On October 16, 2023, as the Californian sun cast a golden hue, setting the clear sky ablaze with 75°F warmth, inside Captain’s Arcade Showroom in Anaheim, the environment was electric. Not because of some rock concert or a new game release, but for the 13th season of the OC Belles & Chimes pinball tournament.
Rapid-Fire Rounds with Classic Flippers
Starting at a breezy 7:30 PM and wrapping up just under two hours later, this wasn’t your all-nighter kind of tournament. Organized by the effervescent CC Castaneda, 14 pinball enthusiasts grouped up, their aim clear and straightforward—accumulate the most points over a single round spanning six games.
The Bally Game Show’s Star-Studded Line-Up
The night witnessed a standout showdown on The Bally Game Show. The game, as vintage as 1990 can get, saw:
- Dani Engels taking the crown, and not just in the game, but her overall performance considering her relatively low rank.
- CC Castaneda, the organizer and Anaheim local, closely tailing in second place. Her familiarity with the venue, perhaps?
- Jordyn Koedyker and Ally Vides completing the top four.
The Queens of the Arcade
While every player brought their A-game, the top honors went to:
- 1st: Nicole Thornhill – A pro in the making, with a promising trajectory.
- 2nd: Lisa Buhrmester – California’s own, whose consistency over 95 events speaks for itself.
- 3rd: Mayumi Mae – An experienced hand with over 130 events under her belt.
- 4th: Dani Engels – Her notable rank jump during the tournament surely made some heads turn.
Pinball Paradise
With 62 machines ready for action, here are the standouts:
- James Bond 007 (LE) and James Bond 007 (60th Anniversary LE) – Fresh releases by Stern, celebrating the suave spy’s legacy.
- Monster Bash – A classic that never seems to lose its charm.
- Space Invaders – Bringing a slice of arcade nostalgia.
- Ghostbusters (Premium) – Because who doesn’t love chasing ghosts with flippers?
All About Atmosphere at Captain’s Arcade Showroom
With a website catering to arcade and pinball aficionados, the venue is a veritable treasure trove. A special nod to CC Castaneda for her personalized assistance, from unboxing to setup, ensuring players and buyers have an unparalleled experience. And yes, if you’re in SoCal, Captain’s is your go-to for genuine pinball deals, no scalpers in sight!
The Cream of California’s Pinball Crop
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tim Hansen | Sunnyvale | 599.78 |
| 2 | Gabe Da Silveira | Oakland | 553.3 |
| 3 | Escher Lefkoff | 532.34 | |
| 4 | Raymond Ashby | Los Angeles | 520.25 |
| 5 | Scott Macias | Glendora | 461.56 |
| 6 | Nic Stein | Davis | 436.01 |
| 7 | Johnny Modica | Hacienda Heights | 420.61 |
| 8 | Andrei Massenkoff | San Francisco | 415.03 |
| 9 | Keith Elwin | Carlsbad | 409.63 |
| 10 | Leslie Ruckman | 408.06 |
To all the pinball enthusiasts out there, keep those flippers ready, eyes on the scoreboard, and stay tuned for more thrilling updates from the vibrant world of pinball!