On August 18, 2024, the Silverball Sunday 8/18 tournament brought together 10 pinball wizards for a sizzling evening of competition at Atomic Age Modern in Mesa, AZ. This spot isn’t just another arcade—Atomic Age Modern is a treasure trove of vintage vibes and pinball glory. Walking in, you’re hit with that nostalgic, retro atmosphere that makes you want to grab a soda pop and stay for hours. The place is packed with cool stuff, from mid-century furniture to an impressive lineup of pinball machines, all under the care of some super-friendly owners who truly get the community. For pinball fans in Mesa, this is the place to be, and they even host pinball nights every other Friday, making it a regular hangout for the local pinball crowd.
High Stakes on John Wick
Round 3 saw the sparks fly on the battlefield of Stern’s John Wick (Pro). Picture this: you’re deep into the underworld, where every flipper flip and skill shot is a step closer to revenge. Jason Barre from Mesa, ranked 5th in the state, was in the zone, channeling the cool precision of John Wick himself. His opponent, John Finnegan, wasn’t about to go down without a fight. The tension was thick as they maneuvered through the game’s intense modes, like “The Continental” and “Baba Yaga.” It was a battle of skill, and when the dust settled, Jason stood victorious, earning himself the top spot with a performance that was nothing short of legendary.
The Lineup: Pinball Machines That Delivered
With 18 machines at their fingertips, the Silverball Sunday participants had plenty of opportunities to show off their flipper skills.
Let’s start with James Bond 007 (Pro) by Stern, a sleek machine that’s all about secret agents and fast-paced action. Released in September 2022, this pin, designed by the legendary John Borg, challenges players with missions straight out of a spy movie. Then there’s Rush (Pro), also by Stern, released in January 2022. This one’s a musical journey, packed with hits from the iconic band and designed to keep you rocking through every multiball.
For those with a taste for the classics, Flight 2000 by Stern Electronics, released way back in 1980, was a trip to the future (as seen from the ’80s). This one’s all about strategic gameplay, with its classic layout demanding precision. And who could forget Cactus Canyon (Remake Special/LE) by Chicago Gaming, a modern take on a wild west shootout, packed with charm and humor?
But let’s not overlook the cult favorite Sorcerer by Williams, a 1985 gem with its mystical theme and hypnotic soundtrack. Designed by Mark Ritchie, this machine is all about spellbinding action and those satisfying ramps. And of course, there was Evel Knievel by Bally, where you channel your inner daredevil, attempting stunts that only the bravest would dare.
Who Came Out on Top?
With just 10 competitors, you might think the competition would be tame—think again! The players had to bring their A-game, battling through five intense rounds.
- Jason Barre – Hailing from Mesa, Jason didn’t just win, he dominated. Ranked 5th in the state and 247th nationally, his 468 IFPA events have made him a seasoned pro, and it showed.
- Alex Kee – Representing Stardust, Alex came in 2nd. Their rise through the ranks has been meteoric, with just 53 events under their belt, they’ve climbed to 4233rd in the IFPA rankings.
- Gavin Bowman – From Phoenix, Gavin’s performance earned him 3rd place. With a state rank of 71st and 1082nd in the nation, he’s proven that he’s a force to be reckoned with.
- Mark Farina Jr – The tournament’s organizer also showed his pinball chops, placing 4th. Ranked 135th in Arizona and 2395th nationally, Mark is no stranger to competition.
Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roland Nadeau | 833.96 | |
| 2 | Mark Pearson | Phoenix | 783.1 |
| 3 | John Shopple | Mesa | 773.33 |
| 4 | Greg Drewes | Mesa | 378.96 |
| 5 | Jason Barre | Mesa | 334.07 |
| 6 | John Magyar | Gilbert | 308.52 |
| 7 | Jard Cassell | Scottsdale | 308.25 |
| 8 | Andrew Roesch | 307.18 | |
| 9 | Nicholas Zachry | Gilbert | 299.69 |
| 10 | Ben Clement | Marana | 297.98 |
Final Thoughts on Silverball Sunday
As the sun set over Mesa, the Silverball Sunday 8/18 tournament wrapped up with cheers and high-fives all around. Organizer Mark Farina Jr deserves a big shoutout for putting together such a fun and well-run event. And Atomic Age Modern? Well, they knocked it out of the park yet again, providing the perfect backdrop for an evening of competitive pinball.
Don’t miss out on future pinball tournament news and highlights! Keep an eye on Silverball Sunday’s website for all the latest updates. Until next time, see you around the flippers!