A Bremerton Brawl
As the scattered clouds blanketed the Bremerton sky and the temperature hovered around a cozy 56°F, the ambient sounds of flippers, bells, and buzzers filled the air. Tik Tok’s Workshop, located at 1216 Sylvan Way, became a battleground for pinball enthusiasts on September 26, 2023. Hosted by the eminent Richard Godwin, the tournament saw 4 players locking horns over 8 intense rounds, each eager to prove their mettle.
A Decade of Wizardry
Round 4 stole the spotlight when players faced off on ‘The Wizard of Oz (LE)‘ by Jersey Jack Pinball, a machine celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The results were nothing short of thrilling:
- Rachel Kahalekulu (IFPA rank 3075)
- Richard Godwin (IFPA rank 2257)
- Jared Doss (IFPA rank 3881)
- Anna Francolini (IFPA rank 6920)
Celebrating the Champions
This tournament showcased the essence of competition and camaraderie. Richard Godwin, besides being an excellent organizer, emerged as the top player, proving his prowess in both administration and action. Kudos to all the participants for making the event unforgettable. The final leaderboard was set, and the victors emerged:
- 1st Place: Richard Godwin (IFPA rank 2257)
- 2nd Place: Jared Doss (IFPA rank 3881)
- 3rd Place: Anna Francolini (IFPA rank 6920)
- 4th Place: Rachel Kahalekulu (IFPA rank 3075)
Machines of Legend
Among the 13 machines that participated, a few became the talk of the tournament:
- Icarus by Recel (1977): This ancient marvel reminded players of the era when pinball was taking flight.
- Grand Prix by Williams (1976): A machine that brings back the golden era of racing combined with the thrills of pinball.
- Cyclone by Williams (1988): A classic favorite, invoking memories of fairgrounds and roller coasters.
- Demolition Man by Williams (1994): Based on the cult classic film, this machine provided a futuristic pinball experience.
- Sharpshooter by Game Plan (1979): A true test of aim and skill, taking players back to the wild west.
- Terminator 2: Judgment Day by Williams (1991): A machine that never fails to entertain, with its sci-fi theme and challenging gameplay.
- Legends of Wrestlemania by Stern (2015): A homage to the wrestling legends, offering a slam-dunk experience.
- Firepower by Williams (1980): Its rapid gameplay and electronic sounds made it a stand-out for many enthusiasts.
- Whoa Nellie! Big Juicy Melons by Stern (2015): With its unique design and retro feel, this machine was a refreshing change for many players.
These machines not only tested the skills of the participants but also transported them back in time, each with its own story and charm.
Atmospheric Ambience
The venue, Tik Tok’s Workshop, was nothing short of remarkable. Their website offers a glimpse, but it’s the live experience that counts. The one-man army of a bartender ensured everyone felt right at home. From dishing out sumptuous meals to mixing drinks and even servicing machines, he did it all, becoming the unsung hero of the night.
Top Guns of Washington
As we wrap up, let’s take a moment to recognize the top 10 pinball masters of Washington:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Germain Mariolle | Redmond | 625.88 |
| 2 | Lonnie Langford | Seattle | 532.98 |
| 3 | Richie Terry | Seattle | 498.13 |
| 4 | Sean Irby | Seattle | 469.68 |
| 5 | Jarrett Gaddy | Seattle | 446.87 |
| 6 | David Chernicoff | Seattle | 436.45 |
| 7 | Dave Stewart | Carnation | 399.95 |
| 8 | Raymond Davidson | Elk Grove Village | 364.73 |
| 9 | Neal Joslyn | Bremerton | 364.68 |
| 10 | Zach McCarthy | Conifer | 325.15 |
The Tik Tok’s Matchplay 9/26 might be over, but the tales of tilt, flippers, and high scores will echo for days to come. Until the next pinball adventure, keep those fingers nimble and spirits high!