Inside the Thrills of the Pins & Pirates League: Tournament Recap

The competitive spirit of pinball was alive and well at the recent Pins & Pirates League – Season 3 – #2 tournament, an exhilarating event that showcased some of the finest talents in the pinball community. Held on a cool and overcast evening on February 16, 2024, at Captain’s Arcade Showroom in Anaheim, CA, this tournament was a testament to the enduring appeal of pinball and its vibrant competitive scene.

A Look at the Tournament’s Format

Organized by the dedicated CC Castaneda, the tournament unfolded over a span of approximately 2.5 hours, during which 23 players battled it out in an intense single-round competition. Each round comprised 5 games, with players vying to accumulate the highest points based on their performance in each game. The energy was palpable as competitors aimed to outmaneuver one another and claim the top spot.

Game Highlight: A Fierce Battle on Foo Fighters (Pro)

One of the tournament’s highlights was a gripping match on the Foo Fighters (Pro) pinball machine, a recent release by Stern. This game became the center of an intense showdown, with Dennis Eichhorn securing first place, showcasing his skills against both ranked and unranked players in a tight competition that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.

Celebrating the Victors

The tournament culminated in a celebration of the top players, whose skill and strategy set them apart:

  1. Jonathan Soon, making a name for himself with an impressive IFPA rank of 377 and a vast experience spanning 384 events, clinched the first place with his exceptional gameplay.
  2. Robert Potter followed closely, bringing his A-game to the tournament and securing the second position with his strategic prowess.
  3. Kane Mejia, known for his competitive spirit and ranked 651 in the IFPA, landed the third spot, showcasing his growing dominance in the pinball arena.
  4. Chris Campbell from California, with a commendable track record in pinball competitions, rounded out the top four, proving once again his consistency and skill in the game.

Pinball Machines that Stole the Show

The tournament featured an eclectic mix of 10 pinball machines, each with its own history and thematic allure. Noteworthy among them were:

  • Mustang (Premium) by Stern: A modern classic that pays homage to the iconic American car brand, offering players a high-octane pinball experience.
  • Creature from the Black Lagoon by Bally: A throwback to the 1950s horror cinema, this machine is beloved for its nostalgic appeal and engaging gameplay.
  • Spider-Man (Vault Edition) by Stern: A reimagined version of the original, bringing the adventures of the web-slinger to the pinball world with updated graphics and mechanics.
  • Godzilla (LE) by Stern: A recent addition that pits players against the King of Monsters in a city-wide rampage, highlighting Stern’s prowess in creating thematic and immersive pinball experiences.
  • JAWS (Pro) by Stern: The newest machine that draws players into the suspenseful world of the classic Spielberg thriller, challenging them to outwit the great white shark.

The Venue: A Pinball Enthusiast’s Haven

Captain’s Arcade Showroom provided the perfect backdrop for the tournament, with its wide selection of pinball machines and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a must-visit spot for anyone looking to dive into the world of pinball, whether to compete or simply enjoy the rich history and variety of machines on offer.

A Heartfelt Thanks

As we wrap up this recap, a special thanks goes out to CC Castaneda for organizing such a memorable event and to Captain’s Arcade Showroom for hosting us. The Pins & Pirates League continues to be a highlight in the pinball community, bringing together players of all levels to share in the joy and competition of this timeless game.

Stay tuned for more updates from the world of pinball, as we continue to follow the silver ball on its journey through flippers, ramps, and high scores!

IFPA Speakeasy at Starlite Pinball Showdown: A Night of Flips and Fun

An Evening at Starlite Arcade

On a brisk evening last February, pinball enthusiasts flocked to the Starlite Arcade, ready for what was advertised as an 18-hour pinball marathon. Now, before you start thinking we were all trapped in a time warp or had our hands superglued to the flippers, let me assure you, it wasn’t quite the pinball equivalent of running a double marathon. Though, it’s also possible it’s just a bug in the software!

The Grueling Battle Format

In this high-stakes competition, 24 players were pitted against each other in 11 grueling rounds. The tournament followed a Fair Strikes format, where participants were eliminated after receiving 6 strikes, with the distribution of strikes in four-player groups being 1 strike for 2nd and 3rd place while 4th gets 2 strikes, and 1 strike for 2nd and 2 for 3rd in three-player groups. This format ensured that each round was filled with nail-biting moments and strategic gameplay.

