Pinball Wizards & Womxn Warriors: A Knockout Day at Tik Tok’s!

On a clear day, with the temperature mildly kissing 59°F, Bremerton’s air was buzzing not just with nature but with the thrilling sounds of pinball machines and excited chatter. The reason for this electrifying atmosphere? The Tik Tok’s Womxn Group Knockout October pinball tournament!

Bremerton’s Hidden Gem: Tik Tok’s Workshop

Tucked away on Sylvan Way, Tik Tok’s Workshop isn’t just your run-of-the-mill gaming joint. With a stream of music providing the ambiance and a jukebox for those with specific tunes in mind, it’s the hub for pinball enthusiasts. Whether you’re taking aim at the pins in the bowling alley (only a quarter per player!) or teaming up for a 4-player Pac-Man, there’s something for everyone. In Richard Godwin’s own words, “Whether solo or group, Tik Tok’s has you covered!” And judging by the rave reviews, many will be returning for more action.

Tik Tok’s Workshop

Gameplay Mechanics: The Ultimate Knockout Challenge

The tournament, a brainchild of Richard Godwin, brought together 7 fierce players, who were eliminated only after accumulating three strikes. The knockout format: in four-player groups, the bottom two earned two strikes each, while in three-player groups, only the last player received a strike. A tense, thrilling game of survival!

Rising to the Occasion: Monster Bash!

In a standout game of Round 1, Rachel Kahalekulu showcased her impeccable pinball skills, landing the top spot on the “Monster Bash (Remake)” machine, followed by Bremerton’s own Ashley Parsons. Meanwhile, Meredith Parsons and Colleen Godwin made a notable effort, but faced the fierce competition of the round.

Honoring the Womxn of the Hour

An astounding performance by Pinky Barney clinched her the top position, with Astrid Morrison and Gocelyn Morgado tailing closely. Rachel Kahalekulu’s consistent gameplay secured her the fourth spot. Kudos, ladies!

Vintage and Modern: Machines Galore

Among the 15 pinball machines present, some classics and modern gems stood out:

Washington’s Pinball Royalty

The IFPA Washington Pinball Top 10:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Germain MariolleRedmond636.34
2Lonnie LangfordSeattle572.96
3Richie TerrySeattle519.43
4Sean IrbySeattle472.63
5Jarrett GaddySeattle464.8
6David ChernicoffSeattle436.46
7Dave StewartCarnation409.94
8Raymond DavidsonElk Grove Village364.71
9Neal JoslynBremerton364.69
10Zach McCarthyConifer325.13

Until the Next Flip

As flippers rested and lights dimmed, Tik Tok’s Workshop bore witness to a day of passion, competition, and camaraderie. Keep your calendars marked and your game face on; the pinball realm is always awaiting your return!

Starfighters Kids Monthly: Young Pinball Wizards Soar High!

With a clear blue Arizona sky overhead, sun beaming gently at a comfortable 81°F, the vibes inside Starfighters Arcade on the morning of October 14th were anything but tranquil. Here, in this retro sanctuary nestled in the heart of Mesa, AZ, young pinball enthusiasts convened for a duel of dexterity and strategy.

Setting The Stage: The Tournament Overview

Organized by the indefatigable Kevin Curtis and showcased on Starfighters Arcade’s website, the tournament saw 26 spirited young competitors square off over 4 high-intensity rounds. Each competitor had their eyes on the prize, with the promise of pinball glory only 48 minutes away.

The Ghostbusters Showdown

Fast forward to Round 4, and the ambiance was at its peak. Stern’s Ghostbusters (Pro) took center stage, its dazzling lights mirroring the players’ burning ambitions. Jason C. showed true mastery, clinching 1st place. Jamil M., though a force to reckon with, had to settle for 2nd, while Tatum V. and Chase V. followed in quick succession.

Honoring the Pinball Prodigies

While every player brought their A-game, the final leaderboard reflected those who outshined the rest:

  • 1st: Jason C. – The day’s unstoppable force.
  • 2nd: Alex G. – Pinball precision personified.
  • 3rd: Graham H. – A master of angles and reflexes.
  • 4th: Jamil M. – Passionate play, personified.

