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Welcome to Cape Fear Flipper Club – Pinball Fun in Wilmington, NC!


Since 2018, Cape Fear Flipper Club has been the heart of recreational and competitive pinball in and around the Port City of Wilmington, NC. Whether you're a seasoned player or just discovering the thrill of pinball, we offer exciting opportunities to play, compete, and connect.


With over 150 regularly scheduled tournaments each year—plus special events for teams, individuals, and women’s competitions—there’s always a chance to test your skills and enjoy the game.

 

Our community includes internationally ranked competitors as well as newcomers just learning the ropes, making our club a welcoming space for players of all backgrounds.


No experience? No problem!

At Cape Fear Flipper Club, pinball is for everyone. Come flip, learn, and have fun—because the only requirement is a love for the game

Join the CFFC Today
Are you ready for some pinball?

Components of a Pinball Competitor

Show up

There’s no substitute for experience when it comes to pinball. Flip the flippers, watch the ball’s movement, observe other players, and practice keeping the ball in play—longer control means higher scores. 

The best way to improve? 

Play often, explore different machines, challenge yourself to beat your last high score, and never hesitate to ask questions. 

Stay curious, stay open, and most importantly—have fun flipping.

Patience

Pinball is more than just a game—it’s an art that takes time, practice, and dedication to master. 

Success comes from sharpening a variety of skills, refining techniques, and developing keen motor control. It engages all your senses, demanding patience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. Every play is an opportunity to improve, discover new strategies, and understand the subtle nuances of the game. 

And while some skills come quickly, true mastery can take a lifetime. But that’s the beauty of pinball—the journey is just as rewarding as the game itself!

Positive Attitude

In pinball, the ball will always drain—it’s part of the game’s unpredictable charm. 

Sometimes you’re on fire, hitting every shot with precision, and other times, the machine seems to have a mind of its own. 

But that’s exactly what makes pinball so exciting! The key to improving? Keep playing, challenge yourself to do better each time, and embrace the journey. 

Most importantly, have fun and stay positive—because every flip, bounce, and drain is a chance to learn and love the game even more

Become Ranked

Many of our members started with little to no experience, only to rise through the ranks as professionally ranked players at the state and global levels. 

Others play simply for the joy of the game—the camaraderie, the challenge, and the fun of connecting with friends. No matter your reason for joining, pinball is what you make of it. 

Whether you’re here to compete or just enjoy the thrill of flipping, the more you put in, the more rewarding the experience becomes. 

Everyone starts somewhere, and in our club, there’s always room to grow, play, and have a great time!

Cape Fear Flipper Club Officers

The Volunteers who make it possible

2022
Eric "Zootie" Sutton
Commissioner

Founding Member & Competitive Pinball Leader 

Since 2016, Eric has been a force in the competitive pinball scene, earning a spot among North Carolina’s top players. 

As a founding member of Cape Fear Flipper Club, he plays a key role in organizing and overseeing events and tournaments, ensuring exciting gameplay throughout Wilmington and across North Carolina. Beyond competition, Eric is deeply involved in bringing pinball to the community—owning and operating the machines at Cape Fear Spirits & Beer, Throw Coast Disc Golf and Flippin Balls HQ. 

Whether orchestrating tournaments or maintaining top-tier pinball experiences, he’s dedicated to growing the local pinball scene for players of all skill levels.

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Dave MacQueen
StatiStiCIan

Founding Member & Tournament Analyst

 When Dave joined Cape Fear Flipper Club in 2019, he was new to pinball—but his dedication and skill quickly propelled him to become one of North Carolina’s top-ranked players. 

Beyond competing, Dave plays a key role in tracking the club’s tournament and league results. He meticulously collects, records, and analyzes event data, ensuring accuracy while delivering entertaining and detailed recaps for players to enjoy. 

His passion for both the game and its community makes him an integral part of Cape Fear Flipper Club.

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Kimberly Faulkenberry
Treasurer

Founding Member & Women’s Division Competitor 

Since joining Cape Fear Flipper Club in 2019 alongside her husband Luke, Kimberly has become a standout player in North Carolina’s Women's division, earning top rankings through dedication and skill. 

Beyond competition, she plays a vital role in the club’s operations, overseeing financial management and dues collection to keep things running smoothly. 

Kimberly’s passion for pinball and commitment to the community make her an essential part of Cape Fear Flipper Club, helping create a welcoming and well-organized environment for players of all levels.

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Meghan Cook
Social Media Manager

Women’s Division Competitor & Social Media Pro 

Since 2019, Meghan has been lighting up the pinball scene as one of North Carolina’s top female competitors. When she’s not flipping her way to victory, she’s managing the club’s social media channels—keeping the community connected and engaged with all things pinball. 

