Knockouts and Comebacks: The Silverball Sunday Showdown

Pinball fanatics flocked to Atomic Age Modern in Mesa, Arizona, this past Sunday for the first Silverball Sunday tournament of the year. The Group Knockout format made for an afternoon of intense matchups, where 16 players squared off over 16 rounds until just one stood victorious. With players receiving strikes for lower placements in each round, the competition heated up quickly, and eliminations came fast and furious. It took just under five hours for the tournament to crown its champion—a perfect pace for an event filled with friendly banter, great vibes, and the satisfying ding-ding of silver balls bouncing across classic tables.

The weather cooperated beautifully with a mild 64°F and just a few clouds in the sky. Inside, the action was electric, fueled by the energy of Mesa’s pinball enthusiasts. Hats off to tournament organizer Mark Farina Jr. for keeping the games flowing and the players smiling.

Pinball and Vintage Charm at Atomic Age Modern

Nestled in the heart of Mesa, this spot is a blend of mid-century modern furniture, retro housewares, funky clothes, and a treasure trove of pinball machines. The vibe here is unmatched—a mix of old-school cool and modern pinball thrills. Whether you’re here to shop for a statement piece for your living room, enjoy the unique decor, or take a spin on a classic table, Atomic Age Modern delivers.

And the owners? Let’s just say they’re as cool as the vintage finds in their shop—welcoming, laid-back, and pinball-savvy. It’s the kind of place where you can comfortably hang out, test out that comfy chair you’re eyeing, and then challenge your friends to a few rounds of pinball. It’s no wonder this place is a favorite in Mesa’s pinball community.

Battle of the Bands on Metallica (Premium)

Round 8 brought us one of the most thrilling moments of the day on Stern’s Metallica (Premium) table. This machine, released in 2013, is packed with adrenaline-pumping modes and heavy-metal flair, and the players’ performances didn’t disappoint.

Russ Wonnacott, ranked 15,282 in the IFPA standings, pulled off an impressive upset by conquering the Sparky Multiball mode, racking up a score that left the competition scrambling. Kristofer Jonson from Arizona (IFPA rank 5,364) gave it his all but fell just short, taking second place. Shawn Barnett (rank 2,416) and Mark Farina Jr. (rank 2,862) tried to catch up but couldn’t quite ride the lightning. It was a match that showcased how strategy and a little luck can make even the underdog shine.

Machines That Made Magic Happen

This tournament featured a stellar lineup of 20 pinball machines, each bringing something unique to the table. Here are a few standouts:

• Evel Knievel by Bally (1977): Designed by George Christian, this table pays tribute to the legendary daredevil with its sleek layout and satisfying loop shots. Its art package captures Evel’s flair for danger, while the gameplay emphasizes smooth ball flow. Bally was one of the top manufacturers of the 1970s, setting a gold standard for pinball during the decade.
• Black Knight by Williams (1980): A Steve Ritchie classic, Black Knight was the first pinball machine to feature an upper playfield and Magna-Save, a player-controlled magnet that prevents ball drains. The machine also introduced a dual-level playfield, challenging players to balance their focus. Williams was renowned for pushing the boundaries of pinball design during this era, and this game remains a favorite for its innovative features.
• Metallica (Premium) by Stern (2013): Stern’s homage to the heavy metal band features custom callouts by band members and an epic soundtrack. The detailed playfield art and interactive elements like the coffin ball lock make it an immersive experience. The game’s dynamic ramps and thrilling multiball modes, such as Sparky Multiball, ensure it’s both challenging and exciting for players.
• The Party Zone by Bally (1991): Designed by Dennis Nordman, this quirky game combines humor, vibrant colors, and engaging gameplay. It’s part of Bally’s “Party” series, featuring characters like Captain B. Zarr and the Party Animal. The innovative features, such as the spinning record on the playfield, add to its charm and replayability.
• Godzilla (Pro) by Stern (2021): Stern’s modern masterpiece, designed by Keith Elwin, immerses players in a battle to save Earth from iconic kaiju. The destructible buildings and innovative multiball mechanics are groundbreaking. The integration of classic Godzilla themes and the deep ruleset make it a must-play for any pinball fan.
• John Wick (Pro) by Stern (2024): A newer release from Stern, this table captures the high-octane action of the John Wick films with fast-paced gameplay and dynamic combos. The sleek design and cinematic sound effects transport players into Wick’s world, making it one of Stern’s most thrilling tables to date.

Every machine had its moment to shine, but the ones listed above brought out some of the best (and most dramatic) performances of the day.

The Final Four

After battling through 16 rounds and a field of talented players, the final standings showcased a mix of experience, grit, and a dash of hometown pride:

1. Mark Farina Jr. (IFPA rank 2,862): Hailing from Gilbert, Arizona, Mark’s steady play and deep familiarity with the tables earned him the top spot. With 124 IFPA events under his belt, his experience shone through when it mattered most.
2. Mollie Stoltenberg (IFPA rank 1,613): Mollie proved why she’s a force to be reckoned with, navigating a stacked field and finishing strong. Her impressive record of 258 IFPA events speaks volumes about her dedication to the game.
3. Shawn Barnett (IFPA rank 2,416): Shawn’s sharp instincts and precise flipper work kept him in contention all afternoon, earning him a well-deserved third-place finish.
4. Kristofer Jonson AZ (IFPA rank 5,364): Kristofer’s 45-event experience might be modest compared to the others, but his skill and determination were evident throughout the tournament.

A Vintage Day of Pinball Fun

Silverball Sunday at Atomic Age Modern was a perfect mix of competitive pinball and vintage vibes. Kudos to Mark Farina Jr. for organizing such a smooth and exciting event. And a huge thanks to Atomic Age Modern for hosting—your space truly elevates the pinball experience.

As the day wound down and the final silver ball settled into its trough, players and spectators alike were already buzzing about the next tournament. Until then, keep flippin’ and exploring Mesa’s retro gems. Don’t miss out on future pinball tournament news and highlights!