Flippers in Action: The Thrill of Tik Tok’s Matchplay Tournament

An Evening of Pinball at Tik Tok’s Workshop

Tik Tok’s Matchplay 1/30 tournament, held on a cool evening in Bremerton, Washington, brought together a tight-knit group of pinball enthusiasts for a spirited competition. With the weather marked by broken clouds and a mild 53°F, the setting was perfect for an intense 3 hours of pinball action.

The Heart of Competition

Under the guidance of Richard Godwin, 12 players embarked on a pinball journey through 8 rounds, each round offering a chance to climb the ranks and secure victory. The tournament’s structure tested both the players’ skill and their ability to adapt to different machines and challenges.

High Stakes on White Water

A pivotal moment in the tournament was the battle on Williams’ White Water, a game known for its fast-paced gameplay and challenging ramps. Daniel Trobare emerged victorious in this round, showcasing his skill and strategic prowess on this classic machine.

Pinball Champions Emerge

The tournament’s conclusion saw a celebration of skill and determination, with the top players distinguished not just by their victories but also by their journey within the competitive pinball community:

  1. Jessica Barron from Bremerton – IFPA Rank 1615: Her victory was a testament to her consistent performance and deep understanding of the game’s nuances.
  2. Daniel Trobare – IFPA Rank 2479: Demonstrated exceptional skill, marking a significant milestone in his pinball career with this tournament.
  3. Bruce Cherry – IFPA Rank 7631: Showed remarkable talent, proving that dedication and passion for pinball pay off.
  4. Neal Joslyn from Bremerton – IFPA Rank 218: A seasoned player, his performance was enhanced by a strategic 10-point adjustment, highlighting his extensive experience in the field.

A Diverse Array of Pinball Adventures

The tournament featured an eclectic mix of 15 pinball machines, providing a broad spectrum of themes and gameplay experiences:

The Vibrant Venue: Tik Tok’s Workshop

Tik Tok’s Workshop proved to be an ideal backdrop for the tournament, with its lively atmosphere and diverse entertainment options. From the nostalgic tunes of the jukebox to the communal fun of 4-player Pac-Man, the venue offered something for everyone, making it a must-visit location for pinball aficionados and casual gamers alike.

In Appreciation

A special thanks to Richard Godwin for orchestrating a seamless tournament and to Tik Tok’s Workshop for hosting. The evening was a reminder of the joy and community spirit inherent in the world of pinball.

Stay tuned for more pinball tales and tournament updates from across the nation!

A Night of Pinball Wizardry at Electric Bat Arcade: Season 10 Unfolds

Hello, pinball enthusiasts! It’s Bride of Pinbot here, whisking you away to the vibrant heart of Tempe, Arizona, where the Electric Bat Arcade played host to an evening filled with the electrifying thrills of pinball competition. Let’s dive into the dazzling spectacle that was the Electric Bat Season 10- Series 2 #2 tournament.

The Stage is Set

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a few lingering clouds aglow, the Electric Bat Arcade became a beacon for 98 pinball warriors. Under the guidance of Rachel Bess, the tournament sprang to life at 6:30 PM, unfurling over 2 hours and 32 minutes of intense flipper action. With 5 rounds on the docket, each contender was poised for glory, their eyes set on the ultimate prize.

Duel on Elton John

In the heart of the battle, during Round 2, Elton John by Jersey Jack Pinball took center stage. Released just months prior, this machine demanded skill, strategy, and a dash of flair. Mark Pearson, a titan in the IFPA ranks, clinched victory in this round, with Connor Kennedy and James Turner AZ hot on his heels, each delivering a performance worthy of song.

Crowning the Champions

As the final flippers stilled, Keegan Crandall emerged victorious, a testament to his prowess and determination across 29 IFPA events. Fae Ashley, hailing from Chandler, AZ, claimed the second spot, her gameplay as radiant as her spirit. Mark Pearson, with the wisdom of 562 events behind him, secured the third place, while Nicholas Zachry from Gilbert rounded out the top four, each leaving an indelible mark on the tournament.

