September 5th, 2023. The skies were overcast with a touch of chill at 65°F. But inside Tik Tok’s Workshop at 1216 Sylvan Way, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. The Tik Tok’s Matchplay 9/5 pinball tournament was about to kick off, promising an evening of intensity, nostalgia, and a touch of wizardry.
Flipping Through The Atmosphere
Bremerton, WA became the playground for pinball enthusiasts as they gathered for the competition organized by Richard Godwin. However, while the competitors were making a ruckus with their flipper skills, the star of the venue had to be the rockstar bartender. Handling food, mixed drinks, servicing machines – all with the kind of multi-tasking skills you’d think were reserved for an octopus. This cool, bearded guy stole hearts and applause, proving that sometimes, the unsung heroes lie outside the competition.
Spotlight on the Sixth
The most exhilarating match had to be in Round 6. Williams’ Demolition Man, a throwback from 1994, became the battlefield for some intense pinball action. Pinky Barney, despite her rank of 6627, stunned the crowd with a victory. Close on her heels was Jessica Barron, proving that rankings are just numbers when you’re in the zone.
A Stellar Lineup
From the fruit-filled antics of Whoa Nellie! Big Juicy Melons to the apocalyptic rushes of Terminator 2: Judgment Day, the array of pinball machines was a delight for both players and spectators. Machines like Icarus, Firepower, and Monster Bash (Remake) only added to the vintage charm and challenged the skills of the players.
And The Ball Drops On…
While every player brought their A-game, Jessica Barron emerged as the queen of the arcade, securing the top spot. A special shoutout to Richard Godwin, who not only organized the event but also nailed the second place! Pinky Barney’s performance was a surprise treat, coming in third.
Washington’s Pinball Prodigies
Here are the IFPA Washington Pinball Top 10 Standings to keep you on your toes:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lonnie Langford | Seattle | 479.12 |
| 2 | Jarrett Gaddy | Seattle | 427.92 |
| 3 | Germain Mariolle | Redmond | 427.18 |
| 4 | David Chernicoff | Seattle | 417.6 |
| 5 | Richie Terry | Seattle | 375.65 |
| 6 | Sean Irby | Seattle | 360.93 |
| 7 | Dave Stewart | Carnation | 350.98 |
| 8 | Neal Joslyn | Bremerton | 339.8 |
| 9 | Jaran Jones | Seattle | 291.31 |
| 10 | Alex Singleterry | 284.17 |
With a night that had drama, nostalgia, and unexpected heroes, Tik Tok’s Matchplay 9/5 pinball tournament will be one for the books. Until next time, keep those balls rolling and flippers flipping. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be the next pinball sensation!