The Marathon Game on Led Zeppelin

Did you hear about the pinball tournament that was supposed to take a couple hours but ended up feeling like a Led Zeppelin album that went on for days? Turns out, one game on the Led Zeppelin pinball machine lasted 795 minutes! I guess when they said “Stairway to Heaven,” they didn’t mention it was the extended version. Must be a bug in the blog software, because no one’s fingers should survive that marathon! . In this prolonged battle of endurance and skill, Brandon Blake emerged victorious, showcasing his exceptional talent and earning a well-deserved first place in this round, followed by Michael Courtney who also displayed immense skill and determination.

Celebrating the Victors

The tournament concluded with a few players standing out with their extraordinary pinball prowess. The top four champions who dominated the evening were:

  1. Brandon Blake, with an IFPA rank of 2243, demonstrated unmatched skill throughout the tournament, marking his 37th IFPA event with a spectacular win.
  2. Michael Courtney, known for his strategic gameplay and ranked 2648 by IFPA, impressively clinched the second spot in his 146th IFPA event.
  3. Chris Grace, coming in third with an IFPA rank of 905, showed his seasoned expertise in his 99th IFPA event.
  4. Andrew Dunaj, the underdog from Michigan with an IFPA rank of 12007, surprised many by securing the fourth position in just his 16th IFPA event.

Pinball Machines That Stole the Show

The tournament featured an array of 10 pinball machines, each adding its unique flavor to the competition. Notably, “Led Zeppelin (Premium/LE)” by Stern and “Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Premium)” by Stern, released on April 01, 2018, were among the favorites, offering players a blend of rock ‘n’ roll and intricate gameplay. Classics like “Thunderbolt” by Allied Leisure, released in 1977, and “Judge Dredd” by Bally from 1993, added a nostalgic touch. The recently released “JAWS (Pro)” by Stern, on January 04, 2024, brought a fresh challenge and something that players can really sink their teeth into.

The Enchanting Venue

Starlite Arcade proved to be the perfect host for this event, with its wide range of both classic and modern games. Participants and spectators alike were captivated by the arcade’s vibrant atmosphere, making it a memorable night for everyone involved.

A Heartfelt Thank You

As we close the chapter on this thrilling tournament, a special thanks goes out to Joe Wade for his impeccable organization and to Starlite Arcade for providing an exceptional venue. Their efforts made the Speakeasy at Starlite pinball tournament a resounding success.

Stay tuned for more updates from the electrifying world of pinball!

Pinball Powerhouse Showdown: Women Rule at the Pinball Gals Tournament!

The Pinball Gals Tournament, held on February 16th at the Pinball Gallery in Malvern, Pennsylvania, brought together 16 fierce competitors for an evening of thrilling head-to-head matches. With a max match-play format and a chilly but clear backdrop, the stage was set for some incredible displays of skill and strategic thinking.

She-roes Rule the Game:

Under the cool winter sky, the tournament unfolded across 10 action-packed rounds. While “Creature from the Black Lagoon” captivated players with its classic charm, “Godzilla (Premium)” took the crown for longest average game duration, clocking in at a nail-biting 21 minutes. But the real story unfolded in the finals, where an 84 minute game stretched out on “Deadpool (Pro)” between Tessa and Terri Morton claiming 1st and 2nd and Sherry Disney and Stephanie Savy getting 3rd and 4th place.

At the top, Jamme Thomas emerged victorious, showcasing her talent and securing her 6th win with a flourish. Terri Morton and Tessa Morton, a formidable duo, followed closely behind after their Deadpool run, claiming 2nd and 3rd place respectively. Grace Haberman, Carly Valenzuela, Sherry Disney, Mandy Jansen, and Stephanie Savy rounded out the top 8. Kudos to all the participants for showcasing their passion and talent!

Pinball Paradise at Pinball Gallery:

The tournament wasn’t just about competition; it was a celebration of the shared love for the silver ball. Pinball Gallery’s impressive collection of 72 machines offered a diverse playground, featuring classics like “JAWS (Pro)” and “Space Shuttle” alongside modern marvels like “AC/DC (LUCI Vault Edition)” and “Earthshaker.” Each table whispered its own unique story, waiting to be unlocked by skilled hands.

More Than Just Games:

Beyond the flashing lights and clanging bumpers, the Pinball Gallery exudes a vibrant atmosphere. The friendly staff, reasonable prices, and sheer volume of pinballs create a haven for enthusiasts and casual players alike. It’s no wonder they say: “If you’re a pinball wizard or you’re just looking for a fun dose of nostalgia, this place is a must-visit!“

A Huge Thank You!

A big shout-out to Bill Disney for organizing this fantastic event and to the Pinball Gallery for providing the perfect setting. We can’t wait to see what pinball magic unfolds in future tournaments!

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

P.S. Don’t forget to check out the Pinball Gallery website: http://www.pinballgallery.net/ for information on upcoming events and more!