What a night it was! The Silverball Sunday pinball tournament on September 1st had 25 players gathered at the Atomic Age Modern in Mesa, AZ, ready for some serious flipper action. With a 5-round, one-game-per-round format, the competition was fierce, but the mood stayed light as players showcased their skills on a diverse lineup of 19 machines. Kicking off at 5:30 PM, the tournament wrapped up (give or take a few minutes) just before 8:30 PM.
The clear skies and 92°F heat didn’t stop anyone from showing up with their A-game, and tournament organizer Mark Farina Jr. kept things moving smoothly. Whether you were a seasoned pro or a first-timer, there was something for everyone.
The Cool Retro Vibes at Atomic Age Modern
Stepping into Atomic Age Modern feels like stepping into a time capsule, but with a twist—it’s also home to a stellar collection of pinball machines. Located at 140 W Main in Mesa, this shop is a hotspot for vintage enthusiasts and pinball lovers alike. The owners know their stuff, and it shows in the immaculate condition of the pinball machines. Whether you’re there for the games or just to browse their cool selection of vintage goods, there’s always something exciting to find.
Tournaments here are a staple, especially on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Players love the friendly vibe, and with a convenient change machine on site, you can keep the quarters rolling all night long. If you’re lucky, you might even spot one of the rare machines they have for sale.
Showdown on James Bond 007
Round 3’s big moment came when four players faced off on James Bond 007 (Pro)—one of Stern’s sleekest machines. With its fast-paced action and the challenging Q Branch multiball, this game’s not for the faint of heart. Ryan Slanicka, ranked 490th in the state, took first place, showing the cool demeanor you’d expect from a secret agent. Hot on his heels was Greg Mohs, who’s no stranger to high-level competition at 27th in the state. Mollie Stoltenberg had a strong showing in third, using her 58th state ranking to her advantage. Derek D’Avignon, ranked 148th, rounded out the group, but they still put up a solid fight against some tough competition. A few well-placed shots on the villain modes can really turn things around in this game, and Ryan’s ability to manage the multiball paid off big time.
Pinball Machines in the Mix
It wasn’t just James Bond 007 making waves during the tournament. The lineup included some iconic machines like The Party Zone, a Bally creation from 1991 that keeps players on their toes with its bizarre mix of characters and spacey vibe. Flight 2000, Stern’s 1980 masterpiece, took players back in time with its intricate playfield design and unique three-ball multiball.
Other notable machines included Godzilla (Pro), a crowd favorite with its destructive city-crushing theme, and Deadpool (Pro), which brought some humor and chaos to the competition. Meanwhile, Sorcerer from 1985 cast its spell on those who dared to challenge it, and Foo Fighters (Premium/LE), one of the newer releases, rocked the tournament with its fast, smooth gameplay.
Congrats to the Tournament Winners
Let’s hear it for the champions! Bob Kennedy took the top spot, showing why he’s ranked 25th in the state with an impressive performance on several machines. Robert Kennedy snagged third place, proving that the pinball talent runs deep in the family. They’re both from Mesa, so it’s no surprise they know how to dominate their local tournaments. Peter Schatzer from Tacoma, WA, claimed second, bringing his wealth of experience from 488 total IFPA events to the table. Rounding out the top four was Mark Farina Jr., our dedicated organizer who didn’t let his responsibilities stop him from putting up a great fight.
Here’s a full look at the Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 standings:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roland Nadeau | 833.84 | |
| 2 | John Shopple | Mesa | 788.36 |
| 3 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 783.05 |
| 4 | Greg Drewes | Mesa | 395.81 |
| 5 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 335.04 |
| 6 | Jard Cassell | Scottsdale | 309 |
| 7 | John Magyar | Gilbert | 308.5 |
| 8 | Andrew Roesch | 307.81 | |
| 9 | Nicholas Zachry | Gilbert | 299.67 |
| 10 | Ben Clement | Marana | 299.43 |
What a group! These top players are the ones to watch at future events.
Wrapping Up the Fun
With the tournament now in the books, it’s safe to say everyone had a blast. Special shoutout to the new unranked players who threw their hats in the ring—hopefully, we’ll see them climbing the ranks soon! Huge thanks to Mark Farina Jr. for organizing another fantastic Silverball Sunday, and of course, to Atomic Age Modern for hosting at their awesome location. If you haven’t been yet, make sure to check them out at atomicagemodern.com.
Keep following for more updates from the pinball world, and if you want to get in on the action, head over to Silverball Sunday’s website to learn about upcoming events. Who knows? You might just be the next pinball wizard to take the cup!