Foggy Nights and Flipping Delights: The Tik Tok’s Matchplay 12/12 Tournament

On a chilly, foggy evening in Bremerton, Washington, pinball enthusiasts gathered at Tik Tok’s Workshop for an evening of friendly competition and arcade nostalgia. The Tik Tok’s Matchplay 12/12, organized by Richard Godwin, proved to be a compact yet intensely engaging event.

A Venue That’s More Than Just Pinball

Tik Tok’s Workshop offers an eclectic mix that caters to both solitary players and groups. With its steady stream of music, a jukebox for personal favorites, and a variety of games including a bowling alley and 4-player Pac-Man, the venue is a haven for arcade lovers. The atmosphere is vibrant and inviting, making it a must-visit spot in Bremerton.

The Tournament Heats Up

In a tournament consisting of 8 rounds with 1 game per round, 6 players competed intensely for the top positions. The format ensured that every point counted, ramping up the excitement with each round.

Round 7: A Showdown on Demolition Man

The standout game of the night was the Round 7 face-off on ‘Demolition Man‘ by Williams, a classic that combines a futuristic theme with traditional pinball excitement. Anna Francolini took the top spot in this round, with Jared Doss and Colleen Godwin following closely.

Celebrating the Winners

Richard Godwin, not just an organizer but a champion player, claimed the first place. Jessica Barron, Anna Francolini, and Rachel Kahalekulu also shone brightly, showcasing their skills and strategies in the art of pinball.

The Machines That Stole the Show

The tournament featured an array of machines, each with its own charm. ‘Eight Ball‘ by Bally and ‘Sharpshooter‘ by Game Plan offered a throwback to the classic era of pinball. ‘Whoa Nellie! Big Juicy Melons‘ by Stern and ‘Hot Wheels‘ by American Pinball brought modern flair to the mix, while ‘Cyclone‘ by Williams provided a timeless experience.

More Than Just a Night

Tik Tok’s Matchplay 12/12 was a celebration of the community spirit that pinball fosters. It was a night where competition, fun, and a shared love for arcade games came together in perfect harmony. As participants left Tik Tok’s Workshop, they took with them memories of a fantastic evening filled with music, laughter, and the joy of pinball. The venue, with its unique atmosphere and diverse range of games, promises many more such nights.

Stay tuned for more updates from the realm of pinball, and remember, every flip and tilt counts!

Electric Excitement at the Electric Bat: A Night of Pinball Mastery

As the Arizona sky displayed a beautiful canvas of broken clouds, the Electric Bat Arcade in Tempe buzzed with excitement for the Season 10- Series 1 #1 pinball tournament. Organized by Rachel Bess, this event was not just a test of skill; it was a celebration of the vibrant pinball community.

A Venue That Surprises and Delights

Electric Bat Arcade initially gives off a ‘am I in the wrong place?’ vibe, but it quickly unfolds into an experience of great food, drinks, and a plethora of perfectly functioning arcade games. The unique rhythm games from Japan add an extra layer of fun, especially for the buzzed gamers among us.

The Tournament in Full Throttle

With 5 rounds of intense pinball action and 93 players competing, the atmosphere was electric. Players, ranging from local enthusiasts to Sandy Magallanes who journeyed all the way from Seattle, battled it out for the top spots, their skills shining under the arcade lights.

Spotlight on ‘Elvira’s House of Horrors’

The standout game of Round 4 was ‘Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium)‘ by Stern. The game saw a fierce competition, with Conrad Betti leading the pack, followed by Nicholas Zachry, Andrew Kohtz, and Chris Stoltenberg. This round was a testament to the players’ quick reflexes and strategic gameplay.

Celebrating the Pinball Wizards

A huge congratulations to Michael Bougher for clinching the first place! Ty Bull, Sandy Magallanes, and Jay Bondelli also delivered impressive performances, showcasing their mastery over the silver ball.

Machines That Captivated the Crowd

Among the 60 machines, ‘Paragon’ by Bally and ‘Jurassic Park’ by Data East stood out for their classic appeal. The newer ‘Venom (Pro)‘ by Stern and ‘James Bond 007 (60th Anniversary LE)‘ added a modern twist to the tournament. ‘Game Of Thrones (Pro)‘ by Stern and ‘Congo‘ by Williams also saw a lot of action, proving their enduring popularity.

More Than Just a Game

The Electric Bat Season 10- Series 1 #1 tournament was more than a competition; it was a night where the community came together to share their love for pinball. The Electric Bat Arcade, with its amazing staff and functional games, provided the perfect backdrop for this celebration. As the tournament wrapped up, the Electric Bat stood as a beacon for pinball enthusiasts, promising many more nights of fun, competition, and community bonding.

Stay tuned for more updates from the realm of pinball, and remember, there’s always a high score waiting to be beaten!

Coffee, Pinballs, and Champion Flips: The Belles & Chimes SATX – Fall 2023 #7 Tournament

On a mild December evening in San Antonio, the Belles & Chimes SATX – Fall 2023 #7 pinball tournament transformed What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters into a vibrant arena of flashing lights and strategic gameplay. Organized by Christina Cheeseman, the tournament was not just a competition; it was a celebration of skill and community.

A Venue That Brews Fun

What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters, with its fantastic coffee and an impressive array of pinball machines, is a haven for anyone looking to indulge their inner child while satisfying their grown-up taste for quality coffee. The place is an eclectic mix of a coffee enthusiast’s dream and a pinball player’s paradise.

