Pinball Playhouse: Tik Tok’s Matchplay Heats Up Bremerton!

Greetings, fellow pinball enthusiasts! Bride of Pinbot here, your guide to the ever-whirring world of competitive pinball. Today, we warp speed to Bremerton, Washington, where Tik Tok’s Workshop hosted a thrilling IFPA pinball tournament on February 6th, 2024.

The overcast skies couldn’t dampen the spirits of 11 fierce competitors, who battled it out across 8 rounds of single-game showdowns. Each round saw players rack up points based on their final position, culminating in a champion crowned by their overall score. But before we raise the golden flipper for the victors, let’s take a closer look at some electrifying highlights!

A White Water Whirlwind in Round 1:

The very first round sent shivers down our circuits with an epic clash on White Water. The legendary Rachel Kahalekulu (IFPA rank 3818) reigned supreme, leaving Matthew Mihelich (IFPA rank 6919), Jared Doss (IFPA rank 4192), and Anna Francolini (IFPA rank 7530) in her wake. Talk about setting the bar high!

Crowning the Champions:

And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for: the champions! A massive round of applause for:

  1. Richard Godwin (IFPA rank 2812): This pinball maestro, with 453 IFPA events under his belt, proved his prowess once again, taking home the top prize.
  2. Jared Doss (IFPA rank 4192): No stranger to the podium, Jared secured an impressive second place, adding to his 114 IFPA events.
  3. Daniel Trobare (IFPA rank 2493): Bringing his A-game, Daniel snagged third place, solidifying his pinball passion with 295 IFPA events played.
  4. Rachel Kahalekulu (IFPA rank 3818): Not only did Rachel make a splash in Round 1, but her overall performance landed her a well-deserved fourth place, bringing her IFPA event total to 482.

Pinball Paradise at Tik Tok’s Workshop:

The vibrant atmosphere at Tik Tok’s Workshop provided the perfect setting for this electrifying tournament. The super friendly staff, delicious drinks, and an abundance of retro games make it a haven for pinball fanatics. Whether you’re a seasoned flipper whiz or a curious newcomer, Tik Tok’s Workshop is a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable pinball experience. (P.S. Check out their website: http://www.tiktoksworkshop.com/)

A Kaleidoscope of Machines:

This tournament wasn’t just about the players; the machines themselves deserve a standing ovation! From the classic charm of Centaur (1981) and Grand Prix (1976) to the modern marvels of The Mandalorian (2021) and The Wizard of Oz (LE) (2013), the 13 pinball machines offered a diverse and exciting lineup for the competitors.

A Pinballing Farewell:

A huge shoutout to Richard Godwin for organizing this fantastic event, and to Tik Tok’s Workshop for providing the perfect pinball playground. Until next time, keep those flippers flying high and stay tuned for more captivating pinball adventures from Bride of Pinbot!

High Scores and High Spirits at The Electric Bat Season 10 Pinball Tournament

On a slightly chilly evening of February 6th, 2024, the Electric Bat Arcade in Tempe, Arizona, became the battleground for pinball enthusiasts as they gathered for the Electric Bat Season 10- Series 2 #3 pinball tournament. Organized by Rachel Bess, the event was a vibrant mix of clinking glasses, buzzing machines, and the palpable excitement of competitors vying for pinball supremacy.

A Venue That’s More Than Just an Arcade

Electric Bat Arcade, with its inviting ambiance and an impressive array of 61 pinball machines, was more than just a venue; it was a pinball paradise. The atmosphere was electric, with staff exuding warmth and patrons, many of whom were regulars, adding to the welcoming vibe. Between the delicious food, well-priced drinks, and the largest weekly pinball league/tournament, Electric Bat proved to be a haven for both casual players and serious pinball wizards.

A Tournament of Skill and Strategy

The tournament structure was intense, with 5 rounds of gameplay and 113 players battling it out for the top spot. Each round was a crucial opportunity to earn points, and with just one game per round, there was little room for error. The competition was fierce, but the spirit of camaraderie amongst players was unmistakable.

One of the tournament highlights was a nail-biting showdown on the Aerosmith pinball machine by Stern. Greg Davis from Phoenix, with an IFPA rank of 252, took the lead in this round, showcasing an impressive blend of skill and strategy. Mark Pearson, Mike McClure from Glendale, AZ, and Coy Cameron followed closely, each delivering a strong performance that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.

Celebrating the Champions

As the final round came to a close, the champions of the tournament were revealed:

  1. John Shopple from Mesa, AZ, emerged as the tournament winner. With an IFPA rank of 101 and a veteran of 384 IFPA events, John’s experience and skill were evident in his gameplay.
  2. Greg Davis, also from Phoenix, clinched the second spot. His stellar performance in the “Aerosmith” round was a highlight of the tournament.
  3. Roland Nadeau, another Phoenix local, secured the third place. With an IFPA rank of 48, Roland’s prowess on the pinball field is well recognized.
  4. Adam Horton rounded out the top four, demonstrating why he’s considered one of the top players with his consistent high-level play.

A Salute to Pinball Greats

The tournament featured an eclectic selection of machines, from the cosmic adventures of Andromeda to the fast-paced action of Terminator 2: Judgment Day. The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern and Medieval Madness (Remake) by Chicago Gaming were crowd favorites, offering players a blend of modern features and classic pinball gameplay. Whirlwind and Deadpool (Pro) also added to the diverse lineup, ensuring there was something for every pinball enthusiast.

A Heartfelt Thanks

As the evening wound down and the scores were tallied, it was time to extend a heartfelt thank you to Rachel Bess for organizing such a fantastic event and to the Electric Bat Arcade for providing the perfect setting for this pinball showdown. The Electric Bat Season 10- Series 2 #3 tournament was a testament to the vibrant and inclusive pinball community that thrives in Tempe, AZ.

Stay tuned for more updates from the electrifying world of pinball, where every flipper action can lead to victory and every game is a new adventure!