OC Belles & Chimes Players Face Stern and Bally Classics

Hello, pinball people! It’s your resident pinball-obsessed blogger, Bride of Pinbot, here to bring you another tournament recap. If you love dramatic multi-ball saves, strategic nudges, and the satisfaction of a perfectly timed jackpot shot, then you’re in the right place. This time, I’m covering the OC Belles & Chimes Season 17 – #4 tournament, where 15 players went head-to-head at Captain’s Arcade Showroom for a night of intense flipper action. Let’s dive in!

Where the Magic Happened: Captain’s Arcade Showroom

Tucked into Anaheim’s pinball scene like a perfectly placed skill shot, Captain’s Arcade Showroom is a hidden gem that every pinhead should experience. Walking in, you’re greeted by a spotless, well-organized space filled with classic and modern pinball machines, all in pristine condition. It’s a collector’s dream and a competitor’s playground, featuring everything from vintage Bally and Gottlieb classics to the latest Stern releases.

One of the things that makes Captain’s Arcade Showroom stand out is its attention to machine upkeep—there’s nothing worse than stepping up to a beautifully designed game only to find a weak flipper or a malfunctioning scoop. Thankfully, that’s not a concern here. Whether you’re battling through a brutal early solid-state machine or chasing wizard mode on a newer LCD-display pin, every machine plays like it just rolled off the assembly line.

When JAWS Took a Bite Out of Round 1

There’s nothing quite like the suspense of a great pinball match, and the first-round showdown on JAWS (Premium/LE) was the definition of thrilling. If you’ve never played this recent 2024 Stern release, imagine the tension of the movie—churning waters, lurking danger, and the constant fear that one wrong move will end in disaster. This machine was designed by Keith Elwin, the mastermind behind modern classics like Iron Maiden, Jurassic Park, and Godzilla, meaning it has deep rules, fast flow, and some nasty shots that make survival anything but guaranteed.

Hillary Jacobson proved she wasn’t afraid of the deep, coming out on top with precise flips and well-timed shots that kept her ahead of the pack. She made full use of the harpoon ball lock and knew exactly when to go for the Great White Multiball. Chelsea Villalobos put up a fight, but much like an unlucky swimmer in Amity Island, she couldn’t quite escape the shark’s grasp, finishing in second. Nancy Umbrasas held her own in third, while Corina Bustos, unranked but not unskilled, rounded out the game in fourth. One thing’s for sure—this machine makes players work for their points, and only the best can keep the ball afloat long enough to reach its more lucrative modes.

Standout Machines That Stole the Show

With 58 machines available, the lineup was stacked with some of the best pinball has to offer. While we can’t cover them all, let’s highlight some of the most interesting machines that saw tournament play.

• Count-Down (Gottlieb, 1979) – A sleeper hit of the late solid-state era, Count-Down was designed by Parker D. Jagr, a designer known for creating some of the more cutthroat games of the era. What makes this machine so punishing is its bonus countdown system, which forces players to think carefully about how they handle each ball. The space-themed art package gives it a cool retro sci-fi feel, but don’t let that distract you—the gameplay is all about strategy.

• Ghostbusters (Premium) (Stern, 2016) – Designed by John Trudeau, this game is famous (or infamous) for its brutal center gap and chaotic gameplay. With an outlane-hungry design and fast-moving shots, Ghostbusters forces players to nail their skill shots and master the dangerous flipper gap if they want to survive. The animations, music, and callouts from the original 1984 Ghostbusters film make this one of the most immersive licensed games Stern has ever produced.

• Viking (Bally, 1979) – Released at a time when Bally was absolutely dominating the pinball world, Viking stands out for its tough but rewarding rule set. The game features a mix of drop targets, loop shots, and an upper left flipper that allows for some sneaky ball saves. It’s a one-player game, which means you’re always battling against yourself—a true test of skill in a tournament setting.

• Attack from Mars (Bally, 1995) – One of the most famous Brian Eddy designs of all time, this machine is pure pinball joy. The goal? Defeat the Martians by blasting the central UFO and racking up big jackpots. What makes Attack from Mars stand out is its combination of flow-based gameplay and easy-to-understand objectives, making it appealing to both casual players and high-level competitors.

• Foo Fighters (Pro) (Stern, 2023) – One of the most exciting newer machines in the tournament, Foo Fighters has an original sci-fi storyline where Dave Grohl and the band fight off an alien invasion (because, why not?). Designed by Jack Danger, the game has fast, flowing ramps and a mini-playfield that adds an extra layer of strategy. It’s already cementing itself as a modern classic, with some calling it one of the best rock-band-themed machines ever made.

Who Walked Away Victorious?

Fifteen players battled it out, but in the end, only four made it to the top:

1. Erica Oursland – With 152 IFPA events under her belt, her experience showed as she claimed first place.
2. Amanda Little – A strong showing from Anaheim’s own, proving she’s got what it takes in a competitive field.
3. Hillary Jacobson – After dominating JAWS, she rode that wave all the way to third place overall.
4. Mayumi Mae – A solid finish against a tough lineup, showing why she’s a top-250 player in California.

California IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

For those keeping an eye on the overall California rankings, here’s how the top 10 stack up:

Wrapping It Up

The OC Belles & Chimes tournament was another reminder of why competitive pinball is thriving. Huge thanks to CC Castaneda for organizing a smooth and exciting event, and to Captain’s Arcade Showroom for providing such an incredible venue for play. It’s places like this that keep the heart of pinball beating, ensuring that both veterans and newcomers have a place to battle, learn, and enjoy the game.

Congratulations again to Erica Oursland on taking the top spot—she earned it!

That’s all for now, but stay tuned for more pinball action, tournament highlights, and deep dives into the best (and sometimes most brutal) machines out there. Keep flipping!