Gilligan’s Island and Underdog Triumphs: Highlights from Atomic Age Modern

The Atomic Age Modern Group Match Play Tournament lit up the night in Mesa, Arizona, on December 27, 2024. Under clear skies and a crisp 58°F, 37 players gathered for an evening of fierce competition. This wasn’t your average Friday night—six intense rounds of single-game match play determined the top eight players who moved on to the Finals. With a format that tested precision and consistency, the event wrapped up in just under three hours, making every moment count.

Bob Kennedy’s expertly organized event was a showcase of skill, strategy, and some incredible pinball action. Let’s dive into what made this tournament one for the books.

Atomic Age Modern: Retro Vibes and Pinball Glory

Situated at 140 W Main St in Mesa, this retro shop is a treasure trove of mid-century finds and has a reputation for its friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re browsing through vintage treasures or focused on your flipper skills, the charm of this shop keeps players and enthusiasts coming back.

Known for its meticulously maintained machines and community-oriented vibe, Atomic Age Modern is a dream destination for pinball fans. From hosting regular tournaments to offering machines for sale, the passion of the owners shines through in every detail. It’s more than a shop; it’s a hub for Arizona’s pinball scene.

Stranded on Gilligan’s Island: A Semifinal Showdown

The semifinal stage brought us the longest—and arguably most dramatic—game of the night on Bally’s Gilligan’s Island. Released in April 1991, this machine sends players on a quest to escape the infamous deserted island. Between collecting supplies, battling natural disasters, and assembling the elusive raft, the game is an adventure all on its own.

John Magyar emerged victorious in this epic 65-minute showdown, navigating the machine’s tricky shots with precision and composure. Josh Tornow, meanwhile, showed incredible resilience, keeping the score close with sharp shot-making. Bob Kennedy and Keegan Crandall put up a valiant fight, but the island wasn’t so kind to their gameplay. Watching these players battle it out felt like reliving a stranded crew’s desperate attempt to escape—it was tense, thrilling, and utterly captivating.

Machines That Made the Night

The tournament featured an impressive lineup of 20 pinball machines While all the games were crowd-pleasers, a few stood out as highlights of the evening:

• Cactus Canyon (Remake Special) by Chicago Gaming (2021): This modern remake of the classic Cactus Canyon brought a vibrant wild west adventure to the tournament. Players dueled outlaws, defended towns, and competed in thrilling multi-ball shootouts. The updated visuals, buttery-smooth playfield, and enhanced audio design made it a fan favorite. The “Bart’s Bounty” and “Quickdraw” modes kept players on their toes with fast-paced action that rewarded accuracy and quick reflexes.
• Hot Wheels by American Pinball (2020): Racing-themed pinball never felt this fast or fun. Based on the iconic die-cast cars, Hot Wheels featured a dynamic playfield packed with ramps, loops, and a spinning raceway toy. The machine’s “Victory Lap” multi-ball and “Track Builder” mode encouraged players to strategize their shots while basking in its colorful, arcade-like aesthetic. It was a hit with players who wanted a fast and flowy game that kept them engaged from start to finish.
• JAWS (Pro) by Stern (2024): This brand-new machine quickly earned its spot in the tournament. With a theme inspired by the classic Spielberg thriller, JAWS plunged players into shark-infested waters. Highlights included the mechanical shark toy that “bit” the ball, a captivating underwater light show, and adrenaline-pumping modes like “Barrel Chase” and “Rescue the Swimmers.” Players faced nerve-wracking moments as they fought to save Amity Island’s residents while building points for the jackpot.
• Firepower by Williams (1980): A true legend from the golden age of pinball, Firepower was one of the first machines to feature multi-ball, and it still holds up as a competitive favorite. Its straightforward, no-frills design belied the intense challenge of its lightning-fast gameplay. Players who mastered the drop targets and aimed for the all-important “Firepower” multi-ball sequence were rewarded with massive points and cheers from onlookers.
• Metallica Remastered (Premium) by Stern: Loud, fast, and unapologetically metal, Metallica turned the intensity up to 11 with its remastered version. With features like the “Coffin Multi-Ball” and “Electric Chair” modes, this machine provided a high-energy experience. The updated code made scoring more dynamic, and the combination of iconic Metallica tracks with its chaotic gameplay kept players fully immersed.
• Rush (Pro) by Stern (2022): Canadian prog-rock legends Rush powered this music-themed machine with a killer soundtrack and deep rule set. Players rocked out to classics like “Tom Sawyer” while battling through intricate modes like “Working Man Multi-Ball” and “2112 Finale.” Its unique drumsticks ramp and time machine loop added a layer of creativity to the gameplay, making it a hit for fans of both pinball and classic rock.
• Strikes and Spares by Bally (1978): This retro bowling-themed machine brought a wave of nostalgia to the tournament. While its design was more straightforward compared to modern machines, the game demanded precision to hit the right shots for spares, strikes, and bonus multipliers. Its old-school charm and simple yet satisfying gameplay made it a nice change of pace from the more complex machines.
• The Party Zone by Bally (1991): True to its name, this machine was a party in pinball form. Packed with humor, wacky artwork, and creative features, The Party Zone had players navigating quirky modes like “Big Bang” and “Teleportation.” The spinning disc at the center of the playfield added unpredictability, making it as much fun to watch as it was to play.
• Gilligan’s Island by Bally (1991): As seen in the semifinals showdown, this tropical adventure put players in the shoes of the castaways trying to escape the island. Players worked to build the raft, collect coconuts, and avoid the pitfalls of the jungle. Its playful theme and relatively simple rule set made it approachable, while its tough ramp shots tested even the best players’ accuracy under pressure.

