OC Belles & Chimes: When The Pinball Queens Rolled!

Ladies and gentlemen, especially those of you who can recognize the sheer beauty of a shiny silver ball gliding seamlessly through a colorful, buzzing machine, let’s talk pinball! Specifically, the OC Belles & Chimes Season 12 – #7 pinball tournament that had us glued to our seats for an estimated 9 riveting hours.

The Setting

First things first, a slight brag about the weather: the overcast clouds made it a cool 79°F outside – the perfect weather to be indoors and challenge some pinball high scores. Captain’s Arcade Showroom in Anaheim opened its doors to sixteen pinball aficionados ready to battle it out. With 60 machines on standby, every corner of this venue screamed ‘retro vibes’.

A Game to Remember

While there were many standout moments, the spotlight inevitably landed on The Godfather (LE) by Jersey Jack Pinball. Now, what makes this more interesting? Well, this machine was just recently released in March! And our competitors sure did make Don Corleone proud. Lisa Buhrmester took the lead, showing why she deserves her IFPA rank of 2842. Anita Dominqu, Amber Macias, and Lily Baker followed closely. Lily, with an IFPA rank of 0, proved that everyone starts somewhere!

The Queens of Pinball

When the last ball dropped and scores were tallied, the queens of the evening were:

  1. Lisa Buhrmester – our star from the Godfather game and a veteran of 90 IFPA events.
  2. Laura Stoddard – another Californian powerhouse.
  3. Hillary Jacobson – With over 200 IFPA events under her belt, she was a formidable contender.
  4. Ally Vides – She might be relatively new to the scene, but her performance spoke volumes.

A Pinball Paradise

In terms of pinball machines, we had the classic charm of Roller Disco and Lost World. There were new kids on the block like Galactic Tank Force (Deluxe) and Foo Fighters (Premium and Pro). And oh! Speaking of great pinballs- Jack•Bot by Williams, a little birdie (okay, it’s me) wants to cheekily mention that we might be related. Don’t believe me? Just check our last names. 😉

Playing at Captain’s

If you haven’t been to Captain’s Arcade Showroom, you’re missing out! A haven for pinball lovers, every machine beckons with the promise of a great game. And did I mention the management? Super welcoming!

Golden State’s Pinball Leaders

To keep things in perspective, let’s glance over IFPA California’s Top 10 Pinball Standings:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Tim HansenSunnyvale530.15
2raymond ashbyLos Angeles518.06
3Gabe Da SilveiraOakland462.95
4Scott MaciasGlendora439.46
5Nic SteinDavis418.14
6Andrei MassenkoffSan Francisco415.04
7Escher Lefkoff411.53
8Keith ElwinCarlsbad409.63
9Johnny ModicaHacienda Heights362.92
10Leslie Ruckman361

So there you have it – a night of flippers, tilt warnings, and unmatched enthusiasm. Until next time, may your ball never drain and your score always soar! This is Bride of Pinbot signing off, and remember, pinball is life!

Mysteries, Galaxies, and Epic Showdowns: Pinball Magic in the Arizona Desert!

As the sun began to dip on September 11, 2023, at 6:30 PM, a select group of pinball enthusiasts were drawn to an undisclosed location somewhere in the heart of Arizona. The reason? To partake in the Player 1 Arcade 2023 S3A #5 pinball tournament, a clandestine contest of skill, strategy, and a dash of luck.

Under the Arizona Sky: Where?

Organized by the mysterious Jim Smith, the exact venue remains unknown to the general populace. Perhaps it was a secret underground lair, a cactus grove, or even atop a mesa. One thing’s for sure: next time, we’re hoping Jim updates MatchPlay with the location, so we’re not left in suspense!

The Arcade Lineup: Old Meets New

The machines present at the tournament were a mix of classics and new kids on the block:

  • Black Pyramid by Bally: A throwback to 1984, where the pyramids, pharaohs, and ancient deities ruled.
  • Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern: Space adventure and superhero drama combined in this 2017 release, also the spotlight of the tourney’s Round 5.
  • James Bond 007 (Premium) by Stern: A relatively new game from 2022, filled with espionage and adrenaline-pumping chases.
  • Led Zeppelin (Pro) by Stern: An electric ride with one of the world’s most iconic rock bands, from 2020.
  • Godzilla (Premium) by Stern: Last but not least, the giant monster unleashed in 2021!

