Connor Kennedy Triumphs at Atomic Age Modern Pinball Tournament

Hey pinball enthusiasts! It’s Bride of Pinbot here, your go-to source for all things pinball. Whether I’m diving into the latest tournaments or obsessing over the coolest machines, I’m here to keep you in the loop on everything happening in the world of competitive pinball. Today, we’re taking a look at the Atomic Age Modern Group Match Play Tournament, which went down on September 20th in Mesa, AZ. With clear skies and temperatures hovering around 89°F, it was a perfect night for some flipper action. Let’s break down the highlights, including the epic battles, standout machines, and of course, the players who made it all happen!

Where Retro Meets Modern in Mesa

Atomic Age Modern is a dream for anyone who loves the retro-futuristic vibe. Nestled in the heart of downtown Mesa, this vintage shop doubles as a prime spot for pinball enthusiasts. Located at 140 W Main St, Atomic Age Modern gives you that blast from the past with its carefully curated vintage items, but the real treasure is their lineup of pinball machines. The owners clearly know their stuff, keeping the machines in top shape for tournaments like this one. Whether you’re a collector looking to buy or just there for the flippers, you’re bound to have a blast at this quirky location. Plus, they host pinball tournaments regularly, so there’s always a reason to drop by. Check them out if you’re ever in the area.

Spotlight Game: Elvira’s House of Horrors (LE)

The sixth and final round had everyone on the edge of their seats, as the players faced off on Elvira’s House of Horrors (LE). This spooky Stern machine, released in 2019, is packed with creepy modes, and the action really heated up when Jim Smith locked in the “Deadhead Family Crypt” mode. If you’re not familiar, this mode unleashes a flurry of shots as Elvira tries to seal away the sinister souls lurking in her haunted mansion. Jim’s sharp flipper control and knack for timing couldn’t have been more perfect here—he skillfully racked up points by hitting the crucial shots to uncover the Deadheads, and each one added more fuel to his lead.

Mike Fishell gave it a solid go, staying hot on Jim’s trail. Ranked 96th in Arizona, Mike managed to unlock “Gargoyles Gone Wild,” which should have been a game-changer, but his rhythm faltered on a critical ramp shot. It was a close call that cost him the opportunity to catch up, and he ultimately settled for second place.

Angel Ramirez, the underdog of the match, held her own in third place. Ranked 189th in the state, she made a good push during the “Make-out Mayhem” mode, where the goal is to hit as many ramp shots as possible while avoiding the ghosts Elvira’s house throws at you. However, a tough outlane drain dashed her hopes for a higher finish.

Robert Kennedy, the tournament’s organizer, started off strong but found himself in trouble when he couldn’t complete the “Wild Women of Wongo” mode. His flipper finesse couldn’t save him from the deadly outlanes, and he rounded out the game in fourth.

Jim’s impressive win on Elvira was a well-earned victory, showcasing his strategic play and ability to master the machine’s more complex modes under pressure.

A Closer Look at the Pins

This tournament was packed with an exciting lineup of pinball machines, each with its own unique flair and challenges. Whether you’re into classic designs or the latest modern releases, Atomic Age Modern had something for everyone. Let’s dive into a few of the standout machines that players had to navigate during the event:

