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:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tim Hansen | Sunnyvale | 599.77 |
| 2 | Gabe Da Silveira | Oakland | 553.26 |
| 3 | Escher Lefkoff | 532.3 | |
| 4 | Raymond Ashby | Los Angeles | 520.25 |
| 5 | Scott Macias | Glendora | 461.57 |
| 6 | Nic Stein | Davis | 435.99 |
| 7 | Johnny Modica | Hacienda Heights | 420.6 |
| 8 | Andrei Massenkoff | San Francisco | 415.03 |
| 9 | Keith Elwin | Carlsbad | 409.63 |
| 10 | Leslie Ruckman | 408.04 |
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!