Battling Through the Field: Tournament Winners

Out of 37 competitors, the top eight rose to the challenge, proving their mettle in a field packed with talent. Each player’s performance highlighted their unique journey in competitive pinball:

1. Josh Tornow – Coming in with an IFPA rank of 2361, Josh may have been an underdog on paper, but their skill and focus turned heads. With only 53 events in their career, Josh’s first-place finish was a testament to their growth as a competitor and ability to shine when it mattered most.
2. Michael B Cameron – A seasoned veteran from Phoenix, ranked 540, Michael brought his experience from 173 tournaments into the Finals. His second-place finish shows why he’s a force in Arizona’s pinball scene.
3. John Magyar – Ranked 359, John’s consistency across his impressive 307-event career paid off. He fought through a grueling semifinal game to land a well-earned spot in the top three.
4. Chris Stoltenberg – With an IFPA rank of 3094, Chris might not have been a favorite coming into the tournament, but his determination and clever gameplay earned him a strong fourth-place finish.
5. Kyle Dimes – In just his eighth event, Kyle made a splash by cracking the top five. His rank of 7712 shows how new he is to competitive pinball, but his performance suggests he’s someone to watch.
6. Keegan Crandall – Ranked 624, Keegan is no stranger to competition. He added another solid result to his record of 60 events, showing he’s a consistent player in high-pressure situations.
7. Bob Kennedy – As the tournament organizer, Bob didn’t just oversee the event—he proved he could compete with the best. With 160 events under his belt and a rank of 705, Bob’s seventh-place finish was a strong showing on his home turf.
8. Pamela Campbell – Making her competitive debut, Pamela brought fresh energy to the Finals. While unranked for now, her first event marks an exciting start to what could be a promising pinball career.

Wrapping Up the Night

Congratulations to Josh Tornow on their stellar victory! Watching them rise to the occasion and claim first place was a highlight of the night.

Atomic Age Modern continues to set the bar for pinball events with its friendly atmosphere and stellar machine lineup. Whether you’re a competitor looking to test your skills or a casual player seeking a retro escape, this spot is a must-visit in the Arizona pinball scene.

Stay tuned for more updates on tournaments, game spotlights, and everything happening in the world of competitive pinball. The next big event might just be around the corner, so keep flipping!