like John Wick’s tactical genius. And the art—oh, the art! Randy Martinez outdid himself, capturing the gritty, neon-lit world of John Wick perfectly. The machine also features an amazing audio package with iconic lines from the movies and a heart-pounding soundtrack that keeps you on edge. Trust me, this pinball machine delivers a cinematic experience like no other.
Standout Machines
The tournament had an awesome lineup of 18 machines. Here are some that really stood out:
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro) by Stern (June 2020): Cowabunga, dudes! Fast-paced action with your favorite heroes in a half-shell.
- Black Knight by Williams (January 1980): A classic with its dual-level playfield and the menacing Black Knight.
- Rush (Pro) by Stern (January 2022): Rock out with the legendary band Rush and their greatest hits.
- Deadpool (Pro) by Stern (August 2018): Hilarious and challenging, just like our favorite anti-hero.
- Foo Fighters (Premium/LE) by Stern (March 2023): Get ready to rock with the Foo Fighters in this immersive pinball adventure.
- Sorcerer by Williams (March 1985): A magical journey with spellbinding art and gameplay.
- Strikes and Spares by Bally (June 1978): A bowling-themed classic that’s always fun to play.
Celebrating the Champions
Let’s give a massive shoutout to the top players who dominated the tournament with their incredible pinball skills:
- John Finnegan from Tucson snagged the top spot. Known as a formidable player with a state rank of 20th and an IFPA rank of 594, John’s extensive experience from 532 events was on full display. His strategic gameplay and sharp reflexes left his competitors in the dust, proving why he’s a force to be reckoned with in the pinball community.
- Conrad Betti from Phoenix grabbed second place with style. Despite his state rank of 94th and an IFPA rank of 477, Conrad showcased the tenacity of an underdog. With 185 events under his belt, he played with the heart of a lion, making his way to the finals with some truly clutch performances.
- Jason Barre from Mesa, AZ, took home third place. Ranked 4th in the state and 241st in the IFPA, Jason is no stranger to the winner’s circle. His 452 events have honed his skills to a razor’s edge, and his local knowledge of the machines gave him an extra edge in this hometown showdown.
- John Magyar from Arizona finished fourth, showing why he’s ranked 9th in the state and 259th in the IFPA. With 255 events of experience, John’s consistency and cool-headed approach kept him in the running throughout the night. His performance was a masterclass in pinball precision.
- Mollie Stoltenberg earned a well-deserved fifth place. Ranked 58th in the state and 1318th in the IFPA, Mollie’s 211 events have steadily built her reputation as a fierce competitor. Her rise through the ranks is a testament to her growing skill and determination.
- Bob Kennedy from Mesa, AZ, rounded out the top six. With a state rank of 38 and an IFPA rank of 1670, Bob’s participation in 123 events shows his deep passion for pinball. His performance at this tournament added another exciting chapter to his pinball journey.
IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 748.1 |
| 2 | Roland Nadeau | 741.26 | |
| 3 | John Shopple | Mesa | 669.28 |
| 4 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 320.68 |
| 5 | Greg Drewes | Mesa | 308.77 |
| 6 | Nate Tornero | 279.03 | |
| 7 | Andrew Roesch | 254.86 | |
| 8 | Cody Winant | Tempe | 253.48 |
| 9 | John Magyar | Gilbert | 252.93 |
| 10 | Ben Clement | Marana | 235.81 |
A Night to Remember
The Silverball Sunday 7/7 – Wick Launch Tournament was an unforgettable evening packed with fierce competition and high-energy gameplay. A huge thank you to Mark Farina Jr. for organizing this fantastic event and to Atomic Age Modern for hosting us in their amazing retro space. The atmosphere was fun, and every player brought their A-game, making it a night to remember. We hope everyone had a blast and enjoyed the new John Wick (Pro) machine as much as we did. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and recaps from the pinball world. Until next time, keep flipping and chasing those high scores!