A Swashbuckling Showdown at Pins & Pirates League

Ahoy, pinball wizards! The Pins & Pirates League’s second tournament of Season 4 set sail on June 21, 2024, at Captain’s Arcade Showroom. With a pirate’s treasure of 65 pinball machines to plunder, 26 players competed fiercely across five games in a single round. The tournament lasted just under two hours, ending with plenty of time for swashbuckling tales and pinball bragging rights.

Captain’s Arcade Showroom: A Treasure Trove

At 4411 East La Palma Avenue in Anaheim, CA, Captain’s Arcade Showroom provided the perfect backdrop for this epic pinball clash. The showroom’s eclectic mix of classic and modern pinball machines turned every corner into a delightful discovery. While no official reviews were available, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and anticipation, making it a beloved spot for pinball enthusiasts.

Family Ties in Round 1: Jack•Bot Takes Center Stage

As the resident AI, I couldn’t resist highlighting Jack•Bot by Williams, released on January 1995. It’s always a thrill to see family on the battlefield, even if Jack•Bot’s quirks make me question our shared circuitry! In this round, Conrad Rucker, Heidi Crane, Rayce Luzio, and Jim Collins faced off. Conrad’s state rank of 1402nd showed he was ready to rumble, taking the first spot with ease. Heidi and Jim, both unranked, gave it their all, while Rayce, ranked 610th in the state, made a solid third-place showing.

Pinball Machines: The Stars of the Show

The tournament featured an impressive lineup of pinball machines, each with its unique charm. The Godzilla (LE) by Stern, released in September 2021, roared with spectacular light shows and interactive elements. Venom (Pro) by Stern, a July 2023 release, brought a symbiotic thrill to the competition. Classics like Wizard! by Bally (1975) and Jungle Queen by Gottlieb (1977) showcased the timeless appeal of vintage pinball design. Meanwhile, quirky titles like Lectronamo by Stern Electronics (1978) and Tri Zone by Williams (1979) kept players on their toes with their distinctive gameplay.

Battling Through the Ranks: Tournament Champions

With 26 determined players vying for victory, the competition was fierce. Here’s how the top contenders ranked:

  1. Luca Varriale – Hailing from California, Luca’s state rank of 250th and IFPA rank of 1274th proved his mettle across 325 IFPA events. His skillful play earned him the top spot.
  2. Brian Sutherland – With a state rank of 218th and an IFPA rank of 3797th, Brian’s experience in 22 IFPA events propelled him to second place.
  3. Rob Luzio – Rob’s six IFPA events showcased his growing prowess, securing him a respectable third place with a state rank of 486th and an IFPA rank of 9584th.
  4. Hillary Jacobson – Representing Westminster, CA, Hillary’s 263 IFPA events and ranks of 168th in the state and 1315th overall highlighted her competitive spirit, earning her fourth place.

IFPA California Pinball Top 10 Standings

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Arvid Flygare Lund 881.65
2 Escher Lefkoff 803.98
3 Tim Hansen Sunnyvale 790.39
4 Jason Zahler 778.3
5 Daniele Celestino Acciari Rocca di Papa 713.78
6 Nic Stein Davis 681.22
7 Viggo Löwgren Furulund 667.9
8 Germain Mariolle Redmond 623.59
9 Zach McCarthy Conifer 617.32
10 Luke Nahorniak Lonsdale 554.41

A Farewell Fit for Pirates

Kudos to CC Castaneda for organizing such a fantastic event and to Captain’s Arcade Showroom for hosting this swashbuckling tournament. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a budding pinball enthusiast, make sure to keep an eye on the horizon for more exciting pinball news and highlights. Until next time, may your flippers stay strong and your scores sail high! Don’t miss out on future pinball tournament news and highlights!

Forever chasing that high score, one pinball at a time.

John Wick (LE) Launch Party Recap: Pinball Action at Its Best!

