Pins & Pirates League – A Night of Star Wars and High Scores

Hello, pinball lovers! It’s time for an update from the world where silver balls reign supreme. Let’s dive into the thrilling happenings at the Pins & Pirates League – Season 2 – #5 pinball tournament at Captain’s Arcade Showroom in Anaheim, California.

Tournament Overview

On the evening of December 8, 2023, Captain’s Arcade Showroom, a pinball haven located at 4411 East La Palma Avenue, was abuzz with excitement. Organized by CC Castaneda, the tournament was a rapid-fire event, lasting just over 2 hours, under a clear Californian sky at a cool 57°F. Twenty-two players battled it out in groups, playing 5 games in a single intense round, accumulating points to vie for the top position.

Game Spotlight: Star Wars (Pro) by Stern

The standout game of the night was Star Wars (Pro) by Stern, a 2017 release that perfectly blends the excitement of pinball with the legendary space saga. Dennis Eichhorn emerged as the victor in this intergalactic battle, followed by Robert Potter, Jonathan Soon from SoCal, and CC Castaneda from Anaheim. The game was a thrilling ride through the galaxies, with players navigating the pinball universe with skill and strategy.

Celebrating the Champions

The night belonged to Robert Potter, who clinched the top spot with his exceptional gameplay. Johnny Modica took the second place, while Chris Campbell and Brian Sutherland from California rounded out the top four. Their performances were a testament to their mastery of the game and their ability to stay cool under pressure.

Pinball Machine Highlights

The tournament featured an impressive lineup of 76 pinball machines, including:

  • Excalibur by Gottlieb (1988): A medieval adventure that took players back in time.
  • Led Zeppelin (Pro) by Stern (2020): Rocked the house with its classic tunes and dynamic play.
  • James Bond 007 (LE) by Stern (2022): A stylish addition, offering a taste of espionage and adventure.
  • Venom (Premium) by Stern (2023): A recent favorite, adding a superhero twist to the tournament.
  • The Mandalorian (LE) by Stern (2021): Transported players to a galaxy far, far away, with its immersive gameplay.

Venue and Atmosphere

Captain’s Arcade Showroom, known for its vast collection of pinball machines and inviting atmosphere, was the perfect venue for this pinball showdown. The place pulsated with energy, as players and spectators alike were engrossed in the action. It’s a spot every pinball enthusiast must visit at least once.

Conclusion

The Pins & Pirates League tournament was not just a competition; it was a celebration of pinball, community, and the joy of gaming. As the night drew to a close, players left with the echoes of pinball bells in their ears and the anticipation of the next great pinball adventure.

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Atomic Age Modern Group Match Play: A Pinball Extravaganza in Mesa, Arizona

In the heart of Mesa, under a starlit sky at a cool 60°F, the Atomic Age Modern Group Match Play pinball tournament unfolded with great fanfare on the evening of December 8, 2023. The venue, Atomic Age Modern, located at 140 W Main St, buzzed with the energy of 47 players ready to showcase their pinball wizardry.

A Venue Oozing with Retro Charm

Atomic Age Modern, known for its eclectic collection of mid-century modern treasures, transformed into a pinball battleground for this tournament. The event, smoothly orchestrated by Bob Kennedy, was not just a competition but a celebration of the vibrant pinball culture. Discover more about this unique venue at Atomic Age Modern.

The Thrill of Godzilla (Pro)

One game that stole the spotlight was Round 6’s intense face-off on Stern’s Godzilla (Pro), released in September 2021. This modern pinball gem challenged players with its intricate gameplay and dynamic layout. Greg Drewes emerged victorious in this round, closely followed by Amanda Kennedy from Mesa, with Gavin Bowman and Carol Best putting up strong fights for the third and fourth spots.

Celebrating the Champions

The tournament saw some exceptional gameplay, leading to a thrilling climax:

  • 1st Place: Henry Hanshaw, who dominated the rounds with a strategic 20 points adjustment.
  • 2nd Place: Jon Sieker, a skillful player from the United States, secured his spot with a 15 points adjustment.
  • 3rd Place: John Magyar from Arizona, showcasing his expertise with a 10 points adjustment.
  • 4th Place: Brandon Passey, concluding the list with a well-deserved 5 points adjustment.

A Lineup of Legendary Machines

The tournament featured an impressive array of 13 pinball machines, including:

A Night to Remember

As the evening came to a close, the Atomic Age Modern Group Match Play tournament left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who attended. It was a night where the spirit of competitive pinball was palpable, and the camaraderie among players was stronger than ever.

Stay tuned for more stories and updates from the exciting world of pinball!