The Tournament Takes Off

With 5 rounds and 2 games per round, 14 players showcased their pinball skills. The competition was intense, with players battling it out for the top spot, their points accumulating round after round under the overcast sky of San Antonio.

Spotlight on ‘Centaur’

The tournament’s highlight was the first round on ‘Centaur‘ by Bally, a classic machine that brought out the best in the players. Cinthia Guadiana took the lead, followed by Christina Cheeseman, Valli Irvine, and Summer Ellington, each demonstrating impressive skills and strategy.

Celebrating the Champions

A big round of applause for Lori Love, who emerged as the champion! Cinthia Guadiana, Alexa Hart, and Tricia Gronnevik also earned their places in the spotlight, showcasing not just their skill at pinball but also the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

Machines That Made the Night

Apart from ‘Centaur’, machines like ‘Twilight Zone‘ by Bally and ‘Deadpool (Pro)‘ by Stern added to the tournament’s excitement. ‘World Cup Soccer‘ and ‘Hot Wheels‘ by American Pinball provided a diverse playing experience, highlighting the evolution of pinball machines over the years.

A Toast to Future Flips

As the tournament concluded, What’s Brewing? stood as a testament to the unique charm of combining coffee and pinball. This event was a reminder of the simple joys that bring us together, whether it’s over a cup of coffee or a game of pinball.

Stay tuned for more updates from the realm of pinball, and remember, there’s always room for one more game!

A Night of Nostalgia and Nail-Biting Finishes: The Pinball Gallery Monthly Tournament

As the stars twinkled in a clear December sky, the Pinball Gallery in Malvern, Pennsylvania, became a battleground for pinball enthusiasts. The Pinball Gallery Monthly Tournament – Max Match Play, masterfully organized by Bill Disney, was a spectacular mix of nostalgia, skill, and thrilling competition.

A Venue Steeped in Arcade History

The Pinball Gallery, with its excellent blend of classic and modern pinball machines, is more than just an arcade; it’s a time capsule of joyous memories. Bill’s long-standing commitment to preserving both pinball machines and classic video games is evident in the lovingly maintained collection, including treasures from his own past acquisitions.

The Tournament Unfolds

The competition was fierce, with 27 players facing off in 10 games each. The top 8 moved on to the finals, which consisted of 2 rounds with 2 games per round. The highlight was the battle on ‘Black Knight 2000’ by Williams, where Stephen Le, Dom Carr, Tony Lastowka, and Tony Makowski demonstrated their prowess in a thrilling semifinal.

Standout Machines and Moments

‘Joker Poker’ by Gottlieb, a favorite with 6 games played, and ‘Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Premium)‘ by Stern, known for its lengthy 25-minute average game duration, were among the stars of the show. Other notable machines included the rock-themed ‘Metallica (Pro)‘ by Stern and the nostalgic ‘Cyclone‘ by Williams.

A Salute to the Champions

Congratulations to Stephen Le for a well-deserved first place! Kudos also to Kim Smith, Tony Lastowka, and Don Werth for their remarkable performances. Each win was hard-earned, showcasing a blend of strategic gameplay and quick reflexes.

A Night to Remember

As the night came to a close, the Pinball Gallery stood as a testament to the timeless appeal of pinball. Bill Disney’s passion project has become a beacon for enthusiasts and casual players alike, proving that the spirit of pinball is alive and well.

Stay tuned for more updates from the realm of pinball, and remember, the silver ball awaits your next flip!

Rolling into the Night: The Pinball Lounge – Bonanza Recap

On a slightly rainy December evening in Oviedo, Florida, the air inside The Pinball Lounge was charged with excitement and the sounds of silver balls clashing against bumpers. The Pinball Lounge – Bonanza, organized by Kurt van Zyl, was a perfect blend of skill, fun, and pinball wizardry.

A Cozy Venue for Pinball Aficionados

The Pinball Lounge, nestled within the Oviedo Bowling Center (find more about them here), strikes a delightful balance between old school charm and modern marvels. Their collection caters to all tastes, making it a haven for both purists and those seeking the latest in pinball technology.

The Tournament in Full Swing

The competition saw 23 players diving into 6 rounds of intense pinball action. Each round was a showcase of strategy, reflexes, and a touch of luck. The light rain outside seemed a world away as players focused on racking up points and climbing the leaderboard.

Spotlight on ‘Stranger Things’

Round 1 featured a standout game on ‘Stranger Things (Pro)‘ by Stern, a recent hit in the pinball world. Al Neumann took the top spot, followed closely by Dawn Ziatyk, Doug Bernard, and Mike Zink. The game was a thrilling start to the tournament, setting the tone for the evening.

The Victorious Few

The tournament concluded with Nick Smith FL claiming the top spot. John Moschella, Mike Zink, and Al Neumann also earned their places in the pantheon of the night’s pinball champions. Each player displayed a blend of skill and passion that was a joy to witness.

Machines That Stood Out

The tournament featured an impressive array of machines, including the adrenaline-pumping ‘Rush (LE)‘ by Stern, the classic ‘Star Trek‘ by Bally, and the adventurous ‘Jurassic Park (Premium)‘ by Stern. ‘The Mandalorian (Premium)‘ and ‘Monster Bash (Remake LE)‘ were crowd favorites, adding to the night’s excitement.

Until Next Time

As the night ended, players left with memories of a fantastic evening spent amongst peers who share a love for this timeless game. The Pinball Lounge, with its unique blend of old and new, promises many more nights of pinball bliss.

Stay tuned for more updates from the realm of pinball, and remember, there’s always room for one more game!