Belles & Chimes OC Kicks Off Season 17 with a Night of Fierce Flipping

The OC Belles & Chimes kicked off their 17th season in style, bringing together a group of skilled women and non-binary players for a night of competitive pinball. If you’re not familiar with Belles & Chimes, it’s an international network of inclusive pinball leagues dedicated to creating welcoming spaces for women and non-binary players to hone their skills, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and, of course, rack up some high scores.

Since its founding in 2013, Belles & Chimes has grown into a thriving community, helping to grow competitive pinball by fostering a supportive and encouraging environment. The OC chapter has been running strong for years, and their first tournament of Season 17 was no exception. Hosted at Captain’s Arcade Showroom in Anaheim, the event featured 15 players battling it out over six rounds, testing their skills on a stacked lineup of 64 machines. It was fast, it was fierce, and it set the stage for another season of top-tier flipping.

Pinball Paradise at Captain’s Arcade Showroom

If you haven’t been to Captain’s Arcade Showroom yet, you’re missing out on an absolute playground of pinball greatness. Nestled in Anaheim, this spot is home to a jaw-dropping selection of machines, from modern Sterns to classic Bally and Williams tables. Whether you’re here to crush a tournament or just geek out over a new Halloween pinball, it’s a blast every time. And let’s not forget CC Castaneda, the tournament organizer, who keeps things running smoothly while making sure everyone feels welcome.

When the Core Melts, So Does the Competition

One of the most electric moments of the night happened on Total Nuclear Annihilation by Spooky Pinball, a game designed by Scott Danesi that feels like it was plucked straight from an ‘80s arcade. With its minimalist rule set and reactor-core destruction mechanic, TNA forces players into fast, aggressive gameplay where survival is key.

During the match, Laura Stoddard proved why she’s a force in the California pinball scene, showing pinpoint accuracy with crucial shots to advance through the reactors. Sheri Howell stayed in the mix with solid ball control, but ultimately, Laura’s mastery of the timed multiball and reactor destruction gave her the edge. Hillary Jacobson and CC Castaneda also put up strong performances, but the rapid-fire nature of TNA left little room for error.

A Lineup of Legendary Machines

With 64 machines in play, this tournament had an incredible variety of games spanning decades of pinball history. Here’s a closer look at some of the standouts:

Laser Cue (1984, Williams)

Designed by Barry Oursler, this solid-state classic is one of Williams’ lesser-known gems, but it packs a lot of strategy. With a heavy focus on drop targets and bonus multipliers, Laser Cue challenges players to make precision shots while controlling the game’s pacing. Its early 1980s electronic sounds and fast playstyle make it a great choice for a tournament setting.

Totem (1979, Gottlieb)

One of the first solid-state pinball machines from Gottlieb, Totem features a wide-body design that slows gameplay down, forcing players to focus on careful shot selection. The machine is known for its unique asymmetrical layout, with a left-side inline drop target sequence and a risky center spinner shot. It’s a tough but rewarding table, perfect for testing ball control under pressure.

Wizard! (1975, Bally)

This electromechanical classic, themed after Tommy, was one of Bally’s biggest hits in the mid-’70s. With art by Dave Christensen and a playfield design that features dual spinners and addictive pop bumper action, Wizard! is a game that rewards fast reflexes and precise nudging. The game’s playability has stood the test of time, making it a nostalgic favorite in tournament lineups.

Counterforce (1980, Gottlieb)

A hidden gem in the early solid-state era, Counterforce combines pinball with a space-defense theme, requiring players to knock down drop targets to protect cities from an alien invasion. The game’s unique scoring system means that well-timed shots can make a huge difference in a short amount of time—something tournament players definitely take advantage of.

James Bond 007 (60th Anniversary LE) (2022, Stern)

Stern’s James Bond 007 series got a limited-edition release celebrating six decades of the franchise. This machine features a stripped-down, single-level playfield reminiscent of classic early solid-state games but with modern tech. With smooth ramp shots, a challenging rule set, and deep code from Keith Elwin, it’s a game that rewards skill and strategic shot-making.

The Uncanny X-Men (Premium) (2024, Stern)

Stern’s latest Marvel-themed pin brings the world of X-Men to life with fast-flowing ramps, deep modes, and a gorgeous art package. The game features a battle system where players can choose their mutant and progress through different villain fights, offering high replay value.

John Wick (LE) (2024 Stern)

One of the most anticipated releases of the year, John Wick delivers brutal gameplay that matches the high-energy action of the movies. With challenging multiball sequences, fast ramps, and dynamic animations, this game has quickly become a tournament favorite.

Meteor (1979, Stern Electronics)

This game remains a fan favorite for its accessible but deceptively deep gameplay. With a focus on building bonus multipliers and shooting the inline drop targets to rack up points, Meteor is a perfect example of why late-’70s Stern machines are still loved by competitive players today.

Champions of the Night

The final showdown took place on Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure released in 1993 by Williams, a legendary wide-body machine designed by Mark Ritchie. With its four-ball multiball, Path of Adventure upper playfield, and iconic Temple of Doom shots, the game demands precise control and smart shot selection.

1. Laura Stoddard – Laura’s experience paid off as she navigated the final game with precision, making key shots on the Ark and Temple of Doom modes to secure her victory. Her ability to capitalize on multiballs and jackpots set her apart in the final moments.
2. Erica Oursland – A strong second-place finish for Erica, who played consistently across all rounds. Her ability to keep up with Laura on Indiana Jones showed just how well she adapts under pressure.
3. Kat Hill – Kat delivered a solid third-place performance, showing great ball control and steady play throughout the night. Her ability to stay cool during key moments kept her in the running.
4. Sarah Howland – With fewer tournament appearances under her belt than the other finalists, Sarah’s top-four finish was a breakout moment. Her solid play on Indiana Jones proved she’s a rising competitor to watch.

California’s Pinball Powerhouses

And now, for the big-picture standings. Here’s a look at the current top 10 in California pinball:

Flipping Into Another Season

The first tournament of OC Belles & Chimes Season 17 delivered everything you’d want in a night of competitive pinball—intense matchups, diverse machines, and a thrilling final showdown. From the reactor meltdowns on Total Nuclear Annihilation to the cinematic adventure of Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure, every game tested the players’ skill, strategy, and ability to perform under pressure.

A huge thank you to CC Castaneda for organizing and running a seamless event, and to Captain’s Arcade Showroom for providing one of the best pinball lineups in Southern California. With machines spanning decades—from the classic challenge of Wizard! to the high-speed chaos of John Wick—players had the chance to prove themselves across multiple styles of play.

With Season 17 now officially underway, the road to the next tournament is already calling. Whether you’re aiming for the top or just looking to improve your game, one thing is for sure—there’s always another ball to plunge and another high score to chase. Stay tuned for more pinball action, and we’ll see you at the next event!