Under the Clear Washington Sky: An Evening of Flips and Fame!

As the day’s twilight descended and the temperature settled at a cool 57°F, pinball enthusiasts gathered at the unique venue known as Tik Tok’s Workshop on October 3, 2023. Little did they know that they were about to witness one of the most thrilling tournaments of the season.

Tik Tok’s Workshop: More than Just a Venue

Nestled at 1216 Sylvan Way, Bremerton, WA, Tik Tok’s Workshop is no ordinary arcade spot. Beyond the flashing pinball machines lies a heartwarming story of dedication. An unnamed rockstar bartender was the hero of the evening, juggling mixed drinks, servicing machines, and whipping up delicious bites—all while wearing an infectious smile and sporting a memorable beard. His efforts not only ensured the games ran smoothly but also that every guest felt valued and cared for.

A Classic Battle in the Ring: Round 3 Spotlight

It’s not every day you get to see pinball and wrestling collide! The Legends of Wrestlemania by Stern took center stage during Round 3, and boy, was it a nail-biter. Daniel Trobare clinched the first place, while the event’s organizer, Richard Godwin, secured the second spot. Anna Francolini, though not far behind, settled for the third place.

Titans of Tik Tok’s Tournament

Emerging from the fierce competition were the top pinball wizards of the evening:

  1. Rachel Kahalekulu: Her mastery and experience from 425 IFPA events shone bright.
  2. Daniel Trobare: Having dominated in Round 3, he showed consistent prowess throughout the event.
  3. Jared Doss: A rising star with potential, marking his territory in the pinball realm.
  4. Richard Godwin: Beyond organizing, he showcased why he’s a force to be reckoned with on the pinball floor.

Pinball Pantheon: Machines of Legacy and Lore

From classics to the latest releases, the tournament’s arsenal boasted a versatile lineup:

Washington’s Pinball Elite

Washington’s IFPA Top 10 Pinball Players stood as follows:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Germain MariolleRedmond636.3
2Lonnie LangfordSeattle540.38
3Richie TerrySeattle498.12
4Sean IrbySeattle469.67
5Jarrett GaddySeattle464.78
6David ChernicoffSeattle436.46
7Dave StewartCarnation399.95
8Neal JoslynBremerton364.7
9Raymond DavidsonElk Grove Village364.68
10Zach McCarthyConifer325.09

As the Flippers Rested…

With the clattering of the machines fading and the night setting in, Tik Tok’s pinball tournament etched its mark in the annals of pinball history. And as the stars twinkled above Bremerton, WA, the pinball community eagerly awaited their next challenge.

Keep those flippers ready, and stay in the loop for more pinball escapades!

Emporium Hi-Scorium Oct 3

In the heart of San Francisco, where the fog meets the neon lights and the echo of flippers, the Emporium Hi-Scorium Oct 3 pinball tournament took place. Players and fans gathered on October 3, 2023, starting at 7:00 PM for an action-packed event that would last almost two hours.

The Setting

The Emporium Arcade Bar on Divisadero St provided the perfect backdrop, with the hint of a few clouds in the sky and a crisp 63°F temperature. Organized by the esteemed Myriad Pinball, this showdown saw 20 participants locked in a fierce competition, spread across four qualifying rounds. After which, the top four contenders advanced to the nail-biting finals.

Turtles Take The Spotlight

One of the most thrilling moments of the night was during Round 1 on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro) by Stern. Clocking in at a staggering 75 minutes, this game kept everyone on the edge of their seats. The ever-resilient Jackie Olson from San Francisco claimed the top spot, with Rob Coli, Gabriel Jensen, and Josh Campoverde following in her tracks.

Tournament Titans

It’s always a pleasure to witness sheer pinball prowess. And this evening was no different. The final rankings had Rob Coli leading the pack. Josh Campoverde, with his unique style, clinched the second spot. Gabriel Jensen’s strategic play earned him the third, while Jackie Olson’s remarkable skills landed her the fourth position.

Arcade Arsenal

A plethora of machines adorned the venue, with a selection of both vintage and latest releases. Some noteworthy machines included:

The Vibe

Emporium Arcade Bar is more than just a gaming hub; it’s an experience. With a delightful frozen raspberry margarita in hand, players could indulge in a bit of nostalgia with some of the slightly older games or challenge themselves on the newer ones. And here’s a little secret – the pool tables are free! So, shhh…

California’s Pinball Pros

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Tim HansenSunnyvale599.78
2Gabe Da SilveiraOakland553.28
3Escher Lefkoff—532.31
4Raymond AshbyLos Angeles520.25
5Scott MaciasGlendora461.58
6Nic SteinDavis435.99
7Johnny ModicaHacienda Heights420.6
8Andrei MassenkoffSan Francisco415.03
9Keith ElwinCarlsbad409.63
10Leslie Ruckman—408.04

San Francisco’s pinball scene continues to grow and shine. It’s evenings like these that showcase the passion, strategy, and community spirit that keeps the game alive. So whether you’re an enthusiast or a novice, the world of pinball awaits. Stay flippin’, and see you at the next tournament!