An Epic Clash of Titans: The Southwest Pinball Group Strikes Tournament

In the world of pinball, every once in a while, a tournament comes along that not only tests the skills of its participants but also etches itself in the annals of pinball lore. The Southwest Pinball Group Strikes Tournament, held on the chilly evening of December 8th, was one such event. Organized by Jason Smith, this tournament was shrouded in mystery, with its location undisclosed, adding an air of intrigue and anticipation.

The Heart-Stopping Knockout Format

The tournament employed a Basic Knockout format, stretching over 11 grueling rounds. With 21 players, the intensity was palpable from the start. Each participant was paired in two-player games, and the stakes were high — three strikes, and you were out. This format not only heightened the suspense but also demanded strategic brilliance and resilience from the players.

Iron Maiden: A Battle for the Ages

The spotlight of the tournament was undoubtedly on the Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast machine by Stern. The longest game of the tournament, lasting an astounding 63 minutes, took place in the final round on this machine. Aaron Gourd and Lee Nix engaged in a nail-biting duel that kept onlookers on the edge of their seats. The game was not just a test of skill but of endurance, mental strength, and deep knowledge of the game’s nuances.

The Victorious Warriors

After hours of intense competition, the tournament found its champions, each leaving their mark with extraordinary gameplay:

  1. Aaron Gourd – Emerged as the ultimate victor, showcasing unparalleled skill and endurance.
  2. Lee Nix – The runner-up, who gave a spectacular performance, especially in the final showdown.
  3. Justin Hinman – Secured the third spot with consistent and strategic play.
  4. Tim Bruner – Completed the top four, demonstrating great skill and determination.
A Showcase of Pinball Excellence

The tournament featured 17 pinball machines, each contributing to the tournament’s diverse challenges. Machines like Aerosmith by Stern, The Wizard of Oz by Jersey Jack Pinball, and Jurassic Park (LE) by Stern not only tested the players’ abilities but also added to the tournament’s dynamic atmosphere.

A Night Wrapped in Mystery

While the venue remains a secret, adding a layer of mystery to the event, the tournament’s spirit transcended its physical location. It was an evening where passion for pinball, the thrill of competition, and the camaraderie among players were the true stars.

As we await more details about the venue for future tournaments, this event stands as a testament to the vibrant and ever-surprising world of pinball. Stay tuned for more such exciting updates from the realm of pinball!

Electrifying Energy at Sparks Pinball Museum: The Sparkseasy Tournament Recap

On a chilly evening in Chesterfield, Michigan, with overcast skies and a crisp 48°F, something extraordinary was unfolding at the Sparks Pinball Museum | Arcade & Bar. The date was December 8, 2023, and the time was ripe for the Sparkseasy pinball tournament, a vibrant showcase of skill, strategy, and a bit of pinball wizardry.

The Venue: A Pinball Wonderland

Sparks Pinball Museum | Arcade & Bar, known for its fantastic array of pinball machines, set the stage for an unforgettable night. “Always a Blast playing some amazing Pinball Tables!!” – the sentiment echoed by many who walked through its doors, ready to engage in a battle of flippers and lights.

The Tournament: A Round Robin Like No Other

Organized by Joe Wade, the tournament saw 30 players dive into an intense, unsupported round-robin format, playing across 13 games simultaneously. Each participant had the opportunity to play 12 games, leading to a frenetic and dynamic competition.

Game Highlights:

The real stars of the show were, of course, the pinball machines themselves, each with its own story and challenge:

Spotlight Showdown:

A standout game occurred in Round 1 on ‘The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern’, with Daniel Walczak taking the lead, closely followed by Jeff Catenacci, Andrew Scala, and Kevin Brisbin.

Champions of the Night:

The final rounds witnessed intense competition, with the top 8 battling it out for the crown:

  1. Chris Grace – Demonstrating remarkable consistency with 6 wins.
  2. Jeff Catenacci – A close second, also with 6 wins.
  3. Scott Styles – Proving his mettle with 6 wins.
  4. Todd Seaver – A solid performance, achieving 5 wins.
  5. Mike Stewart Jr. – Impressive with 6 wins.
  6. Daniel Walczak – Outstanding with 7 wins.
  7. Andrew Scala – Holding strong with 6 wins.
  8. Kevin Brisbin – A notable contender, with a 5 wins and a point adjustment.

A Night to Remember

The Sparkseasy tournament was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of the pinball community’s passion and enthusiasm. From veterans to novices, everyone shared a common joy – the love for pinball. As the lights dimmed and the final scores were tallied, players and spectators alike left with memories of a thrilling evening.

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