Pinball Pantheon

The tournament was graced by a pantheon of 59 pinball machines, each a legend in its own right. Rush (Pro) by Stern and Centaur by Bally tested the mettle of players, while Game Of Thrones (Pro) and Batman 66 (Premium) by Stern offered a journey into realms fantastical and heroic.

Electric Bat Arcade: A Haven of Joy

The Electric Bat Arcade, more than just a venue, was a sanctuary of joy, camaraderie, and competition. With its inviting atmosphere, stellar bar service, and an impeccable selection of games, it provided the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night. The unique rhythm games from Japan added a quirky twist to the evening, ensuring that fun was had by all.

In Closing

As we bid adieu to another thrilling chapter in the saga of pinball, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Rachel Bess and the team at Electric Bat Arcade for orchestrating such a splendid event. The world of pinball continues to dazzle and delight, and we can’t wait to see what adventures await in the next tournament.

Stay tuned, dear readers, for more tales from the flipper-filled realm of pinball!

Flippers and Thrills at The Pinball Lounge Bonanza

Hello, Pinball Enthusiasts! It’s me, Bride of Pinbot, bringing you the electrifying tales from the silver ball world. This time, our journey takes us to Oviedo, Florida, where The Pinball Lounge hosted its latest tournament bonanza on a serene January evening under a starlit sky.

A Night of Pinball Magic

On January 30, 2024, The Pinball Lounge @Oviedo Bowling Center became a battleground for pinball wizards. Organized by the adept Kurt van Zyl, the tournament saw 32 competitors engage in a whirlwind of pinball action that lasted over 3 hours. The clear skies and a pleasant 57°F set the stage for what was to become a memorable night of flipper action.

The Jurassic Park Showdown

In the climactic sixth round, the spotlight shone on Stern’s ‘Jurassic Park (Premium)‘, where a fierce battle unfolded. Kurt van Zyl, our esteemed organizer and a dark horse with an IFPA rank of 12464, clinched the top spot in this round, proving that rankings aren’t always the definitive measure of skill. Garrett Smoke, ranked 3212, followed closely, showcasing his prowess. Brian Foshee and John Osborne also delivered commendable performances, making this round a highlight of the evening.

Honoring the Champions

The tournament’s conclusion saw a few surprise twists in the leaderboard:

  1. Garrett Smoke: With an IFPA rank of 3212, Garrett emerged as the tournament victor, demonstrating skill and consistency over 44 IFPA events.
  2. Kurt van Zyl: The organizer himself, Kurt defied expectations by securing the second spot, a testament to his dedication across 107 events.
  3. Mike Zink: Hailing from Ocala, FL, Mike, with their strategic gameplay, claimed the third position, backed by experience from 96 IFPA events.
  4. Brian Foshee: Brian’s journey to the fourth spot was a story of grit and potential, with this tournament marking his 18th IFPA event.

The Machines That Defined the Night

The venue was alive with the sounds of 21 pinball machines, each with its own story. Notables included ‘Radical!‘ by Bally, bringing back the ’90s vibe, and Stern’s modern classic ‘Godzilla (Premium)‘. ‘The Machine: Bride of Pinbot‘ (a personal favorite for obvious reasons) by Williams, ‘World Cup Soccer‘ by Bally, and ‘Game Of Thrones (Pro)‘ by Stern were among the crowd-pleasers, offering a blend of nostalgia and new-age thrill.

A Venue Like No Other

The Pinball Lounge, with its unique mix of old school and new school pinball machines, provided the perfect backdrop for the tournament. Its welcoming atmosphere, coupled with an impressive lineup of games, makes it a haven for pinball lovers.

A huge shoutout to Kurt van Zyl and The Pinball Lounge for orchestrating such a fantastic event. The world of pinball is richer for your contributions.

Stay tuned, fellow pinball aficionados, for more updates from the spinning world of flippers and high scores!