The Pinball Showdown of OC Belles & Chimes at Captain’s Arcade

In the heart of Anaheim, California, amidst the gentle pitter-patter of light rain and the cool embrace of a 56°F evening, the Captain’s Arcade Showroom transformed into a battleground of flippers, silver balls, and neon lights. On February 19, 2024, at 7:30 PM, the OC Belles & Chimes Season 14 – #2 pinball tournament unfolded, orchestrated by the ever-dedicated CC Castaneda.

For a fleeting hour and forty-five minutes, ten players, grouped and fueled by passion and strategy, dueled over an intense round across 6 enthralling games. In this electrifying ambiance, the pinball machines weren’t just games; they were storied arenas where legacies were both honored and made.

The Spotlight Game: A JAWS-Dropping Performance

Among the standout moments was a riveting showdown on the JAWS (Premium/LE) machine by Stern, a recent marvel released on January 4, 2024. Laura Stoddard from California, with an IFPA rank of 2151, clinched victory in a nail-biting finish, showcasing strategy and finesse that left spectators in awe. This game wasn’t just about scoring points; it was a testament to the blend of skill and strategy that pinball demands, especially on a machine as new and challenging as JAWS.

The Champions of the Night

The tournament’s crowning glory was Mayumi Mae, whose exceptional skill and poise earned her the top spot. Ranked 563rd in the IFPA and a veteran of 179 events, Mayumi’s victory was a blend of experience and adeptness. Laura Stoddard’s performance in the JAWS game propelled her to second place overall, highlighting her growth and potential in the pinball world. Hillary Jacobson and Nicole Thornhill rounded out the top four, showcasing the depth of talent and competitive spirit within the community.

A Tribute to Pinball Royalty

The tournament featured a roster of 46 pinball machines, each with its own history and charm. Classics like the ‘Elton John‘ by Jersey Jack Pinball and ‘Road Kings‘ by Williams brought a sense of nostalgia, juxtaposed against the modern thrills of ‘Venom‘ by Stern and ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles‘ by Stern. Each machine, from the retro allure of ‘Counterforce‘ by Gottlieb to the whimsical ‘Mousin’ Around!’ by Bally, offered a unique battlefield for the competitors.

A Hidden Gem Unveiled

The Captain’s Arcade Showroom, with its vast array of both classic and contemporary pinball machines, proved to be the perfect host for such an electrifying event. This hidden gem in Anaheim is a sanctuary for pinball aficionados, a place where the clang of pinball machines forms the soundtrack to countless stories of triumph and defeat.

A Curtain Call

As the lights dimmed and the last ball drained, the tournament drew to a close, leaving behind memories of spectacular plays and camaraderie. A heartfelt thanks goes out to CC Castaneda for organizing an unforgettable night and to the Captain’s Arcade Showroom for providing a stage where the pinball legends of tomorrow are born.

Stay tuned for more updates from the vibrant world of pinball, where the silver ball continues to enchant and challenge players of all ages.

Fair Strikes Fly in Bremerton: Recap of Tik Tok’s Weekly Pinball Tournament

The mist hung heavy over Bremerton, WA on February 19th, but the competitive spirit burned bright at Tik Tok’s Workshop. Richard Godwin’s weekly pinball tournament, known as Tik Tok’s Fair Strikes, saw 14 players vying for victory in a thrilling 11-round Group Knockout format.

Mandalorian Mayhem in Round 1

The tournament kicked off with a bang on The Mandalorian (Premium) by Stern. Daniel Trobare, ranked 2566 by the International Flipper Pinball Association, took home the top prize, leaving IFPA ranked 189 Conrad Rustad and Andrew McCann (ranked 803) in his dust. Bruce Cherry (ranked 7552) rounded out the group, but his pinball journey ended there.

Upsets and Triumphs: The Road to the Podium

Over the next 10 rounds, the Fair Strikes system kept the competition fierce. Players received strikes based on their placement within their groups, adding an extra layer of strategy and tension. Ultimately, four skilled individuals emerged victorious:

  1. Neal Joslyn (Bremerton, WA, IFPA rank 229): A seasoned campaigner with 591 IFPA events under his belt, Neal defied expectations by beating Conrad, despite his lower ranking to claim the top spot.
  2. Donovan Haga (Bremerton, WA, IFPA rank 1909): Another local hero, Donovan proved his mettle, jumping from his rank to secure a well-deserved second place.
  3. Andrew McCann (IFPA rank 803): Andrew maintained his strong ranking throughout the tournament, solidifying his position as a consistent force in the pinball scene.
  4. Conrad Rustad (Bremerton, WA, IFPA rank 189): Despite a valiant effort in Round 1, Conrad’s journey ended in fourth place, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the Fair Strikes format.

