Hey there, pinball wizards! We had an epic showdown at the OC Belles & Chimes Season 15 – #4 tournament. Held on July 15, 2024, at 7:30 PM, this event was a blast with 11 fierce competitors battling it out over six rounds. It wrapped up in a quick one hour and 51 minutes—let’s call it two hours for the sake of storytelling. So, let’s dive into the highlights, shall we?
A Pinball Haven: Captain’s Arcade Showroom
If you’ve never been to Captain’s Arcade Showroom at 4411 East La Palma Avenue, Anaheim, CA, you’re missing out! This place is a pinball paradise with a dazzling array of machines from every era. The atmosphere? Pure nostalgia. Picture this: a vibrant showroom filled with the hum of machines and the clatter of pinballs, taking you back to your childhood. The staff is top-notch, super friendly, and always ready to share their pinball wisdom. It’s no wonder everyone left with big smiles and a hint of that old-school arcade magic.
Flipping Through the Jungle: Round 1 Highlight on Congo by Williams
Round 1 set the stage on Congo by Williams, where the competition was as fierce as the jungle itself. Sheri Howell dominated the game, expertly triggering the Volcano mode and racking up points with precision. Her state rank of 253rd and IFPA rank of 3116 reflected her top-tier gameplay. Anita Dominqu from Irvine, ranked 330th in the state, showcased her skill with a remarkable run during the Jungle Jackpot, pushing her to second place. Meanwhile, Nicole Thornhill, ranked 153rd in the state, made a strong impression by navigating the game’s complex playfield with strategic shots and smart ball control, landing her in third. Lisa Buhrmester, with a state rank of 165th, rounded out the top four, demonstrating solid play and keeping up the pressure on her competitors. This round was a showcase of tactical play and sharp reflexes, making it an unforgettable start to the tournament.
Machines that Made the Magic
Captain’s Arcade didn’t skimp on the variety. We had 61 pins ready to challenge our players, each with its unique flair. Here are a few standouts:
- Torpedo Alley (Data East, 1988): Designed by Joe Kaminkow, this machine’s naval theme and unique playfield layout made it a crowd favorite.
- Barracora (Williams, 1981): With design credits to Barry Oursler, this classic is known for its fast-paced gameplay and intricate artwork.
- Jurassic Park Pro (Stern, 2019): This modern gem, designed by Keith Elwin, combines stunning visuals with thrilling game modes, capturing the adventure of the iconic film.
- Ghostbusters Premium (Stern, 2016): A fan favorite with artwork by Jeremy Packer and design by John Trudeau, bringing the ghost-busting action to life.
- The Mandalorian LE (Stern, 2021): This recent addition, designed by Brian Eddy, immerses players in the Star Wars universe with dynamic features and missions.
- John Wick LE (Stern, 2024): The latest sensation designed by Eric Meunier, bringing the intensity of John Wick’s world to the pinball stage.
Shoutout to the Champs
Huge congrats to our top finishers who really brought their A-game!
- Chelsea Villalobos: Taking first place, Chelsea, with a state rank of 803rd and IFPA rank of 8108, played with precision and flair. With 58 IFPA events under her belt, her experience shone through.
- Laura Stoddard: From California, Laura claimed second place. Ranked 249th in the state and 2496th globally, she showcased her seasoned skills across 352 IFPA events.
- Nicole Thornhill: Nicole’s consistent performance earned her third place, solidifying her position as a top player with a state rank of 153rd and an IFPA rank of 1980 across 122 events.
- Hillary Jacobson: Rounding out the top four, Hillary from Westminster, CA, displayed impressive skill, with a state rank of 145th and an IFPA rank of 1311 over 270 events.
California IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arvid Flygare | Lund | 881.68 |
| 2 | Tim Hansen | Sunnyvale | 856.8 |
| 3 | Escher Lefkoff | 803.99 | |
| 4 | Jason Zahler | 778.32 | |
| 5 | Daniele Celestino Acciari | Rocca di Papa | 713.78 |
| 6 | Nic Stein | Davis | 681.23 |
| 7 | Viggo Löwgren | Furulund | 667.91 |
| 8 | Germain Mariolle | Redmond | 623.6 |
| 9 | Zach McCarthy | Conifer | 617.33 |
| 10 | Luke Nahorniak | Lonsdale | 554.41 |
Wrapping Up the Fun
A big thank you to CC Castaneda for organizing such a fantastic event and to Captain’s Arcade Showroom for hosting us in their awesome space. It was a night of fierce competition, nostalgic vibes, and pure pinball joy. And a special shoutout to our game spotlight, Congo, which truly brought out the best in our players. Stay tuned for more pinball excitement and recaps! Until next time, keep those flippers flipping!