• John Wick (Pro) – Released in May 2024, this high-octane machine from Stern puts players right into the gritty world of Keanu Reeves’ iconic action films. It’s fast, furious, and loaded with modes that reflect Wick’s battles against waves of enemies. The playfield is designed for flow, with combo shots that can rack up points in no time if you can keep the ball moving. Multiball modes like “Continental Showdown” keep the adrenaline pumping as players fight for survival. It’s a must-play for any action fan, and its fast pace kept tournament players on their toes.
• Deadpool (Pro) – This 2018 release from Stern is as wild as its comic book counterpart. Deadpool’s trademark humor and wisecracks are ever-present, but don’t let the laughs fool you—this machine is challenging. Players face off against iconic villains like Sabretooth, Mystique, and Juggernaut, battling through a variety of modes to rack up points. Multiball modes, including “Team-Up” and “Katana-Rama,” are a major focus, and the game’s flow rewards players who can keep combos going. Its quirky design and fast gameplay make it a fan favorite at any event.
• Flight 2000 – Taking us back to January 1980, Flight 2000 is a classic from Stern Electronics that requires precision above all. This machine was one of the first to feature speech, adding to the futuristic space theme. Players have to lock three balls in sequence to achieve multiball, but it’s no easy feat—timing and shot accuracy are everything. The slower, methodical gameplay contrasts with the modern machines, but its difficulty makes it a beloved challenge for seasoned players.
• Cactus Canyon (Remake Special) – This 2021 remake by Chicago Gaming brings back the wild west, and it does so in spectacular fashion. Players take on the role of a sheriff defending a frontier town, facing off against outlaws and bandits in a series of showdowns. The machine’s ramps and orbits are smooth, offering satisfying shots that can lead to high-scoring combos. The interactive shootout mode is a standout feature, where players must “draw” against outlaws, and timing is everything. It’s a perfect mix of humor and high-stakes action, making it a favorite at any tournament.
• Gilligan’s Island – A quirky 1991 Bally release, Gilligan’s Island is a throwback to the classic TV show. Players must help the castaways escape the island by completing various tasks, like building a raft or finding the hidden treasure. The playfield is fun and lighthearted, but don’t be fooled—the gameplay can be tricky, with specific shot sequences required to advance through the modes. It’s a game that rewards patience and careful play, with a theme that adds plenty of charm to the challenge.

These machines represent a blend of old and new, with each offering its own set of challenges. Whether it’s navigating the fast-paced chaos of John Wick or mastering the careful precision of Flight 2000, players had to bring their A-game to this tournament. Every machine tested a different skill set, making for a thrilling and varied competition.

The Winners Battle Through the Field

With 31 skilled players battling through six intense rounds, the competition at the Atomic Age Modern Group Match Play Tournament was fierce. Every round brought new challenges as players faced off against each other and the diverse lineup of machines. In the end, it was Connor Kennedy who emerged victorious, navigating the field with precision and consistency to claim first place.

Connor’s performance was impressive, especially considering his state ranking of 48th. He’s been steadily climbing the ranks, and with 75 IFPA events under his belt, it’s clear that his experience played a major role in securing this win. Hot on his heels was Alex Cardwell, a veteran with 252 events to his name. Ranked 75th in the state, Alex put up a strong fight, showing his endurance and pinball savvy throughout the tournament.

Henry Hanshaw, another seasoned competitor with over 300 events, claimed third place. Ranked 56th in Arizona, Henry’s deep knowledge of the machines and cool under pressure earned him a spot on the podium. Rounding out the top four was Amanda Kennedy. With a state ranking of 147th and 119 events to her credit, Amanda’s steady performance and ability to adapt to the different machines made her a formidable opponent.

Here are your top 4 finishers:

1. Connor Kennedy – State Rank: 48th
2. Alex Cardwell – State Rank: 75th
3. Henry Hanshaw – State Rank: 56th
4. Amanda Kennedy – State Rank: 147th

Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping Up Another Great Night of Pinball

What an incredible evening of pinball at Atomic Age Modern! With 31 players going head-to-head across six competitive rounds, the tournament was filled with nail-biting moments, intense battles on iconic machines, and a few surprising upsets along the way. Big congratulations to Connor Kennedy for his well-deserved win, showcasing the skill and strategy needed to rise above a talented field of competitors.

Stay tuned for more pinball action and updates as we continue to cover the best tournaments around. In the meantime, head over to Atomic Age Modern’s website at atomicagemodern.com for more information about their upcoming events. Until next time, keep flipping, and may your multiball be endless!