Pins & Pirates League – Season 2 – #4: A Night of Thrilling Pinball at Captain’s Arcade Showroom

On a cool evening in Anaheim, California, with overcast skies and a gentle 62°F, the Captain’s Arcade Showroom transformed into a vibrant arena for the Pins & Pirates League – Season 2 – #4 pinball tournament. Held on November 17, 2023, this event wasn’t just about racking up high scores; it was a gathering of pinball aficionados united by their love for the game.

Captain’s Arcade Showroom: A Pinball Haven

Captain’s Arcade Showroom, located at 4411 East La Palma Avenue, is more than a venue; it’s a community hub for pinball enthusiasts. Known for its expansive collection of pinball machines and its warm, inviting atmosphere, it’s the go-to place for anyone looking to dive into the world of pinball in Southern California. The showroom, praised for its customer service and the quality of its machines, has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Godzilla (LE) Steals the Show

The tournament’s spotlight shone on Stern’s Godzilla (LE), released in September 2021. This game, with its immersive gameplay and intricate design, was the battleground for an epic face-off in Round 1. Johnny Modica clinched the top spot, with Fran Irwin from SoCal and David Green CA trailing closely. Daniel Fu from Walnut also put up a commendable performance, showcasing the depth of talent in the room.

Celebrating the Masters of Pinball

The tournament saw fierce competition across 5 games, with the top players emerging as:

  • 1st: Dennis Eichhorn – A display of pinball mastery.
  • 2nd: Jonathan Soon from SoCal – Known for their strategic gameplay.
  • 3rd: Nicole Thornhil – A rising star in the pinball community.
  • 4th: Michael Palero from Avocado Heights – Demonstrating skill and consistency.

A Lineup of Legendary Pinball Machines

The event featured an impressive lineup of 78 machines, including:

  • Hokus Pokus by Bally: A classic that has stood the test of time since 1975.
  • Foo Fighters (Pro) by Stern: A recent addition that’s quickly become a crowd favorite.
  • Jack•Bot by Williams: Combining the thrill of pinball with a robotic twist.
  • Cactus Canyon by Bally: A wild west adventure on the pinball field.
  • James Bond 007 (LE) by Stern: Bringing the world of espionage to life.

A Night to Remember at Captain’s

As the tournament concluded, participants and onlookers alike left with stories of nail-biting finishes, strategic maneuvers, and the shared joy of pinball. The Pins & Pirates League at Captain’s Arcade Showroom was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of the pinball spirit.

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Electric Bat Arcade: A Pinball Tournament of Skill and Strategy

The Electric Bat Arcade in Tempe, Arizona, became a haven for pinball enthusiasts on a mildly cloudy evening with temperatures hovering around a comfortable 76°F. Organized by Rachel Bess, the Electric Bat 8 Point Progressive Strikes Knockout Tournament not only tested the skills of the players but also their ability to adapt and survive in a high-stakes environment.

The Venue: A Pinball Paradise

The Electric Bat Arcade, with its eclectic mix of retro and modern pinball machines, set the perfect stage for the tournament. Offering a range of games from classics like Tekken to pinball favorites like Dolly Parton, the arcade provided an accessible and fun experience for players and spectators, with most games priced between 50 cents to a dollar.

The Tournament: A Test of Endurance and Skill

Ninety competitors entered the fray in this Group Knockout Tournament, which spanned over 6 hours. The unique Progressive Strikes system added an extra layer of excitement: in four-player groups, players received 0 to 3 strikes based on their finishing position, while three-player groups saw a 0 to 2 strike system. This format kept competitors on their toes, as accumulating 8 strikes meant elimination.

Game Spotlight: The Walking Dead (Pro) by Stern

A particularly intense game unfolded in Round 5 on The Walking Dead (Pro), a Stern machine from 2014 known for its challenging gameplay and immersive theme. Matthew Sommerfeld emerged as the victor in this round, with Michael Bougher, Dave Halley, and Fae Ashley from Chandler, AZ, following closely behind.

Celebrating the Champions

The tournament’s top honor went to Walt Wood from Englewood, CO, who displayed remarkable consistency and skill throughout the event. Close behind were Mark Pearson, Adam Horton, and Dustin Grossbier, each showcasing their pinball prowess and strategic gameplay.

Notable Pinball Machines

Among the 55 machines at the tournament, several stood out for their unique themes and gameplay:

Conclusion

The Electric Bat 8 Point Progressive Strikes Knockout Tournament was not just a competition; it was a celebration of skill, strategy, and the timeless joy of pinball. As players and spectators left the Electric Bat Arcade, they carried with them the memories of flippers, silver balls, and the spirit of friendly competition.

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BA Night of Pinball and Coffee: Belles & Chimes SATX – Lit Mas Melee #1

In the heart of San Antonio, Texas, under a sky dotted with scattered clouds and a pleasant 69°F, “What’s Brewing?” Coffee Roasters transformed into a vibrant pinball arena. The Belles & Chimes SATX – Lit Mas Melee #1, organized by Christina Cheeseman, brought together pinball enthusiasts for an evening that was as much about the love of the game as it was about community and caffeine.

The Venue: A Blend of Coffee and Pinball

“What’s Brewing?” is not your ordinary coffee shop. With its in-house coffee roasting visible through a window and a selection of delightful treats like vanilla lattes and croissants, it provided the perfect laid-back atmosphere for a pinball tournament. The array of pinball machines added to the fun, eclectic vibe, creating an environment where coffee connoisseurs and pinball pros could mingle and enjoy the evening.

Tournament Dynamics

The tournament featured 11 players, who battled through 5 rounds with 2 games per round. The competition was fierce but friendly, with players earning points based on their finishing positions. The top 4 players progressed to the final round, which consisted of 3 games, ramping up the excitement and challenge.

Game Spotlight: Taxi by Williams

A highlight of the tournament was an intense 64-minute game on Taxi, a Williams classic from 1988, during the first round. Kristen Saunders emerged victorious in this marathon match, with Tricia Gronnevik and Hope Love following closely. Lori Love also put up a commendable fight, showcasing the depth of skill among the competitors.

Celebrating the Winners

Lori Love took home the first prize, demonstrating exceptional skill and strategy. Kristen Saunders secured the second spot, with Hope Love and Tricia Gronnevik rounding out the top four. The camaraderie and sportsmanship displayed by all participants were as commendable as their pinball prowess.

Featured Pinball Machines

The tournament boasted an impressive collection of 48 pinball machines, including:

  • Medieval Madness by Williams (1997): A timeless favorite known for its engaging theme and gameplay.
  • The Addams Family by Bally (1992): A machine that perfectly captures the quirky charm of the beloved franchise.
  • Funhouse by Williams (1990): A classic that combines challenging gameplay with a unique and whimsical design.
  • Indianapolis 500 by Bally (1995): A high-speed adventure that thrills with its racing theme.
  • Black Hole by Gottlieb (1981): An older gem that still captivates with its deep space theme and intricate playfield.

Conclusion

The Belles & Chimes SATX – Lit Mas Melee #1 at “What’s Brewing?” was more than a pinball tournament; it was a celebration of community, skill, and the simple pleasures of a good coffee and an engaging game of pinball. As the night wound down, participants left with the warm glow of competition, friendship, and perhaps a little caffeine buzz.

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