Tales from the Yellow Brick Road: Pinball Showdown at Tik Tok’s

The Tik Tok’s Fair Strikes tournament on July 29, 2024, brought the pinball community together for a thrilling night of flipper action. The event featured nine intense rounds of competition, with players battling to avoid elimination by earning strikes in a Group Knockout format. The rules were simple: four-player groups handed out one strike for second and third place, and two strikes for fourth. In three-player groups, second place got one strike, and third place got two. The action kicked off at 6:55 PM and lasted for a little over three hours, culminating in a high-stakes showdown.

Tik Tok’s Workshop: A Pinball Haven

Nestled in the heart of Bremerton, WA, Tik Tok’s Workshop is a true gem for pinball enthusiasts. Located at 1216 Sylvan Way, this cozy spot boasts a stellar collection of vintage pinball machines, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere make it a perfect location for tournaments. With a selection of classic and modern games, it’s a trip down memory lane for many. The excellent food and drink options are just icing on the cake for a great night out.

Oz Comes Alive: Round 3’s Wizardly Battle

Round 3 of the Tik Tok’s Fair Strikes tournament brought players to the land of Oz with The Wizard of Oz (LE) by Jersey Jack Pinball. This game’s magical journey, complete with captivating features like the spinning house, crystal ball, and mesmerizing light show, set the stage for a dramatic showdown. Bruce Cherry embraced the game’s theme and navigated the Yellow Brick Road with precision, securing the first place. His skillful play during the “Munchkin Multiball” mode helped him rack up a substantial lead. Donovan Haga followed closely, strategically using the game’s “Flying Monkey” feature to his advantage. Richard Godwin and Jesse Wilson put up a strong fight, with Richard skillfully advancing through the “Wicked Witch Battle” mode but falling short in the end. The game’s intricate design and immersive theme made this round a memorable one, showcasing the players’ abilities to tackle its challenging features.

A Diverse Lineup of Classics

Tik Tok’s Fair Strikes featured a lineup of 17 pinball machines, offering a variety of gameplay experiences. Some highlights included:

• Icarus by Recel, a 1977 release with a mythical theme that challenges players with its unique layout and gameplay.
• Houdini: Master of Mystery by American Pinball, a 2017 title that captures the magic and mystique of the legendary illusionist, with stunning artwork and challenging shots.
• Grand Prix by Williams, a 1976 classic known for its fast-paced racing theme and memorable design by Norm Clark.
• Terminator 2: Judgment Day by Williams, released in 1991, is a fan-favorite with a thrilling sci-fi theme and innovative gameplay mechanics.
• Lord of the Rings by Stern, a 2003 release, offers an epic journey through Middle-earth with intricate modes and stunning artwork.

Celebrating the Champions

Conrad Rustad emerged as the ultimate winner of the tournament, showing why he’s ranked second in the state with his incredible skills. He clinched the victory in a nail-biting final round on Icarus, outplaying his opponents with precision and flair. Donovan Haga put up a great fight to take second place, demonstrating his consistency and experience. Chris Wilkes rounded out the top three, showing he’s a force to be reckoned with. Andrew McCann finished strong in fourth, adding another impressive performance to his extensive tournament history.

Washington IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping It Up

The Tik Tok’s Fair Strikes tournament was a fantastic event filled with exciting moments and great sportsmanship. A big shout-out to Richard Godwin for organizing the event and to Tik Tok’s Workshop for hosting it. Congratulations to Conrad Rustad for his outstanding performance and well-deserved victory. Stay tuned for more pinball action and updates, and keep flipping those flippers!