A Night of Pinball Thrills at Tik Tok’s Fair Strikes Tournament

As the scattered clouds darkened the Bremerton sky on the evening of October 9th, 2023, and the temperature dipped to a pleasant 60°F, the real warmth could be found inside Tik Tok’s Workshop. At exactly 7:00 PM, the lights of the pinball machines started glowing more fiercely, echoing the competitive spirit of the 12 players who had gathered for the Fair Strikes Tournament.

The event, expertly organized by the very knowledgeable Richard Godwin, boasted of a unique “Fair Strikes” system. Players faced the nerve-wracking challenge of elimination upon accumulating 7 strikes. Four-player groups were at risk of earning 0/1/1/2 strikes based on their 1st to 4th place finishes, and the stakes got even higher in three-player groups, where they could earn 0/1/2 strikes.

Vintage to Modern: Pinball Machines That Stood Out

Among the 14 glorious pinball machines that adorned the venue, a few were particularly hard to miss:

  • Monster Bash (Remake) by Chicago Gaming: A recent favorite since its 2018 release.
  • Grand Prix by Williams: This 1976 classic reminds players of the golden age of pinball.
  • The Mandalorian (Premium) by Stern: Inspired by the 2021 TV sensation, this game became the star of Round 4.
  • Firepower by Williams: A 1980 masterpiece that tests precision and strategy.
  • The Wizard of Oz (LE) by Jersey Jack Pinball: A 2013 limited edition treat for both eyes and ears.

Speaking of The Mandalorian machine, Round 4 saw an epic battle, with Sarah Bay (IFPA rank 1644) outplaying Donovan Haga, Andrew McCann, and Rachel Kahalekulu, creating a stir among spectators.

Champions of the Evening

Conrad Rustad, with an IFPA rank of 256, clinched the first position with a performance that was nothing short of mesmerizing. Following him was Donovan Haga (yes, the same brave heart from the intense Mandalorian game!) and Michael Adcock, with Andrew McCann securing the fourth spot. Their impressive rankings and the number of IFPA events they’ve participated in speaks volumes about their dedication to the game.

Inside Tik Tok’s Workshop

For those unfamiliar with Tik Tok’s Workshop, it’s a haven for pinball enthusiasts. The steampunk vibe of the place, combined with a decades-spanning collection of well-maintained games, is a treat. The owner’s deep knowledge and dedication towards ensuring every machine is in top condition make it a must-visit spot in Bremerton.

Current IFPA Washington Pinball Top 10 Standings:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Germain MariolleRedmond636.31
2Lonnie LangfordSeattle540.37
3Richie TerrySeattle498.13
4Sean IrbySeattle471.45
5Jarrett GaddySeattle464.74
6David ChernicoffSeattle436.46
7Dave StewartCarnation399.95
8Neal JoslynBremerton364.69
9Raymond DavidsonElk Grove Village364.69
10Zach McCarthyConifer325.12

Tik Tok’s Fair Strikes tournament was not just another evening; it was a celebration of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship in the realm of pinball. So, here’s to many more flips, tricks, and pinball kicks! Stay tuned for more updates from the pinball universe.

Pinball Pandemonium: Player 1 Arcade 2023 Showdown

In the heart of Surprise, Arizona, with a clear sky and the sun bidding its fiery goodbye at a soothing 90°F, Player One Arcade became the nucleus of a colossal clash of pinball enthusiasts on October 9th, 2023.

The Setting: Player One Arcade

Located strategically at 17239 North Litchfield Road, Player One Arcade isn’t just another game arcade—it’s a pinball haven! The feedback from regular patrons is evident: Monday nights transform into pinball paradise. With machines that resonate like the heartbeat of a true pinball fan and a convivial crowd, it’s the mecca for many. Add to this tantalizing scenario the lure of tacos and sushi from neighboring establishments, and you’ve got yourself a perfect evening!

