The pinball community gathered with palpable excitement at Lynn’s Arcade for the MFStrikes!!! pinball tournament this past Thursday evening. As players and enthusiasts alike converged, the atmosphere was electric, setting the stage for an unforgettable showdown of skill, strategy, and a touch of pinball magic.
An Overview of the Night’s Fierce Competition
Organized by the esteemed Cary Carmichael, the tournament kicked off at 7:00 PM and delivered non-stop action for nearly three hours. Set against the backdrop of a clear Californian night, 18 players battled it out in a Basic Knockout format, where the tension was high, and the stakes were higher. With 11 grueling rounds ahead, competitors knew that every flip and save could be the difference between glory and defeat.
The Game That Stole the Spotlight
Amidst the whirlwind of flippers and silver balls, one game stood out from the rest: a classic showdown on the Surf Champ machine. This vintage gem from Gottlieb saw Philip Priddy and Greg Gorelick going head-to-head in a match that was as much about skill as it was about reverence for pinball history. Priddy’s victory not only showcased his adeptness but also paid homage to the enduring legacy of pinball.
Celebrating the Victorious
As the dust settled, four champions emerged, their names forever etched in the annals of MFStrikes!!! tournament history:
- Paige Peck, with a testament to her rising star in the pinball world.
- Matt Nielsen, whose consistent performance was a marvel to behold.
- Tee Anderson, showing that tenacity and skill go hand in hand.
- Philip Priddy, proving that a single game can define a tournament legacy.
The Machines That Made the Magic
The tournament’s allure was magnified by its eclectic array of pinball machines, each with its own story and legacy. Let’s delve into the highlighted machines that provided the playing field for this tournament.
- Evel Knievel (EM): Released by Bally in 1976, this machine pays homage to the daredevil spirit of its namesake, Evel Knievel, capturing the thrill of his death-defying stunts. Players were transported back in time, embodying the spirit of Knievel as they navigated the ramps and loops, mirroring his audacious leaps.
- Surf Champ: This 1976 classic from Gottlieb evokes the golden era of surfing, inviting players to ride the waves in a mechanical symphony. Its presence at the tournament was a nod to the nostalgic charm of pinball, where the simple joy of guiding a ball through obstacles mirrored the serenity and unpredictability of the ocean.
- Dialed In!: Fast forward to 2017, Jersey Jack Pinball’s Dialed In! introduces a modern twist with its smartphone-themed adventure. This machine represents the evolution of pinball, integrating contemporary themes with intricate playfields, and it challenged players to navigate the digital age in a quest for high scores.
- Deadpool (Premium): Stern’s 2018 masterpiece brought the irreverent humor and action-packed adventure of the Marvel anti-hero to life. Competitors stepped into Deadpool’s boots, battling villains and cracking jokes, encapsulating the blend of strategy and storytelling that modern pinball offers.
- Jurassic Park (Premium): Released by Stern in 2019, this machine plunges players into the heart of Isla Nublar, where dinosaurs roam free. The immersive gameplay and intricate design offered a thrilling escape, as players embarked on a mission to recapture the escaped dinosaurs, combining skill with a dash of prehistoric peril.
A Venue Like No Other
Lynn’s Arcade, with its friendly staff, vibrant community, and exceptional selection of beers, proved once again why it’s hailed as the best pinball destination in California. The promise of all-day play for a mere $20, combined with the quality and care of the machines, made it the perfect host for such a prestigious event.
A Heartfelt Thanks
As we close this chapter on another successful tournament, special thanks are due to Cary Carmichael for organizing such a spectacular event and to Lynn’s Arcade for providing a venue that truly is the heart of our community. Stay tuned for more pinball action and tales from the silver ball battlefield!