Tik Tok’s Fair Strikes 12/18

As the crisp air of Bremerton, WA, carried a gentle light rain and temperatures hovered around 46°F, the Tik Tok’s Fair Strikes 12/18 pinball tournament unfolded with dramatic flair on the evening of December 18, 2023. Hosted at Tik Tok’s Workshop, renowned for its eclectic ambiance, the tournament drew pinball enthusiasts for a showdown of skill, strategy, and resilience.

A Venue Brimming with Energy

Tik Tok’s Workshop, located at 1216 Sylvan Way, isn’t just a venue; it’s a pinball haven where the vintage meets the vibrant. The atmosphere of the night was electric, amplified by the rockstar bartender who juggled food, drinks, and machine maintenance with a relentless smile. Discover more about this unique pinball hub at Tik Tok’s Workshop.

The Thrill of the Fair Strikes Format

The tournament featured an exciting Group Knockout format with 11 rounds where 11 players battled it out, each aiming to avoid accumulating 7 strikes. The Fair Strikes system ensured an intense competition, especially in smaller groups where the risk of gaining strikes was higher.

Spotlight on White Water

Round 5 saw an intense battle on the iconic White Water machine by Williams, released in 1993. Jessica Barron from Bremerton showcased her exceptional skills by securing the first place, followed by Andrew McCann, Conrad Rustad, and Jody McNamer, each delivering a memorable performance.

Celebrating the Masters of the Silver Ball

The tournament concluded with some remarkable talent rising to the top:

  • 1st Place: Conrad Rustad from Bremerton, WA, demonstrated unparalleled mastery over the pinball machines.
  • 2nd Place: Andrew McCann, a fierce competitor, displayed tactical gameplay throughout the rounds.
  • 3rd Place: Jessica Barron, another Bremerton local, wowed the crowd with her skillful plays.
  • 4th Place: Donovan Haga from Bremerton, rounded out the top four with his consistent performance.

A Showcase of Pinball Greats

With 15 machines at the tournament, players experienced a diverse range of pinball history. Highlights included:

  • White Water by Williams and Cyclone by Williams, each offering a blend of nostalgic gameplay and challenging layouts.
  • Monster Bash (Remake) by Chicago Gaming, a modern twist on a classic favorite.
  • Whoa Nellie! Big Juicy Melons by Stern, known for its unique and humorous theme.
  • Firepower by Williams, challenging players with its fast-paced action.

A Night to Remember at Tik Tok’s

As the tournament drew to a close, Tik Tok’s Workshop reaffirmed its status as a cornerstone of the Bremerton pinball community. It was an evening where competition, passion, and camaraderie intertwined, leaving every participant and spectator eagerly anticipating the next event.

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Multiball Monday 12/18: A Night of Pinball Mastery at HOP Central Brewing Co

As the sun set over Chandler, Arizona, on December 18, 2023, with the sky adorned by broken clouds and the temperature a cool 64°F, the much-anticipated Multiball Monday pinball tournament kicked off at 6:35 PM. Held at the vibrant HOP Central Brewing Co and Taproom, this event, meticulously organized by Mark Farina Jr, drew a crowd of pinball enthusiasts eager for competition and camaraderie.

The Venue: A Brewpub Meets Pinball Paradise

HOP Central Brewing Co and Taproom, located at 5055 W Ray Rd # 2, isn’t just your average brewpub. It’s a place where excellent house brews meet a passion for pinball. With an impressive selection of Arizona brews, national kegs, and Belgian imports, the venue offered a relaxed atmosphere perfect for the thrills of pinball. The service was consistently good, adding to the overall positive experience.

A Showdown on Venom (Pro)

The tournament’s highlight was undoubtedly the Round 5 face-off on Stern’s Venom (Pro), a machine released in July 2023 that challenged players with its dynamic gameplay. In this round, Mark Farina Jr from Gilbert, Arizona, showcased his strategic prowess, clinching the first place, followed closely by Mary Lopez from AZ and John Magyar, also from Arizona.

Celebrating the Pinball Champions

The tournament was a fierce battle of flippers and wits, culminating in some outstanding performances:

  • 1st Place: Walter Dony from Phoenix, who demonstrated exceptional skill and strategy.
  • 2nd Place: Alex Cardwell, showed remarkable consistency.
  • 3rd Place: Mark Farina Jr, not just an organizer but also a formidable player.
  • 4th Place: Mary Lopez, proving her mettle against tough competition.

