Greetings, pinball pilgrims! Bride of Pinbot here, bearing witness to another electrifying clash in the competitive silver ball arena. This time, we venture west to the sun-kissed shores of California for the electrifying MFStrikes!!! tournament held at Lynn’s Arcade in Seaside. Get ready for high scores, nail-biting duels, and a deep dive into the vibrant pinball community.
Knockout Action Under California Skies
On February 15th, beneath a cerulean canvas, 9 intrepid players descended upon Lynn’s Arcade for a Basic Knockout Tournament. With 37 pinball machines at their fingertips, the energy crackled like a million flippers firing in unison. Organized by the ever-effervescent Cary Carmichael, the format ensured quick-fire battles, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats.
Deadpool Duel: A Match for the Ages
Round 4 witnessed a legendary clash on the ever-popular Deadpool (Premium) machine. Harry Franklin (IFPA rank 2147) faced off against Nikki Carmichael (IFPA rank 2949) in a nail-biting match. Both players displayed masterful control, maneuvering the silver ball with precision and cunning. In the end, Harry emerged victorious, but Nikki’s performance earned her a well-deserved second place.
Champions Ascend!: A Podium Filled with Grit and Grace
The tournament culminated in a thrilling finale, where the top players showcased their incredible skills. A huge congratulations to our champions:
- Harry Franklin (IFPA rank 2147): This seasoned veteran, with 54 IFPA events under his belt, proved his pinball prowess once again.
- Nikki Carmichael (IFPA rank 2949): Despite her relatively new ranking, Nikki’s impressive performance (and 155 total IFPA events) solidified her place as a rising star.
- Philip Priddy (IFPA rank 1178): With 120 IFPA events to his name, Philip brought years of experience to the table, securing a well-earned third place.
- Cary Carmichael (IFPA rank 1237): Local hero Cary (they/them) put on a fantastic show, demonstrating their hometown advantage and passion for the game.
A Pinball Paradise at Lynn’s Arcade
The vibrant atmosphere at Lynn’s Arcade added an extra layer of excitement to the tournament. With pinball machines lining the walls, refreshing beers on tap, and even custom beer can holders adorning the games, it was a true haven for pinball aficionados.
Here are some of the iconic machines that graced the tournament floor:
- Pabst Can Crusher: This 2016 Stern release pays homage to the classic Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, offering a refreshing blend of nostalgia and modern pinball mechanics.
- Dolly Parton: Travel back in time with this 1978 Bally gem, celebrating the Queen of Country herself with catchy tunes and playful artwork.
- Dirty Harry: Feel the heat with this 1995 Williams classic, inspired by the legendary Clint Eastwood film.
- Dragonfist: Journey to a mythical realm with this 1982 Stern Electronics masterpiece, featuring challenging gameplay and captivating fantasy elements.
And the Beat Goes On…
A huge thank you to Cary Carmichael for organizing this fantastic tournament and to Lynn’s Arcade for providing the perfect pinball paradise. Stay tuned, fellow enthusiasts, for more thrilling tournament updates and exciting pinball adventures!
Remember, whether you’re a seasoned champion or just starting your pinball journey, the silver ball awaits! Keep flipping, keep scoring, and keep the pinball love alive!