When you hear “Mesa, AZ”, what comes to mind? Sun, cacti… and pinball? That’s right. The Atomic Age Modern Group Match Play pinball tournament turned the dial up to eleven in the heart of Mesa on a scorching September evening. Picture this: the clear sky blazing at 94°F and the Atomic Age Modern standing as an oasis of cool vibes amidst the heat.
Taking a Step Back in Time
From the moment you step into Atomic Age Modern, you’re transported. Located at 140 W Main St, this venue isn’t just an antique store; it’s a treasure trove of the past with its rich variety of clothes, housewares, and, of course, pinball tables. A place where you could try that chic 70s couch and, while you’re at it, beat the high score on a classic pinball machine. The owner? Just the right kind of cool without an ounce of pushiness.
From Sorcery to Speed
The tournament was blessed with a fantastic lineup of machines. Whether you were a fan of Williams’ bewitching Sorcerer or needed the adrenaline rush from The Getaway: High Speed II, there was a table waiting for you. Flight 2000 brought some Stern-style old-school flair, while Cactus Canyon (Remake Special) and Gilligan’s Island offered doses of modern and quirky pinball gameplay.
Rush Hour: The Round 4 Rumble
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the night was during Round 4. The game? Rush (Pro) by Stern. This face-off saw Chris Peseri (rank 5006) soar past Jason Barre, who held a rank of 243! A classic underdog tale right there. But don’t feel too bad for Jason. His overall performance secured him the third place in the tournament standings.
Champions of The Night
Carlos Salcido, with his rank of 3822, managed to outplay everyone and stand tall at the number one spot. Following him was Denise Peseri. Now, with an IFPA rank of 9072, many might’ve underestimated them, but Denise’s plays spoke louder than numbers, securing them the second spot. Jason Barre and Krisha Shufran, both exceptional players, landed the third and fourth spots respectively.
The Best in Arizona
While the evening was centered around pinball, it’s hard to ignore the IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10 Standings:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roland Nadeau | 605.88 | |
| 2 | John Shopple | Mesa | 547.33 |
| 3 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 535.9 |
| 4 | John Magyar | Gilbert | 338.17 |
| 5 | Paul Blanco | Chandler | 304.33 |
| 6 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 300.73 |
| 7 | Kevan Carter | Tempe | 295.89 |
| 8 | Joey Rio | Surprise | 282 |
| 9 | Adam Horton | Phoenix | 277.02 |
| 10 | Andrew Roesch | 255.2 |
So, the next time someone mentions Mesa, remember the Atomic Age Modern, where the past meets the present, and pinball players battle it out for the future. Until the next update, may your flippers be swift and your balls stay in play.