Pins & Pirates League – Season 2 – #6: A Night of Pinball Adventure in Anaheim

On a pleasantly cool December 22, 2023, evening in Anaheim, CA, with just a few clouds in the sky and temperatures feeling like a mild 58°F, the Captain’s Arcade Showroom was abuzz with excitement. The Pins & Pirates League – Season 2 – #6 pinball tournament, expertly organized by CC Castaneda, offered an evening of intense pinball action and fun.

A Pinball Haven: Captain’s Arcade Showroom

Located at 4411 East La Palma Avenue, Captain’s Arcade Showroom is not just an arcade; it’s a treasure trove for pinball enthusiasts. With a wide array of machines that transport players to different eras and worlds, it’s a perfect backdrop for a tournament. The venue’s energetic atmosphere made it an ideal location for such a competitive yet fun event.

The Rush of ‘Rush (Pro)’

The tournament’s standout moment came during Round 1 on Stern’s Rush (Pro), released in January 2022. This modern pinball machine, known for its fast-paced gameplay, saw Robert Potter taking the lead, followed closely by Michael Kostolnik, Tom Shelley from Orange County, CA, and David Green CA.

Celebrating Pinball Mastery

The tournament concluded with exceptional performances from the top players:

  • 1st Place: Lisa Buhrmester from California, displaying remarkable skill and consistency.
  • 2nd Place: Robert Potter, a close contender with impressive strategic plays.
  • 3rd Place: Fran Irwin from SoCal, showcasing tactical gameplay.
  • 4th Place: Michael Kostolnik, rounding out the top four with his commendable performance.

A Display of Pinball Diversity

With a staggering 69 pinball machines, the tournament highlighted several classics and modern favorites, including:

Wrapping Up an Enthralling Evening

As the Pins & Pirates League tournament ended, players and spectators left Captain’s Arcade Showroom filled with joyous memories of an evening spent celebrating the love for pinball. It was an event that not only highlighted the players’ skills but also the unifying spirit of the pinball community.

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A Pinball Christmas at Atomic Age Modern: A Festive Poem

In Mesa, where palm trees sway and the rain gently falls,
A pinball tourney was held in Atomic Age Modern’s halls.
Bob Kennedy, our host, with a website so bright,
Invited players to compete on this festive night.

The tournament began, with the flippers all set,
44 players, their goals firmly met.
With six rounds of play, one game each round,
The clinking of pinballs was the dominant sound.

In Round 3, a spectacle on Cactus Canyon was seen,
Where Robert Kennedy played like a pinball machine.
With Mike, Stephen, and Josh giving chase,
Each flipper move was a strategic race.

As the night wore on, the winners stood tall,
Bob Kennedy triumphed, the champion of all.
Nate, Mike, and Rachel, their skills not in vain,
Played with fervor, in this pinball domain.

Night Rider, Surfer, and Firepower gleamed,
Foo Fighters rocked, and the Party Zone beamed.
Gilligan’s Island, a tropical delight,
Godzilla roared through the festive night.

Atomic Age Modern, with its vintage charm and flair,
Had pinballs and trinkets and treasures to spare.
A fun store, cool owners, a nostalgic array,
If you don’t know, now you know, as they say.

So, here’s to the pinball, in this holiday season,
A game of skill, fun, and no rhyme or reason.
May your flippers be swift, and your spirits bright,
Happy Holidays to all, and to all a good night!

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Speakeasy at Starlite 12-22-23: A Pinball Showdown in Richmond, MI

As the chilly winds whispered through Richmond, MI, under an overcast sky, the Starlite Arcade turned into a pinball battleground on the night of December 22, 2023. Starting at 7:30 PM and lasting for a little over three hours, the Speakeasy at Starlite 12-22-23 tournament, organized by Joe Wade, became a spectacle of skill, strategy, and a bit of that pinball magic.

Starlite Arcade: A Retro Gamer’s Paradise

Located at 69345 Main Street, the Starlite Arcade is a haven for gaming enthusiasts. With a plethora of retro arcade games and a diverse, well-maintained collection of pinball machines, it’s a place where nostalgia meets modern gaming excitement. The venue’s vibrant atmosphere makes it a must-visit spot for anyone seeking a throwback gaming experience.

Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast Takes Center Stage

The tournament’s spotlight shone on Stern’s Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Premium) in Round 1. Released on April 1, 2018, this machine challenged players with its intricate playfield and immersive Iron Maiden theme. Chris Grace emerged victorious, closely followed by Sean Burke, Sean Pitzer, and Jeff Catenacci from Roseville.

Celebrating the Tournament’s Top Players

The competition was fierce, but a few stood out with their exceptional gameplay:

  • 1st Place: Mike Stewart Jr, who demonstrated a blend of precision and flair.
  • 2nd Place: Sean Burke, consistently showcasing skillful plays.
  • 3rd Place: John Gallinagh, a formidable player in every round.
  • 4th Place: Scott Styles from New Baltimore, known for his tactical approach.

A Lineup of Legendary Pinball Machines

The tournament featured 14 pinball machines, each adding its unique challenge and excitement. Notable machines included:

Wrapping Up an Electrifying Evening

As the Speakeasy at Starlite 12-22-23 tournament concluded, the Starlite Arcade reaffirmed its status as a hub for pinball enthusiasts. It was an evening where the clinks and clacks of pinball machines echoed triumphs and new friendships, leaving everyone eagerly awaiting the next tournament.

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Flippin’ Friday Fun: The 12/22 Qualify Pinball Showdown at District 82

On a chilly December evening, with overcast skies and a temperature of 41°F, pinball aficionados gathered at District 82 Pinball for the much-anticipated Flippin’ Friday Tournament. Held on December 22, 2023, and expertly organized by Erik Thoren, this event wasn’t just about flipping pinballs but also about community, skill, and, of course, a little friendly competition.

District 82: A Pinball Paradise

District 82 Pinball, formerly known as TitleTown Pinball, has become a beloved haven for pinball enthusiasts of all levels. With an array of over 115 machines ranging from vintage classics to modern marvels, choosing where to start was the evening’s toughest decision. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with the buzz of machines and the chatter of an engaging community.

The Tournament: A Battle of Skill and Strategy

The tournament featured 4 rounds of intense competition, with each of the 29 players battling it out over 2 games per round. Points were awarded based on finishing positions in each round, culminating in a fierce race for the top spot.

Spotlight on Robo-War

One of the tournament’s highlights was a gripping Round 2 face-off on Gottlieb’s Robo-War, a classic from 1988. Danny Bronny clinched the first place, followed by Tom Graf from the enigmatic PARTS UNKNOWN, Bret Paluch, and Eric Strangeway from Oshkosh, WI.

Celebrating the Victors

After a flurry of flippers and strategic plays, the tournament crowned its champions:

  1. Matt McCarty: Emerged as the top player with consistent and skillful gameplay.
  2. Tom Graf: Hailing from the mysterious PARTS UNKNOWN, he secured a commendable second place.
  3. Adam VanDynHoven: Representing Appleton, WI, Adam claimed the third spot with deft skill.
  4. Eddie Smith: Rounded up the top four with his impressive pinball prowess.

Pinball Highlights from the Arena

Among the 115 machines, these stood out as fan favorites:

  • Monopoly by Stern: A trip down the boardwalk with every ball.
  • Star Trek (Premium) by Stern: Boldly going where no pinball has gone before.
  • Twilight Zone by Bally: A journey into a dimension of sight, sound, and mind.
  • Last Action Hero by Data East: Action-packed gameplay worthy of any hero.
  • Robo-War by Gottlieb: The star of Round 2, blending retro charm with competitive thrill.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the ropes or a seasoned enthusiast, there’s something for everyone. With helpful staff, a welcoming community, and well-maintained machines, it’s a pinball player’s dream come true. The added perks of free bottled water, affordable snacks, and the freedom to come and go with a wristband make it a perfect spot to spend a day. As the night came to a close, players left with stories to tell and new scores to beat. District 82 once again proved itself as not just a venue for pinball, but a cornerstone of the community. Whether you’re mastering the “DoccyWho” high-score strategy or just dropping in for some casual play, District 82 Pinball is the place to be.

Stay tuned for more flippin’ fantastic updates from the world of pinball!