The Machines That Stole The Show

Of the 14 luminous machines that adorned Player One Arcade, these were the crown jewels:

Guardians of the Pinball Galaxy

Round 4 etched an unforgettable narrative as players confronted the Guardians of the Galaxy machine. Christy Kohtz, ranked 3030, stood tall, securing the numero uno position. Kevin Ehlers and Andrew Kohtz followed in quick succession, while Lee Ann Scardina bagged the fourth place.

Arizona’s Pinball Pioneers

While every player exhibited an exemplary spirit, the top dogs of the night were:

  1. Mark Pearson: Holding an enviable IFPA rank of 36, Mark’s experience of 535 events was unmistakably visible.
  2. Mike McClure: Punching well above his IFPA rank of 1249, Mike clinched the second spot.
  3. Mary Profeta Scardina: Showcasing her prowess, Mary secured the third position.
  4. Jim Smith AZ: Not just the organizer, but also one of the top players, sealing the fourth position.

Arizona’s Pinball Powerhouses

The IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10 standings post-tournament shimmered as follows:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Roland Nadeau672.25
2Mark PearsonPhoenix607.84
3John ShoppleMesa592.62
4Adam HortonPhoenix377.81
5John MagyarGilbert352.78
6Paul BlancoChandler342.12
7kevan carterTempe321.36
8Jason BarreMesa313.26
9Joey RioSurprise309.16
10Walter donyPhoenix281.38

Flipping Forward

With the clatter of the silver ball now a mere echo, Player 1 Arcade 2023 S3B #2 came to its grand conclusion. But remember, the pinball universe never really rests. So, get those flippers ready and stay dialed in for more updates from the radiant realm of pinball!

The Pinball Showdown in Dallas: Drama, Skill, and Flipping Action!

On the evening of October 9th, amidst the backdrop of a Dallas sky painted with a few soft clouds and a breezy temperature of 82°F, an epic showdown unfurled. The Free Play Dallas Pinball Monday tournament, buzzing with fervor, began at precisely 7:00 PM and spanned a thrilling 2 hours and 43 minutes.

The Venue:

Set in the heart of the city, Free Play Dallas is an arcade paradise, a treasure trove of games that makes one’s heart race. From the neon lights of the pinball machines to the nostalgic hum of arcade classics, it’s hard not to feel like a kid again. “Omg! Best place! So many games I love!” exclaimed an enthusiastic gamer, drink in hand, soaking up the lively atmosphere. And for those who wished to take a breather, the sight of the gorgeous nearby bridge provided a serene escape.

The Heart of the Action:

Organized by Chris Delp, whose reputation is echoed through his dedicated tournament website, the event saw 17 players clashing in 6 intense rounds. With each game, strategies evolved, rivalries deepened, and scores climbed. But only the top 8 would proceed to the all-important Finals.

Game of the Night:

The Finals were the pinnacle of nail-biting tension, especially on the Venom (Pro) by Stern, a machine released just a few months prior. The leaderboard was dominated by Garrett Shahan, a formidable player with an IFPA rank of 137, closely followed by the organizer himself, Chris Delp, and then Ken Kemp and Randy Nelson. This round was the culmination of strategy, skill, and perhaps a bit of luck.

Tournament Titans:

By the end, Garrett Shahan reigned supreme, with Chris Delp securing a proud second. Ken Kemp, Randy Nelson, Greg Gibson, Clark McCoy, Faulkner Turner, and Mike Archuleta rounded off the top 8, each marking their territory in the world of pinball.

A Machine Legacy:

Of the staggering 78 machines at the venue, some stood out for their history and design:

The Lone Star Pinball Legends:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Jack RevnewThe Woodlands508.96
2Garrett ShahanDenton442.78
3Phil GrimaldiHouston338.48
4Wesley JohnsonCollege Station331.69
5Fred RevnewThe Woodlands256.06
6Lee BalusekConroe254.5
7Brian KrivonakCorpus Christi254.14
8Collier WhitefieldSan Antonio228.33
9Jim MuellerHouston222.33
10Kevin RodriguezDenton219.12

As the neon lights dimmed and the scores settled, the night might have ended, but the legends born would be spoken of for weeks to come. The realm of pinball has its heroes, its tales, and its undying spirit. Until the flippers rise again, stay tuned for more pinball chronicles!