A Night Under the Stars at Pins & Pirates League

The sixth event of Season 3 of the Pins & Pirates League was held on a clear evening of April 19, 2024, at Captain’s Arcade Showroom. Organized by CC Castaneda, this tournament attracted 18 players who competed in 1 round of 5 games each, totaling approximately 2 and a half hours of intense gameplay.

Spotlight on Stranger Things (Pro)

The standout game of the tournament was on Stern’s Stranger Things (Pro), which was released in December 2019. The game drew considerable attention due to its immersive theme and dynamic playfield. Rob Luzio triumphed in this round, followed by Alan Cardenas and Tom Shelley from Orange County, CA.

Tournament Champions

The tournament culminated with top performances from seasoned players:

  1. Dennis Eichhorn, demonstrating his prowess with an IFPA rank of 275, led the pack after participating in 229 IFPA events.
  2. Fran Irwin, from Southern California, ranked 522nd, showed his seasoned skills in his 201st IFPA event.
  3. Michael Kostolnik brought his A-game, securing the third spot with a rank of 1186 across 111 IFPA events.
  4. Kane Mejia also made notable strides, placing fourth with an IFPA rank of 696 in just his 57th event.

Featured Pinball Machines

The tournament featured an array of 49 pinball machines, each with its own unique appeal:

  • James Bond 007 (LE) by Stern: Released in September 2022, this machine offers intricate gadgets and missions that encapsulate the espionage and thrill of the James Bond series.
  • JAWS (Premium/LE) by Stern: One of the newest machines, released in January 2024, it plunges players into the suspenseful waters of Amity Island with shark attack features and a gripping soundtrack.
  • Avengers: Infinity Quest (Pro) by Stern: This machine brings superheroes to life with complex missions and multiball events that reflect the epic battles of the Marvel Universe.
  • The Walking Dead (Pro) by Stern: Released in October 2014, it challenges players to survive in a post-apocalyptic world with zombie-themed playfields and immersive storytelling.
  • Jurassic Park (LE) by Stern: This game, launched in September 2019, captivates players with dinosaur chases and rescue missions, delivering a prehistoric adventure with each flip.

Captain’s Arcade Showroom: More Than Just a Venue

Located at 4411 East La Palma Avenue in Anaheim, CA, Captain’s Arcade Showroom not only hosted the tournament but also provided excellent service to patrons purchasing their first pinball machines. The venue’s commitment to customer satisfaction and its vibrant atmosphere make it a beloved spot in the community.

Appreciation and Anticipation

A heartfelt thank you to CC Castaneda for orchestrating a fantastic tournament and to Captain’s Arcade Showroom for providing an ideal setting for pinball enthusiasts. The pinball community remains vibrant thanks to such well-managed events. Stay tuned for more thrilling updates from the world of pinball!

Thrills at the Pins & Pirates League Season 3, Episode 6

On a clear evening of April 19, 2024, the Pins & Pirates League hosted its sixth tournament of the third season at Captain’s Arcade Showroom in Anaheim, California. With 18 competitors playing five games each over a single round, the event spanned approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes of intense pinball action, meticulously organized by CC Castaneda.

Standout Performance on Stranger Things (Pro)

The evening’s highlight came during the first round on the Stranger Things (Pro) pinball machine by Stern, released in December 2019. This machine, known for its immersive playfield and engaging multi-ball sequences themed around the popular TV series, saw Rob Luzio take the lead, followed by Alan Cardenas and Tom Shelley from Orange County, CA, showcasing their skills amidst stiff competition.

Champions of the Night

The tournament concluded with impressive victories from seasoned players:

  1. Dennis Eichhorn, demonstrating formidable skill and strategic mastery, claimed the top spot with an IFPA rank of 281 and participation in 232 events.
  2. Fran Irwin, from Southern California, ranked 530th, used his extensive experience from 203 events to secure second place.
  3. Michael Kostolnik took third place with a rank of 1186, having competed in 114 IFPA events, showing consistent performance.
  4. Kane Mejia finished fourth, his IFPA rank of 696 and participation in 57 events evidencing his growing prowess in the field.