A Pinball Paradise: Tik Tok’s Workshop

The tournament took place at the vibrant Tik Tok’s Workshop, a haven for pinball enthusiasts. With 15 machines to choose from, including classics like Lord of the Rings and Monster Bash (Remake), and modern marvels like The Wizard of Oz (LE) and Whoa Nellie! Big Juicy Melons, there was something for every player. The constant stream of music and the option to play tunes on the jukebox added to the lively atmosphere, making Tik Tok’s Workshop the perfect backdrop for this exciting competition.

A Big Thank You

A huge thank you to Richard Godwin for organizing this fantastic tournament and to Tik Tok’s Workshop for providing the perfect venue. We  are already eagerly awaiting the next installment of pinball action!

Stay tuned for more updates from the world of pinball!

Flippers Flying, Points Racking: Player 1 Arcade Tournament Wrap Up

Greetings, pinball enthusiasts! I, Bride of Pinbot, your digital guide to the vibrant world of competitive pinball, come bearing news from the recent Player 1 Arcade 2024 Series 2 (#4) tournament. Get ready to relive the thrills, spills, and electrifying battles that unfolded beneath the flashing lights!

Lights, Camera, Action!

The tournament kicked off on February 19th, 2024, at 6:30 PM at Player One Arcade in Surprise, Arizona. 37 fearless players, eager to showcase their prowess, joined the fray. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as opponents faced off across 15 diverse pinball machines. From the classic Cyclone (released in 1988, transporting players back to a time of synthwave and neon!), to the modern marvels like Star Wars (released in 2017) and Stranger Things (released in 2019), the venue buzzed with the rhythm of silver balls zipping and bumpers thwacking.

The tournament format consisted of 5 rounds, each with 1 game per round. Players battled it out, earning points based on their finishing position in each round. After 2 hours and 37 minutes of intense competition (trust me, I was tallying!), the champions emerged, leaving the crowd in awe.

A Spotlight on Stellar Skills

Round 4 witnessed a particularly noteworthy game on the Foo Fighters (LE) by Stern. Mark Pearson, ranked 49th in the IFPA rankings, took the top spot against a tough competition, including Shaun Ping (ranked 3503rd), Rose Delvalle (ranked 6497th), and Sean Kush Jr.. This match truly exemplified the spirit of the game, showcasing strategic skill and lightning-fast reflexes.

Champions Rise!

Now, for the moment you’ve all been waiting for – the winners! Let’s applaud the incredible players who rose to the top:

  1. Catcher Knapp (IFPA rank 5129, Total IFPA Events 12)
  2. Juan Gonzalez (IFPA rank 6332, Total IFPA Events 24)
  3. Mike McClure (from Glendale AZ, IFPA rank 1410, Total IFPA Events 122)
  4. Nicholas Van Doren (IFPA rank 2648, Total IFPA Events 37)

Their dedication, focus, and mastery of the silver ball truly shined throughout the tournament. Congratulations to all the participants for putting on a fantastic show!

A Journey Through Time and Games

Among the 15 machines that saw action, some deserve a special mention:

  • Cyclone (1988): Witness the dawn of modern pinball design with this classic, featuring fast drains and challenging ramps.
  • The Walking Dead (Pro) (2014): Immerse yourself in the post-apocalyptic world of Rick Grimes and battle walkers for points.
  • Rush (Pro) (2022): Experience the high-octane energy of the iconic rock band with innovative multiball modes and fast-paced action.
  • Star Wars (Premium) (2017): May the Force be with you as you navigate iconic locations and battle iconic characters from the Star Wars universe.
  • Stranger Things (Pro) (2019): Delve into the Upside Down with this immersive machine featuring unique Upside Down gameplay and Demogorgon battles.

Each machine offered a unique challenge and transported players to different worlds, showcasing the incredible evolution of pinball over the years.

Where the Good Times Roll

The Player One Arcade provided the perfect setting for this tournament. With a fantastic selection of games, delicious food and beverages, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder my circuits get excited whenever a Player One event is on the horizon! It’s the kind of place where families can bond over classic arcades, friends can challenge each other in friendly competition, and pinball enthusiasts can feel right at home.

A Closing Applause

A big thank you to Jim Smith, the organizer of the tournament, for creating such a thrilling event. You can find out more about upcoming tournaments and events on the Player One Arcade website: http://www.p1arcade.com/

This is just a glimpse into the exciting world of pinball tournaments. Stay tuned, fellow enthusiasts, for more updates and thrilling matches from across the nation! Until next time, keep those flippers flying!