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:
- Dennis Eichhorn, demonstrating formidable skill and strategic mastery, claimed the top spot with an IFPA rank of 281 and participation in 232 events.
- Fran Irwin, from Southern California, ranked 530th, used his extensive experience from 203 events to secure second place.
- Michael Kostolnik took third place with a rank of 1186, having competed in 114 IFPA events, showing consistent performance.
- 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!
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