Classic Pinball Action Lights Up Tik Tok’s Fair Strikes

If you missed out on Tik Tok’s Fair Strikes 9/9 Classics Only event, let me tell you, it was a fast and furious night of classic pinball action. Nine players faced off in a Group Knockout format, where 7 strikes meant game over. The fair strikes system kept things fair but unforgiving, as second and third place in four-player groups earned 1 strike each, while the fourth place took a heavier hit with 2 strikes. For three-player groups, second place received 1 strike and third place got 2. The entire tournament wrapped up in just under 2.5 hours, making for a quick but intense evening at Tik Tok’s Workshop.

The knockout rounds started promptly at 6:55 PM on September 9th, and by 9:30, it was all over. With a clear sky and a perfect 67°F temperature outside, it was a great evening for competitive pinball.

Checking out Tik Tok’s Workshop

This event took place at Tik Tok’s Workshop, a cozy spot in Bremerton, WA. Located at 1216 Sylvan Way, this place is known for its lively vibe, filled with a wide range of pinball machines that pull in regulars and newcomers alike. Some folks rave about the nostalgic machines that bring back memories from their childhood. Others come for the games, stay for the good drinks, and enjoy the friendly staff that keeps the energy upbeat. The selection of games is top-notch, and there’s always something for everyone—whether you’re there for a tournament or just stopping by to test your Galaga skills.

A Sharpshooter Showdown in Round 1

The first round had a standout moment on Sharpshooter, a 1979 classic by Game Plan. This game brought some real drama right out of the gate. Mason Forsyth, ranked 582nd in the state, showed everyone that rankings don’t tell the whole story. Despite being the underdog compared to the other players, he pulled off an impressive win. Chris Wilkes from Bainbridge Island, ranked 282nd in the state, gave it a good run but had to settle for second place. Bruce Cherry, hailing from Silverdale, claimed third, but Sharpshooter was not kind to him, as the game’s unpredictable shots and tight lanes made for a rough time. The bonus multiplier mode on Sharpshooter turned out to be the decider, as Mason nailed his timing to stack up the points just when it counted most.

Spotlight on the Pinball Machines

A highlight of the tournament was the fantastic lineup of machines. Twister, released by Sega in 1996, had players battling fierce storms, with its rotating disc that caused a flurry of multiballs. Players also enjoyed Grand Prix, a classic from Williams, bringing that fast-paced racing theme to life with tight shots and a challenging center post that demanded precision.

Eight Ball by Bally, a 1977 game, drew a crowd for its simple but addictive pool table theme, while Icarus from Recel soared with its Greek mythology vibes. Of course, there was the quirky fun of Whoa Nellie! Big Juicy Melons by Stern, which kept things light with its colorful artwork and oversized fruit theme, making for some pretty funny moments. And let’s not forget the remake of Monster Bash by Chicago Gaming—this was the game where players unleashed classic movie monsters in a rock-and-roll concert of destruction.

And of course, no pinball night would be complete without a play on Star Trek: The Next Generation by Williams, where players aimed to take command of the Enterprise, battling through missions and multi-level ramps that demanded solid flipper skills. The crowd loved this one.

Celebrating the Tournament Champions

Big congratulations go out to the top finishers in this event! Conrad Rustad from Bremerton, WA, held onto his State Rank of 2nd and lived up to his reputation, taking home the first-place trophy. His IFPA ranking of 90 shows he’s no stranger to high-level competition, and his 284 total IFPA events have clearly honed his skills to a fine edge. Not far behind was Andrew McCann, who finished second. Andrew’s State Rank of 23rd and IFPA rank of 484 tell the story of a seasoned player who’s always a threat. With 606 total IFPA events under his belt, he’s seen a lot of action, and it showed on the night.

Chris Wilkes from Bainbridge Island, WA, grabbed third place with his signature resilience. Ranked 282nd in the state, Chris showed grit throughout the tournament. And coming in fourth was Jennifer Bremerton, who played a strong game despite facing tough competition. With a State Rank of 197th, Jennifer’s showing here is just the beginning of bigger things to come!

Washington IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping it Up at Tik Tok’s

That’s a wrap from Tik Tok’s Workshop, where another unforgettable night of pinball has come to a close. Richard Godwin did an awesome job running the show, keeping everything smooth and on schedule. If you want to check out future tournaments, visit their page at Tik Tok’s Weekly Events. Bremerton’s pinball scene just keeps getting better, so make sure to follow along for more tournament updates—you won’t want to miss the next one!