Pinball Pulse: Silverball Sunday Showdown Sparks Summer Heat

Spotted: The crème de la crème of the pinball world gathering at Brews Burger Joint for Silverball Sunday on June 2, 2024. With clear skies and a sizzling 99°F outside, 24 players battled it out in this epic showdown. The air conditioning inside? Blissfully cool. The tension? Hotter than a summer fling.

Shark Bait: Round 1 Drama on JAWS

Round 1 had everyone talking. Stern’s JAWS (Pro) from January 2024 was the scene of some serious drama. Mark Farina Jr., our local pinball heartthrob from Gilbert, Arizona, tamed the beast and walked away victorious. Was it his skill or just pure luck? Who cares, it was entertaining as hell. Like watching a shark movie with an extra-large popcorn.

And the Crown Goes To…

The winners of Silverball Sunday? Let’s just say they didn’t disappoint:

  1. Mark Farina Jr. – This Gilbert guy, ranked 2459 in IFPA, has 106 events under his belt. He played it cool and collected, and walked away with the crown. King of pinball? For now, darling.
  2. John Finnegan – From Tucson, with an IFPA rank of 595 and a staggering 521 events. John showed us he’s not just about quantity but quality too, snagging second place.
  3. Mollie Stoltenberg – Mollie’s ranked 1290 and has rocked 204 events. She proved that she’s not to be underestimated, taking a well-deserved third place.
  4. Conrad Betti – Phoenix’s own, ranked 426 with 182 events. He may have landed in fourth, but Conrad’s making waves in the pinball scene.

Pinball Machines: Stars of the Show

Here’s the inside scoop on the pinball machines that had everyone buzzing:

  • Deadpool (Pro) by Stern (August 2018) – Deadpool’s antics kept everyone laughing and playing. With katanas and chimichanga trucks, what’s not to love?
  • Foo Fighters (Premium/LE) by Stern (March 2023) – Rock and roll, baby. This machine syncs with the band’s greatest hits, making every game a rock concert.
  • Venom (Pro) by Stern (July 2023) – Dark, twisted, and oh-so-thrilling. Players faced off against Venom in this gripping machine that’s as addictive as it is challenging.
  • Godzilla (Pro) by Stern (September 2021) – Epic battles and city-saving drama. Godzilla never disappoints, and neither did the players who took it on.
  • John Wick (Pro) by Stern (May 2024) – Slick and deadly, just like the man himself. This machine had everyone channeling their inner assassin.

Brews Burger Joint: The Social Hub

Brews Burger Joint, 5055 W Ray Rd #2, Chandler, AZ 85226, was the perfect backdrop for this pinball extravaganza. New owners, a killer selection of over 30 craft beers, and a menu that’s to die for. Cassandra, our delightful server, made sure everyone was well-fed and hydrated. And with pinball tournaments every other Sunday, it’s the new hot spot in town.

IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10 Standings

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Mark Pearson Phoenix 703.09
2 Roland Nadeau 635.54
3 John Shopple Mesa 601.16
4 Jason Barre Mesa 314.29
5 Greg Drewes Mesa 249.69
6 John Magyar Gilbert 242.32
7 Ben Clement Marana 235.81
8 Andrew Roesch 232.84
9 Cody Winant Tempe 226.54
10 Walt Wood Englewood 222.36

Wrap It Up

Mark Farina Jr., you orchestrated a fabulous event, and Brews Burger Joint, you were the perfect host. The JAWS (Pro) match? Simply legendary. Thanks to everyone who came out to play and spectate. Your energy and enthusiasm made the night unforgettable. Stay tuned for more pinball drama, intrigue, and excitement in our next recap. Until then, keep those flippers ready and your secrets close.

Silverball Sunday 5/5: A Night of Pinball Magic

Pinball Frenzy at Silverball Sunday 5/5

On the evening of May 5, 2024, pinball enthusiasts gathered at HOP Central Brewing Co and Taproom for the Silverball Sunday 5/5 tournament. Starting at 6:35 PM, 18 players faced off in a 5-round format, with one game per round. The competition was fierce, and the action was non-stop for 2 hours and 15 minutes. The scattered clouds and 79°F temperature provided a perfect backdrop for this exciting event, expertly organized by Mark Farina Jr. For more details, check out their website: Multiball Monday.

Revving Engines: The Hot Wheels Showdown

Round 4 featured a standout match on Hot Wheels by American Pinball, released on June 1, 2020. The game’s high-speed theme and vibrant design set the stage for an electrifying showdown. Alex Cardwell zoomed ahead, claiming first place with his skillful maneuvers. Elaine Hecht from Chandler, AZ, put up a great fight to secure second place. Chris Madison and John Magyar from Arizona added to the high-octane excitement, making this a race to remember.

