August in Mesa is no joke, with temperatures soaring to a sweltering 113°F, but that didn’t stop 16 determined players from gathering at Atomic Age Modern for the latest installment of Silverball Sunday. This wasn’t just any Sunday, though—it was a day filled with pinball action that had everyone on the edge of their seats.
Stepping Back in Time at Atomic Age Modern
If you haven’t been to Atomic Age Modern yet, you’re in for a treat. Tucked away on W Main Street, this gem of a location is a retro lover’s paradise. The moment you step through the doors, you’re transported to a different era—one filled with vintage furniture, nostalgic memorabilia, and, most importantly, an impressive collection of pinball machines. Whether you’re hunting for that perfect piece to complete your mid-century modern living room or just here for the pinball, Atomic Age Modern delivers in style. The vibe is undeniably cool, with friendly owners who make every visit memorable. It’s the kind of place that makes you wish you could stay just a little longer, maybe even pick up a comfy chair along the way.
Showdown at High Noon: Cactus Canyon’s Wild West Duel
In Round 3, the tournament took a thrilling turn as players faced off on the Cactus Canyon (Remake Special/LE) by Chicago Gaming. Imagine stepping into a dusty frontier town where lawlessness reigns and only the sharpest shooters survive. That’s exactly what it felt like during this intense match.
Mark Farina Jr., with the precision of a seasoned gunslinger, faced down his rivals with nerves of steel. Each flip of the flipper was like a draw from the hip, aiming to rack up points while avoiding the outlaws that seemed to pop up with every shot. The competition was fierce, but Mark’s experience and steady hand led him to victory, outscoring his opponents in a duel that had everyone on edge. It was a perfect blend of skill, strategy, and a bit of that Wild West luck that brought Mark out on top in this high-stakes round.
Machines That Stole the Show
While every machine at Atomic Age Modern has its charm, a few stood out in Sunday’s tournament:
- Flight 2000 by Stern Electronics (1980): A classic with a space-age theme, this machine is a masterclass in early 80s design. With its captivating backglass and fast-paced gameplay, Flight 2000 challenges players to complete a series of multi-ball missions that are as thrilling as they are rewarding.
- Strikes and Spares by Bally (1978): Strikes and Spares is a delightful throwback to the golden age of pinball, offering a bowling-themed experience that’s as quirky as it is fun. The game’s artwork and sound effects transport you straight to a retro bowling alley, making every flip feel like a perfect strike.
- Deadpool (Pro) by Stern (2018): For a more modern twist, Deadpool brings the wisecracking Marvel anti-hero to life with vibrant visuals and dynamic gameplay. The game’s unique battle modes and witty voiceovers make it a fan favorite, ensuring plenty of laughs (and intense competition) along the way.
- JAWS (Pro) by Stern (2024): A newer addition to the pinball scene, JAWS captures the suspense of the iconic film. Players must navigate the waters, dodging the infamous shark while completing various objectives that keep the adrenaline pumping.
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro) by Stern (2020): Turtle Power! This machine is a nostalgic trip back to the 90s, featuring all your favorite characters and plenty of action-packed gameplay. Whether you’re battling the Foot Clan or taking on Shredder, TMNT delivers nonstop excitement with every flip.
Rising to the Top: Celebrating the Champions
After a fierce competition, the Silverball Sunday champions emerged. Robert Kennedy, hailing from Mesa, AZ, claimed the top spot, showcasing why he’s ranked 53rd in the state and 1695th in the world. Robert’s win was no surprise, given his impressive track record of 98 IFPA events under his belt.
In second place was Jason Barre, a regular on the Arizona pinball circuit and currently ranked 5th in the state. Jason’s experience in 465 IFPA events clearly paid off, as he fought valiantly to secure his spot on the podium.
Rounding out the top three was Thomas Matthews, an unranked but talented player who made a name for himself at this tournament. His performance was a testament to the fact that rankings don’t always tell the full story—sometimes, it’s all about heart.
And let’s not forget Henry Hanshaw, who took fourth place. Ranked 59th in the state and 973rd worldwide, Henry’s consistent performance across 301 IFPA events continues to impress.
Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roland Nadeau | 814.1 | |
| 2 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 755.07 |
| 3 | John Shopple | Mesa | 717.14 |
| 4 | Greg Drewes | Mesa | 359.5 |
| 5 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 323.95 |
| 6 | John Magyar | Gilbert | 302.33 |
| 7 | Ben Clement | Marana | 297.95 |
| 8 | Jard Cassell | Scottsdale | 291.5 |
| 9 | Nate Tornero | 280.28 | |
| 10 | Nicholas Zachry | Gilbert | 270.85 |
Wrapping It Up: A Day Well Spent
A huge shout-out to Mark Farina Jr, the organizer of Silverball Sunday, and to Atomic Age Modern for hosting yet another fantastic event. Congratulations again to Robert Kennedy for his stellar performance! For more information about upcoming tournaments, be sure to check out the Silverball Sunday website at silverballsunday.com.
Until next time, keep those flippers flipping and stay tuned for all the latest pinball news and updates!