Pinball Perfection at Atomic Age Modern

On January 10, 2025, the Atomic Age Modern Group Match Play tournament was held at the quirky and nostalgic Atomic Age Modern location in Mesa, AZ. With 38 players, the event kicked off at 6:30 PM and lasted for nearly 3 hours, a perfect mix of fast-paced action and intense competition. The evening’s cool 56°F temperature and clear skies set the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night of flippers and flicks.

Pinball Paradise in Mesa, AZ

Atomic Age Modern, located at 140 W Main St in Mesa, AZ, offers a unique and welcoming atmosphere that sets it apart from your typical pinball spot. Players rave about the mix of awesome pinball machines and a chill vibe that makes it the perfect place to hang out. The owners are known for being super cool, adding to the overall laid-back feel. Plus, if you’re getting hungry after a few rounds, there’s an excellent Venezuelan restaurant right next door, making it easy to refuel and keep the fun going. Whether you’re there for a tournament or just to play a few games, Atomic Age Modern is definitely a place worth checking out.

Metallica Remastered – Thunderous Round 3 Showdown

Round 3 of the Atomic Age Modern Group Match Play tournament featured an intense match on the Metallica Remastered (Premium), released in September 2024 by Stern. This latest version of the popular Metallica pin brings some exciting updates, including enhanced graphics and deeper modes, making it a perfect choice for tournament play.

One of the standout features in this game is the Creeping Death multiball mode, which was on full display during the round. Players must hit specific shots to summon the multiball, creating a chaotic yet thrilling experience as the ball count multiplies. The Creeping Death mode also intensifies the challenge by activating additional modes like Ride the Lightning, which gives players the chance to stack even more points.

Bradley Yost, who secured 1st place in this round, was able to maximize these modes, using his knowledge of the machine to take full advantage of the multiball opportunities. Despite a solid challenge from JJ Horner, who came in 2nd, Yost’s pinpoint shots and quick reactions to the flashing Creeping Death jackpot delivered the crucial points needed for the win. It’s clear that Yost’s strategy on Metallica was all about controlling the chaos, making the most of the game’s intense multiball and scoring features.

A Closer Look at the Tournament’s Lineup

With 21 pinball machines in the tournament lineup, there was no shortage of games to keep players entertained. Here’s a deeper dive into some of the standout machines from the event:

• Deadpool (Pro) by Stern (2018): Deadpool offers a mix of humor and chaos, and it never gets old. One of its key features is the Deadpool vs. Juggernaut battle mode, where players aim to defeat the Juggernaut by completing specific shots while dealing with unpredictable flipper action. The game’s design includes a mini playfield and multiple ramps, creating opportunities for rapid shot combos that reward precise timing. Whether you’re using the X-Men villains to rack up points or triggering multiball for massive jackpots, Deadpool keeps players on edge from start to finish.
• The Uncanny X-Men (Pro) by Stern (2024): Released just a few months ago, The Uncanny X-Men pin is a must-play for fans of the Marvel universe. The game features unique modes based on the popular X-Men storylines, including the X-Gene mode, where players unlock special features by completing specific shots related to the X-Men’s powers. The playfield features intricate ramps and targets, including one that lights up a series of targets for higher-scoring opportunities. The integration of the X-Men characters brings a fun and familiar element, and the game’s comic-style artwork adds to the immersive experience.
• Evel Knievel by Bally (1977): This classic pinball machine brings back the thrill of Evel Knievel’s daring stunts. It features a jump ramp that adds excitement, where players aim to launch their ball over the ramp for points. The game also includes the Evel Knievel’s Stunt Show feature, where players must hit specific targets to build up points before completing the big stunt jump. The design offers a mix of straightforward action with the added challenge of hitting ramps for extra points, making it a great choice for both new and experienced players.
• John Wick (Pro) by Stern (2024): John Wick is a fast-paced game that immerses players into the world of assassins and revenge. One of its standout features is the Baba Yaga mode, where players must complete sequences of shots to build up revenge points before taking on the game’s villains. The ramps and orbits are smooth and fast, and the game’s multiball feature provides explosive action. A standout feature of the design is the mini-playfield, which adds a dynamic layer to the gameplay. The use of movie soundtracks and callouts adds to the intensity, keeping players locked into the game.
• Godzilla (Pro) by Stern (2021): As one of the most popular modern machines, Godzilla offers players a truly epic experience. One of its signature modes is City Rampage, where players take on Godzilla and other monsters while destroying cities for big points. The game features an interactive building that players can “destroy” for extra points, with a solid balance of skill and randomness. The Godzilla multiball mode ramps up the action, giving players the chance to rack up huge points while battling the King of Monsters. With its sleek modern design and multiple opportunities for jackpots, Godzilla is a pinball experience that delivers.
• Elvira’s House of Horrors (LE) by Stern (2019): This limited edition pin is packed with humor, spookiness, and excellent gameplay. Elvira’s House of Horrors stands out with its spooky mansion theme and wacky humor. The game includes a unique Spook-O-Meter that players can charge up by hitting specific shots, ultimately triggering the Horrors of the House mode. The ramps and loops are designed for fast play, and the overall design incorporates fun elements like talking tombstones and creepy sound effects. With an eerie atmosphere and a variety of modes to keep players entertained, this game combines fun and fright in all the right ways.

