Conrad Rustad Takes the Crown at Tik Tok’s Fair Strikes Tournament

Pinball wizards gathered at Tik Tok’s Workshop on February 10th for Tik Tok’s Fair Strikes 2/10, an intense group knockout tournament that saw players battling through nine rounds of fast-paced flipper action. With the Fair Strikes format in play, survival meant managing strikes wisely—two for a last-place finish, one for middle-of-the-pack. Eight players entered, but only one would emerge victorious after nearly four hours of thrilling competition.

A Pinball Playground in Bremerton

If you haven’t been to Tik Tok’s Workshop yet, it’s the kind of place where pinball meets passion. The machines are well-maintained, the staff is welcoming, and the atmosphere feels more like a friendly hangout than a competitive battleground—until tournament night, that is. With vintage classics and modern hits lining the walls, it’s easy to see why players keep coming back. When you need a break from the action, there are snacks, drinks, and plenty of good company to keep you going.

Devil’s Dare Delivers a Shocking Showdown

Round 8 put the spotlight on Devil’s Dare, a Gottlieb wide-body released in 1982, during the company’s transition into the solid-state era. Designed by John Buras, this machine is known for its challenging three-ball multiball that must be earned rather than simply started at the plunge. The game also features ball-saving stand-up targets, but they reset after each ball, demanding precise shots to stay in control.

Sarah Bay took an early lead, showing patience on the drop targets to build her bonus and lock in the win. Against higher-ranked opponents, this was a statement victory. Conrad Rustad, ranked 12th in Washington, stayed in the mix but couldn’t quite catch up. Andrew McCann and Donovan Haga rounded out the group, with Donovan falling victim to Devil’s Dare’s notoriously unforgiving outlanes.

Pinball Machines That Made an Impact

The tournament lineup featured 13 machines, each offering its own set of challenges. Here’s a look at some of the highlights:

Whoa Nellie! Big Juicy Melons (Stern, 2015) – A throwback to the 1960s, this game was designed by Dennis Nordman in collaboration with Whizbang Pinball. It features oversized flippers, no inlanes, and a giant melon-shaped bash toy right in the center. Players had to master control-based play, using post-passing and dead flips to keep the ball in play while collecting fruit bonuses.

Laser War (Data East, 1987) – The very first Data East pinball machine, featuring a synth-heavy soundtrack by David Thiel and some of the fastest ramps of its time. Its three-ball multiball is tough to activate, but once started, it becomes a test of quick reflexes and ball control.

The Wizard of Oz (Jersey Jack Pinball, 2013) – Designed by Keith P. Johnson and Joe Balcer, this game brought full-color LCD screens to pinball. With a deep ruleset, six-ball multiball modes, and the infamous flying monkey ball grabber, players had to carefully manage which character-based missions to complete before heading to the Emerald City.

Monster Bash (Chicago Gaming, 2018) – A remake of the 1998 Williams classic, this game challenges players to assemble the Universal Monsters band. Featuring smooth ramp shots, humorous callouts, and a balance of controlled play and multiball madness, it remains a tournament favorite.

A Thunderstruck Finale on AC/DC

The final four faced off on AC/DC (Premium), a Steve Ritchie-designed game known for its fast shots and mode-based scoring. The Premium edition features a lower playfield, where players can activate the “Hell’s Bells” multiball for extra scoring opportunities.

Conrad Rustad took control early with a masterful Jam Multiball, keeping the cannon shots flowing and his score climbing. Andrew McCann made a strong push, but AC/DC’s brutal outlane drains cut his run short. Sarah Bay, still riding the momentum from her earlier victory on Devil’s Dare, put up a solid fight for third, while Donovan Haga rounded out the final four after a hard-fought night.

Final Standings

1. Conrad Rustad (Bremerton, WA) – Showcased tournament experience with a dominant final round.
2. Andrew McCann (WA) – Consistently strong play throughout the night, falling just short in the end.
3. Sarah Bay – Pulled off an impressive upset in Round 8, proving rankings don’t always tell the whole story.
4. Donovan Haga (Bremerton, WA) – A solid performance with some tough breaks in the later rounds.

Washington IFPA Top 10 Rankings

A Night to Remember

A huge shout-out to Richard Godwin for organizing yet another fantastic tournament and to Tik Tok’s Workshop for providing such an incredible venue for pinball competition. With close matches, thrilling upsets, and high-level play, this one will be remembered for a long time.

Congrats again to Conrad Rustad for taking home the win! Think you’ve got what it takes to be Washington’s next pinball champ? Drop a rating below and let us know what tournament you’ll be playing next!