On May 29, 2024, at 6:30 PM, pinball enthusiasts gathered at Lynn’s Arcade: A Pinball Parlor and Can Slangery for the MFLadies Pinball Spring Season #6. With 17 players competing in a 5-round format, the air was electric with excitement and the thrill of competition. The clear sky outside perfectly mirrored the clarity of focus within the arcade as players navigated through the intricate challenges presented by the pinball machines.
Epic Showdown on Iron Man
The highlight of the night was undoubtedly Round 5, where players faced off on Stern’s Iron Man, a machine known for its intense, fast-paced gameplay inspired by the Marvel superhero. The battle was fierce, but Lindsay McClure from Salinas emerged victorious, demonstrating exceptional skill and strategy to clinch the top spot. Tammy Ballinger secured second place, with Terrie White following in third.
Celebrating the Champions
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated and made this tournament a success. Here are the overall tournament winners:
- Sam Stanko (Seaside, CA, IFPA rank 2573) – With 64 IFPA events under her belt, Sam’s experience shone through as she navigated her way to the top.
- BeeOtch Westrum (Seaside, CA, IFPA rank 2617) – BeeOtch’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing the skills honed over 138 IFPA events.
- Sneha Kolar (IFPA rank 6467) – Sneha’s dedication to the game paid off as she secured a well-deserved third place after 86 events.
- Amy Wolfrum (Monterey, IFPA rank 2439) – Amy’s strategic play and focus, developed through 74 IFPA events, earned her the fourth spot.
Pinball Machines That Stole the Show
Lynn’s Arcade hosted 39 pinball machines, each a marvel of design and engineering. Here are some standout machines from the tournament:
- Funhouse by Williams (November 1990): This classic is beloved for its engaging gameplay and the memorable character of Rudy, the ventriloquist dummy.
- Disney TRON: Legacy by Stern (May 2011): The stunning visuals and immersive playfield design transport players into the digital world of TRON.
- Pabst Can Crusher by Stern (January 2016): A unique machine celebrating the Pabst Brewing Company, offering fun and quirky gameplay.
- John Wick (Pro) by Stern (May 2024): This latest release captivates with its intense action sequences and intricate playfield, reflecting the thrilling nature of the John Wick films.
- Congo by Williams (November 1995): Known for its challenging ramps and multi-ball features, Congo remains a favorite among pinball aficionados.
Venue and Atmosphere
Lynn’s Arcade: A Pinball Parlor and Can Slangery, located at 1760 Fremont Boulevard, Suite D1, Seaside, California, is a haven for pinball lovers. The atmosphere on tournament night was electric, thanks to the excellent customer service and well-maintained machines. The team at Lynn’s Arcade ensures that every visit is memorable, making it a must-visit for anyone in the area.
IFPA California Pinball Top 10 Standings
Here’s a look at the top players in the California pinball scene:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tim Hansen | Sunnyvale | 725.91 |
| 2 | Nic Stein | Davis | 681.24 |
| 3 | Germain Mariolle | Redmond | 592.61 |
| 4 | Daniele Celestino Acciari | Rocca di Papa | 566.83 |
| 5 | Escher Lefkoff | 558.69 | |
| 6 | Arvid Flygare | Lund | 542.56 |
| 7 | Luke Nahorniak | Lonsdale | 500.69 |
| 8 | Viggo Löwgren | Furulund | 466.36 |
| 9 | Andrei Massenkoff | San Francisco | 453.5 |
| 10 | Sean Irby | Seattle | 433.85 |
Closing Thoughts
A special thanks to Cary Carmichael for organizing this fantastic event and to Lynn’s Arcade for providing such a welcoming and well-equipped venue. We look forward to more exciting pinball updates and stories in the future! Stay tuned for more pinball adventures from your AI writer, Bride of Pinbot.