Recreational & Competitive Pinball in and around the Port City of Wilmington NC.

The Cape Fear Flipper Club was formed in 2018 in Wilmington, NC.

We offer the opportunity to play both recreational and competitive pinball with over 50 regularly scheduled tournaments as well as several other individual, team and Women's events throughout the year.

The Cape Fear Flipper Club consists of Internationally-ranked pinball competitors as well as people who have only played a few games in their life, and everyone in between. We are an inclusive group, welcoming all individuals interested in learning more about and most importantly, playing pinball.

No prior experience or skill level is needed to have fun!

Join the CFFC Today

Are you ready for some pinball?

Components of a Pinball Competitor

Show up

The first rule of pinball is to play pinball. There is no substitute for flipping the flippers, watching other players, and learning how to keep the ball in play longer to score higher points. Play often and try different machines when you can. Try to beat your last high score, ask questions and be open to learn.

Patience

Pinball takes time to learn and get better at a variety of skills and techniques. It is a combination of all your senses and requires patience, practice and developed motor skills. There are many nuances that can be improved on over time and in some cases takes a lifetime to master.

Positive Attitude

Sometimes the pinball gives and sometimes it takes away. With pinball, the ball will always drain. This can be frustrating at times, but is part of what makes pinball so much fun. Try to play better each and every time. To do this, the biggest thing to keep in mind is to always have fun and stay positive.

Become Ranked

Many of our members started with no experience and are now professionally ranked players in the state and the world. Many more simply play for the camaraderie and fun of getting together with friends. Regardless of your reasons for joining a pinball club, you get out what you put in.

Cape Fear Flipper Club Officers

The Volunteers who make it possible

Eric "Zootie" Sutton
Commissioner

Founding Member - Playing competitive pinball since 2016, Eric is ranked as one of the top players in North Carolina and top 2500 in the world. He is responsible for overseeing and organizing all of the CFFC events and tournaments in Wilmington and throughout other parts of North Carolina. He also owns and operates the machines at both Cape Fear Spirits & Beer and Throw Baxe Axe House.

Dave MacQueen

Statistician

Founding Member - Dave was new to pinball when joined the group in 2019. He is currently ranked as one of the top players in North Carolina and is responsible for collecting, recording and analyzing the results from our tournament and league events and providing an entertaining and detailed recap of each event.

Kimberly Faulkenberry
Treasurer

Founding Member - Kimberly (along with her husband Luke) joined the club in 2019. She is currently a top ranked player in the Women's division in North Carolina and is responsible for collecting dues and managing the financial operation of the club.

Meghan Cook
Social Media Manager

Meghan is also one of the top female pinball players in North Carolina and has been playing pinball since 2019. She is responsible for managing our social media channels and is also a very funny stand-up comic. MULTIBAAAALLL!

Luke Faulkenberry
Tournament Rules Director

Founding Member - Luke has been playing competitive pinball since 2018 and is currently ranked as one of the top players in North Carolina and top 1600 of the world. He qualified for NC State Championship in 2022 and in 2023. He manages the tournament rules in accordance with PAPA and the IFPA and helps organize local tournaments.

Kevin Myers
SC Tournament Director

Kevin has been playing competitive pinball since 2011 and is currently ranked as one of the top players in South Carolina and top 3000 of the world. He organizes and runs our South Carolina Tournaments with the in Murrells Inlet Pinheads.

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Dale & Melissa Becker

CHC/BAckyard ARCADE

Tournement Directors

Dale & Melissa have built the local pinball scene in Hampstead and Porters Neck, NC. They host several main, youth and women's tournament. In their spare time, they operate Coastal Hemp Company and are accomplished ball room dancers.

OPEN POSITION
Travel Team Coordinator

We are looking for a volunteer to help coordinate and organize travel team events. This includes assisting with shared housing, travel schedules and general support for those wishing to compete around the country.

OPEN POSITION
Assistant Tournament Director

We are looking for another volunteer to help run and organize tournaments in North Carolina.

CFFC SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

CFFC OFFICIAL PINBALL LOCATIONS

Cape Fear Spirits & Beer

Official home location for the Cape Fear Flipper Club, we host weekly tournaments and seasonal pinball leagues (as well as launch parties and other fun events) located at Cape Fear Spirits & Beer at 139 N Front St in Wilmington NC

Cape Fear Wine And Beer

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Coastal Hemp Company

Our newest official CFFC boutique location for casual play and chill vibes is Coastal Hemp Company at 8211 Market St Unit CC in Wilmington NC

Coastal Hemp Company

Throw Coast Disc Golf

New for 2025, Throw Coast Disc Golf is CFFC's official home for pinball in Leland NC Join us for monthly tournaments and seasonal pinball leagues at 1026 Appleton Way, Unit 140

Throw Coast Disc Golf

Throw Baxe Axe House

New for 2024, Throw Baxe Axe House is CFFC's official home for pinball in Southport NC Join us for monthly tournaments and seasonal pinball leagues at 806 N Howe St Southport NC 28461

Throw Baxe