From Wizardry to Victory: Highlights from Tik Tok’s Fair Strikes Tournament

Another exciting night of pinball action went down at Tik Tok’s Fair Strikes tournament on September 2nd. This Group Knockout Tournament kept everyone on their toes, with 8 players battling it out through 11 rounds, aiming to avoid those dreaded 7 strikes that would send them packing. With four-player groups getting 1 strike for 2nd and 3rd place and 2 strikes for last, every game counted. It all wrapped up in just under 3.5 hours, making for a fast-paced evening of pinball fun. So let’s dive into what went down!

Welcome to Tik Tok’s Workshop

Tik Tok’s Workshop is a gem of a spot, nestled in Bremerton, WA, and for any pinball lover, it’s a must-visit. Located at 1216 Sylvan Way, this steampunk-themed arcade is filled with a solid collection of pinball machines that’ll make any player feel like a kid again. The place has a cozy vibe, with plenty of game options, drinks, and food to keep you fueled for long pinball sessions. Sure, it might not be the biggest arcade out there, but it’s got charm. There’s even a Galaga machine for a little retro fun. If you’re in Bremerton, you’ll definitely want to swing by for a few games.

A Magical Round on The Wizard of Oz

Round 5 brought the spotlight to The Wizard of Oz (LE), and it didn’t disappoint. Jesse Wilson, despite being ranked 506th in the state, put on a masterclass, navigating the game like a seasoned pro. It felt like he was right there in the heart of “Munchkinland”, expertly hitting the key shots and advancing through the modes with precision. His ability to consistently complete tasks while managing multiballs left everyone else playing catch-up. Bruce Cherry, ranked 345th, gave a solid effort, holding his own in Emerald City mode but fell just short of taking the lead. Brent Haydock, ranked 139th, struggled early on and couldn’t quite find his rhythm with the tight shots, landing in third place. Jesse’s performance reminded everyone that pinball rankings don’t always tell the full story—sometimes, it’s all about who can shine when the pressure is on.

Pinball Machines That Stole the Show

With 19 pinball machines at Tik Tok’s Workshop, there was plenty of variety to keep players on their toes. Here are a few standouts from the lineup that really added flavor to the competition:

Road Kings (Williams, 1986) – Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Road Kings brings a thrilling Mad Max-style atmosphere to the table. It’s fast-paced, with looping ramps and challenging shots that require sharp reflexes and precision. Players who excel on this machine know how to handle speed, and it can be unforgiving if you lose focus for even a second. The unique motorcycle theme and the need to complete the “Escape” feature to rack up points make it a must-play for anyone who loves high-adrenaline games.

AC/DC (Premium) (Stern, 2012) – A favorite for music lovers, AC/DC combines rock ‘n roll with fast, dynamic pinball action. The cannon shot that fires across the playfield is always a highlight, and the mini-playfield hidden below adds a cool extra layer of strategy. Hitting those drop targets to unlock your favorite AC/DC tracks—like “Back in Black”—and building up the “Encore” mode makes this game both exciting and immersive. It’s not just about the music; it’s about keeping the beat while juggling multiballs and aiming for the high score.

Lord of the Rings (Stern, 2003) – One of the most complex machines in the lineup, Lord of the Rings is all about embarking on an epic journey through Middle-Earth. With its three separate multiball modes—Fellowship, Two Towers, and Return of the King—it challenges players to juggle objectives while collecting rings and making key shots. Destroying the Balrog and eventually trying to destroy the One Ring is a true test of skill. It’s a deep game with a lot of strategy, and mastering it can take countless plays, but the immersive theme keeps players coming back.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (Williams, 1991) – This game brings the iconic Terminator franchise to life with rapid gameplay and that famous “shoot here” cannon shot. The fast-flowing layout keeps players on their toes, with the main goal being to activate and complete multiball modes while taking down the Terminators. The voice work by Arnold Schwarzenegger and the thrilling sci-fi theme make every round feel intense. It’s one of those games where you know if you’re in the zone—or if you’re about to get crushed by Skynet!

Cyclone (Williams, 1988) – Fun and nostalgic, Cyclone offers a carnival experience like no other. Its ramps, ferris wheel, and spook house combine for a laid-back but deceptively tricky game. While it doesn’t have multiball, players need to focus on the ramps for big points, and hitting the “Comet” shot is always a crowd-pleaser. This machine is perfect for players who enjoy games that balance a fun theme with skill-based shooting challenges. It’s lighthearted but still offers enough difficulty to keep competitive players engaged.

These machines offered a little something for everyone, from the speed junkies to the strategy masters, adding layers of challenge to every round of the tournament.

A Round of Applause for the Winners

The competition was fierce, but at the end of the night, it was Donovan Haga who stood tall, claiming first place with a series of remarkable performances. Ranked 69th in Washington, Donovan showed exactly why he’s a player to watch. His ability to stay cool under pressure and nail the high-value shots in critical moments helped him climb to the top. With 167 IFPA events under his belt, Donovan’s consistency and experience were on full display.

In second place was none other than Richard Godwin, the tournament organizer, who proved they’re just as good at playing pinball as they are at running the show. Ranked 194th in the state, Richard may not have the highest ranking, but with over 500 IFPA events to their name, their depth of experience makes them a formidable competitor. They fought their way through tough matchups all night, showing impressive resilience and skill.

Andrew McCann, ranked 23rd in Washington, took third place and was another standout performer. With 598 IFPA events under his belt, Andrew came into this tournament as one of the top seeds and didn’t disappoint. His ability to adapt to different machines and play styles gave him a solid edge over the competition. Although he didn’t take home the win, his third-place finish is nothing to scoff at in such a competitive field.

Rounding out the top four was Chris Wilkes from Bainbridge Island, who may be ranked 279th in the state, but his performance was far beyond his ranking. With 94 IFPA events in the books, Chris brought an aggressive, high-energy style to each round. Though he couldn’t break into the top three, his strong showing earned him respect and a solid fourth-place finish.

The night saw a mix of top-tier talent and up-and-coming players, making for an exciting, unpredictable competition from start to finish. Each of these players showcased their unique skills and demonstrated why they’re part of Washington’s pinball elite.

Washington IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

What’s Next for Pinball at Tik Tok’s Workshop?

Tik Tok’s Workshop delivered yet another fantastic pinball tournament, and special thanks go out to Richard Godwin for not only organizing but also competing at a high level. The event ran smoothly, and the atmosphere was filled with excitement and friendly competition. With its cozy, steampunk vibes and an impressive collection of machines, Tik Tok’s Workshop has become a go-to spot for pinball in Bremerton. If you haven’t visited yet, make sure to check out their upcoming events at Tik Tok’s Workshop on Facebook to stay updated.

If you find yourself in Bremerton, don’t miss out on this pinball haven—whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills or just have some fun. And while you’re in the area, take a stroll over to Harborside Fountain Park to relax by the waterfront after an intense evening of flipper action.

Stay tuned for more tournament recaps and highlights as we keep following the pinball action!