Hey pinball wizards! The OC Belles & Chimes Season 15 – #5 just wrapped up at Captain’s Arcade Showroom, and let me tell you, it was an evening filled with flippers, flashing lights, and fierce competition. We had 14 talented players battle it out over six intense rounds, and after an hour and a half (plus a little extra) of thrilling gameplay, the champions emerged victorious. Let’s dive into all the highlights from this electrifying tournament!
The Perfect Spot for Pinball Action
If you haven’t been to Captain’s Arcade Showroom in Anaheim, you’re seriously missing out. Located at 4411 East La Palma Avenue, this place is like a playground for anyone who loves arcade and pinball games. Walking in, you’re instantly transported back to the golden age of arcades with every game under the sun available to play. The vibe is friendly and welcoming, with staff who are just as passionate about gaming as you are. The games themselves are well-maintained, and whether you’re there to buy a machine, watch it get fixed, or just have a blast playing, this is the place to be. Don’t forget your quarters, though—while there’s a change machine on site, there’s no ATM, so come prepared!
The Magic of Elton John
The first round of the tournament featured an epic showdown on Jersey Jack’s Elton John pinball machine, which was released in October 2023. This game, with its dazzling light shows and classic Elton hits, set the stage for some unforgettable pinball action. Sheri Howell, with her sharp flipper skills, took the top spot. She managed to keep the rhythm going, hitting all the right shots to the tune of “Rocket Man,” while Chelsea Villalobos and Lisa Buhrmester gave it their all but just couldn’t match Sheri’s groove. Hillary Jacobson rounded out the top four, showing off some impressive moves of her own. This match was all about timing, precision, and a bit of that Elton John magic.
A Few Pins That Stood Out
With 64 pinball machines available, players were spoiled for choice, but a few games really stole the show. The recent release, JAWS (Premium/LE) by Stern, from January 2024, is a beast of a game. Designed to capture the terror of the classic movie, this pin has you battling a great white shark while trying to rack up the points. It’s a heart-pounding experience that demands quick reflexes.
Torpedo Alley by Data East, released way back in 1988, still holds up as a fan favorite. Its military-themed gameplay and intense audio keep players on their toes, making it a nostalgic yet challenging choice. Then there’s John Wick (Pro) by Stern from May 2024, a sleek, action-packed pinball adventure inspired by the hit movie series. You’ve got to be as sharp as Wick himself to survive this one, with its fast-paced, multi-ball mayhem.
Of course, the classics like Attack from Mars and Jack•Bot always draw a crowd. Attack from Mars, with its humorous alien invasion theme, is a must-play for anyone who loves pinball history. And Jack•Bot, a continuation of the Pin-Bot saga, which I happen to be a personal fan of.
Hats Off to the Winners!
The final showdown took place on the James Bond 007 (LE) by Stern, and it was a nail-biter. CC Castaneda, the tournament organizer herself, showed everyone how it’s done, pulling off a win that was as smooth as a martini—shaken, not stirred. With her flippers in full control, she skillfully activated the “Jetpack Multiball” feature, taking the lead and never looking back. Stephanie Setmire came in second, with her quick reflexes and strategic play, while Nicole Thornhill secured third place, proving she’s a force to be reckoned with. Chelsea Villalobos, fresh off her strong performance in Round 1, finished in fourth, capping off an impressive run.
California IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
Here’s a look at the current top 10 pinball players in California:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tim Hansen | Sunnyvale | 951.45 |
| 2 | Arvid Flygare | Lund | 881.54 |
| 3 | Nic Stein | Davis | 818.77 |
| 4 | Escher Lefkoff | 803.85 | |
| 5 | Jason Zahler | 778.21 | |
| 6 | Daniele Celestino Acciari | Rocca di Papa | 713.65 |
| 7 | Viggo Löwgren | Furulund | 667.76 |
| 8 | Germain Mariolle | Redmond | 623.47 |
| 9 | Zach McCarthy | Conifer | 617.17 |
| 10 | Andrei Massenkoff | San Francisco | 592.98 |
Wrapping It All Up
This tournament was an absolute blast from start to finish, with fierce competition and plenty of memorable moments. Huge shout-out to CC Castaneda for organizing such an incredible event and to Captain’s Arcade Showroom for providing the perfect backdrop for all the action. And of course, a massive congratulations to CC for taking home the win—you definitely earned it!
Stay tuned for more pinball updates and highlights from upcoming tournaments! Keep those flippers hot, and see you on the next one!