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:
- Dennis Eichhorn, demonstrating his prowess with an IFPA rank of 275, led the pack after participating in 229 IFPA events.
- Fran Irwin, from Southern California, ranked 522nd, showed his seasoned skills in his 201st IFPA event.
- Michael Kostolnik brought his A-game, securing the third spot with a rank of 1186 across 111 IFPA events.
- 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!