Rapid Rounds and Retro Machines: Highlights from Tik Tok’s Matchplay

Last night, Tik Tok’s Workshop hosted another fantastic pinball event: Tik Tok’s Matchplay. With eight rounds and just one game per round, it was a quick and competitive tournament that wrapped up in just about two hours. That’s right, we squeezed all the action into 1 hour and 51 minutes—a rapid-fire pinball experience! Organized by Richard Godwin, the tournament ran smoothly, with the weather hanging around a comfortable 65°F, under broken clouds.

The Vibe at Tik Tok’s Workshop

Tik Tok’s Workshop, located on Sylvan Way in Bremerton, WA, is a must-visit for pinball lovers. It’s got that perfect combo of pinball machines, karaoke, and good vibes. The space offers a great selection of games, and if you’re a fan of nostalgic classics, you’re in for a treat. Some folks have said they found machines from their childhood, instantly bringing back those happy memories. And hey, with drinks on hand and a lively crowd, this spot is more than just a stop for pinball—it’s an experience. Next time you find yourself there, don’t forget to grab a bite and enjoy the crowd!

Wizard of Oz: The Battle Begins

Round 1 kicked off on The Wizard of Oz (LE), and this game didn’t disappoint. Richard Godwin, ranked 198th in the state, came out on top with a wizardly performance that made great use of the game’s “Yellow Brick Road” feature, which lights up your path to victory by collecting valuable multipliers. Richard outpaced Anna Francolini, who put up a strong fight to take second. Anna’s ranked 358th, and despite being further down the leaderboard, she held her own in this magical showdown. Jared Doss and Bruce Cherry rounded out third and fourth place, with Jared’s skill keeping things close. Even though Bruce took the fourth spot, his Silverdale roots and competitive energy were still evident throughout the game.

A Closer Look at the Pinball Machines

This tournament featured an incredible lineup of pinball machines, each with its own personality and quirks that brought unique challenges to the competition. Here’s a rundown of the standouts:

• Grand Prix (Williams, 1976) is an old-school classic known for its fast-paced racing theme. With its spinner-heavy playfield and exhilarating loop shots, this machine keeps you on your toes, making it a favorite for players who love speed and precision.
• Devil’s Dare (Gottlieb, 1982) stands out for its bold and striking artwork, but it’s the gameplay that really hooks you. Featuring a wide body layout and a mix of drop targets and multi-level flippers, it demands solid strategy and quick reflexes. The devil truly is in the details on this machine!
• Eight Ball (Bally, 1977) is all about simplicity and smooth flow, making it approachable for newcomers but challenging enough for seasoned players. The billiard theme and the straightforward objectives—like hitting the right sequence of shots to “sink” the balls—make it easy to understand but tricky to master.
• Devil Riders (Zaccaria, 1984) offers something unique with its motorcycle stunt theme. This game takes players on a wild ride with its innovative magnet feature that mimics a motorcycle stunt jump, creating some unexpected twists in gameplay. It’s flashy and fast, perfect for players who love surprises.
• The Wizard of Oz (LE) (Jersey Jack Pinball, 2013) is a modern marvel packed with technology. With an incredible 26-inch LCD screen, an interactive castle, and multiple modes that keep you engaged, it’s a game that requires both strategy and timing. The complex multiball modes and interactive features like the “Yellow Brick Road” make every playthrough a magical journey.
• Twister (Sega, 1996) is as chaotic as its theme suggests, with spinning discs on the playfield and a fan that actually blows wind to immerse you in the action. The randomness of the spinning discs makes for unpredictable ball movement, keeping players on edge every second.
• Road Kings (Williams, 1986) throws you into a post-apocalyptic biker gang world, complete with challenging ramps and fast-paced orbits. It’s a game that rewards aggressive play with a focus on building up speed and hitting tight shots.
• AC/DC (Premium Vault Edition) (Stern, 2017) brings the rock concert vibe to life, combining killer music with explosive gameplay. With its unique feature of letting players choose between different songs that affect the scoring rules, it adds a layer of strategy while jamming out to some iconic rock tracks.
• Monster Bash (Remake) (Chicago Gaming, 2018) resurrects a fan favorite, where you get to assemble a band of famous Universal monsters. The game features fast action, monster-themed multiball modes, and colorful animations that make it a blast to play. It’s as much fun to watch as it is to play, with every monster interaction adding excitement.

Each of these machines brought its own twist to the tournament, keeping players on their toes and giving the audience plenty to cheer about!

Shoutout to the Winners

At the end of the night, it was Richard Godwin who claimed the top spot, finishing the tournament strong on Eight Ball. With over 500 events under their belt, Richard’s performance showed why they’re ranked 198th in Washington. Not far behind was Anna Francolini, putting up a great fight with a second-place finish, while Jared Doss grabbed third place in a steady performance that matched his 302nd ranking. Bruce Cherry rounded out the top four, showing promise for future events.

Washington IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping It Up

Tik Tok’s Matchplay was a blast, with plenty of high-stakes action and standout performances. From the nostalgia-inducing machines to the fierce competition, it was an evening filled with fast-paced fun. Keep an eye on Tik Tok’s Workshop for more tournaments and exciting pinball updates! Looking forward to sharing more pinball stories and highlights soon!