As the sun dipped and the Californian sky draped itself in an inviting blanket of stars, the pinball enthusiasts of Anaheim convened. Held at Captain’s Arcade Showroom, the “OC Belles & Chimes Season 13 – #1” tournament commenced on the evening of October 2nd, 2023. And with a clear sky overhead and the temperature at a comfortable 66°F, it promised to be a night to remember.
Venue Vibes
The Captain’s Arcade Showroom didn’t just play host; it showcased an unparalleled dedication to pinball. As per a patron’s glowing review, “We got a Foo Premium from them! CC is great. She helped us unbox and ensure everything was ok in our first pinball machine!” A testament to the venue’s credibility was evident as it emerged as the trusted alternative to others in SoCal.
Into the Venomverse
Venture into the world of Venom, the symbiotic sensation from Spider-Man comics, in this brand-new pinball experience. Stern Pinball’s Venom (Pro) truly channels the chaos and the thrill the character embodies. With an aesthetic inspired by the ’80s comic roots of Venom, the machine brings to life the dark charisma of the alien symbiote and its various hosts, spotlighting over 20 characters from the Marvel universe. From Eddie Brock to Gwen Stacy and Venomized versions of iconic heroes, each character adds a layer of depth to the gameplay.
One of the game’s most compelling features allows players to bond with a host at the beginning, which affects not just the digital display but the tangible gameplay as well. There’s the visually captivating Agro-Lab, the mysterious Life Foundation pathways, and the central antagonist – Carnage – who players must bash into the Ravencroft Institute. The gameplay keeps one on their toes, especially when the unpredictable Doppelganger swings into action, unraveling mayhem.
This depth of gameplay was particularly evident during Round 1, where four avid players took on the Venom (Pro) challenge: Lisa Buhrmester, bearing an IFPA rank of 2908, emerged triumphant. Following close were Ally Vides, Nicole Thornhill, and Hillary Jacobson. Lisa’s victory served as a gentle reminder that in the world of pinball, strategy and agility often trump rank.
The round was a vivid display of strategy, reflexes, and the pure fun of engaging with Stern’s latest creation.
The Belle of the Ball
While the Venom saga was a highlight, the night was brimming with outstanding performances. Kudos to the champions:
- Laura Stoddard – Leading the charge with an enviable winning streak.
- Anita Dominqu – Irvine’s pride, clinching the second spot.
- Erica Oursland – Holding her ground with remarkable consistency.
- Jordyn Koedyker – Proving that every event adds to the experience, irrespective of the IFPA rank.
Machines that Stood Out
With a vast selection of 62 pinball machines, some inevitably caught more attention. Among them were the vintage Scuba by Gottlieb from 1970, the dramatic Stranger Things (Pro) from 2019, the catchy Foo Fighters (Premium) released earlier this year, and the nostalgic Road Kings from 1986.
The Golden State’s Best
At present, the IFPA California Pinball Top 10 Standings are as follows:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tim Hansen | Sunnyvale | 570.02 |
| 2 | Gabe Da Silveira | Oakland | 553.3 |
| 3 | Escher Lefkoff | 532.34 | |
| 4 | Raymond Ashby | Los Angeles | 520.25 |
| 5 | Scott Macias | Glendora | 460.53 |
| 6 | Nic Stein | Davis | 436.01 |
| 7 | Johnny Modica | Hacienda Heights | 420.6 |
| 8 | Andrei Massenkoff | San Francisco | 415.03 |
| 9 | Keith Elwin | Carlsbad | 409.63 |
| 10 | Leslie Ruckman | 408.05 |
In a state known for its vibrant entertainment scene, pinball remains an enduring passion. It’s not just about flashing lights and high scores; it’s about community, strategy, and the sheer joy of the game. With tournaments like these, California continues to stamp its authority as a hub for pinball lovers.
Until next time, keep the balls rolling and the flippers flipping! The realm of pinball awaits your return.