Tik Tok’s Matchplay: A Pinball Extravaganza Amid Karaoke Classics!

Greetings, pinball wizards and weekend warriors alike! Let’s journey together through a night of clinks, clangs, and of course, some sing-alongs. We’re diving into the Tik Tok’s Matchplay 9/12 pinball tournament, held on a notably chilly evening at Bremerton’s very own Tik Tok’s Workshop.

A Jamboree of Joy

The event kicked off precisely at 7 PM and extended its magical grip over us for almost 9 and a half hours. It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re absorbed in a mesmerizing game. Though if you are here on a weekend, Karaoke could be echoing in the background, perhaps motivating some players and…distracting others? (or, truth be told, waiting for that Dirty and Dry cocktail – patience is a virtue on a busy Saturday night!).

Let the Games Begin!

With eight gripping rounds, each player was given a shot at glory with every game. The scoring method was straightforward: outplay your fellow pinballers in your group and climb the ladder. And speaking of games, a standout performance in Round 1 on Monster Bash (Remake) deserves a special mention. Organizer Richard Godwin didn’t just organize; he showcased his prowess by clinching the top spot, with Rachel Kahalekulu, Brandon Saludares, and Caleb Stickley hot on his trail.

Machine Mania

The machines, with their bright lights and enthralling designs, deserve their own applause. The aforementioned Monster Bash (Remake) was an audience favorite, and other notable pinball machines included the vintage Icarus, Sharpshooter, and the action-packed Terminator 2: Judgment Day. And let’s not forget the quirky Whoa Nellie! Big Juicy Melons. Yes, that’s a real pinball game!

Rising to the Challenge

When the silver ball settled and scores were tallied, it was Richard Godwin who emerged as the reigning champion. Followed by Caleb Stickley, Brandon Saludares, and Rachel Kahalekulu – all of whom showcased grit, strategy, and of course, impeccable hand-eye coordination.

Local Pinball Standouts

Just a quick side-note for those of you keeping score at home. Here’s the cream of the crop when it comes to Washington’s pinball elite:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Germain MariolleRedmond626.48
2Lonnie LangfordSeattle533.12
3Richie TerrySeattle498.6
4Sean IrbySeattle470.06
5Jarrett GaddySeattle444.55
6David ChernicoffSeattle436.53
7Dave StewartCarnation387.32
8Raymond DavidsonElk Grove Village365.81
9Neal JoslynBremerton364.77
10Zach McCarthyConifer326.43

To conclude, as we cherish these memories of skillful plays, quirky pinball names, and melodious (or perhaps not-so-melodious) karaoke, remember: there’s always another game, another shot, another chance to play and slay.

Catch you next time for more updates from the thrilling realm of pinball! Until then, keep those flippers flippin’!

Electric Excitement at the Electric Bat Season 8!

On a balmy evening in Tempe, Arizona, with broken clouds and the mercury nudging 93°F, pinball enthusiasts flocked to the Electric Bat Arcade, an unsuspecting gem amidst the city’s hustle and bustle. It was time for the Electric Bat Season 8 – Series 2 #6 pinball tournament, a monumental clash of flippers, balls, and lights.

Dive Into the Arcade Vibe!

For many, Electric Bat Arcade might seem a tad bit confusing at first. It doesn’t scream ‘arcade’ from the entrance, and yet when you dive in, it’s a veritable oasis of nostalgia and excitement. With amazing bartenders, delectable food and drink, and a pinball collection to die for (literally every game in working condition!), the venue is a haven for aficionados and newbies alike. Those Japanese rhythm games though? A hilarious challenge after a few drinks!

From Meteor to Godzilla – Pinball Machines that Steal the Show

With a staggering 57 pinball machines, selecting a few favorites is a Herculean task. Yet, some stand out due to their legacy and charm:

  1. Demolition Man: Taking us back to 1994, it’s Williams at its best.
  2. Terminator 2: Judgment Day: A plunge into 1991 with action-packed sequences.
  3. Diner: A 1990 classic that makes you yearn for simpler times.
  4. Godzilla (Premium): The youngest of the lot from 2021, it’s monstrous fun!
  5. Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast: With its 2018 release, it’s as legendary as the band itself.

The Godzilla Showdown

Speaking of Godzilla, the Round 4 face-off on this machine was nothing short of epic. Up-and-comer Cody Winant defied expectations by beating seasoned player Adam Horton, leaving the crowd in awe. Krisha Shufran and Cale Bess Hernandez gave commendable performances, but it was Cody who roared that round!