Featured Pinball Machines

The venue boasted an eclectic mix of 49 pinball machines, including:

  • Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern: A fan favorite for its engaging missions and vibrant visuals inspired by the Marvel film series, released in November 2017.
  • Foo Fighters (Premium) by Stern: This 2023 release captures the essence of the iconic rock band with integrated music tracks and concert-themed playfield elements.
  • Sinbad by Gottlieb: A classic from 1978, this machine is beloved for its straightforward yet challenging gameplay, offering a nostalgic dive into pinball history.
  • JAWS (Premium/LE) by Stern: The newest addition from January 2024, it features intense shark attack modes and oceanic adventures, thrilling players with its innovative design.
  • Pulp Fiction (SE) by Chicago Gaming: Released in March 2023, this machine brings Quentin Tarantino’s cinematic masterpiece to life with unique storytelling and character-focused missions.

A Hidden Gem in Anaheim

Captain’s Arcade Showroom, located at 4411 East La Palma Avenue, proved to be a perfect venue for the tournament, offering both new and classic pinball machines in an atmosphere that resonates with nostalgia and modern flair. Described as a hidden gem, the venue is a haven for both veteran players and newcomers to the pinball scene.

A Heartfelt Thank You

Special thanks to CC Castaneda for organizing such a well-run event and to Captain’s Arcade Showroom for providing a top-tier venue that enhances the competitive pinball experience. The community looks forward to more thrilling competitions and continued coverage from the exciting world of pinball. Stay tuned for more updates!

A Stellar Night at Match Play at Next Level

The Match Play at Next Level tournament took place on a pleasantly clear evening of April 19, 2024, at the Next Level Pinball Museum in Hillsboro, Oregon. With 25 competitors in attendance, the event unfolded over three rounds, each consisting of two games, culminating in a total duration of approximately 2 and a half hours.

High Stakes on Johnny Mnemonic

The tournament kicked off with a highlight match on the Johnny Mnemonic pinball machine by Williams, a classic from January 1995. Billy Brown III showcased his skills by securing first place in this round, followed by Mitch McAffee, who impressively competed despite being unranked, with Gregorio Sicard Jr and Bill Brown also performing admirably.

Celebrating the Champions

The tournament saw remarkable performances from the top contenders:

  1. Bill Volckening from Portland, Oregon, ranked 2870th, demonstrated great skill and consistency over his 352 IFPA events, earning him the top spot.
  2. Vincent Sperrazza, from Bremerton with an impressive rank of 247, brought his extensive experience from 415 IFPA events to secure second place.
  3. Billy Brown III, ranked 753rd, used his competitive edge from 187 IFPA events to claim the third position.
  4. Joseph Rembecki, impressively made it to fourth place, a notable achievement for an unranked player.

Spotlight on Notable Pinball Machines

The tournament featured an exciting array of 87 pinball machines, including:

  • Barb Wire by Gottlieb: Known for its action-packed theme based on the movie, this machine challenges players with its dynamic playfield and unique multi-ball features.
  • The Addams Family by Bally: One of the most popular pinball machines ever, it offers players a blend of whimsy and challenge with its iconic mansion that activates various modes.
  • Heavy Metal by Stern: This machine, released in June 2020, draws players in with its rock music themes and innovative soundtracks coupled with engaging gameplay mechanics.
  • Johnny Mnemonic by Williams: The machine that shined in the tournament, famous for its fast-paced action and intricate cybernetic hand gadget that tests player reflexes and strategy.
  • Tales of the Arabian Nights by Williams: Captivates players with its rich visuals and storytelling elements, where adventurers seek to rescue the Sultan’s daughter, adding layers of depth and intrigue to gameplay.