Congratulations to the Tournament Champions

The Atomic Age Modern Group Match Play tournament wrapped up with a thrilling finish, and it was clear that the competition was as fierce as it was fun. Let’s take a closer look at the champions:

1. Chris Stoltenberg claimed the top spot in this tournament, and his victory was no surprise given his impressive record. Ranked 23rd in the state and 2994th in the IFPA standings, Stoltenberg’s experience in the pinball world shines through in his steady and calculated gameplay. With 229 events under his belt, he was clearly comfortable navigating the various machines in the tournament lineup. Stoltenberg’s ability to remain focused and strategic under pressure was evident, especially during the high-stakes rounds where precision and timing were crucial. He’s a seasoned competitor, and his win solidified his place as a true force in Arizona’s pinball scene.
2. Bob Kennedy, the event organizer and 2nd place finisher, put up an incredible performance throughout the night. Ranked 18th in the state and 705th in the IFPA standings, Kennedy is no stranger to tournament play. His 162 events played demonstrate his dedication to the game, and it’s no surprise that he was right in the mix for the top spot. As the host of the tournament, Kennedy also knew the machines inside and out, using his deep knowledge of the playfields to maintain an edge. His strong finish in 2nd place is a testament to his skills and his ability to stay competitive, even while juggling the responsibilities of running the event.
3. Dave Halley rounded out the top 3, securing a solid 3rd place finish. Ranked 28th in the state and 724th in the IFPA standings, Halley is a well-known name in Arizona’s pinball community. With 508 events under his belt, Halley has a wealth of experience to draw from, and it showed in his gameplay. His consistency and ability to make clutch shots when it mattered were key to his strong performance. Halley’s resilience throughout the tournament proved he’s a force to be reckoned with, even when the pressure was on. His top 3 finish is a well-earned reflection of his skills and experience.
4. Jim Smith AZ, ranked 4th in the state and 556th in the IFPA standings, brought his A-game and finished in 4th place. With 597 events played, Smith has an impressive track record and a deep understanding of competitive pinball. As a top-ranked player in Arizona, Smith’s precision and calculated strategy were key to his strong performance. Though he just missed out on the top 3, Smith’s gameplay demonstrated why he’s one of the top contenders in the state, and his experience made him a formidable opponent throughout the tournament.

All four of these champions showed incredible skill and determination, making the Atomic Age Modern Group Match Play tournament an unforgettable night of pinball action!

Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Here’s a look at the current top 10 in Arizona’s IFPA rankings:

What a Night of Pinball Magic!

What a fantastic night of pinball at the Atomic Age Modern Group Match Play tournament! A huge thank you to Bob Kennedy for not only organizing this amazing event but also for creating an environment where pinball players could come together and compete in style. Atomic Age Modern, with its welcoming vibe and top-notch machines, proved once again to be the perfect place for pinball enthusiasts to enjoy some friendly (and not-so-friendly) competition.

Congratulations once again to our champions—Chris Stoltenberg, Bob Kennedy, Dave Halley, and Jim Smith AZ—for their impressive performances. Their skill and focus were on full display throughout the tournament, and they truly earned their spots.

Looking ahead, we can’t wait to see more tournaments like this, filled with exciting gameplay and nail-biting moments. Be sure to check out Atomic Age Modern for more pinball fun, and stay tuned for more tournament updates and stories. Until next time, keep flipping and flipping high!