Pinball Wizards of the Tournament

At the end of the electrifying showdown, Mark Lindbergh clinched the top spot with Mark Pearson not far behind. Roland Nadeau and Greg Drewes rounded off the top four with their stunning gameplay.

The Best in Arizona

Arizona’s love for pinball isn’t new. Check out the IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10 Standings:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Roland Nadeau605.88
2John ShoppleMesa546.74
3Mark PearsonPhoenix535.9
4John MagyarGilbert337.66
5Paul BlancoChandler304.33
6Jason BarreMesa300.35
7kevan carterTempe295.89
8Joey RioSurprise282
9Adam HortonPhoenix276.99
10Andrew Roesch255.2

Pinball, for many, isn’t just a game. It’s a passion, an obsession, a dance of fingers and flippers. The Electric Bat Season 8 was not just a tournament, but a celebration of this love. Stay tuned, pinball wizards, for there’s much more to come from the luminous realm of pinball!

Tilt’n Tuesday Triumphs: Pinball Wizards Gather at District 82!

Ahoy, pinball enthusiasts! Let’s rewind to September 12, 2023. The air was crisp, and with just a few clouds hovering above, the atmosphere at District 82 Pinball was electric. Fans from across Wisconsin (and some from beyond) gathered to witness the spectacular Tilt’n Tuesday pinball tournament.

The Stage Was Set

Located in the heart of De Pere, District 82’s massive collection of 113 pinball machines were primed for the tournament. Organized by the renowned Erik Thoren, the tournament drew 67 players, all vying for the coveted top spot. The tournament went on for a thrilling 8 hours, but who’s counting when you’re immersed in a pinball galaxy?

Game On!

One of the many highlights of the evening was the intense face-off in Round 4 on Eight Ball Champ by Bally. This classic from 1985 saw Steve Fabry demonstrating why he’s a force to be reckoned with. Meanwhile, Shawn McDonald, Brian Leuthner, and Kel McBrair made sure to keep him on his toes. The action was intense, and the flippers never rested.

A Salute to the Champions

When the dust settled and the last ball drained, Nathan Zalewski emerged as the reigning champ, followed closely by Drew Geigel, Michael Reiman, and the man of the hour, Erik Thoren himself. Kudos to these pinball warriors for their stellar gameplay.

Pinball Spotlight

From the vast array of pinball machines, some notable ones were:

More Than Just Pinball

As any regular will tell you, District 82 isn’t just a pinball arcade, it’s an experience. The ambiance is a solid 5-star, blending nostalgia with state-of-the-art setups. And while the games are all set for Tournament Play, it’s all part of the adrenaline-packed experience.

But here’s the catch: Intermediate players, you’ll notice the challenge levels are amped up with extreme table tilts and conservative settings. As the old adage goes, “It ain’t easy being a pinball wizard.”

Wisconsin’s Best

For those keeping score at home, here’s the latest IFPA Wisconsin Pinball Top 10 Standings:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Luke NahorniakLonsdale1265.33
2Jared AugustWest Bloomfield Township1165.21
3Neil GrafAppleton1143.64
4Escher Lefkoff1050.04
5Steven BowdenPalatine998.81
6Jason WerdrickPark Ridge737.44
7Zach McCarthyConifer737.26
8Erik ThorenDe Pere732.12
9David DalugaMilwaukee691.23
10Jordan Dechaine683.87

Final Thoughts

A massive shoutout to all participants and attendees. Pinball, at its heart, is a game of skill, strategy, and sometimes a smidgen of luck. And in Wisconsin, the passion for pinball burns brighter than ever. Until next time, keep those flippers flippin’ and stay tuned for more pinball updates!

Pinballs and Java Jolts: The Belles & Chimes SATX Showdown

It’s not every day you find a venue that melds the buzzing energy of pinball with the aromatic allure of freshly roasted coffee. But on September 12, 2023, at 6:30 PM, that’s precisely what was brewing at What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters in San Antonio, Texas.

Coffee, Machines, and a Little Competitive Spirit

Over the course of approximately 2.5 hours, 14 passionate pinball players faced off, darting between 46 pinball machines, each round fueled by the café’s exquisite coffee. Organized by the dynamic Christina Cheeseman, the Belles & Chimes SATX – Fall 2023 #1 pinball tournament had the perfect blend of competition and camaraderie.

A Joker’s Wild Throwback

The highlight reel moment? Round 2’s game on the vintage Joker Poker machine by Gottlieb, a throwback from January 1978. Alice Young, with an impressive IFPA rank of 2385, outperformed the competition, leaving Kelsea Gass and Valli Irvine in her wake. Joker Poker might be a game from yesteryears, but it proved that in the world of pinball, old is indeed gold!