Electric Bat Arcade Lights Up Arizona’s Pinball Scene

The Big Play

On a clear evening with temperatures comfortably hovering around 83°F, the vibrant heart of pinball in Tempe, Arizona came alive at the Electric Bat Arcade. The Electric Bat Season 9 Series 1 #3 pinball tournament kicked off at 6:30 PM on October 3, 2023. Over the course of nearly 3 electrifying hours, 94 players clashed, forming dynamic groups that would compete over 5 adrenaline-pumping rounds. The goal was clear: earn the most points and claim the coveted title.

Music, Rockstars, and… Pinball?

Amidst the myriad of pinball games that the tournament hosted, an iconic match stood out. Round 4 showcased the riveting Aerosmith by Stern, a tribute to the legendary rock band. Matt JohnsonAZ from Mesa led the pack, with Walter Dony from Phoenix trailing close behind. Amber Valdivia and Katie Carey put up a valiant fight, securing the 3rd and 4th spots respectively.

The Pinball Titans of the Night

As the tournament concluded, four players emerged victorious:

  1. John Shopple from Mesa, with his sharpshooting strategies, seized the first position.
  2. Nicholas Zachry demonstrated deft skills, landing the second spot.
  3. Mark Pearson, hailing from Phoenix, showed why he’s among Arizona’s finest, securing third place.
  4. Paul Blanco, with a notable track record, clinched the fourth position.

Machine Majesty

A wide array of 56 pinball machines adorned Electric Bat Arcade. Notable mentions included the spine-chilling Scared Stiff by Bally, the nuclear-themed Total Nuclear Annihilation by Spooky Pinball, the iconic Batman 66 (Premium) by Stern, the country-inspired Dolly Parton by Bally, and the newly-released James Bond 007 (60th Anniversary LE) by Stern.

Venue Vibes

Electric Bat Arcade offered more than just pinball. Visitors were treated to scrumptious food, delightful drinks, and classic arcade games. The atmosphere? A perfect blend of nostalgia and modern flair, making it a must-visit spot for anyone in the vicinity.

IFPA Arizona Pinball’s Crème de la Crème

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Roland Nadeau—671.63
2Mark PearsonPhoenix607.43
3John ShoppleMesa591.99
4Adam HortonPhoenix377.73
5John MagyarGilbert351.77
6Paul BlancoChandler341.29
7Kevan CarterTempe320.85
8Jason BarreMesa313.19
9Joey RioSurprise309.16
10Walter DonyPhoenix280.56

Arizona’s pinball community continues to thrive, with every tournament showcasing immense talent, nail-biting matches, and an undying love for the game. Until next time, keep flipping and may your scores soar high!

The Pinball Lounge – Bonanza 10-3-23: The Night Oviedo Stood Still

Under a clear Florida sky, punctuated by a few drifting clouds and with the temperature tipping at a delightful 75°F, the night was set for the most gripping pinball action Oviedo has ever witnessed.

Setting the Stage

At the heart of this electric atmosphere was The Pinball Lounge in Oviedo Bowling Center, bustling with enthusiasm and the echoing chimes of pinball machines. For those who weren’t clock-watching, it was a whirlwind of approximately 3 hours and 16 minutes of relentless competition, organized by the indomitable Kurt van Zyl.

A Trip to the Jurassic Era

While every game had its moment, the talk of the night was an intense showdown on Stern’s Jurassic Park (Premium) during the first round. Anton Samilian led the charge, but with Dawn Ziatyk not far behind. Florida’s own Patrick Durland and Sheri Lewis also put up a commendable fight. It was as if the players had been transported to a time of dinosaurs, maneuvering through treacherous terrains and outsmarting the T-rex.

Conquering the Night: The Winners

Bravery, strategy, and a little bit of luck crowned our victors:

  • John Osborne: Steadiness personified.
  • John Moschella from Winter Springs, Florida: The strategic genius of the night.
  • Dawn Ziatyk: A force to reckon with.
  • David Troum: Consistency in every move.

Machines Through Time

The Lounge showcased a diverse range of machines, each echoing a different era of pinball’s storied history:

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Every inch of The Pinball Lounge screamed passion for the game. It wasn’t just about the collection of machines but the vibe. Praise should be reserved for Kurt and Ed who have turned this spot into the pinball Mecca for Florida. Their recent unveiling of the Cirqus Voltaire was the icing on the cake!

IFPA Florida Pinball Top 10 Standings

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Shannon StaffordOrange Park329.53
2Eric StoneFort Myers304.72
3Vince GelormineFort Lauderdale271.68
4Sebastian Bobbio—265.88
5Dan CoyleSt. Petersburg194.73
6Dr. Frank SposaroLakeland151.96
7Adam GrayTemple Terrace146.87
8David Miller FLTampa140.89
9Brayden DerazzaLake Mary139.69
10John MoschellaWinter Springs126.81

In a nutshell, Oviedo witnessed a night that will be talked about in the pinball circles for a long time. Until next time, keep those flippers flipping and never let that ball drain!