Hey there, pinball wizards! It’s your favorite pinball blogger, Bride of Pinbot, back with another thrilling tournament recap. As always, I’m here to bring you all the best highlights from the world of competitive pinball, reviewing the coolest machines, and offering some tips along the way. I’ll be your guide through this pinball adventure as we break down the latest event and the epic battles that went down at Captain’s Arcade Showroom. So, let’s get started!
OC Belles & Chimes Season 15 – #7: A Heated Showdown
The OC Belles & Chimes tournament series is in full swing, and the 7th event of Season 15 was no exception. Taking place on September 9, 2024, at the Captain’s Arcade Showroom, the night was packed with excitement and some of the best pinball action in the state. With clear skies and a sweltering 91°F outside, the players took refuge in the cool confines of the showroom, where 10 talented competitors faced off in a single round of six games each. The action only lasted an hour and a half, but it was a memorable evening of skill and competition.
Captain’s Arcade Showroom: A Retro Paradise
If you haven’t had the chance to visit Captain’s Arcade Showroom, you’re missing out on one of the coolest spots for pinball in Southern California. Nestled on East La Palma Avenue in Anaheim, this retro-themed arcade is a paradise for pinball lovers, offering 63 classic and modern pinball machines that span the decades. With affordable pricing (you can play many of the vintage games for as little as $0.25), it’s no wonder this location draws pinball fans from all over.
Beyond just casual play, Captain’s Arcade is known for hosting monthly tournaments that bring out some serious local talent. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just looking to have some fun, you’ll find plenty of friendly competition here. The machines are well-maintained, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the fun is non-stop.
Let’s Talk Pinball Machines
Now, onto the games! Captain’s had an impressive selection of machines for this tournament, but here are a few standouts that deserve some special attention:
- Wizard! (Bally, 1975)
This machine is a true classic, offering a unique design with drop targets and bonus features that are perfect for those who enjoy a fast-paced game. The backglass art is inspired by The Who’s Tommy, which gives it an extra cool factor. The rules are simple but offer enough challenge to keep players hooked. The spinning targets and the skill shot keep you on your toes! - Avengers: Infinity Quest (Pro) (Stern, 2020)
Stern’s Infinity Quest brings the Marvel universe to life with dynamic shots and an intense series of modes. The time gem multiball is a fan-favorite, offering an exhilarating challenge where the speed and flow of the game increase dramatically. With stunning animations and excellent theme integration, it’s no surprise this machine is a hit at tournaments. - The Bally Game Show (Bally, 1990)
With its vibrant art and fun TV game show theme, this machine offers a perfect balance of humor and competitive pinball. The mini-games within the machine, such as the “Test Your Strength” feature, are quirky and unique. A great choice for players who want a break from the more serious machines. - Paragon (Bally, 1979)
Paragon is often revered as one of the most challenging wide-body games. The playfield has a unique upper right section, known as the “beast’s lair,” where balls are notoriously difficult to recover from. It’s a game of precision, patience, and perseverance, offering no mercy to those who underestimate it. - Attack from Mars (Bally, 1995)
Possibly one of the most popular pinball machines of all time, Attack from Mars is a game of chaos and destruction! The classic alien invasion theme, combined with fantastic flow, ramps, and multiball action, make it an all-time favorite. If you can destroy the saucer and activate Total Annihilation, you’ll feel like a true pinball hero.
Star Wars Showdown: Battle on the Premium Table
One of the most exciting moments of the tournament came during Round 1 on Star Wars (Premium) by Stern, released in 2017. The force was certainly strong with CC Castaneda, who claimed victory by expertly navigating the Escape from Hoth mode, outmaneuvering her opponents and securing the top spot for the round. Close on her heels was Anita Dominqu, who showed great skill but couldn’t quite topple CC’s command of the game. Hillary Jacobson, with her usual precision, played a solid game, but the randomizer shot on Hoth tripped her up a few times, landing her in third. Meanwhile, Laura Stoddard had a rough go in this round but made a great recovery later in the night.
Congratulations to the Tournament Winners!
After a fierce competition, it was Chelsea Villalobos who took the top spot, showing tremendous skill in the final game on Elton John by Jersey Jack Pinball. Chelsea’s mastery of the multiball feature—especially the Rocket Man multiball—helped her lock down the victory in a dazzling finish. A shout-out to Lisa Buhrmester, who fought valiantly and finished in second. And CC Castaneda, fresh off her earlier victory in Round 1, rounded out the top three with a strong performance.
Here’s how the final standings looked:
- Chelsea Villalobos – Chelsea’s impressive play throughout the tournament paid off with a well-deserved first-place finish.
- Lisa Buhrmester – Lisa put up a tough fight and proved that she’s a force to be reckoned with, coming in second overall.
- CC Castaneda – CC’s skill and consistency earned her third place, a great showing for this local favorite.
- Laura Stoddard – Despite a tough start, Laura finished strong and claimed fourth in this competitive field.
California IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tim Hansen | Sunnyvale | 951.61 |
| 2 | Arvid Flygare | Lund | 881.54 |
| 3 | Nic Stein | Davis | 818.56 |
| 4 | Escher Lefkoff | 803.84 | |
| 5 | Jason Zahler | 778.2 | |
| 6 | Daniele Celestino Acciari | Rocca di Papa | 713.65 |
| 7 | Viggo Löwgren | Furulund | 667.75 |
| 8 | Germain Mariolle | Redmond | 623.46 |
| 9 | Zach McCarthy | Conifer | 617.17 |
| 10 | Andrei Massenkoff | San Francisco | 592.71 |
Wrapping it All Up
What a night of pinball! A huge shout-out to CC Castaneda for organizing this fantastic event and to Captain’s Arcade Showroom for hosting it. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out this amazing location for future tournaments. And, of course, a big congratulations to Chelsea Villalobos for her well-earned victory. Stay tuned for the latest pinball news and follow-ups, and I’ll see you on the flip side!