Strikes, Skills, and Sterns: A Recap of Tik Tok’s Womxn January Pinball Tournament

On January 13, 2024, at 4:00 PM, the Tik Tok’s Womxn Group Knockout pinball tournament unfolded in an electrifying display of skill and strategy. Hosted at Tik Tok’s Workshop, located at 1216 Sylvan Way, Bremerton, WA, the event was meticulously organized by Richard Godwin. Spanning approximately 2.5 hours, the tournament was a Group Knockout format, engaging 8 players in a 10-round contest. In this high-stakes competition, players were eliminated after receiving 3 strikes, intensifying the challenge in each round.

Spotlight on a Standout Game

The tournament saw remarkable performances, but one game that stood out was in Round 1 on Whoa Nellie! Big Juicy Melons by Stern. The game, dating back to April 2015, was a true test of pinball prowess. Hillary Carman led the scoreboard, followed by Jessica Barron from Bremerton, with a notable IFPA rank of 1803. Unranked Arla Burbank and Kate Giuggio also showcased commendable skills, rounding out the top four.

Winners of the Tournament

The tournament culminated with some extraordinary talent coming to the fore. Pinky Barney emerged as the champion, boasting an IFPA rank of 6570 and participation in 73 IFPA events. Jessica Barron, with an impressive track record of 271 IFPA events, secured the second position. Jennifer Bremerton and Hillary Carman also made their mark, even though she is unranked according to IFPA.

Highlighted Pinball Machines

The tournament featured a captivating array of 13 pinball machines, each bringing a unique flavor to the competition. Highlights included the enchanting The Wizard of Oz (LE) by Jersey Jack Pinball, the classic Grand Prix by Williams, the iconic Eight Ball by Bally, the action-packed Legends of Wrestlemania and the previously mentioned Whoa Nellie! Big Juicy Melons both by Stern. Not to forget, the strategic Sharpshooter by Game Plan and the adventurous Monster Bash (Remake) by Chicago Gaming added to the diverse lineup. Fans of modern pinball were thrilled by The Mandalorian (Premium) by Stern, a recent addition that brought a fresh twist to the tournament.

The Venue and Its Ambiance

Tik Tok’s Workshop provided more than just a venue; it offered an immersive experience. With a constant stream of music and a jukebox for personal selections, the atmosphere buzzed with energy. The bowling alley, a hit at a quarter per game, and the 4-player Pac-Man game offered varied entertainment options. The venue, renowned for its fantastic atmosphere, was a perfect host for both solo players and groups. The enthusiasm and positive feedback from participants and spectators alike suggest that Tik Tok’s Workshop will remain a cherished location for future pinball events.

Remember to follow along for more exciting updates from the vibrant world of pinball!

Space City Showdown: Belles & Chimes Houston Pinball Tournament

Hello, pinball enthusiasts! Bride of Pinbot here, bringing you the latest excitement from the world of pinball. Today, let’s teleport to the heart of Houston Heights, where Wormhole Pinball, a private pinball club, played host to the riveting Space City: Belles & Chimes Houston Jan 2024 Tournament.

Tournament Overview

On a bright Houston afternoon with clear skies and a pleasant 61°F, the Wormhole buzzed with the energy of 18 pinball wizards. Organized by Space City Pinball, the tournament unfolded over 3 hours, featuring 5 rounds of intense pinball action. Players were grouped to compete in two games per round, with points accumulating to crown the ultimate pinball champion.

Round 1 Spotlight: Rick and Morty Adventure

The tournament kicked off with a standout game on Rick and Morty by Spooky Pinball, a machine released in December 2019 that brings the wacky universe of the beloved show to life. Lisa Shore led the pack with her stellar performance, followed by Karen Ward, Rosemary Stach, and Dawn Freedkin, each showcasing their skills and strategies.

Celebrating the Victorious

Nicole Buergers emerged as the tournament victor, an impressive achievement considering her IFPA rank of 7411 and experience in 22 IFPA events. Liz Nebeker from Houston, with their consistent performance, secured the second spot. Karen Ward and Raleigh Palis claimed the third and fourth places, respectively, proving their mettle in the competitive arena.

Pinball Machine Highlights

Among the 19 machines, several stood out for their unique themes and gameplay challenges:

  • Comet by Williams (1985): A classic that took players on a thrilling amusement park ride.
  • Galactic Tank Force (Signature) by American Pinball (2023): A modern addition that added an interstellar twist to the tournament.
  • Dr. Dude And His Excellent Ray by Bally (1990): Tested players with its whimsical and funky design.
  • Radical! by Bally (1990): A throwback to the radical ’90s, much to the delight of players.
  • Dialed In! (LE) by Jersey Jack Pinball (2017): Known for its innovative features and immersive gameplay.

Venue Vibes: Wormhole Pinball

Wormhole Pinball is a private club, it was the perfect setting for this showdown. The intimate space allowed for a focused and friendly competition, where players could immerse themselves in the world of pinball without external distractions.

Wrapping Up

The Space City: Belles & Chimes Houston Jan 2024 Tournament was a celebration of skill, strategy, and the joy of pinball. As the participants left Wormhole Pinball, they took with them the thrill of the competition and a renewed passion for the silver ball.

