67 Machines, 36 Players, One Winner: A Night at Captain’s Arcade in Anaheim

The first round of Season 6 of the Pins & Pirates League kicked off with 36 players braving the light rain to battle it out at Captain’s Arcade Showroom in Anaheim. With five games per round and competition heating up, the two-and-a-half-hour tournament saw a mix of high-level strategy, close finishes, and some wild pinball moments that had players either cheering or shaking their heads. If this opening event was any indication, this season is going to be a fun one.

Captain’s Arcade Showroom: A Pinball Player’s Playground

Located in Anaheim, Captain’s Arcade Showroom is more than just a collection of pinball machines—it’s a well-curated pinball experience. The selection of machines is impressive, pulling from all eras of pinball history, so whether you’re into modern Sterns or classic Bally games, there’s something here to challenge your flipper skills. The venue’s energy is made even better by its host, CC Castaneda, whose passion for pinball is apparent in how well-maintained the games are. It’s no surprise that local players keep coming back.

A Dino-Sized Battle on Jurassic Park (30th Anniversary)

The most intense match of the night happened early on Jurassic Park (30th Anniversary)—where it felt like the players weren’t just battling each other, but also the very concept of survival. Designed by Keith Elwin and released in September 2023, this anniversary edition celebrates 30 years of dinosaur chaos with upgraded features like enhanced animations, a stunning art package, and a new custom T-Rex head sculpt.

Luca Varriale came out on top, navigating chaos like an expert park ranger, using well-timed shots to capture dinosaurs and start multiballs at just the right moments. Michael Kostolnik wasn’t far behind, keeping pace with some strategic play on the Raptor Pen, a dangerous but rewarding shot. Meanwhile, Michael Torrelli and John Nau got caught in the proverbial T-Rex chase, struggling to keep the ball in play long enough to put up big scores. In the end, it was Luca’s well-placed shots on the Control Room modes that sealed the win—proving that in both pinball and Isla Nublar, only the strongest survive.

The Machines That Kept Players on Their Toes

With 67 machines in the lineup, players had to be ready for anything. A few notable standouts included:

• Creature from the Black Lagoon (Bally, 1992) – Designed by John Trudeau, this machine isn’t just about the famous movie monster; it’s a 1950s drive-in experience packed into a pinball game. The Move Your Car hurry-up sequence and the famous holographic lagoon monster reveal make this one of the most visually striking pins of its era.

• The Addams Family Gold (Bally, 1994) – This collector’s edition of the best-selling pinball machine ever, designed by Pat Lawlor, features golden trim and enhanced features. Players who mastered the Electric Chair multiball and the unpredictable Thing Flips feature had a serious edge.

• The Mandalorian (LE) (Stern, 2021) – This Star Wars-themed machine, designed by Brian Eddy, puts players in the shoes of the Mandalorian himself. With the Razor Crest multiball and an upper mini-playfield that challenges flipper accuracy, players needed precision to take down enemies and collect Beskar armor upgrades.

• Star Wars (Premium) (Stern, 2017) – A Steve Ritchie-designed machine that moves at warp speed, requiring lightning-fast reflexes. The interactive LCD missions and the hyperloop ramp that rockets the ball around the playfield made this a thrill ride for tournament players.

• Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Stern, 2018) – Another Keith Elwin masterpiece, this game is all about flow, combos, and battle strategy. The four flipper layout allows for some insane shot opportunities, and players who could nail the Pharaoh’s Tomb jackpot were in for big points.

• Jim Henson’s Labyrinth (Barrels of Fun, 2023) – One of the newest games in the tournament, this unique pinball machine immerses players in the world of David Bowie’s Goblin King, with a multi-layered playfield, a crystal ball spinner, and audio straight from the film.

• Elton John (Jersey Jack, 2023) – A flashy, music-driven game designed by Steve Ritchie, this pin features incredible light shows, classic Elton John tracks, and some of the smoothest ramps seen in a modern game. Multiball on this one feels like a concert finale every time.

• Meteor (Stern Electronics, 1979) – A classic solid-state era game that still holds its own, Meteor’s simple yet strategic drop target gameplay made it a high-stakes choice for anyone looking to rack up bonus points while avoiding deadly center drains.

A Hard-Fought Victory on Lost World

In the end, it was Michael Kostolnik who outlasted the field, proving his ranking wasn’t just for show. His final challenge was on Lost World (Bally, 1978), a game known for its lush fantasy artwork by Paul Faris and a layout that rewards ball control over brute force. The lack of ramps and complex multiballs meant players had to rely on pure flipper skill—an old-school challenge that proved to be the ultimate decider.

Robert Potter put up a strong fight, but ultimately settled for second, while Tom Shelley surprised many with his impressive third-place finish, showing that even with fewer IFPA events under his belt, he’s a player to watch. Dennis Eichhorn, a seasoned competitor, rounded out the top four, holding his own against tough competition.

California IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Here’s how the top players in California are stacking up:

Wrapping Up the Night

A huge thank you to CC Castaneda for running another excellent tournament and to Captain’s Arcade Showroom for providing such a great space for competitive pinball. The players brought their A-game, and the machines kept things interesting all night long. Special shoutout to the Jurassic Park battle that gave us some of the best action of the tournament—nothing like some prehistoric chaos to keep things exciting.

Stay tuned for more pinball action, and we’ll see you at the next showdown!