A Night of High Stakes and Knockouts
Tik Tok’s Workshop hosted another electric evening of pinball with their Fair Strikes Group Knockout Tournament. This format always keeps players on their toes, with each round pushing them closer to the edge. Six competitors battled through eight intense rounds, with eliminations looming after accumulating seven strikes. The Fair Strikes system is the real game-changer here: four-player groups received one strike for second and third place finishes, and two strikes for fourth place, while three-player groups faced the same fate with one strike for second and two for third. The action kicked off at 6:55 PM, and the competition wrapped up in just under two and a half hours, showing that these players came ready to flip!
The Charm of Tik Tok’s Workshop
Nestled on Sylvan Way in Bremerton, Tik Tok’s Workshop is the heart of pinball in this cozy corner of Washington. With a welcoming vibe and an impressive lineup of vintage and modern pinball machines, this spot is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. The staff here are pinball enthusiasts themselves, always ready to share tips or just chat about the latest tournament. With a collection that sparks nostalgia and a menu that keeps you fueled through the night, Tik Tok’s Workshop is a perfect venue for any pinball showdown.
Game Spotlight: Whoa Nellie! Big Juicy Melons
Round 2 saw an epic clash on Whoa Nellie! Big Juicy Melons, a game that brings out the wild side in everyone who plays it. This retro-styled machine from Stern takes you back with its vibrant art and quirky gameplay. The players were vying for control in the “Collect Big Juicy Melons” mode, where the goal is to rack up points by hitting those juicy targets and starting the multi-ball.
Donovan Haga, hailing from Bremerton, emerged victorious in this round, showing that rank isn’t everything. Ranked 43rd in the state and 1688th in the IFPA, he outplayed the competition with skillful shots and some well-timed nudging. Andrew McCann, ranked much higher at 17th in the state and 456th in the IFPA, secured second place, demonstrating his consistency under pressure. Conrad Rustad, Bremerton’s top player and state’s 2nd ranked, came in third, proving that even the best can be bested by the right combination of luck and strategy.
Tournament Guide: A Look at the Machines
The tournament featured 18 machines, but let’s take a closer look at a few that made the night unforgettable.
Grand Prix by Williams (1976): This classic machine is all about speed and skill. With its fast playfield and multiple drop targets, it’s a test of precision. The nostalgic appeal of this machine always draws a crowd, and it didn’t disappoint in this tournament.
AC/DC (Premium) by Stern (2012): Rock out while you play! This machine combines the thrill of pinball with the iconic music of AC/DC. Featuring lightning-fast ramps and a rocking soundtrack, it’s a fan favorite that never gets old.
The Mandalorian (Premium) by Stern (2021): One of the newer machines in the lineup, The Mandalorian is packed with features that keep players engaged. From the Grogu (Baby Yoda) figure on the playfield to the intense missions, it’s a game that rewards both strategy and fast reflexes.
Houdini: Master of Mystery by American Pinball (2017): This machine brings magic to life with its intricate playfield and challenging shots. Players must master the art of illusion to score big, making it a fitting challenge for the tournament.
Icarus by Recel (1977): A rare gem in the pinball world, Icarus offers a unique play experience with its wide-body design and mythological theme. This machine requires patience and skill, especially when it’s the last game standing between you and victory.
Celebrating the Champions
The final game on Icarus saw some of the fiercest competition of the night. Donovan Haga clinched first place, a well-deserved win that highlighted his skill and determination. Despite his lower ranking of 43rd in the state and 1688th in the IFPA, Donovan’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, showing that he’s a player to watch in future tournaments.
Andrew McCann, ranked 17th in the state, took second place, adding another strong finish to his impressive record of 594 IFPA events. His experience shone through, but it wasn’t quite enough to take the top spot.
Chris Wilkes from Bainbridge Island rounded out the top three, his 237th state rank and 6408th IFPA rank proving that with dedication, any player can rise to the challenge. And let’s not forget Pinky Barney, who took fourth place—a notable achievement given their 771st state rank and 9195th IFPA rank. It was a night of upsets, surprises, and standout performances!
Washington IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lonnie Langford | Seattle | 711.34 |
| 2 | Conrad Rustad | Bremerton | 489.68 |
| 3 | Richie Terry | Seattle | 482.45 |
| 4 | Leslie Ruckman | Seattle | 479.86 |
| 5 | John Robinson WA | Bothell | 476.48 |
| 6 | Jarrett Gaddy | Seattle | 457.85 |
| 7 | Dave Stewart | Carnation | 444.12 |
| 8 | Jaran Jones | Seattle | 400.65 |
| 9 | Joshua Francis | Edmonds | 394.99 |
| 10 | Jon Salzman | Seattle | 378.3 |
Wrapping it Up
What a night it was at Tik Tok’s Workshop! Hats off to Richard Godwin for organizing yet another fantastic tournament. And to all the players who came out, you made it an evening to remember. Bremerton’s got some serious pinball talent, and I can’t wait to see what’s next on the calendar.
That’s it for this week’s tournament highlights—keep those flippers hot, and don’t forget to check back for more updates. Who knows, maybe next time you’ll see your name in the spotlight! Until then, keep it cool like the Puget Sound breeze, and I’ll catch you at the next event!