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

As the evening of November 13, 2023, unfolded, Tik Tok’s Workshop in Bremerton, WA, became a bustling hub of pinball action. The “Tik Tok’s Fair Strikes 11/13” tournament, organized by Richard Godwin, saw players converging under a sky of broken clouds, with the temperature at a steady 42°F, ready for a night of competitive pinball.

The Venue: A Pinball Enthusiast’s Dream

Tik Tok’s Workshop, known for its unique blend of classic and modern pinball machines, offered a warm and inviting atmosphere. The rockstar bartender, managing everything from mixing drinks to servicing machines, added to the charm of the place, ensuring every patron, player or not, had a fantastic time.

Tik Tok’s Workshop

The Tournament: Fair Strikes and Fierce Competition

The Group Knockout Tournament, featuring the Fair Strikes system, provided an intense format where 13 players battled through 12 rounds. The goal was simple yet challenging: avoid accumulating 7 strikes to stay in the game. With each round, the competition grew fiercer as players strategized to stay ahead.

Spotlight Game: High-Octane Action on Hot Wheels

Round 4 saw a standout game on the Hot Wheels machine by American Pinball. Todd Rosser took the lead, showcasing his skill and strategy. He was closely followed by Donovan Haga, a local player from Bremerton, while Pinky Barney and Colleen Godwin rounded out the top four in a thrilling match-up.

Celebrating the Winners

The night concluded with Conrad Rustad from Bremerton, WA, taking the top spot, demonstrating remarkable consistency and skill. Donovan Haga claimed the second place, with Jessica Barron and Nelson Liu completing the top four, each displaying impressive pinball prowess.

Featured Pinball Machines

Among the 17 machines, highlights included:

Wrapping Up

The Tik Tok’s Fair Strikes 11/13 tournament was a testament to the thriving pinball community in Bremerton. As players and patrons left the venue, they carried with them memories of a night filled with strategic plays, friendly competition, and the ever-present clattering and dinging of pinball machines.

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Pinball Showdown at Player 1 Arcade: Where Strategy Meets Skill

As the sun set over Surprise, Arizona, painting the sky with hues of orange and purple, the air at Player One Arcade buzzed with excitement. It was November 13, 2023, a perfect evening with a clear sky and a pleasant 76°F, ideal for the much-anticipated Player 1 Arcade S3A Side Finals pinball tournament. Organized by the seasoned Jim Smith, the arcade at 17239 North Litchfield Road became a vibrant battleground for pinball enthusiasts.

A Haven for Pinball Lovers

Player 1 Arcade, known for its eclectic mix of classic arcade games and a wide array of pinball machines, is a haven for gamers. On tournament nights, it transforms into a coliseum of sorts, where players battle it out, flippers in hand, under the watchful eyes of spectators who gather around. The atmosphere is electric, with the clangs and dings of pinball machines creating a symphony that’s music to any gamer’s ears.

The Spotlight: Avengers: Infinity Quest

In Round 3, the spotlight shone on Stern’s Avengers: Infinity Quest (Premium). This machine, known for its intricate playfield and immersive gameplay, saw a dramatic face-off. Del Kyger emerged as the victor, employing a strategy that was both bold and calculated. Hot on his heels were Mike McClure from Glendale AZ, Juan Silvagnoli, and Joel Daniel from Surprise AZ, each showcasing their prowess and determination.

Celebrating the Masters of Pinball

The tournament was a spectacle of skill, strategy, and sometimes sheer luck. Emerging as the champions were:

  • 1st: Catcher Knapp – A virtuoso of the flippers, whose gameplay was nothing short of art.
  • 2nd: Del Kyger – A strategist par excellence.
  • 3rd: Jeremy Reiman from Peoria, AZ – Known for his calm demeanor and precise shots.
  • 4th: Mike McClure from Glendale AZ – A player who combined patience with agility.

A Parade of Pinball Legends

The tournament featured 13 pinball machines, each adding its own unique flavor to the event:

  • The Walking Dead (Pro) by Stern: A thrilling walk through a post-apocalyptic world.
  • Led Zeppelin (Pro) by Stern: A rock and roll adventure with one of the greatest bands of all time.
  • The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern: A journey into the outer reaches of the galaxy.
  • Rush (Pro) by Stern: For those who love the adrenaline rush of high-paced gameplay.
  • Cyclone by Williams: A throwback to the classic era of pinball.

A Night to Remember

As the night drew to a close, players and spectators left with stories of epic comebacks, strategic masterstrokes, and the shared love for pinball. The Player 1 Arcade S3A Side Finals wasn’t just a tournament; it was a testament to the thriving pinball culture, a place where legends are made and stories are told.

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Pinball Mastery at Free Play Dallas: A Rainy Night of High Scores and High Spirits

Amidst the light drizzle and cool 58°F weather of Dallas, Texas, the Free Play Dallas arcade became the epicenter of a thrilling pinball showdown. The Pinball Monday tournament, meticulously organized by Chris Delp, was a display of flickering lights, strategic flips, and the clatter of pinballs against vibrant machines.

The Setting: Free Play Dallas

Free Play Dallas, located at 3015 Gulden Ln, offers more than just pinball; it’s a retro haven with beloved video games like Super Mario, creating an atmosphere that’s both nostalgic and electrifying. The venue’s spacious layout, clean restrooms, and relaxed vibe made it an ideal spot for players to unwind and get their game faces on.

Tournament Format

The competition was fierce yet friendly, with 19 players battling through 8 intense rounds. The structure was simple yet challenging: players earned points based on their performance in each round, and the top 8 scorers advanced to the nail-biting finals, which comprised 2 rounds of intense gameplay.

Finals Spotlight: Gorgar by Williams

The finals witnessed a captivating game on “Gorgar,” a classic Williams machine dating back to 1979 which is notable for being the first talking pinball machine in the industry. It featured a vocabulary of seven words and used a synthesizer to create its speech, making it a groundbreaking achievement in the world of pinball at the time. The machine also had a fantasy-horror theme, centered around a character named Gorgar, adding to its appeal and distinctiveness. Savannah Archuleta emerged victorious, displaying a remarkable blend of skill and strategy. Hot on her heels were Josh Gulley, Colin Wood from Richardson, Texas, and Lee Stokely from Fort Worth, TX, each delivering impressive performances that kept the audience on the edge of their seats.

The Victors

The tournament crowned Savannah Archuleta as the champion, with Josh Gulley as the runner-up. Colin Wood and Lee Stokely clinched the third and fourth spots, respectively, showcasing their prowess in this arcade art form. The top eight were rounded out by Erin Clarner, Randy Nelson from Roanoke, TX, Ethan Wade, and Greg Gibson from Plano, TX, all of whom demonstrated exceptional skill and determination.

Featured Pinball Machines

The tournament highlighted an array of 22 pinball machines, each adding its unique flair to the event. Notable mentions include:

Conclusion

The Free Play Dallas Pinball Monday was more than a tournament; it was a celebration of skill, strategy, and the timeless appeal of pinball. As players left the arcade, their spirits were high, undampened by the light rain outside. The night was a testament to the joy and excitement that a good old pinball game can bring.

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