Oh, and did we mention she’s also a hilarious stand-up comic? Whether she’s crushing tournaments or cracking jokes, Meghan brings energy, humor, and passion to every game.

 MULTIBAAAALLL!

Luke
Luke Faulkenberry
Tournament Rules Director

Founding Member & Competitive Pinball Organizer 

Since stepping into competitive pinball in 2018, Luke has consistently climbed the ranks, earning a place among North Carolina’s top players and securing a spot in the top 1,600 worldwide. His dedication to the game led him to qualify for the NC State Championship in both 2022 and 2023, solidifying his reputation as a formidable competitor. 

Beyond his own achievements, Luke plays a crucial role in shaping the local pinball scene. He ensures that tournament rules align with PAPA and IFPA standards while assisting in organizing events that bring players together and commentating on our local live twitch streams. 

His commitment helps create a structured, competitive, and fun atmosphere for all levels of play.

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Kevin Myers
SC Tournament Director

Competitive Pinball Veteran & Tournament Organizer

 With over a decade of experience in competitive pinball, Kevin has cemented his status as one of South Carolina’s top players, ranking within the top 3,000 worldwide. 

His passion for the game extends beyond competition—he plays a key role in organizing and running South Carolina tournaments alongside the Murrells Inlet Pinheads. 

From mastering the nuances of gameplay to fostering a thriving tournament scene, Kevin is dedicated to growing the pinball community and providing exciting opportunities for players of all skill levels.

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Dale & Melissa Becker 
Backyard Arcade

Pinball Community Builders & Multitalented Duo 

Dale and Melissa have played a pivotal role in growing the local pinball scene in Hampstead and Porters Neck, NC. Their dedication to the game is reflected in the tournaments they host, including main events, youth competitions, and women's tournaments that foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. 

Beyond pinball, their talents extend to business and the arts. As the owners of Coastal Hemp Company, they bring innovation to their industry, and in their spare time, they shine on the dance floor as accomplished ballroom dancers. 

Whether organizing tournaments or mastering elegant footwork, Dale and Melissa bring passion and expertise to everything they do.

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OPEN POSITION
Travel Team Coordinator

Join Our Team! 

Do you love pinball and organization? 

We're looking for a dedicated volunteer to help coordinate and manage travel team events! This role includes assisting with shared housing arrangements, travel schedules, and providing general support for players competing across the country. 

If you’re passionate about keeping things running smoothly and helping fellow competitors make the most of their tournament experience, we’d love to have you on board. Reach out to learn more and get involved!

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OPEN POSITION
Assistant Tournament Director

Cape Fear Flipper Club is looking for an enthusiastic volunteer to help run and organize tournaments throughout North Carolina! 

If you love pinball and want to be part of creating exciting events, this is your chance to get involved. Responsibilities include assisting with tournament logistics, coordinating schedules, and ensuring smooth gameplay for competitors. 

Whether you're an experienced player or just passionate about supporting the community, we'd love to have you on board. Reach out to learn more and help grow the North Carolina pinball scene!

CFFC SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

CFFC OFFICIAL PINBALL LOCATIONS

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Cape Fear Spirits & Beer

Cape Fear Spirits & Beer at 139 N Front St in Wilmington, NC, is the official home of Cape Fear Flipper Club, where pinball action never stops! 

Join us for weekly tournaments, seasonal pinball leagues, exciting launch parties, and plenty of other fun events. 

Whether you're here to compete, socialize, or simply enjoy the thrill of the game, this is where the pinball community comes together. Flip, play, and connect—right in the heart of Wilmington!

Cape Fear Wine And Beer

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The Backyard Arcade
@ Coastal Hemp Company

Located at Coastal Hemp Company, 8207 Market St in Wilmington, NC, The Backyard Arcade is Cape Fear Flipper Club’s boutique pinball venue—bringing competitive and recreational play to a unique, welcoming space. 

Join us for weekly league nights, monthly tournaments, and exclusive events designed for youth and women’s divisions. 

Whether you’re a seasoned player or just getting started, The Backyard Arcade offers an exciting pinball experience for all.

Backyard Arcade

Throw Coast

Throw Coast Disc Golf

Starting in 2025, Throw Coast Disc Golf at 1026 Appleton Way, Unit 140, is the newest hub for Cape Fear Flipper Club pinball action in Leland, NC! 

Join us for monthly tournaments and seasonal pinball leagues, where players of all skill levels can compete, connect, and enjoy the game. 

Whether you're chasing high scores or just here for the fun, this exciting new location is the perfect place to flip, play, and be part of the pinball community!

Throw Coast Disc Golf

CFFC Quick Reference Guide
CFFC Full Ruleset
CFFC Tournament Rules
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Registered Players
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Local Tournaments
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