Tik Tok’s Fair Strikes Tournament: The Spin of Skill and Strategy! 🕰️🪓

The Tik Tok’s Fair Strikes pinball tournament was the talk of Bremerton on September 25th, 2023. Hosted at the popular Tik Tok’s Workshop, pinball enthusiasts and casual players alike gathered at 6:55 PM to show their skills, have fun, and make a run for the title. With the atmosphere slightly chilly but the competition on fire, the event was a smash hit.

Of Strikes and Scores

Organized by the ever-passionate Richard Godwin, this Group Knockout Tournament brought an interesting format to the table – the Fair Strikes system. In this system, players in a four-player group would receive varying numbers of strikes based on their placement. It’s a system that rewards consistency and offers a little bit of leniency to the players. The event’s website, TikToksWeekly, had been buzzing with anticipation leading up to the event.

The Monsters of Monster Bash

One game that particularly stood out was the Round 7 face-off on Monster Bash (Remake) by Chicago Gaming. Donovan Haga, with an IFPA rank of 1573, stole the show, clinching the first spot. Following closely behind him were Chris Wilkes and Sarah Bay, adding more excitement to the evening.

The Titans of Tik Tok’s

The tournament winners were nothing short of pinball prodigies:

  • 🥇 Andrew McCann: Leading the pack with an IFPA rank of 631 and a whopping 496 events under his belt.
  • 🥈 Conrad Rustad: Bremerton’s pride, he’s not only talented but also a familiar face at local tournaments.
  • 🥉 Michael Adcock: With an impressive 362 events experience, he’s no stranger to the high-stakes world of pinball.
  • 🏅 Donovan Haga: After his stellar performance in Round 7, Donovan rounded out the top four.

An Array of Pinball Machines

The venue was a pinball enthusiast’s dream come true, hosting machines from different eras, including:

  1. Terminator 2: Judgment Day: A classic that takes players on an action-packed journey.
  2. Sharpshooter: A throwback to simpler times with its retro design and gameplay.
  3. Grand Prix: A race-themed machine that’s always a hit.
  4. Demolition Man: Based on the blockbuster movie, it’s always a player favorite.
  5. Firepower: A vintage game that has stood the test of time.

The Buzzing Workshop

Located on Sylvan Way, Tik Tok’s Workshop is known for its fantastic drinks and pinball machines. While the decor might lean on the minimal side, the heart and soul of the place are the pinball machines and the community that gathers around them.

Washington’s Top Pinball Players

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Germain MariolleRedmond625.88
2Lonnie LangfordSeattle532.98
3Richie TerrySeattle498.13
4Sean IrbySeattle469.68
5Jarrett GaddySeattle446.88
6David ChernicoffSeattle436.45
7Dave StewartCarnation399.95
8Raymond DavidsonElk Grove Village364.73
9Neal JoslynBremerton364.68
10Zach McCarthyConifer325.15

As the flippers ceased their relentless flicking and the lights dimmed, Tik Tok’s Workshop became silent, but the memories of Fair Strikes 9/25 echoed in the minds of every attendee. The world of Washington pinball is alive, dynamic, and waiting for the next challenge.

Stay tuned for more frenzied flips, tricky tilts, and electrifying updates from the realm of pinball!

“Multiball Monday Madness!” – The Tale of the IFPA Pinball Tournament at HOP Central

Quick Flips and High Scores in Chandler, Arizona

A hot 95°F evening in Chandler wasn’t the only thing making the pinball players sweat on September 25, 2023. Inside HOP Central Brewing Co and Taproom, the sizzle of competition was even fiercer as 13 players descended for the Multiball Monday tournament, organized by the very talented Mark Farina Jr. The tournament website multiballmonday.com captured the highlights, but let’s dive deeper into the flips, tricks, and some jaw-dropping pinball tactics!

The Battle of the Best on “Rush (Pro)”

Round 1 set the tone for the entire evening, with the spotlight shining brightly on “Rush (Pro)” by Stern. Mark Farina Jr, ranked 1794, demonstrated why he’s not just an excellent organizer but also a formidable player, seizing first place in the game. But the competition was intense with Alex Cardwell and Walter Dony coming in a close second and third, respectively.