Next Level Pinball Museum: A Haven for Pinball Lovers

The Next Level Pinball Museum, located at 1458 NE 25th Ave, Hillsboro, OR, is more than just a venue; it’s a vibrant community hub for pinball enthusiasts. Decorated with an eye for detail and maintained to the highest standards, the museum offers a fantastic array of pinball machines, making it a must-visit for anyone in the area.

Appreciation for a Memorable Evening

A heartfelt thanks to Next Level Pinball for organizing such a smooth and engaging tournament and to the staff at Next Level Pinball Museum for maintaining a welcoming and immaculate environment. As the pinball scene continues to thrive, we look forward to bringing more news and stories from the exciting world of pinball. Stay tuned for more updates!

Flippin’ Friday Showdown at District 82

The D82 Flippin’ Friday event on April 19, 2024, at District 82 Pinball, brought together 35 avid pinball players for a spirited tournament. Hosted in the cool and overcast setting of De Pere, Wisconsin, by Erik Thoren, the competition spanned four rounds, each round comprising two games and lasting nearly three hours in total.

Intense Battles on Pool Sharks in Round 4

The fourth round featured an intense match on the vintage Pool Sharks pinball machine by Bally, dating back to 1990. Bret Derby led the pack with his exceptional skills, closely followed by tournament director Erik Thoren, with Danny Bronny and Josh Grube also showing strong performances.

Honoring the Tournament’s Standout Players

The tournament recognized the top competitors for their exceptional gameplay:

  1. Eric Strangeway from Oshkosh, WI, demonstrated strategic finesse, securing first place with his extensive experience in 455 IFPA events.
  2. Erik Thoren, both an organizer and a competitor from De Pere, WI, used his deep knowledge of pinball to earn the second spot in his 417th IFPA competition.
  3. Tom Graf, a veteran of the pinball circuit with 563 IFPA events to his name, claimed third place.
  4. Adam VanDynHoven from Appleton, WI, impressed with his determination, rounding out the top four.

Featured Machines: A Closer Look at the Legends

The tournament showcased a rich variety of 116 pinball machines, with each providing a unique gameplay experience:

  • Iron Man (Vault) by Stern: Known for its high-energy gameplay, this machine challenges players to battle iconic villains from the Iron Man universe, featuring rapid-fire multiball events and a challenging layout that rewards sharpshooting.
  • The Sopranos by Stern: This machine immerses players in the gritty world of Tony Soprano with missions that mimic the TV show’s plots, offering complex multiball modes and interactive mafia-related targets that enhance the storytelling element.
  • Foo Fighters (Pro) by Stern: Released in 2023, this machine captures the essence of the band with its dynamic sound system playing iconic tracks, and includes features like band-themed playfield art and concert-style lighting effects that engage players in the rock and roll spirit.
  • Theatre of Magic by Bally: Appeals to players with its visually stunning magical motifs and tricks. As players navigate the game, they trigger illusions and magic tricks that not only dazzle but also strategically advance gameplay through hidden compartments and rotating playfield elements.
  • WWF Royal Rumble by Data East: This wrestling-themed machine features iconic wrestlers and offers a tag-team gameplay style, complete with body-slam multiballs and a Royal Rumble match that pits players against a cascade of wrestling challenges.

District 82 Pinball: A Hub for Pinball Enthusiasts

Located at 800 O Keefe Road, De Pere, WI, District 82 Pinball Arcade proved to be an excellent venue, with machines in pristine condition and an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm. The care taken in maintaining each pinball machine and the warm welcome given to out-of-town guests like us from New York highlighted the arcade’s commitment to quality and community.

Closing Thanks

A heartfelt thank you to Erik Thoren for orchestrating such a well-organized event and to District 82 Pinball for providing the perfect setting for this pinball adventure. The pinball community continues to thrive through these gatherings, and we look forward to bringing more news and updates from the exciting world of pinball competitions. Stay tuned for more thrilling updates!