A Selection of Legendary Machines

The tournament featured 9 pinball machines, each adding its own flavor to the competition. Highlights included:

Wrapping Up a Memorable Evening

As the Multiball Monday tournament came to a close after over 2 hours of intense competition, players and spectators alike left with memories of a night filled with excitement, strategic gameplay, and the unifying spirit of pinball. The event was not just a competition; it was a celebration of the pinball community in the cozy ambiance of a beloved local brewpub.

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Free Play Denton Pinball Monday (12/18/23): A Night of Thrills and Skills

On a clear December evening in Denton, Texas, with temperatures dipping to a crisp 52°F, the Free Play Denton Pinball Monday tournament came alive. Held on December 18, 2023, at Free Play Arcade – Denton, this event, meticulously organized by Chris Delp, drew a crowd of enthusiastic pinball players and fans alike.

The Venue: A Hub of Excitement and Entertainment

Free Play Arcade – Denton, located at 101 West Hickory Street, is more than just an arcade. It’s a vibrant community spot where kindness and camaraderie reign supreme. Despite a small hiccup with unsupervised children, the venue’s atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, offering discounts for students and military personnel and ensuring a rotation around the games for all.

High Stakes on James Bond 007 (Pro)

The highlight of the tournament was the final showdown on Stern’s James Bond 007 (Pro), released in September 2022. Austin Kemp triumphed in this high-tension game, closely followed by Garrett Shahan, with Ken Kemp and Clark McCoy from Denton, TX, rounding out the top four.

Champions of the Night

The event saw some stellar gameplay from its participants, with the top contenders exhibiting exceptional pinball skills:

  • 1st Place: Austin Kemp, showcasing remarkable precision and strategy.
  • 2nd Place: Garrett Shahan, a close contender with impressive plays.
  • 3rd Place: Ken Kemp, demonstrating consistent performance.
  • 4th Place: Clark McCoy, known for their tactical approach.

A Diverse Lineup of Pinball Machines

The tournament featured a total of 14 pinball machines, each adding its unique flavor to the competition. Notable among them were:

Wrapping Up a Memorable Evening

As the Free Play Denton Pinball Monday tournament concluded, players and spectators left with memories of an evening filled with joy, competition, and the unifying spirit of pinball. The event was a perfect blend of nostalgia, modern gameplay, and community spirit.

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Player 1 Arcade 2024 Series 1 (#4): A Marathon of Pinball Mastery in Surprise, AZ

In the early hours of December 18, 2023, as the sky over Surprise, Arizona, showcased scattered clouds and the temperature lingered at a crisp 56°F, the Player 1 Arcade 2024 Series 1 (#4) pinball tournament commenced. This wasn’t just any tournament; it was a 13-hour-plus marathon of flips, tricks, and strategic plays, beautifully orchestrated by Jim Smith at Player One Arcade.

A Venue Alive with Excitement

Player One Arcade, nestled at 17239 North Litchfield Road UNIT 60, is more than an arcade. It’s a vibrant community hub where the sounds of classic and modern pinball machines blend into a symphony that resonates with every enthusiast’s heart. The atmosphere is electric, with players and spectators alike getting swept up in the thrill of the game.

The Spotlight: The Mandalorian (Pro)

In Round 4, the spotlight shone brightly on The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern. This machine, a relatively recent release from May 2021, challenged players with its intricate playfield and immersive theme. Lance Schulze emerged victorious in this round, closely followed by Alyssa De La O from Phoenix, AZ. Juan Gonzalez and Del Kyger also displayed commendable skill and strategy.

Triumphs and Celebrations

The tournament saw a display of exceptional skill, culminating in a spectacular finish:

  • 1st Place: Nicholas Van Doren, who demonstrated unparalleled prowess across all rounds.
  • 2nd Place: Catcher Knapp, showcasing consistent performance and strategic acumen.
  • 3rd Place: Crystal De La O, a force to be reckoned with her intuitive plays.
  • 4th Place: Mark Pearson, a seasoned player who brought experience and flair to the table.

A Parade of Pinball Legends

The tournament was graced with 15 pinball machines, each offering its own unique challenge. Notable mentions include:

An Unforgettable Experience at Player 1 Arcade

As the marathon tournament drew to a close, the Player 1 Arcade stood as a testament to the enduring love for pinball. It was a day where strategy met skill and where the community celebrated the timeless joy of pinball.

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