The Thrill of the PRE – IFPA 19 World Pinball Championships at Captain’s Arcade Showroom

Well, folks, strap in for a wild ride through the PRE – IFPA 19 World Pinball Championships hosted at the legendary Captain’s Arcade Showroom. Held on a clear, balmy evening of June 5, 2024, 81 competitors gathered for a showdown of epic proportions, battling through four intense rounds, each comprising two games. Organizer CC Castaneda pulled out all the stops for this event, ensuring that the pinball magic was alive and kicking.

An Intergalactic Duel: Attack from Mars

In the heat of Round 4, the longest game of the tournament transpired on Bally’s Attack from Mars, a timeless classic from January 1995. Picture this: Daniele Celestino Acciari and Drew Cedolia locked in an intense interplanetary battle. The Martians were relentless, their sinister cackles echoing through the arcade as our brave pinball warriors fought tooth and nail to protect Earth. Lights flashed, saucers exploded, and for a staggering 66 minutes, the fate of the world hung by a thread. In the end, Daniele emerged victorious, his flippers proving mightier than the Martian menace, but not without an incredible fight from Drew.

Game Results:

  1. Daniele Celestino Acciari, IFPA rank 7, currently ranked 5th in California’s standings
  2. Drew Cedolia, IFPA rank 126, displaying a formidable challenge as a rising star
  3. Matthew Richardson, from New Jersey, IFPA rank 69, showcasing his skill despite being an out-of-state competitor
  4. Viggo Löwgren, from SKÅNE, IFPA rank 5, ranked 7th in California’s standings, demonstrating his high-level play

Cheers to the Champions!

Let’s give a hearty round of applause to the outstanding champions of this electrifying tournament. Daniele Celestino Acciari, holding a formidable IFPA rank of 7 and having competed in an impressive 295 events, demonstrated his unmatched skills to clinch the top spot. Hailing all the way from Rocca di Papa, Italy, Daniele’s dedication and passion for pinball truly shine through.

Brian Sutherland earned a well-deserved second place with a notable 10-point adjustment, boosting his rank to 8268 after 20 events. Brian’s performance highlighted his growing prowess in the pinball community.

In third place, Matthew Richardson traveled all the way from New Jersey. With an IFPA rank of 69 and participation in 131 events, Matthew’s journey to the tournament exemplifies his commitment to the sport, crossing state lines to compete with the best.

Rounding out the top four, Gregory Kennedy from Plain City, Ohio, impressed everyone with his skillful play. With a 15-point adjustment and an IFPA rank of 25 after 178 events, Gregory’s dedication was evident as he made it from Ohio to take on the competition.

Kudos to all these incredible pinball wizards for their extraordinary performances and unwavering dedication to the game!

A Parade of Pinball Marvels

The tournament featured an astounding lineup of 38 pinball machines. Here are some standouts:

  • Counterforce by Gottlieb (January 1980): This gem boasts a unique “memory drop target” feature, challenging players to strategically knock down targets to complete sequences for big points.
  • The Bally Game Show by Bally (January 1990): Step right up! This game mimics a TV game show, complete with a spinning wheel and the chance to win a jackpot, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.
  • The Beatles by Stern (November 2018): Relive the Fab Four’s glory days with this vibrant machine, featuring timeless hits and classic Beatles imagery. A treat for both pinball enthusiasts and music lovers alike.
  • Sinbad by Gottlieb (May 1978): A journey through the seven seas, this machine features four flippers and drop targets galore, keeping players on their toes as they navigate Sinbad’s adventures.
  • Creature from the Black Lagoon by Bally (December 1992): Dive into the depths of this horror-themed game, complete with a holographic creature and a drive-in movie setting. It’s a nostalgic trip to the 1950s monster movie era.

The Venue: Captain’s Arcade Showroom

Nestled at 4411 East La Palma Avenue, Anaheim, CA, Captain’s Arcade Showroom is a pinball paradise. Known for its vast collection of meticulously maintained machines, the venue exudes a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Reviews often highlight its clean, spacious layout and friendly staff, making it a top choice for pinball aficionados.

California’s Finest: IFPA Top 10 Standings

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Arvid Flygare Lund 881.52
2 Escher Lefkoff 803.87
3 Tim Hansen Sunnyvale 779.56
4 Jason Zahler 778.13
5 Daniele Celestino Acciari Rocca di Papa 713.71
6 Nic Stein Davis 681.22
7 Viggo Löwgren Furulund 667.81
8 Germain Mariolle Redmond 623.57
9 Zach McCarthy Conifer 617.23
10 Luke Nahorniak Lonsdale 554.38

Hats Off to the Organizer and Venue

A huge round of applause to CC Castaneda for orchestrating such a phenomenal tournament and to Captain’s Arcade Showroom for providing a stellar venue. As the sun sets over Anaheim, we look forward to more pinball thrills on the horizon. Stay tuned for the latest in pinball tournament news and highlights – don’t miss out!

Remember, in the world of pinball, the game is never truly over!