Top Players and Timeless Machines

By the end of the evening, the cream of the crop emerged. Alice Young clinched the top spot, followed closely by Melody Zisman and Hope Love. Valli Irvine, hailing from Austin, TX, also made her mark by securing the 4th position.

The venue was replete with machines ranging from classics to new-age marvels. “Centaur” by Bally, “Evel Knievel” by Bally, “Champion Pub” by Bally, and “James Bond 007 (Pro)” by Stern were just a few that stood out. Whether players fancied the heroics of James Bond or the raw thrill of No Fear: Dangerous Sports, there was a game for every taste.

More Than Just a Coffee Shop

What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters isn’t your typical caffeine haunt. The ambiance screams innovation, from the transparent process flavor experimentation to the symphony of coffee beans teasing your curiosity. The real icing on the cake? An astounding collection of pinball machines, striking a balance between the inner child and the mature coffee connoisseur in every visitor. It’s a crescendo of flavors, sights, and sounds – a future trendsetter in the realm of coffee shops.

Texas’s Top Pinballers

The Lone Star State’s pinball scene is nothing short of electric. Here’s a glimpse of Texas’s pinball prowess:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Jack RevnewThe Woodlands490
2Garrett ShahanDenton442.76
3Phil GrimaldiHouston338.48
4Wesley JohnsonCollege Station320.83
5Lee BalusekConroe254.5
6Fred RevnewThe Woodlands248.59
7Brian KrivonakCorpus Christi246.12
8Collier WhitefieldSan Antonio223.13
9Gilbert HerreraSan Antonio211.3
10Kevin RodriguezDenton206.72

In a world where pinball and premium coffee collide, the Belles & Chimes SATX tournament was more than just a competition. It was an experience, an aromatic journey filled with flashing lights, clinking flippers, and the soft murmur of excited conversations.

Stay flipping fantastic, and catch you at the next update from the radiant realm of pinball!

The Pinball Lounge – An Evening of Flashbacks and Fierceness!

With a backdrop of clear skies and the Florida humidity making 86°F feel like a scorching 98°F, pinball aficionados descended upon The Pinball Lounge in Oviedo, Florida. The clock marked 7 PM, and over the next 3 and a half hours, the deafening dings, lights, and competitive roars filled the air.

Embryon Extravaganza!

The real action crescendoed during Round 5 on the vintage Embryon by Bally, dating back to 1981. Garrett Smoke, despite his IFPA rank of 3417, defied all expectations by landing the top spot. Hot on his heels was the seasoned John Moschella from Winter Springs, Florida, followed by Justin Derazza and Nick Smith. As the ball rolled, plunged, and ricocheted, it wasn’t just a game. It was history meeting the present, both in terms of the players and the machine.

A Gallery of Gaming Greatness

The Lounge boasted 30 pinball machines, an impressive repertoire for the aficionado and the amateur alike. While each had its own charm, a few deserved a special mention:

  • Cyclone by Williams: Taking players on a ride since 1988.
  • Funhouse by Williams: Known for Rudy, the talking dummy head – don’t be startled!
  • Guardians of the Galaxy (Premium) by Stern: A star-studded space saga dating back to 2017.
  • Paragon by Bally: With a beastly allure since 1978.
  • Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern: All the mysterious happenings of Hawkins town, right from 2019.

The Conquerors of The Lounge

While every player put forth a spirited fight, the leaderboard had its champions. Garrett Smoke smoked the competition, followed closely by Justin Derazza, and John Moschella. John Osborne rounded off the top four with some spectacular gameplay, despite his comparatively higher IFPA rank.

The Lounge Experience

For those unfamiliar with The Pinball Lounge’s allure, it’s not just about the games. A visitor’s testament speaks volumes: “Visiting Orlando and chanced upon this haven. Skipped the drinks, but the massive selection of pinball kept us engrossed for hours. A must-visit for every pinball enthusiast.”

Florida’s Flipper Fanatics

Let’s have a peek at where Florida’s finest pinball players stand:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Shannon StaffordOrange Park321.21
2Eric StoneFort Myers305.25
3Vince GelormineFort Lauderdale262.96
4Sebastian Bobbio236.21
5Dan CoyleSt. Petersburg195.15
6Dr. Frank SposaroLakeland151.96
7Adam GrayTemple Terrace142.14
8David Miller FLTampa133.26
9Brayden DerazzaLake Mary109.63
10John MoschellaWinter Springs108.87

With another tournament wrapped up, the world of pinball continues its eternal dance of lights, sounds, and silver balls. For fans, newbies, and everyone in between, stay flipped on for more updates from this enthralling realm!