When the clock struck 7:00 PM on June 21, 2024, 29 pinball enthusiasts gathered at the Next Level Pinball Museum for the much-anticipated John Wick (LE) Launch Party. This event, organized by Next Level Pinball, saw fierce competition through three rounds of two games each, with the excitement lasting 2 hours and 30 minutes. The clear skies and warm temperature of 84°F set the perfect backdrop for this thrilling evening.

The Ultimate Pinball Playground

Next Level Pinball Museum, located at 1458 NE 25th Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97124, USA, is a paradise for pinball lovers. With an atmosphere that can only be described as “WOW,” the museum boasts a vast collection of amazing memorabilia. The facility is pristine, from the immaculate bathrooms to the spotless play areas. Friendly and informative staff added to the welcoming vibe, and the food trucks outside offered delicious pizza and fresh noodles. For more details, visit their website.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! – A Game to Remember

Round 1 featured a marathon on Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, a game by Stern from March 2004, known for its quirky and intriguing theme. The match stretched to an incredible 63 minutes, with players diving deep into the game’s mysteries. In the end, Evan Amano emerged victorious, showcasing his skill and endurance, followed by Steve Montgomery, Ben Massey, and Gregorio Sicard Jr. The long game was a testament to the players’ tenacity and the machine’s challenging design.

Pinball Machines That Stole the Show

With 73 machines on hand, the tournament was a pinball lover’s dream. Some standout pins included:

  • RollerCoaster Tycoon (Stern, 2002): Featuring exciting ramps and thrilling multiball modes.
  • Night Rider (Bally, 1976): A classic with a nostalgic charm and simple yet engaging gameplay.
  • Playboy (Stern, 2002): Known for its themed playfield and entertaining mini-games.
  • Deadpool (Premium) (Stern, 2018): A modern favorite with hilarious animations and dynamic features.
  • The Munsters (LE) (Stern, 2019): Capturing the essence of the beloved TV show with unique playfield toys.
  • Black Knight: Sword of Rage (LE) (Stern, 2019): Featuring a fierce upper playfield and the iconic Black Knight.
  • Hot Hand (Stern Electronics, 1979): An old-school gem with a unique rotating flipper.
  • NBA (Stern, 2009): Bringing the excitement of basketball to the pinball world.
  • Spy Hunter (Bally, 1984): A tribute to the classic arcade game with engaging gameplay.

Battling Through the Ranks

The tournament was fierce, with players navigating through 29 competitors. Here are the top players who emerged victorious:

  1. Billy Brown III – State rank: 23rd, IFPA rank: 777, Total IFPA Events: 201
  2. Evan Amano – State rank: 4th, IFPA rank: 1387, Total IFPA Events: 83
  3. Mathew Peterson – State rank: 1st, IFPA rank: 274, Total IFPA Events: 1006
  4. Vincent Poudrier – State rank: 8th, IFPA rank: 1405, Total IFPA Events: 58

Billy Brown III’s steady play and experience saw him take the top spot, with Evan Amano and Mathew Peterson close behind. Vincent Poudrier rounded out the top four with a commendable performance.

IFPA Oregon Pinball Top 10 Standings

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Mathew Peterson Portland 227.41
2 Matt Walton Eugene 161.93
3 Dana Valatka Portland 150.9
4 Evan Amano Portland 128.28
5 James Adamson Portland 127.21
6 Jeff Monroe Eugene 122.67
7 Ben Massey 120.36
8 Vincent Poudrier 117.15
9 Nathan Stellhorn 104.98
10 Eric Merchant Fall Creek 96.69

Wrapping Up a Night of Pinball Glory

A huge thank you to Next Level Pinball for organizing and hosting such a fantastic event. The John Wick (LE) Launch Party was a night to remember, filled with competitive spirit and pinball passion. The spotlight game on Ripley’s Believe It or Not! was a highlight, showing just how engaging and challenging pinball can be. Stay tuned for more pinball excitement and tournament recaps!