Fins and Flippers: Inside the Pins & Pirates Pinball Showdown

A Night of Fierce Competition at Captain’s Arcade

On a slightly overcast evening, with the temperature lingering at a cool 58°F, Captain’s Arcade Showroom in Anaheim, CA, became the epicenter of excitement and competition. The Pins & Pirates League – Season 2 – #7 pinball tournament kicked off on January 19, 2024, at 7:30 PM, captivating enthusiasts for about 2 and a half hours of intense gameplay.

Organized by the renowned CC Castaneda, this event saw 21 skilled players come together, each vying for the top spot. The tournament structure was straightforward yet challenging: one round of intense play across 65 different pinball machines. Points were earned based on each player’s finish in the round, and the player with the highest total points would emerge as the victor.

Gonna to need a bigger boat

The JAWS pinball machine, a centerpiece of the tournament, offered a thrilling experience, encapsulating the essence of the iconic film series. Set in the fictional Amity Island, this game plunged players into a suspense-filled adventure against the backdrop of a quaint beach community threatened by shark attacks.

In Round 1 of the tournament, the JAWS machine was the stage for an unforgettable showdown. Robert Potter, ranked 1086th in the IFPA, clinched the top spot with his strategic gameplay. Chris Campbell from California, with an IFPA rank of 806, secured the second position, demonstrating both precision and flair. Lisa Buhrmester from California, despite being ranked 1916th, earned the third spot with her calculated moves. Tom Shelley from Orange County, ranked 21424th, fought valiantly to claim the fourth position.

This machine features innovative mechanical aspects that brought pivotal movie scenes to life, allowing players to embark on a mission as the characters Quint, Hooper, and Brody, aiming to save the island’s residents and their Fourth of July celebrations. The incorporation of immersive film and audio elements, including custom speech by actor Richard Dreyfuss and the classic John Williams score, elevated the pinball experience. Unique features such as the animated lighting effects, a motorized “Shark Fin” target, and the “Orca Boat” upper playfield with its “Lookout Tower” ramp, enriched the gameplay. A standout aspect was the motorized “Great White Shark” toy, adding an element of surprise and excitement. With Stern’s Insider Connected system, players can connect globally, track their progress, and engage in special JAWS-themed quests, adding an interactive dimension to the game. This pinball machine skillfully combined nostalgia with modern technology, delivering an exhilarating adventure for fans of the franchise and pinball enthusiasts alike.

Celebrating the Champions

The tournament concluded with a thrilling showdown, and the champions who rose to the top were:

  1. Robert Potter – IFPA rank 1086, Total IFPA Events 63
  2. Brian Sutherland – From CA, IFPA Unranked, Total IFPA Events 16
  3. Marcus Paris – IFPA rank 2116, Total IFPA Events 52
  4. Daniel Fu – From Walnut, IFPA rank 4822, Total IFPA Events 44

A Showcase of Pinball Mastery

The tournament was also a celebration of pinball history and innovation, featuring 65 machines including classics and new releases. Highlights included:

The Venue: A Pinball Haven

Captain’s Arcade Showroom proved to be more than just a venue; it was a haven for pinball lovers. The variety of machines, including that shiny new JAWS, offered something for everyone, from novices to seasoned players. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the sounds of flippers and bells, and the buzz of excited players and spectators.

Looking Ahead

As the night concluded, players and fans left with stories to tell and memories to cherish. The Pins & Pirates League continues to be a highlight in the pinball community, bringing together skill, strategy, and a love for the game. Stay tuned for more tales from the flipper-filled world of pinball tournaments!