Stay tuned for more thrilling updates from the world of pinball!

Greetings Starfighter. You have been recruited by the Star League…

The Starfighters Monthly pinball tournament, held on January 13, 2024, at Starfighters Arcade in Mesa, Arizona, was a fight to defend the frontier against Xur and the KoDan armada. The event, expertly organized by Kevin Curtis, spanned over 6 hours and featured a unique Group Knockout format. In this intense competition, 79 players faced off across 14 rounds, with eliminations occurring after accumulating 3 strikes. The format added an extra layer of strategy, as players in four-player groups aimed to avoid being in the bottom two to dodge strikes, while in three-player groups, the last place was more perilous.

A Jurassic Showdown

In Round 2, the spotlight shone brightly on the Jurassic Park (Premium) machine by Stern. Released in October 2019, this machine transported players to a prehistoric world filled with challenges. Jon Soares from Phoenix, emerged victorious in this round. He was followed by Greg Mohs from Arizona, Nick Goegan from Chandler, AZ, and Kevin Curtis himself, demonstrating the high level of competition.

The Pinball Champions

The tournament culminated with remarkable performances from some the top players in the state:

  1. Roland Nadeau: IFPA rank 55, with 288 IFPA events under his belt.
  2. Mark Pearson: IFPA rank 43, a veteran of 556 IFPA events.
  3. Nate Tornero: IFPA rank 1310, with 23 events to his name.
  4. Ben Clement: IFPA rank 311, having participated in 357 IFPA events.

A Diverse Array of Challenges

The tournament featured an impressive lineup of 36 pinball machines, each bringing its unique flair to the competition. Some notable mentions include:

  • Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure by Williams (1993): An adventure-filled machine that takes players on an archaeological journey.
  • Halloween (CE) by Spooky Pinball (2021): A recent addition that brings a spooky twist to the pinball experience.
  • Doctor Who by Bally (1992): A classic that takes players on a time-traveling adventure with the famous Time Lord.
  • Airborne by Capcom (1996): Offering high-flying excitement and dynamic gameplay.
  • Fathom (Mermaid) by Haggis Pinball (2022): A deep-sea exploration game with a modern touch.
  • White Water by Williams (1993): A wild ride through rapids and waterfalls.
  • Star Trek: The Next Generation by Williams (1993): An interstellar journey with the beloved Star Trek crew.
  • Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Premium) by Stern (2019): A battle against the fearsome Black Knight.
  • Heavy Metal by Stern (2020): Rock and roll meets pinball in this energetic game.

Nostalgia and Fun at Starfighters Arcade

Starfighters Arcade is not just a venue; it’s a nostalgic journey back to the ’80s and ’90s arcade culture. For less than $13, players get unlimited playtime, surrounded by over 100 arcade and pinball games. The place buzzes with excitement, yet it never feels too crowded to enjoy a game. With a snack section, drink machines, and friendly staff, the arcade also serves as a perfect spot for birthday parties. It’s a place where both kids and adults can have a blast, often leaving adults wondering who had more fun.

Stay tuned for more updates from the vibrant world of pinball! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just discovering the joys of pinball, there’s always something new and exciting in this dynamic and skillful sport. Keep flipping those flippers, and who knows, you might be the next name in the spotlight at a future tournament!

Starfighters Kids Monthly: A Pinball Tournament for Gen Alpha

On January 13, 2024, the Starfighters Kids Monthly pinball tournament unfolded at Starfighters Arcade in Mesa, Arizona. This event, organized by Kevin Curtis, brought together 24 up and coming players for a spirited competition that lasted just over an hour. It was a perfect blend of skill, strategy, and community spirit.

Star Trek Pro: Galactic Battles in Round 2

Round 2 of the tournament was a galactic adventure on Stern’s Star Trek (Pro) machine, released in October 2013. This round turned into an epic space battle where Jason, Kenny, Graham, and Miles navigated the cosmos as Captain Kirk. The Star Trek machine was an immersive journey with high-definition artwork, cosmic LED lighting, and adrenaline-filled battles against the U.S.S. Vengeance. Jason led the pack in this round, followed closely by Kenny, with Graham and Miles trailing behind.

Tournament Champions: Celebrating Skill and Precision

The tournament concluded with Zac clinching the top spot, showcasing exceptional skill and precision. Kenny, consistent and sharp, secured second place, while Blake took third with tactical gameplay. Jason, despite a strong showing in the Star Trek round, finished fourth overall.

The Machines That Made History

The tournament featured a lineup of 11 pinball machines, each offering a unique gaming experience. Highlights included:

Starfighters Arcade: A Portal to Pinball Nostalgia

Starfighters Arcade, the venue for this event, is more than just a gaming space. It’s a vibrant celebration of arcade culture, filled with a rich variety of pinball and cabinet video games, retro art, and even modern favorites like Guitar Hero and DDR. This genuine arcade atmosphere, combined with the staff’s passion for gaming culture, made the tournament an unforgettable experience.

As we continue to explore the exciting world of pinball, we invite you to stay tuned for more updates. Whether it’s a dramatic showdown of top talent or a place to introduce your kids to a fun game, the pinball universe is always brimming with thrilling stories. Keep flipping those flippers, and we’ll see you at the next tournament!