A Journey Through Pinball History

Starfighters’ selection for the tournament was nothing short of legendary:

Venue Vibes: All About Starfighters Arcade

Inside an industrial building, adjacent to Falcon Field Airport, Starfighters Arcade is a testament to gaming’s golden era. $11 grants you access to an unparalleled retro collection, devoid of coin-swipe hassles. With a fun layout, affordable drinks, and a friendly staff, it’s a haven for gamers young and old.

Arizona’s Top Pinball Maestros

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Roland NadeauNot Specified671.64
2Mark PearsonPhoenix607.86
3John ShoppleMesa591.98
4Adam HortonPhoenix378.21
5John MagyarGilbert351.77
6Paul BlancoChandler341.8
7Kevan CarterTempe320.85
8Jason BarreMesa313.18
9Joey RioSurprise309.15
10Walter DonyPhoenix280.56

The echoes of flippers and steel balls might have faded for now, but the memories made during Starfighters Kids Monthly will linger for a long time. Keep the ball rolling, Arizona!

When the Mist Descends: Drama at District 82’s Super Series Pinball Extravaganza!

On a misty morning in De Pere, Wisconsin, as the thermometer hesitated at 48°F but felt more like a chilling 42°F, a different kind of frostiness was unfolding inside District 82 Pinball. The Super Series Event 5: Certified Main Event had set the stage for intense pinball combat.

The 12-Hour Odyssey

Kicking off at a brisk 9:00 AM on October 14, 2023, Erik Thoren, the mastermind behind District 82, had orchestrated a symphony of flippers and lights. Over 10 grueling rounds, 102 players vied for the top spots, and the spotlight of the day was truly stolen by the magnificent eight:

  1. Max Senesac – A Top 10 player in Wisconsin with an IFPA rank of 115 and a vast experience of 248 IFPA Events.
  2. Dave Stewart – Hailing from Seattle, Dave showcased why he’s a force to reckon with, boasting an IFPA rank of 64 and having competed in 748 IFPA Events.
  3. Carlos Delaserda – With an IFPA rank of 13 and having participated in 442 IFPA Events, Carlos proved why he’s a titan in the pinball world.
  4. Travis Murie – Holding the IFPA rank of 18 and having been part of 194 IFPA Events, Travis’s gameplay spoke louder than words.
  5. Erik Thoren – Not just an organizer but also a player par excellence, Erik, with an IFPA rank of 54, has been a part of 377 IFPA Events.
  6. Aaron Rich – Climbing the ranks with an IFPA rank of 62 and having 149 IFPA Events under his belt, Aaron truly shone.
  7. Nate Grant – hailing from Pelzer, SC, Nate, with an IFPA rank of 56, has participated in 193 IFPA Events.
  8. Luke Nahorniak – Wisconsin’s current pinball leader, holding an impressive IFPA rank of 5 and having been part of a massive 523 IFPA Events.

Monopoly: A Game of Time and Skill

In a jaw-dropping Quarterfinal on Stern’s Monopoly, the game extended for an incredible 100 minutes! Luke Nahorniak proved his mettle, followed by Aaron Rich, Matthew Richardson, and Ken Grant.

A Pinball Museum

District 82 isn’t just an arcade; it’s a treasure trove of pinball’s golden history, with machines like Doodle Bug, Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure, Star Trek by Bally, and many more, each with its own storied legacy.

Atmosphere: A Double-Edged Sword?

While District 82 Pinball’s website is awash with 5-star reviews, some find the challenging gameplay not to their liking. Yet, for a tournament of this scale, the settings seem apt.

Wisconsin’s Pinball Legends

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Luke NahorniakLonsdale1523.54
2Jared AugustWest Bloomfield Township1165.21
3Steven BowdenPalatine1143.75
4Neil GrafAppleton1143.64
5Escher Lefkoff1050.06
6David DalugaMilwaukee892.83
7Erik ThorenDe Pere864.22
8Jason WerdrickPark Ridge848.45
9Carlos DelaserdaColumbus771.31
10Max SenesacCudahy759.17

In the world of pinball, the game is more than just flippers and scores. It’s about passion, strategy, and the journey to the top. Keep the ball rolling, and stay tuned for more tales from the flipper-filled world!