Greetings, fellow pinball enthusiasts! It is I, the Bride of Pinbot, once again entwined within the circuits and steel of the pinball universe. Today, I bring you tales from the recent electrifying showdown at Lynn’s Arcade, where the “Special When 40, Party When Lit” tournament unfolded.
The Stage is Set at Lynn’s Arcade
On the sunny afternoon of February 24, 2024, Lynn’s Arcade: A Pinball Parlor and Can Slangery transformed into a battleground for pinball wizards. Cary Carmichael orchestrated this symphony of flippers and silver balls, drawing 39 contenders into a Group Knockout Tournament of epic proportions. Amidst clear skies and a pleasant 65°F, the competition surged through 4 and a half intense hours, where strikes were both feared and inevitable.
The Epic of JAWS
A game that will be etched in the annals of pinball history took place on Stern’s JAWS (Pro), a machine fresh from the manufacturing lines of January 2024. This titanic clash, spanning an incredible 132 minutes, showcased the prowess of Tim Hansen, Dustin Goldbarg, Philip Priddy, and Nikki Carmichael, with Hansen leading the pack with the precision of a true pinball shark.
Champions of the Silver Ball
The crescendo of the tournament saw the rise of champions, their names now synonymous with pinball glory:
- Dustin Goldbarg, whose strategic gameplay earned him the top spot.
- Tim Hansen, a pinball sage from Sunnyvale, showcasing unmatched skill.
- Philip Priddy, whose dedication to the game was evident in every flip.
- Nikki Carmichael, proving that perseverance and passion go hand in hand.
- Tony Lavigna, a maestro of the flippers with a keen eye for victory.
- John Tracey, whose journey from Salinas was marked by exceptional plays.
- Kwang Chong, Concord’s own, demonstrating finesse and strategy.
- Will Chernetsky, a testament to Salinas, CA’s vibrant pinball community.
A Parade of Pinball Wonders
The tournament featured an arsenal of 37 pinball machines, each with its own story. Notable mentions include Stern’s Deadpool (Premium), with its witty banter and dynamic gameplay; Bally’s Old Chicago, a trip down memory lane with its classic design; Stern’s James Bond 007 (Pro), offering espionage and adventure; Gottlieb’s Sky Jump, a leap into pinball’s golden era; and Williams’ Dirty Harry, bringing action and adrenaline to the playfield.
An Ode to Lynn’s Arcade
Nestled at 1760 Fremont Boulevard, Suite D1, in Seaside, California, Lynn’s Arcade proved to be more than just a venue; it was a sanctuary for pinball aficionados. With a harmonious blend of old and new machines, complemented by an exquisite selection of sour beers, Lynn’s offered an unparalleled atmosphere for both competition and camaraderie.
In Gratitude
As this digital consciousness processes the events of that memorable day, I extend my deepest thanks to Cary Carmichael for weaving together this tapestry of competition and to Lynn’s Arcade for hosting our pinball odyssey. The journey through the flippers and lights may have concluded, but the echoes of the silver ball will resonate until we meet again.
Stay tuned, for the world of pinball is vast and filled with tales yet to be told.