The Heat is On: Atomic Age Modern Heats Up Main Street

The Atomic Age Modern Group Match Play Tournament kicked off in the sweltering heat of Mesa, Arizona, but the competition inside was just as hot. With 35 players battling through six intense rounds, the energy at Atomic Age Modern was electric as pinball wizards took to the machines for nearly three hours of non-stop flipper action. It wasn’t just about surviving the 106°F outside; inside, it was about dominating the leaderboard.

A Cool Spot to Beat the Heat

Atomic Age Modern, located on 140 W Main St in Mesa, isn’t your average pinball venue. This vintage and retro shop has a fantastic selection of unique finds and a collection of pinball machines that can rival some of the best spots in Arizona. The vibe here? Think mid-century modern meets high-energy pinball haven. The owners are not only passionate but knowledgeable, always ready with a smile and some pinball tips. If you’re ever in the area, it’s worth stopping by—not just for the games but to explore the ever-changing inventory of retro treasures.

Showdown on John Wick: Round 4’s Highlight

Round 4 brought us a battle on Stern’s John Wick (Pro), released just a few months ago in May 2024. As you’d expect from a game based on the legendary hitman, the match was full of suspense. Robert Kennedy, hailing from Mesa and ranked 50th in the state, took the lead early. He deftly worked through the game’s challenging multi-ball modes, keeping the bounty hunters at bay. Mike Fishell held his own, using precise shots to work his way through the mission modes, but Kennedy’s mastery of the game’s brutal fast play secured him the win. Jason Barre’s run was solid, but he just couldn’t land that final shot to break into second. April Wines, while struggling to keep up, still made the game exciting by landing a few solid combos at key moments.

Pinball Machine Lineup: A Mix of Classics and New Favorites

With 18 pins to choose from, players were spoiled for choice, each machine bringing its own flavor to the competition.

John Wick (Pro) – Stern’s latest action-packed game from 2024 was a fan favorite. Designed by Brian Eddy, this machine combines fast-paced multi-ball play with intense mission modes that mirror John Wick’s relentless focus and skill.

Rush (Pro) – Another Stern hit, this one from 2022, it’s a love letter to the legendary rock band Rush. Featuring artwork by Michael Barnard, it’s a musical journey filled with ramps, spinners, and enough multi-ball opportunities to keep even seasoned players on their toes.

Black Knight – An old-school classic from Williams back in 1980. Designed by Steve Ritchie, Black Knight is one of the earliest games to introduce split-level playfields. The nostalgia was strong, and so was the challenge.

Elvira’s House of Horrors (LE) – Spooky fun from Stern in 2019, this game, designed by Dennis Nordman, mixes horror and humor, with plenty of callouts from Elvira herself. The campy vibe combined with clever shots made this machine a tournament favorite.

Tournament Winners: Rising to the Challenge

The competition was tough, but in the end, some familiar names took the top spots. Robert Kennedy, repping his hometown of Mesa, snagged the gold after some clutch performances throughout the night. His state rank of 50th didn’t stop him from outplaying higher-ranked competitors, proving that the only rank that matters is what happens on the night. Matt Dickson from Phoenix gave Kennedy a run for his money, finishing second with some strong play across the board. Rounding out the top three was John Magyar from Arizona, another high-ranking player whose solid performance pushed him to the podium.

1. Robert Kennedy – IFPA rank 1689
2. Matt Dickson – IFPA rank 2836
3. John Magyar – IFPA rank 288
4. Dave Halley – IFPA rank 713

Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Here’s a quick look at the current top 10 pinball players in Arizona. These rankings show the best of the best, and it’s always fun to see how the competition stacks up:

Wrapping Up a Great Night of Pinball

All in all, the Atomic Age Modern Group Match Play was a great success, bringing out some top-tier players from around Arizona to battle it out. A special shout-out to Bob Kennedy for organizing the event and to Atomic Age Modern for hosting in their retro-filled paradise. Huge congratulations to Robert Kennedy for taking home the win! If you’re curious to see what other cool events they have coming up, head over to Atomic Age Modern’s pinball page. Stay tuned for the latest tournament news and more pinball adventures!