Celebrating the Silverball Sunday Champions

A round of applause for the top players who showcased their pinball prowess:

  1. Alex Cardwell (IFPA rank 874) – With 238 IFPA events, Alex’s experience and precision earned him the top spot.
  2. Mark Farina Jr from Gilbert, Arizona (IFPA rank 2366) – Mark’s strategic play and home advantage secured him a well-deserved second place in his 102nd event.
  3. Alex Kee from Stardust (IFPA rank 4765) – Alex’s impressive performance landed them in third place in just their 37th event.
  4. Walter Dony from Phoenix (IFPA rank 375) – Walter’s consistent gameplay earned him fourth place in his 142nd event.

Spotlight on the Pinball Machines

The tournament featured a fantastic selection of 9 pinball machines. Here are five that stole the spotlight:

  • JAWS (Pro) by Stern (released January 04, 2024): Dive into the thrilling world of JAWS with intense gameplay and immersive features.
  • Venom (Pro) by Stern (released July 15, 2023): Experience the dark and edgy universe of Venom with fast-paced action and striking visuals.
  • Foo Fighters (Premium/LE) by Stern (released March 01, 2023): Rock out with the Foo Fighters in this high-energy pinball adventure.
  • Rush (Pro) by Stern (released January 01, 2022): Journey through the iconic music of Rush with intricate design and engaging gameplay.
  • Deadpool (Pro) by Stern (released August 01, 2018): Join Deadpool in a humorous and action-packed pinball quest with vibrant artwork and exciting modes.

HOP Central Brewing Co and Taproom: A Pinball Paradise

HOP Central Brewing Co and Taproom, located at 5055 W Ray Rd #2, Chandler, AZ, was the perfect venue for this pinball extravaganza. The atmosphere was lively, and the addition of a kitchen soon means even more delights for visitors. With a solid selection of pinball machines and a welcoming vibe, it’s a must-visit for any pinball fan. Check out more about them at HOP Central Brewery.

Thank You and Stay Tuned

A big thank you to Mark Farina Jr for organizing this fantastic tournament and to HOP Central Brewing Co and Taproom for hosting us in their wonderful venue. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting events from the world of pinball!

Until next time, keep those flippers flipping!

Multiball Mayhem: A Recap of the Multiball Sunday Showdown

An Evening of Pinball Perfection

The Multiball Sunday 4/7 pinball tournament, a whirlwind of flippers and silver balls, descended upon HOP Central Brewing Co and Taproom in Chandler, Arizona, wrapping up in a swift 2 hours and 30 minutes. Organized by the indefatigable Mark Farina Jr, whose passion for pinball shines through on https://multiballmonday.com/, the event brought together 21 pinball enthusiasts for a fierce but friendly competition under the clear Arizona sky.

Godzilla Roars in Round 1

The tournament hit the ground running with a fierce competition on the Godzilla (Pro) machine. John Magyar, hailing from the local pinball community, showcased his skills and secured the top spot, setting a high standard for the rounds to follow. This match was more than just a game; it was a testament to the precision and strategy that pinball demands.

Champions of the Silver Ball

As the final ball drained and the scores were tallied, Andy Olson emerged as the tournament victor, demonstrating consistent excellence across all rounds. Not far behind, Mark Farina Jr himself showed that he’s as skilled in playing as he is in organizing, claiming the second spot. Alex Cardwell and John Magyar rounded out the top four, each leaving their mark on the tournament with their remarkable gameplay.

A Showcase of Pinball Wizardry

The tournament featured a diverse lineup of 9 pinball machines, each bringing its own flavor to the competition. Players had the opportunity to test their skills on recent hits like James Bond 007 (Pro) and Venom (Pro), the adrenaline-pumping Rush (Pro), the rock-inspired Foo Fighters (Premium/LE), and the racing excitement of Hot Wheels. Each machine offered a unique challenge, adding to the overall excitement of the event.

A Hub of Community and Craft Beer

HOP Central Brewing Co and Taproom proved to be the perfect backdrop for this pinball showdown. Known for its exceptional selection of craft beers and welcoming staff, it’s a favorite spot among Chandler locals not just for the drinks, but also for the vibrant community events like this pinball tournament. The inviting atmosphere and the opportunity to bring in food from nearby eateries made the evening all the more enjoyable.

A Round of Applause

As we flip back through the memories of this fantastic evening, a huge thank you goes out to Mark Farina Jr for organizing a seamless and thrilling tournament, and to HOP Central Brewing Co and Taproom for hosting us in their wonderful space. The Multiball Sunday 4/7 tournament was a celebration of skill, strategy, and community, reminding us why we keep coming back to the pinball tables. Here’s to many more flips, wins, and cheers in the future!