Four Times the Fun: A Knockout Extravaganza
Hey pinball fans! The latest IFPA pinball tournament, “Four Times the Fun,” was an absolute blast, packed with intense competition and tons of excitement. Held on July 13, 2024, this Group Knockout tournament kept 38 players on their toes for nearly six hours. Using the Fair Strikes system, players battled through 13 rounds, facing elimination after 8 strikes. With clear skies and a comfy 64°F, it was the perfect day for some serious pinball action.
Lynn’s Arcade: The Ultimate Pinball Hangout
Nestled in the heart of Seaside, California, Lynn’s Arcade: A Pinball Parlor and Can Slangery was the ideal spot for the tournament. Located at 1760 Fremont Boulevard, Suite D1, this charming arcade is famous for its top-notch machines and super friendly vibe. People love the staff, especially Bea, and the fantastic variety of canned beers. Plus, with cup holders on every machine, you can focus on your game without worrying about your drink. Lynn’s Arcade is all about pinball camaraderie and fun.
Pinball Magic at Lynn’s Arcade
Lynn’s Arcade had a killer lineup of 39 pinball machines. Here are a few standouts:
Pabst Can Crusher by Stern (2016)
This machine is a nostalgic trip with its retro beer-themed design. The captive ball mechanism and target bank make it a fan favorite for its straightforward yet challenging gameplay.
Creature from the Black Lagoon by Bally (1992)
A true classic, this machine blends the thrill of a 1950s drive-in movie with exciting pinball action. The holographic 3D creature and interactive playfield toys make it a must-play.
Rick and Morty (SE) by Spooky Pinball (2019)
Players go on a wild ride through different dimensions, with voice work from the show’s creators adding extra fun. Its complex rules and innovative layout keep players hooked.
Star Trek: The Next Generation by Williams (1993)
Featuring voices from the original cast and a detailed playfield, this machine takes players to the final frontier. Its cannons and multiball features make it a standout.
Iron Man by Stern (2010)
Fast-paced and tough, Iron Man challenges players with its Iron Monger toy and War Machine kickback. It’s a true test of skill and endurance, perfect for any tournament.
Epic Showdown on Stranger Things (Premium)
Round 7 brought one of the most memorable matches on the Stranger Things (Premium) pinball machine by Stern. The game, based on the hit TV show, added an extra layer of thrill to the competition. As the Demogorgon loomed large, Sneha Kolar, ranked 547th in the state, came out on top with her sharp reflexes and smart moves. Matt Nielsen, with a state rank of 188th, put up a strong fight but settled for second. Cary Carmichael, the tournament’s organizer, showcased their skills and finished third, while Lauren Hughes rounded out the match. The eerie sounds and iconic imagery of Stranger Things made this round a real highlight, showing off the top players’ skills and determination.
Celebrating the Champions
After nearly six hours of intense competition, Dustin Goldbarg emerged as the champion. Ranked 26th in the state and 220th in the IFPA, Dustin’s consistent performance and strategic play paid off. Eric Garcia snagged second place, his experience from 142 IFPA events shining through. Matthew Talley from Seaside, with a state rank of 89th and IFPA rank of 283, fought hard to claim third. Greg Gorelick from Monterey, despite his lower state rank of 309th, showed incredible determination and skill to secure fourth place.
California Top 10 Standings
Here’s a look at the top 10 players in California according to IFPA 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 an Unforgettable Tournament
Big thanks to Cary Carmichael for organizing such an awesome event and to Lynn’s Arcade for hosting us in their fantastic venue. Congrats again to Dustin Goldbarg for his amazing victory, and to all the participants who made this tournament truly memorable. Stay tuned for more thrilling pinball updates and stories! For more info and upcoming events, check out mfpinball.org.