Tilting Toward Victory: Highlights from the Pins & Pirates League Tournament

The Pins & Pirates League set sail once again for its sixth season, docking at Captain’s Arcade Showroom on February 21, 2025. With 34 players ready to plunge into the silver ball abyss, the evening promised fierce competition, high-stakes multiballs, and enough flipper action to make any pinhead proud.

Captain’s Arcade Showroom: Where Pinball Dreams Come True

Located in Anaheim, California, Captain’s Arcade Showroom isn’t just another arcade—it’s a pinball treasure trove. Boasting over 70 meticulously curated pinball machines, both new and refurbished, this interactive showroom invites players to relive the golden age of arcade gaming. As an official Stern Pinball distributor, they ensure that enthusiasts have access to the latest and greatest in pinball technology. Whether you’re aiming to purchase a machine or simply enjoy a game night, this family-owned establishment offers an immersive experience that keeps players coming back for more.

Captain’s is a mix of past and present, with classics from Bally, Gottlieb, and Williams sitting side by side with the latest Stern releases. Many of the machines were set to competition mode, meaning no extra balls and, in some cases, no ball saves—just pure, unforgiving pinball.

The Uncanny X-Men Face-Off: A Battle of Reflexes and Strategy

The tournament’s opening round featured a high-energy showdown on Stern’s The Uncanny X-Men (Premium), released in September 2024. This game delivers an exhilarating, comic-inspired experience, challenging players to master the Danger Room, a chaotic section of the playfield where precision is key. Meanwhile, the ever-intimidating Sentinel rises from below, demanding well-timed shots to keep the battle under control.

From the moment the first ball was plunged, it was clear that this match was going to be a clash of styles. Fran Irwin, a SoCal competitor known for his methodical, controlled play, took a cautious approach—lining up clean shots, nailing mode progression, and using calculated nudges to keep the ball in play. His patience paid off, as he took command of the Wolverine Multiball and cashed in major jackpots to secure first place.

Robert Potter, a player who thrives on instinct and fast reflexes, gave Fran a run for his money. He took a more aggressive approach, making quick, decisive shots to trigger the Sentinel Battle, but an unfortunate outlane drain late in his final ball left him just short of victory, landing him in second.

Austin Crane, unranked but undeterred, came in with a wildcard energy that made him unpredictable. He managed to string together an impressive combo during Magneto Multiball, but his lack of familiarity with the game’s deeper ruleset kept him from catching the top two.

Evan Malanosky, a grinder from California, had a tough break early with a fast drain, but they fought back with an impressive late-game flurry. They activated the Brotherhood Multiball just as time was running out, but a brutal center drain on their final ball sealed their fate in fourth place.

It was a match that had everything—long ball times, nail-biting moments, and a perfect blend of skill and strategy. The Uncanny X-Men proved to be a battlefield worthy of the tournament’s fierce competitors.

Spotlight on Iconic Machines: A Journey Through Pinball History

The tournament floor was a treasure trove of pinball masterpieces. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout machines that players faced during the event:

• Wizard! by Bally (May 1975) – A classic electromechanical (EM) machine that brings the world of The Who’s Tommy to life. This game features a wide-open playfield, dual spinners, and a unique two-bank drop target setup that requires precise shot-making. The artwork, featuring Ann-Margret and Roger Daltrey, is as iconic as the gameplay itself.
• Attack from Mars by Bally (January 1995) – One of the most beloved games of all time, Attack from Mars challenges players to defend Earth from an alien invasion. With its humorous callouts, satisfying ramp shots, and the unforgettable Strobe Multiball—which plays under a rapid-fire strobe light—it remains a crowd favorite. Destroying all the flying saucers and reaching the ultimate Rule the Universe wizard mode is a badge of honor in competitive pinball.
• Ghostbusters (Premium) by Stern (January 2016) – This machine perfectly captures the spirit of the 1984 classic film. From the Ecto-1 siren to the creepy (and frustrating) Slimer toy that blocks shots at critical moments, Ghostbusters is a high-risk, high-reward game. With challenging shots like the Scoleri Brothers drop targets (which frustratingly pop back up at the worst times), and the infamous left outlane of doom, this machine is a brutal test of skill and patience.
• Mousin’ Around! by Bally (January 1989) – A lighthearted, cheese-filled adventure that features a unique playfield layout and a sneaky ball lock mechanism. Players navigate a world of mischievous mice, dodging traps while stacking jackpots. The three-ball multiball is particularly rewarding, with chaotic, high-scoring opportunities.
• Hot Wheels by American Pinball (June 2020) – Bringing the thrill of toy car racing into pinball form, Hot Wheels is all about speed and precision. The playfield is packed with fast loops, dynamic ramps, and a rotating car lift. One of its standout features is the RPM Gauge, which rewards players for shooting combos in rapid succession, much like shifting gears in a real race.

Champions of the Silver Ball: Celebrating the Winners

After an evening of high-stakes pinball battles, it all came down to the final game on Bally’s Lost World. A brutal test of patience and ball control, this late-’70s machine has no inlanes, meaning every ball was a heart-stopping struggle to stay in play. Only the sharpest nudges and most precise shots could secure victory.

1. Michael Kostolnik rose to the occasion, claiming first place with a steady, measured approach that showed why he’s ranked 92nd in California. Known for his ability to control the chaos of multiball play, he expertly trapped and aimed each shot, methodically working through Lost World’s tricky rule set. This marks another impressive achievement in his long list of competitive outings, bringing his total IFPA event count to 135.
2. Robert Potter, always a fierce competitor, finished in second place. Potter thrives in fast-paced, reactive play, making Lost World a difficult challenge for his usual style. Still, he managed to stage an incredible comeback in the final moments, narrowly missing first place but solidifying his reputation as one of California’s most tenacious players.
3. Paul Xavier took third, proving that a deep knowledge of classic machines can go a long way in high-pressure tournament play. His skill in reading bounces and controlling rebounds kept him in the fight, and while he fell just short of the top two, he demonstrated why he’s a player to watch at future events.
4. David Green rounded out the top four, bringing a strategic mindset and measured flipper work to the table. His ability to grind out points and make crucial shots under pressure kept him competitive until the very end. With nearly 200 IFPA events under his belt, Green’s experience showed in his calm demeanor, even when Lost World delivered its signature punishing drains.

California’s Finest: IFPA Top 10 Standings

A Pirate’s Farewell: Until Next Time

As the dust settled on another thrilling night of competition, it was clear that the Pins & Pirates League delivered yet another unforgettable tournament. From nerve-wracking final drains to exhilarating multiballs, every player brought their best to the battle.

A huge thank you to organizer CC Castaneda for keeping the tournament running smoothly and to Captain’s Arcade Showroom for providing an incredible lineup of machines that tested every flipper’s mettle. Whether you were dodging Martian attacks, wrangling mischievous mice, or taking on the Sentinel menace, each machine played a part in crafting a night of fierce but friendly competition.

Stay tuned for more tournament coverage, more pinball stories, and more thrilling victories.