Ahoy, Pinball Pirates! A Look Back at the Pins & Pirates League

On the evening of July 5th, 2024, the Captain’s Arcade Showroom in Anaheim was buzzing with excitement as 29 players gathered for the third event of the Pins & Pirates League’s fourth season. The tournament, featuring one intense round of five games, lasted a thrilling two and a half hours. With clear skies and a balmy 81°F, it was the perfect night for some competitive pinball.

An Unforgettable Location

Captain’s Arcade Showroom, at 4411 East La Palma Avenue, Anaheim, CA, is a treasure trove for pinball enthusiasts. This vibrant arcade offers an extensive collection of pinball machines that transport players back to the golden age of arcade gaming. Check out more about this fantastic location here. The showroom’s lively atmosphere, coupled with the community’s enthusiasm, made it an ideal setting for the tournament. Although there were no specific reviews available, the sheer variety and quality of the machines speak volumes about the place.

Game Spotlight: Tri Zone by Williams

As we mark the anniversary of the classic Tri Zone by Williams, released in July 1979, it’s only fitting to spotlight this game played in Round 1. Designed by Williams Electronics and featuring artwork by the talented Christian Marche, Tri Zone brings an outer space fantasy theme to life with its engaging playfield and unique features. The machine boasts 2 flippers, 3 pop bumpers, 4 drop targets, a kick-out hole, and a spinning target, challenging players with its dynamic and fun gameplay.

• 1st Place: Luca Varriale (IFPA rank 1280) from California showed his prowess, navigating the game’s challenging features with finesse.
• 2nd Place: Austin Crane, an unranked player, put up a fantastic fight, proving that rankings aren’t everything.
• 3rd Place: Josh Leininger, also unranked, displayed impressive gameplay, keeping everyone on their toes.
• 4th Place: Dina Orbison (IFPA rank 4846) held her own, showcasing strategic play and determination.

Tri Zone’s classic layout and engaging gameplay provided a perfect stage for these players to shine, reflecting their unique styles and skills.

Pinball Machines That Stole the Show

The tournament boasted 63 pinball machines, each offering a unique challenge and experience. Here are a few highlights:

• NBA Fastbreak by Bally (March 1997): Designed by George Gomez, this game brings the fast-paced excitement of basketball to pinball, with players aiming for slam dunks and fast breaks.
• Mustang (Premium) by Stern (January 2014): With design input from John Trudeau, this machine celebrates 50 years of Mustang with thrilling races and classic car vibes.
• Deadpool (Pro) by Stern (August 2018): Designed by George Gomez and featuring artwork by Zombie Yeti, this game combines humor, action, and pinball wizardry.
• Jurassic Park (Pro) by Stern (July 2019): Created by Keith Elwin, this game immerses players in the chaos of the iconic dinosaur park.
• Aerosmith (LE) by Stern (March 2017): John Borg’s design captures the rock ‘n’ roll spirit of Aerosmith, with dynamic playfields and classic hits.
• The Walking Dead (Pro) by Stern (October 2014): Another John Borg design, this machine brings the horror and survival elements of the TV show to life.
• Future Spa by Bally (March 1979): A vintage gem with a unique theme and challenging play, designed by George Christian.
• Viking by Bally (December 1979): A classic pin with a Norse mythology theme, featuring artwork by Kevin O’Connor.
• Pulp Fiction (SE) by Chicago Gaming (March 2023): This machine captures the essence of the cult classic film with engaging play and memorable quotes.

Hail to the Champions!

A hearty congratulations to our top finishers of the Pins & Pirates League – Season 4 – #3! Each player brought their A-game, demonstrating why they’re forces to be reckoned with in the pinball world.

• 1st Place: Luca Varriale, hailing from California, clinched the top spot with his impressive skills. With an IFPA rank of 1280 and a state rank of 218th, Luca’s 326 total IFPA events have honed his prowess, making his victory well-deserved.
• 2nd Place: Dennis Eichhorn, ranked 282nd in the IFPA and 38th in the state, showed why he’s a formidable competitor. His performance in this tournament adds another highlight to his 241 total IFPA events.
• 3rd Place: Johnny Modica, with an impressive IFPA rank of 46 and a state rank of 50th, brought his extensive experience from 468 total IFPA events to secure the third spot. His high-ranking status was evident in his gameplay.
• 4th Place: Michael Kostolnik, ranked 1126th in the IFPA and 139th in the state, rounded out the top four. With 119 total IFPA events under his belt, Michael’s consistent play earned him a place among the best.

IFPA California Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping Up

A big thank you to CC Castaneda for organizing such a fantastic event and to Captain’s Arcade Showroom for hosting us in their incredible space. The Pins & Pirates League continues to bring excitement and camaraderie to the pinball community. Keep your eyes peeled for more tournaments and, of course, more celebrations of iconic games like Tri Zone. Until next time, may your flippers be fast and your scores high!