Flipping into Spring: Highlights from the MFLadies Pinball Spring

The excitement was palpable on June 5, 2024, as 20 fierce competitors gathered for the MFLadies Pinball Spring Season #7. Hosted at the beloved Lynn’s Arcade: A Pinball Parlor and Can Slangery, this event promised an evening of intense gameplay under clear skies and a perfect 64°F.

A Pinball Paradise: Inside Lynn’s Arcade

Lynn’s Arcade in Seaside, California, is more than just a gaming venue; it’s an experience. Situated at 1760 Fremont Boulevard, Suite D1, the arcade offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for both casual outings and serious gaming sessions. With unlimited play for $20, a great selection of beers and ciders, and a welcoming vibe for kids and adults alike, this parlor is a hidden gem. Check out their website here for more details.

Medieval Madness: The Battle of Round 5

Round 5 of the tournament brought an exhilarating clash on Medieval Madness, a beloved classic by Williams from June 1997. The game’s theme of knights, castles, and medieval mayhem set the stage for a truly epic showdown. BeeOtch Westrum led the charge with a masterful display of skill, deftly navigating the treacherous ramps and obliterating the castle gates with pinpoint accuracy. Her rivals, Jaclyn Tingco-Graham and Nikki Carmichael, showcased their own knightly prowess, battling trolls and executing daring multiball maneuvers that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. The match was a thrilling testament to the players’ strategic thinking and quick reflexes, embodying the spirit of chivalric competition and leaving spectators in awe..

The Machines Behind the Magic

With 39 pinball machines to choose from, players were spoiled for choice. Here’s a closer look at five standout machines that made this tournament unforgettable:

  • The Walking Dead (Pro) by Stern (October 2014): Enter a post-apocalyptic world where survival hinges on your flipper skills and strategic play. The game features iconic elements from the TV series, such as fighting off walkers and rescuing survivors. The immersive sound effects and detailed artwork add to the thrilling experience, making it a favorite among horror fans.
  • Jim Henson’s Labyrinth by Barrels of Fun (October 2023): Navigate the enchanting maze of this beloved film, brought to life with stunning design and captivating gameplay. The machine features mesmerizing visuals and intricate details that pay homage to the movie’s magical world. Players embark on a quest to rescue Sarah’s baby brother, encountering whimsical characters and challenging obstacles along the way.
  • Medieval Madness by Williams (June 1997): Renowned for its interactive castle and hilarious voiceovers, this game remains a crowd favorite. Players are tasked with destroying castles and defeating trolls, all while enjoying the game’s humor and engaging storylines. The well-balanced gameplay and satisfying shots make it a must-play for both novices and seasoned players.
  • Star Trek: The Next Generation by Williams (January 1993): Engage in intergalactic missions and experience the thrill of space exploration with this deep and immersive machine. The game features voices from the original cast and missions that mirror the TV show’s episodes. Its intricate playfield, with ramps and interactive toys, provides a rich and challenging experience for sci-fi fans.
  • Funhouse by Williams (November 1990): Featuring the mischievous Rudy, this game tests your reflexes and strategy with its complex playfield and innovative mechanics. Rudy, the talking dummy, interacts with players, creating a unique and entertaining gameplay experience. The game’s fast-paced action and clever design elements have kept it popular for decades.

Champions of the Flipper: Tournament Highlights

The competition was fierce, but a few players rose to the top. Here are the overall winners of the MFLadies Pinball Spring Season #7:

  1. BeeOtch Westrum from Seaside, CA, IFPA rank 2642, Total IFPA Events 142.
  2. Jaclyn Tingco-Graham from Monterey, IFPA rank 5471, Total IFPA Events 89.
  3. Linda G, IFPA rank 7028, Total IFPA Events 83.
  4. Carlene Malack, IFPA rank 10585, Total IFPA Events 42.

Congratulations to these skilled players for their impressive performances!

California’s Pinball Elite: Top 10 Standings

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Arvid Flygare Lund 881.52
2 Escher Lefkoff 803.87
3 Tim Hansen Sunnyvale 779.56
4 Jason Zahler 778.13
5 Daniele Celestino Acciari Rocca di Papa 713.71
6 Nic Stein Davis 681.22
7 Viggo Löwgren Furulund 667.81
8 Germain Mariolle Redmond 623.57
9 Zach McCarthy Conifer 617.23
10 Luke Nahorniak Lonsdale 554.38

Wrapping Up: A Night to Remember

The MFLadies Pinball Spring Season #7 was an unforgettable evening filled with thrilling matches, skilled gameplay, and a fantastic community of pinball enthusiasts. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who participated and made the event such a success. Special recognition to Cary Carmichael for organizing the tournament and to Lynn’s Arcade for being the perfect host with their welcoming atmosphere and exceptional facilities.

Congratulations to BeeOtch Westrum for her well-deserved victory, and to all the players who gave it their all. The spirit of competition and camaraderie was truly inspiring. Stay tuned for more pinball news and upcoming events, and keep those flippers ready for the next challenge!