Sailing Through Pinball Mayhem: Pins & Pirates League Hits Anaheim

Salutations, pinball pros! The Pins & Pirates League is back with another thrilling evening of pinball action, and this time it was a real treasure hunt at the Captain’s Arcade Showroom. With 27 players competing across 5 games, the event on September 6th saw some heated competition in the heart of Anaheim. The tournament, lasting just about 2.5 hours, featured everything from nail-biting moments to pirate-worthy celebrations. So, let’s dive into the highlights of the night!

Captain’s Arcade Showroom: Where the Action Happened

If you haven’t been to Captain’s Arcade Showroom in Anaheim, you’re missing out on one of the gems of Southern California’s pinball scene. Located on East La Palma Avenue, this spot is a pinball lover’s dream. With over 65 machines on the floor, there’s always a game calling your name, whether it’s a modern hit or a vintage classic. What really sets Captain’s apart, though, is the care they put into each machine—cleaning and maintaining them after every use so you’re always getting the best experience possible. The place is packed with pinball talent, and if you want to test your skills or just play for fun, this is the spot to be. It’s no wonder the venue draws in such a competitive crowd. Thanks to organizer CC Castaneda, this season’s Pins & Pirates League event went off without a hitch!

The Game Spotlight: James Bond – Stirred, Not Shaken

In Round 1, players were greeted by none other than James Bond 007 (LE) from Stern. Released just a year ago in celebration of the iconic spy’s 60th anniversary, this game is all about high-octane action. On this machine, the stakes were high as Dennis Eichhorn, Jon Michael Stein, Jim Collins, and Brian Sutherland took to the flippers. You could practically hear the Bond theme playing as Dennis dodged ball drains like they were henchmen, taking first place with smooth precision. Jon Michael, though unranked, showed plenty of potential by navigating through the multiball chaos. In the end, it was Dennis who emerged as 007 of the night, leaving Jon Michael, Jim, and Brian plotting their comeback in the next round.

Pinball Machines at the Tournament: Highlights from the Lineup

With 65 machines to choose from, you know the variety was on point. Let’s talk about some of the standouts:

The Walking Dead (Pro) by Stern: Released in 2014, this zombie-filled game is all about survival. You’ve got walkers on all sides, but with thrilling multi-kills and the right shot, you can build up serious points. The crossbow feature adds a fun, thematic element to an already exciting game.

Ghostbusters (Premium) by Stern: With its vivid art and voice callouts from the original cast, this machine makes you feel like you’re part of the team. Released in 2016, it features a Slimer bash toy and the epic ‘Stay Puft Marshmallow Man’ mode, making each game feel like an adventure in ghostbusting.

Monster Bash by Williams: A classic from 1998, Monster Bash is all about bringing the band back together! The Universal Monsters-themed gameplay is packed with humor and fun, as you assemble Frankenstein, Dracula, and more for an epic rock concert. The balance of skill shots and the Monster Bash multiball make it a fan favorite.

John Wick (Pro) by Stern: This 2024 release brings the action and revenge theme to life with fast-paced gameplay and intense modes. John’s quest for vengeance plays out as you battle through the Russian syndicate and unlock multiball mayhem.

Wizard! by Bally: A vintage piece from 1975, Wizard! has a more straightforward design, but don’t let that fool you. This game’s use of drop targets and spinning features still makes it a challenge for modern players.

The Overall Tournament Winners

The final game of the night took place on Jack•Bot by Williams, and boy, did it deliver! With an exciting Casino Run feature, it was like watching players hit the jackpot—except only one walked away the big winner. Here’s how the top four players finished:

1. Luca Varriale – Luca stormed through the competition and snagged first place, showing off his expertise on the game’s tricky multiball modes. His ranking may be 238th in the state, but tonight, he played like he was in the top 10.
2. Dennis Eichhorn – Ranked 27th in the state, Dennis once again demonstrated why he’s a player to watch, just missing out on first place in a tightly contested final. He’s a consistent threat in any tournament, and his second-place finish proves it.
3. Kane Mejia – Kane, sitting at 59th in the state, put in an impressive performance. His ability to stay calm under pressure brought him a well-earned spot on the podium.
4. Michael Kostolnik – Rounding out the top four, Michael made a solid run, showing why he’s ranked 148th in the state. His play on Jack•Bot was steady, but the competition was fierce.

California IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

That’s a wrap for this edition of the Pins & Pirates League! Congratulations to all the competitors, especially Luca for taking home the top spot. A huge shoutout to CC Castaneda for organizing another stellar event, and to Captain’s Arcade Showroom for being the perfect backdrop to a fantastic evening of pinball. Stay tuned for the latest pinball news and follow-ups!