From Silver Balls to Golden Crowns

The leaderboard told a tale of agility, strategy, and a sprinkle of luck:

  • 🥇 Alex Cardwell: Dominating with a global rank of 682 and an impressive 192 IFPA events under his belt.
  • 🥈 Mark Farina Jr: Showcasing both his prowess as an organizer and a player.
  • 🥉 Walter Dony: A significant player in the Arizona pinball scene, Walter’s rank of 331 reflects his skill.
  • 🏅 Amanda Kennedy: With zeHir unique style, Amanda secured the 4th spot against some tough competitors.

A Pinball Paradise

Pinball aficionados were treated to a slew of incredible machines, ranging from vintage classics to modern masterpieces:

  1. Foo Fighters (Premium/LE) by Stern: Rocking out with every flip and score!
  2. James Bond 007 (Pro) by Stern: Engaging players in a world of espionage and high-stakes action.
  3. Venom (Pro) by Stern: A new kid on the block, already making waves.
  4. Hot Wheels by American Pinball: Taking players on a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
  5. Deadpool (Pro) by Stern: Mixing humor, action, and some excellent pinball mechanics.

HOP Central: Not Just About Beer!

The HOP Central Brewing Co and Taproom not only boasts a delicious range of brews but also an electric atmosphere perfect for a pre-dinner flight and some serious pinball competition.

Arizona’s Pinball Royalty

The state’s top talents lined up as follows:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Roland Nadeau672.28
2Mark PearsonPhoenix589.29
3John ShoppleMesa570.08
4John MagyarGilbert352.82
5Adam HortonPhoenix331.5
6Kevan CarterTempe321.39
7Jason BarreMesa312.26
8Joey RioSurprise309.24
9Paul BlancoChandler306.34
10Walter DonyPhoenix281.4

So, as the flippers rested and the lights dimmed at HOP Central, the memories of Multiball Monday continued to echo. In the world of Arizona pinball, one thing is clear: the game is on, and it’s spectacular.

Stay tuned for more electrifying updates from the realm of pinball! 🌵🔥

An Evening with the Wizards of Pinball: The IFPA Player 1 Arcade S3A Side Finals

It was a typical Arizona evening, with the temperature teasing at 95°F but surprisingly feeling cooler than usual. Player One Arcade, Arizona’s own pinball haven, braced itself for an electrifying event: the Player 1 Arcade S3A Side Finals. Organized by the diligent Jim Smith, this tournament promised fierce competition and gripping gameplay.

The Tournament of Tilt

36 pinball aficionados went head to head, maneuvering their way through five intense rounds. Each player aimed to score the highest points in their group, but as the silver ball raced across the playfield, some dreams of victory soared while others, well…tilted. As the minutes ticked on, with a total tournament time of about two and a half hours, a clear winner emerged: Mary Profeta Scardina, an IFPA-ranked powerhouse, took the crown!

Shiny Silverball Spotlight

One game that had everyone on the edge of their seat was during Round 3 on “Rush (Pro)” by Stern. This 2022 machine delivered suspense, drama, and thrill, all wrapped into a 3-ball game. Mary Profeta Scardina dominated, securing 1st place, followed by Timm Shere, Diane Smith, and Joana Delvalle.

Legacy in Machines

Player One Arcade’s stellar collection of pinball machines was the real star. The spotlight shone bright on:

Player One’s Pizzazz

For anyone unfamiliar with Player One Arcade, a quick visit to their website would do the trick. But for those who’ve been there, they know it’s more than just an arcade. Especially on a Saturday night with a 7-year-old, the array of pinball machines and 80s-90s arcade games, paired with a drink (maybe an IPA or cider), creates hours of cherished memories. A local treasure that’s so much more than just flashing lights and high scores.

Arizona’s Pinball Pros

Here’s how the top players in Arizona’s pinball scene stack up:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Roland Nadeau672.28
2Mark PearsonPhoenix589.29
3John ShoppleMesa570.08
4John MagyarGilbert352.82
5Adam HortonPhoenix331.5
6Kevan CarterTempe321.39
7Jason BarreMesa312.26
8Joey RioSurprise309.24
9Paul BlancoChandler306.34
10Walter donyPhoenix281.4

As the flippers rest and the lights dim on this memorable evening, one thing remains evident: the pinball community in Arizona is stronger than ever. The silver ball will roll again soon, so stay tuned for more exciting updates from the pulsating realm of pinball!