A Night to Remember
Our latest pinball showdown, MFStrikes!!, kicked off with a bang. This knockout tournament featured 15 eager players facing off in intense two-player games. The format was simple: survive nine rounds without collecting three strikes. The event took place on June 6, 2024, at 7:00 PM at the iconic Lynn’s Arcade: A Pinball Parlor and Can Slangery. The competition was fierce, lasting nearly 3 hours. Cary Carmichael orchestrated this thrilling evening, where scattered clouds and a cool 57°F added to the atmosphere.
Lynn’s Arcade: A Pinball Haven
Located at 1760 Fremont Boulevard, Suite D1, Seaside, California, Lynn’s Arcade: A Pinball Parlor and Can Slangery provided the perfect backdrop for our tournament. The atmosphere was electric, with friendly staff who were as passionate about pinball and beer as the players themselves. The machines were meticulously maintained, adding to the overall enjoyment of the event. If you’re ever in the area, make sure to stop by and experience the magic for yourself.
Round 4 Highlight: The Battle on Pabst Can Crusher
The fourth round brought us a standout match on the Pabst Can Crusher by Stern (January 2016). The game’s vibrant, beer-themed artwork set the stage for an epic showdown. Philip Priddy, ranked 1163 in the IFPA, clinched first place, outplaying Linda G, ranked 7028. With every flipper flip and skillful nudge, Philip demonstrated exceptional prowess, mastering the intricate shots and combos that the Can Crusher demanded. Linda put up a valiant fight but couldn’t quite match Philip’s dominance on this frothy battleground.
The Stars of the Arcade
The tournament featured a collection of 40 spectacular pinball machines. Here are a few highlights:
Cherry Bell by Sonic (February 1978): This classic machine, designed by Luis Lopez, captivated players with its nostalgic charm and challenging gameplay.
Road Kings by Williams (July 1986): Mark Ritchie’s design brought a post-apocalyptic theme to life, with thrilling features that kept players on their toes.
Pulp Fiction (SE) by Chicago Gaming (March 2023): Themed after the iconic film, this machine delivered cinematic excitement and intricate playfield elements.
JAWS (Pro) by Stern (January 2024): Joe Kaminkow’s creation immersed players in a thrilling shark hunt, combining suspenseful gameplay with stunning visuals.
Dialed In! by Jersey Jack Pinball (August 2017): Pat Lawlor’s innovative design and dynamic features made this machine a crowd favorite, offering a unique and interactive experience.
Our Top Pinball Wizards
Let’s give a round of applause to the top players of the MFStrikes!! tournament. Their skill and determination shone brightly, earning them well-deserved spots on the leaderboard:
- John Tracey, from Salinas, IFPA rank 244, with 158 total IFPA events.
- Jaclyn Tingco-Graham, from Monterey, IFPA rank 5471, with 89 total IFPA events.
- Matt Nielsen, IFPA rank 2013, with 88 total IFPA events.
- Cary Carmichael, from Seaside, CA, IFPA rank 1506, with 155 total IFPA events.
IFPA California Pinball 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 MFStrikes!!
A heartfelt thank you to Cary Carmichael for organizing this fantastic event and to Lynn’s Arcade for hosting us in their superb venue. The night was filled with exciting matches and impressive displays of pinball skill. Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding performance. We hope everyone enjoyed the tournament as much as we did and are looking forward to more thrilling pinball action in the future. Keep following for more updates and highlights from the pinball world, and we’ll see you at the next event!