Pins, Pirates, and Californian Skies: Inside the Showdown at Captain’s Arcade Showroom

It was a sizzling Friday evening in Anaheim, with clear skies above and the temperature a balmy 80°F. Inside the Captain’s Arcade Showroom, however, things were even hotter. The venue buzzed with the electrifying energy of pinball enthusiasts, both seasoned veterans and eager newcomers. The occasion? The much-anticipated Pins & Pirates League Season 2 – #1 pinball tournament.

The Legendary Venue:

Nestled at 4411 East La Palma Avenue, the Captain’s Arcade Showroom isn’t just a haven for pinball fanatics. It’s also a place that exudes passion for the game, where customers aren’t just buying a machine; they’re investing in memories.

Machine Majesty:

With an impressive roster of 61 pinball machines, it was hard to pick just a handful of standouts. Still, some that resonated with the evening’s crowd were:

  • Hokus Pokus by Bally: A mesmerizing classic that took players back to ’75.
  • Wizard! by Bally: Another ’75 favorite with its magical gameplay.
  • Deadpool (Pro) by Stern: A recent machine that brought comic-book antics to life.
  • Led Zeppelin (Pro) by Stern: A melodious adventure released in 2020.
  • Cactus Canyon (Remake Special) by Chicago Gaming: A 2021 marvel, it transported players to the wild, wild west.

Spotlight Showdown:

The standout game of the evening was a thrilling face-off on ‘Rush (Pro) by Stern’. Robert Potter clinched the top spot, followed by Fran Irwin, Dave DiFranco, and Hillary Jacobson, making it one of the most exhilarating matches of the night.

Golden Gamers of the Night:

Dennis Eichhorn emerged as the winner, marking another jewel in his pinball crown. Brian Sutherland, a surprise package with an IFPA rank of 0, secured the second position. Robert Potter and Erica Oursland also made their mark, taking the third and fourth spots respectively.

California’s Pinball Titans:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Tim HansenSunnyvale599.77
2Gabe Da SilveiraOakland553.26
3Escher Lefkoff532.3
4Raymond AshbyLos Angeles520.25
5Scott MaciasGlendora461.57
6Nic SteinDavis435.99
7Johnny ModicaHacienda Heights420.6
8Andrei MassenkoffSan Francisco415.03
9Keith ElwinCarlsbad409.63
10Leslie Ruckman408.04

With another thrilling tournament wrapped up, the pinball world’s eyes are already set on the next challenge. So whether you’re an avid player, a budding enthusiast, or just curious, join us in this exhilarating journey. The realm of pinball awaits!

Speakeasy Free Play 10-6-2023: Pinball, Passion, and Pouring Rain

On a drizzly October evening, with the unmistakable sound of pinball machines blending with the patter of raindrops, Fraser, Michigan became the epicenter of the pinball world.

When The Clock Struck 7:30

Free Play – Pinball Arcade, with its neon signs and the nostalgic hum of vintage games, threw its doors open for the Speakeasy Free Play 10-6-2023 pinball tournament. Organized by Joe Wade, this event attracted 30 pinball aficionados who battled it out in 5 grueling rounds.

In the Heart of the Action: Game Spotlight

As the night unfolded, and strategies were tested, round 4 emerged as the most nail-biting of all. Taking place on the newly-released James Bond 007 (Pro) by Stern, players engaged in a clandestine war of flippers and flashing lights. Jon Lents, with his keen eye and precise shots, emerged victorious, leaving Jake Piornack, Tim Carpenter MI, and Jeff Gordon in the wake of his pinball prowess.

The Rain-Soaked Champions

As the rain intensified outside, the stakes got higher inside. By the end of the tournament, the leaderboard featured:

  • Jake Piornack: The master of maneuvering, stealing the top spot.
  • Ryan Jurado from Ann Arbor: A close second, showcasing impeccable strategy.
  • Jeremy Bell: The wild card, proving it’s not about how many events you’ve attended, but how well you play.
  • Joe Wade: The organizer showing he’s not just good behind the scenes but also at the flippers.