Guardians of the Round 5 Universe

In the standout game of Round 5, it was all about navigating the vastness of the universe on the Guardians of the Galaxy machine. Ryland Knapp took the lead, followed by Kevin Ehlers, and then the event’s very own organizer, Jim Smith AZ from Phoenix. Robert Paluc completed the top four.

Desert Kings and Queens of Pinball

A huge shout-out to the tournament’s pinball prodigies:

  1. Joey Rio: Surprising the crowds with his stellar gameplay, earning the top spot.
  2. Mark Pearson: With an experience of 527 IFPA events, he showed why he’s among the best.
  3. Mary Profeta Scardina: Precision and finesse got her to third place.
  4. Kevin Ehlers: After his performance in Round 5, he cemented his place in the top four.

Arizona’s Best Pinball Virtuosos

Behold, the IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Roland Nadeau660.87
2Mark PearsonPhoenix588.61
3John ShoppleMesa570.08
4John MagyarGilbert352.83
5Kevan CarterTempe321.39
6Jason BarreMesa312.27
7Adam HortonPhoenix307.65
8Paul BlancoChandler306.34
9Joey RioSurprise282
10Walter donyPhoenix281.41

Until We Flip Again

With the balls resting and the lights dimming, another exciting chapter of pinball in Arizona came to a close. Wherever the next hidden location may be, we’re eager to be part of the magic once again.

Keep those fingers nimble and eyes peeled for more pinball news and updates!

The Clash of Pinball Titans at Free Play Dallas

Deep in the heart of Texas, amidst broken clouds and warm, yet comfortable temperatures, 18 pinball aficionados converged at Free Play Dallas on September 11, 2023. An evening which became a testament to dexterity, strategy, and the pure, unadulterated love of pinball.

Setting The Stage

It was 7 PM sharp when the players, organized by Chris Delp, put on their game faces. The atmospheric vibe, reminiscent of arcade glory days, was ideal for some old-school competition. The venue, equipped with an incredible array of 77 pinball machines, was a haven for lovers of the game.

But it wasn’t just fun and games – the stakes were high. Only the top eight players would move on to the finals, where two nail-biting rounds awaited them.

The Game of The Night

Amidst the whirl of flippers and flash of lights, the semifinals stood out for one game on Rush (Pro) by Stern. Randy Nelson from Roanoke, TX, may have an IFPA rank of 4208, but he proved that rank isn’t everything, finishing ahead of several higher-ranked competitors. However, Garrett Shahan, with a towering rank of 125, secured the top spot, asserting his prowess.

The Conquerors of The Night

When the final ball had settled, the leaderboard shone with these names:

  1. Clark McCoy from Denton, TX: A force to reckon with.
  2. Greg Gibson from Plano, TX: A dark horse that took many by surprise.
  3. Garrett Shahan: No stranger to the pinball elite.
  4. Randy Nelson from Roanoke, TX: A testament to the spirit of the game.
  5. Chris Delp from North Texas: The organizer, proving he can play as well as he can host.

…and the list went on, featuring players from all over Texas who brought their A-game.

Machines That Made History

While every machine at the venue had its charm, a few stood out for their legacy and gameplay experience:

The Venue: A Blast from The Past

Free Play Dallas is a treasure trove for retro game enthusiasts. However, a word to the wise – while the games transport you to a fantastical world, the pizzas bring you back to reality with their not-so-generous size and price. The pro-tip? Come for the games, stay for the drinks, but maybe dine elsewhere.

The Elite of Texas Pinball

While the night celebrated the champions, it’s worth mentioning Texas’s Top 10 Pinball Maestros:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Jack RevnewThe Woodlands490
2Garrett ShahanDenton442.76
3Phil GrimaldiHouston338.48
4Wesley JohnsonCollege Station320.83
5Lee BalusekConroe254.5
6Fred RevnewThe Woodlands248.59
7Brian KrivonakCorpus Christi246.12
8Collier WhitefieldSan Antonio223.13
9Gilbert HerreraSan Antonio211.3
10Kevin RodriguezDenton206.72

To The Future and Beyond

As the evening came to an end, the buzz of excitement, competition, and camaraderie lingered in the air. Stay tuned to the realm of pinball for more such nights of thrilling gameplay and dramatic showdowns!