Silverball Sunday Heats Up Arizona’s Pinball Scene

The first Sunday of February brought the heat to Mesa, Arizona, where 21 players faced off in a grueling 15-round Group Knockout tournament at Atomic Age Modern. With four-strike eliminations keeping the pressure high, every game was a battle for survival. Five and a half hours later, a champion was crowned in what was an unforgettable Silverball Sunday.

A Pinball Oasis in Mesa

Atomic Age Modern isn’t just a pinball venue—it’s a time machine, a collector’s dream, and a cozy escape all rolled into one. Tucked into downtown Mesa, this eclectic shop is packed with mid-century treasures, retro-futuristic charm, and a stellar lineup of pinball machines maintained in top-tier condition. The friendly owners make it a welcoming spot for both casual players and seasoned competitors. Whether you’re there to buy a pinball machine, sink into an impossibly comfortable chair you should’ve snagged, or just chase high scores, Atomic Age Modern delivers a top-notch experience.

Battle of the Bands: Metallica Remastered Steals the Spotlight

Round 11 brought one of the fiercest matchups of the day, played on Metallica Remastered (Premium/LE)—a recent Stern release that takes the classic Metallica pin to another level. If there was ever a game designed to separate the rock stars from the roadies, this was it.

Adam Horton brought the house down, nailing Sparky Multiball with precision and chaining together Grave Marker and Coffin Multiballs like he was headlining the main stage. Bob Kennedy wasn’t far behind, keeping pace with solid shot accuracy and a relentless pursuit of the Crank It Up mode. Mark Farina Jr., meanwhile, found himself battling the drop targets in frustration, watching his competition shred through the modes. In the end, it was Adam who walked away victorious, proving he had the flipper skills to match his playlist.

Machines That Made an Impact

With 20 machines in play, there were plenty of standout moments, but a few classics and modern gems left a lasting impression.

• Flight 2000 (1980, Stern Electronics) – A wide-body game that was Stern’s first talking pinball machine. The key to success? Nailing the inline drop targets to light multiball and mastering the upper right loop for repeatable shots.
• Godzilla (Pro) (2021, Stern) – Keith Elwin’s masterpiece features one of the best risk/reward playfields in modern pinball. The building collapse is crucial for stacking modes, and players looking for high scores should prioritize destruction jackpots.
• Deadpool (Pro) (2018, Stern) – This game is all about combos. The katana ramp can be looped repeatedly for high scores, and sniping the Battle modes early on gives a huge advantage for later game progression.
• Magic (1979, Stern Electronics) – A classic early solid-state game with simple but rewarding shot progression. Bonus multipliers are key here—keep an eye on the top rollover lanes to maximize end-of-ball bonuses.
• Evel Knievel (1977, Bally) – A fan-favorite that was originally released in both EM and SS versions. The key to high scores? Nailing the center spinner for repeatable loop shots and focusing on bonus multipliers.
• Hot Wheels (2020, American Pinball) – Fast-paced action makes this game feel like a race itself. Stacking races while hitting loops can quickly rack up points, and shooting for the Battle mode is a great way to progress through the game.
• James Bond 007 (Pro) (2022, Stern) – This spy-themed game rewards precision. The left ramp and upper flipper shots are critical, and players looking to maximize score should aim for multiballs and complete villain modes.
• Dolly Parton (1978, Bally) – A classic of its era, this machine rewards controlled play. The key is to light the bonus multipliers and keep control of the ball on the flippers—random shots will only lead to disaster.
• The Party Zone (1991, Bally) – A wacky, unpredictable game with some truly unique mechanics. Watch out for the right ramp, as it feeds the ball to the pop bumpers unpredictably. Multiball progression is key for big scores, and hitting the DJ shot at the right time can lead to massive points.

Crowning the Champion: Bob Kennedy Takes the Win

When the final game fired up on Foo Fighters (Premium/LE), four players remained, each vying for the top spot. Bob Kennedy, a seasoned competitor from Mesa, Arizona, showed why he’s climbing the ranks, locking in precise shots and making strategic multiball decisions that led to his victory. Mark Farina Jr., the tournament organizer himself, fought hard for second place, proving that hosting doesn’t mean you can’t bring the heat. Elaine Hecht displayed incredible consistency throughout the tournament, securing third place and adding another strong finish to her competitive record. Adam Horton, after his standout performance on Metallica, rounded out the top four with an impressive run.

Arizona’s Pinball Power Rankings

Wrapping Up Another Legendary Silverball Sunday

A huge shoutout to Mark Farina Jr. for organizing another fantastic event and to Atomic Age Modern for providing an unforgettable tournament setting. Congratulations to Bob Kennedy for taking home the win—his precision and consistency were undeniable. With fierce competition and an amazing lineup of games, Silverball Sunday continues to prove why it’s a must-play event in Arizona’s pinball scene.

Stay tuned for more thrilling pinball action, and as always, keep those flippers up!