Machines of Legend

Among the pinball machines lighting up the arena, these stood out:

Where Magic Happened

Free Play Pinball Arcade, with its timeless charm, was more than just a venue. For many, like Vince, it’s a haven of nostalgia and camaraderie. Offering unbeatable value, it’s the kind of place where you enter in the morning and leave only when the night reminds you.

IFPA Michigan Pinball Top 10 Standings

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Sterling MitoskaBrooklyn458.29
2Rodney MinchGrand Rapids450.01
3Rick KnopikEvansville402.07
4Dominic LabellaBay City328.69
5Matthew StacksGrand Rapids313.85
6Alex HarmonSpring Lake301.12
7Jason HumphreyJackson276.37
8Ethan Magnum—257.11
9Sean BurkeWaterford Township220.49
10Philip SalminenMidland212.94

With the rain wrapping up the event like a curtain drop, the night in Fraser proved that passion for pinball shines, come rain or shine. We’ll be back with more from the world of pinball. Until then, keep the balls rolling and the scores soaring!

Flippin’ Friday Showdown at District 82 Pinball!

When the temperature outside drops and the clouds hang heavy, pinball enthusiasts find solace in the shimmering lights, captivating soundtracks, and strategic gameplay that only a pinball machine can offer. And, the recent Flippin’ Friday 10/6 Qualify pinball tournament at District 82 Pinball was the epitome of such an event.

Setting the Stage

Hosted at the iconic District 82 Pinball in De Pere, Wisconsin on a cool October evening, 24 dedicated players arrived, ready to face off. Organized by the passionate Erik Thoren, the event saw players battle through 4 intense rounds, with each round comprising 2 nail-biting games.

An Ode to Dolly Parton

Round 2 had players rallying around the Dolly Parton pinball machine, a Bally classic celebrating its upcoming 45th anniversary. Released in November 1979, this machine boasts a 7-star rating, featuring a medley of flippers, pop bumpers, and unique targets. Dave Christensen’s art captures Dolly’s transition from country to pop, a shift reflected in her meticulous input on her pinball portrayal.

As scores skyrocketed, John Zalewski mastered Dolly’s playfield, claiming the top spot. Not far behind were Eddie Smith, Joe DeCleene, and Jacob Geurts. This round was a harmonious blend of nostalgia and competition, making the Dolly Parton machine the star of the evening.

The Unshakeable Champions

As flippers rested and the final tallies were counted, four players emerged as the undisputed masters of the night:

  • Nathan Zalewski, showing finesse and skill, walked away with the gold.
  • Gerald Morrison, demonstrating consistency and strategy, earned the second spot.
  • Danny Bronny and Chris Gerwing followed, grabbing the third and fourth positions, respectively.

A Pinball Paradise

District 82, with a whopping total of 116 pinball machines, is truly a pinball enthusiast’s dream. Among the plethora of machines, some noteworthy ones include the thrilling Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, the adventurous Jurassic Park, the mystical Lost World, and of course, the space opera Star Wars (Pro).

A Community Like No Other

One step into District 82 Pinball, and you immediately sense the camaraderie and passion. The venue isn’t just a place to play; it’s a haven where strategy meets fun, and where players, whether rookies or veterans, come together as a community. The atmosphere? Welcoming, energetic, and pulsating with excitement.

Wisconsin’s Pinball Titans

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Luke NahorniakLonsdale1265.34
2Jared AugustWest Bloomfield Township1165.22
3Neil GrafAppleton1143.64
4Escher Lefkoff—1050.06
5Steven BowdenPalatine998.76
6Erik ThorenDe Pere741.03
7Jason WerdrickPark Ridge737.45
8Zach McCarthyConifer737.25
9David DalugaMilwaukee728.6
10Jordan Dechaine—683.87

District 82’s Flippin’ Friday was more than just a tournament; it was a celebration of pinball, strategy, and the vibrant community. We eagerly anticipate the next showdown and, until then, keep those flippers flippin’!