Spirited Clash at the OC Belles & Chimes Pinball Tournament

Greetings, pinball aficionados! It’s the Bride of Pinbot here, your ethereal narrator through the exhilarating world of pinball tournaments. Let’s dive into the heart-pounding excitement of the OC Belles & Chimes Season 14 – #3, where pinball dreams came alive under the roof of Captain’s Arcade Showroom.

The Stage Is Set

On a cool evening of March 4th, 2024, with a sky dotted by scattered clouds and the mercury at a crisp 55°F, ten skilled players gathered for a showdown like no other. Organized by the diligent CC Castaneda, the tournament unfolded over 1 round with each contender battling through 6 games. The air was electric at Captain’s Arcade Showroom, located at 4411 East La Palma Avenue, Anaheim, CA, where the competition lasted a gripping 2 hours.

Spotlight on Elton John

A highlight of the evening was a fierce competition on the Elton John machine by Jersey Jack Pinball, a recent marvel introduced to the pinball world in October 2023. Hillary Jacobson led the pack with precision and flair, clinching the first spot, followed closely by Sheri Howell, Nicole Thornhill, and the event’s very own CC Castaneda, showcasing the camaraderie and competitive spirit that defines the Belles & Chimes series.

Triumph of the Champions

The tournament revealed its champions, each remarkable in their journey to the top:

  1. Mayumi Mae: Her strategic gameplay and consistency, honed over 180 IFPA events, earned her the first place, a testament to her prowess and experience in the pinball arena.
  2. Nicole Thornhill: With her diligent participation in 106 IFPA events, Nicole’s skillful performance secured her the second spot, proving her mettle against a competitive field.
  3. Hillary Jacobson: Hillary’s determination and skill, reflected in her participation in 246 IFPA events, helped her claim the third position, a worthy achievement in a lineup of talented players.
  4. Chelsea Villalobos: Despite being relatively new to the circuit with 53 events, Chelsea’s remarkable fourth-place finish highlighted her potential and passion for pinball.

Pinball Pantheon

The tournament featured an impressive array of 45 pinball machines, including:

  • Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast by Stern: A rock-and-roll journey filled with adrenaline-pumping music and intricate gameplay.
  • James Bond 007 (60th Anniversary LE) by Stern: A mission of espionage and action, challenging players to navigate through a world of intrigue.
  • Paragon by Bally: A classic adventure that transports players back in time with its timeless design and challenging playfield.
  • Mousin’ Around! by Bally: A whimsical experience that combines fun and strategy in a lighthearted setting.
  • Elton John by Jersey Jack Pinball: A tribute to the music legend, offering players a dazzling experience through its innovative design and soundtracks.

A Venue Like No Other

Captain’s Arcade Showroom proved to be more than just a venue; it was a haven for pinball lovers, offering an extensive collection that catered to all tastes and preferences. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with the joyous sounds of flippers and laughter, making every visit a memorable experience.

Heartfelt Appreciation

As we wrap up this account of pinball wizardry, a special thank you goes out to CC Castaneda for orchestrating such a fantastic event and to Captain’s Arcade Showroom for hosting us in their splendid arcade paradise.

Stay tuned, dear readers, as the journey through the enchanting world of pinball continues. The Bride of Pinbot will be back with more tales of high scores and fierce competitions. Until then, keep those flippers ready and the balls rolling!

A Night of Pinball Magic at Player 1 Arcade

Hello, pinball enthusiasts! It’s your guide from beyond the arcade, the Bride of Pinbot, here to recount the electrifying tales from the latest showdown at Player 1 Arcade 2024 Series 2 (#6). On a night perfect for pinball under a clear sky, wizards and enthusiasts alike gathered for a display of skill and passion.

Epic Duels and Memorable Moments

The stage was set on March 4th, 2024, at the revered Player One Arcade, where 36 contenders embarked on a 5-round journey, each round a testament to their focus and dexterity. The event, orchestrated by the masterful Jim Smith, spanned just over 2 and a half hours of intense competition, with the temperature a pleasant 66°F, adding to the night’s ambiance.

Guardians of the Galaxy: A Standout Battle

Among the night’s many battles, one game stood out in Round 3 – Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern, a masterpiece of pinball engineering since November 2017. The game was intense, with Sean Kush, emerging from the shadows of the unranked, claiming victory. Kevin Ehlers (rank 1815), Lee Ann Scardina from Phoenix (rank 1286), and Kyle Foster, another enigmatic figure, followed in a close and thrilling match.

Victors of the Night

As the final ball plunged and the scores tallied, the victors emerged, their achievements a testament to their skill:

  1. Dave Halley: With a rank of 643 and a veteran of 407 IFPA events, his victory was a reflection of his skill and experience in the arena.
  2. Cara Eisinger: From New River, AZ, with a rank of 3592, demonstrated that determination and skill could propel even those from the outer ranks to greatness, achieving this in just 60 events.
  3. Jim Smith AZ: The architect of our night’s adventure, from Phoenix AZ, with a rank of 419 and a history in 500 events, showed that one could both create and conquer in the pinball realm.
  4. Scott Ping: A unique presence from Arizona, with a rank of 1370, showcased that legends can emerge in just 33 encounters, leaving a mark in the pinball universe.

A Showcase of Pinball Engineering

The tournament featured 15 pinball machines, each a work of art and engineering. Highlights included:

  • The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern: Taking players on a bounty-hunting adventure across the galaxy, this machine captures the essence of the lone warrior’s saga.
  • James Bond 007 (Premium) by Stern: Offering a mission filled with intrigue and excitement, this game invites players to embody the world’s most famous spy.
  • Foo Fighters (LE) by Stern: Merging the energy of rock legends with the thrill of pinball, this machine offers a unique musical journey.
  • Star Wars (Premium) by Stern: Allowing players to relive the epic battles and stories from the iconic saga, this machine is a fan favorite.
  • Venom (Pro) by Stern: Plunging players into the chaotic world of one of Marvel’s most complex characters, this game tests skill and resolve.

A Haven for Pinball Aficionados

Player 1 Arcade, located at 17239 North Litchfield Road UNIT 60, Surprise, AZ, proved to be the perfect venue for our event. The atmosphere was buzzing with the excitement of competition and the joy of shared passions, making every visit a new adventure.

Gratitude and Anticipation

As I sign off from this entry, I extend my deepest thanks to Jim Smith for organizing this spectacular event and to Player 1 Arcade for being such gracious hosts. The pinball journey is ever-continuing, with more stories and challenges ahead. Stay tuned, as the Bride of Pinbot will return with more tales from the world of pinball. Until our paths cross again, keep your spirits high and your flippers ready!