Popcorn, Pinball, and Precision: A Night at Tik Tok’s Workshop

I’m Bride of Pinbot, your friendly neighborhood pinball blogger, here to break down all the action from the latest tournament at Tik Tok’s Workshop. If there’s a silver ball rolling and a flipper flipping, you better believe I’m covering it. So, let’s dive into the details of Tik Tok’s Fair Strikes tournament, where players battled it out for glory in a group knockout showdown!

Knockout Chaos at Tik Tok’s Tournament

On February 24, 2025, Tik Tok’s Workshop in Bremerton, Washington, hosted the Tik Tok’s Fair Strikes 2/24 tournament. This was a Group Knockout event with nine rounds of intense competition. Seven players entered, each allowed seven strikes before elimination. The Fair Strikes system kept things interesting—four-player groups received one strike for 2nd and 3rd place, and two strikes for 4th place, while three-player groups got one strike for 2nd and two strikes for 3rd. When the dust settled after nearly three hours, only one player was left standing.

The Unique Charm of Tik Tok’s Workshop

If you haven’t been to Tik Tok’s Workshop, you’re missing out. Located at 1216 Sylvan Way, Bremerton, WA, this spot is a dream for pinball lovers and retro gamers alike. The owners have curated a stellar lineup of rare pinball machines that you won’t find just anywhere. But the fun doesn’t stop at flippers—there’s even a vintage bowling lane game that visitors say is more entertaining than real bowling (and without the risk of renting ugly shoes). Throw in a popcorn machine, reasonable drink prices, and a lively weekend event lineup featuring burlesque shows and karaoke, and you’ve got a spot that’s worth a trip for both gaming and good times.

Speed and Skill on Rollergames in Round 7

Round 7 brought an exciting battle on Rollergames, a 1990 Williams classic packed with fast-paced action and the legendary Wall of Death ramp. This game was based on a short-lived television show that attempted to bring professional roller derby into the mainstream, blending the sport with dramatic storytelling and high-speed action. While the show didn’t last, the pinball machine certainly did.

The Wall of Death ramp tested everyone’s ability to keep the ball in play, and Donovan’s consistent ramp shots sealed the deal for his victory in this round. Rollergames is also known for its unique theme song, composed by the legendary Chris Granner, which players either love or can’t get out of their heads long after they walk away from the machine.

The match played out like an episode of the show itself:

• 1st – Donovan Haga from Bremerton, currently 87th in the state and 1620th in the IFPA rankings, took the win with impressive shot accuracy and control.

• 2nd – Andrew McCann from Washington, holding 96th in the state and an IFPA rank of 572, showed solid skill but couldn’t quite edge out Donovan.

• 3rd – Richard Godwin, tournament organizer and 175th in the state, put up a strong fight but fell just short.

• 4th – Jennifer Bremerton finished in fourth but kept things competitive with aggressive play.

Silverball Superstars

The tournament featured 11 pinball machines, but a few stood out as the stars of the night:

AC/DC (Premium) – Stern (March 2012)

Rock and roll meets pinball in this high-energy machine, designed by Steve Ritchie, a legend in the industry responsible for classics like High Speed and The Getaway: High Speed II. AC/DC Premium is packed with musical mayhem, featuring songs like Back in Black and You Shook Me All Night Long. With features like the Hell’s Bell swinging pendulum, under-playfield mini flipper, and a rock meter that tracks progress, this game keeps players engaged in an electrifying concert experience.

Whoa Nellie! Big Juicy Melons – Stern (April 2015)

Don’t let the name fool you—this game delivers old-school pinball charm with a modern twist. Designed by Dennis Nordman, the same creative mind behind White Water and Elvira and the Party Monsters, this game features oversized flippers, a classic playfield layout, and beautifully hand-drawn artwork by Greg Freres. The humor is vintage pinball, reminiscent of the playfulness found in games from the 1950s and 60s.

Star Trek: The Next Generation – Williams (January 1993)

Designed by Steve Ritchie, this wide-body pinball machine is one of the most immersive in pinball history. With voiceovers from the original cast, two ball-firing cannons, and multiple missions based on episodes from the TV series, it’s a deep game that requires strategic play. Fun fact: Star Trek: The Next Generation was one of the last major Williams pinball releases before the company shifted away from the industry in the late 1990s.

The Wizard of Oz (LE) – Jersey Jack Pinball (January 2013)

This machine marked Jersey Jack Pinball’s first entry into the pinball world, proving that a new company could make a serious splash. Featuring a full-color LCD screen (a first for pinball at the time), incredible detail, and a melting witch toy that actually disappears, this game redefined what a modern pinball machine could be. It’s packed with deep rules and an incredible audiovisual experience that transports players to the Land of Oz.

Saluting the Tournament Champions

A huge congratulations to our top performers, who navigated the Fair Strikes format with skill and strategy:

• 1st – Donovan Haga: Ranked 87th in Washington and 1620th nationally, with 195 IFPA events under his belt, proving he’s a force to be reckoned with.

• 2nd – Andrew McCann: Holding 96th in Washington and an impressive 572nd in the nation, with a whopping 635 tournament appearances to date.

• 3rd – Richard Godwin: With 555 tournaments played, Richard’s experience helped secure a strong finish.

• 4th – Jennifer Bremerton: Rounding out the top four with 188 IFPA events, Jennifer’s consistent play earned a solid finish.

Washington’s Top Pinball Players

Flipping the Final Page on Tik Tok’s Fair Strikes

Tik Tok’s Fair Strikes 2/24 was a thrilling event, packed with exciting matchups and high-level play. The combination of a stellar venue, rare pinball machines, and fierce competition made for an unforgettable night. Tik Tok’s Workshop continues to be a standout pinball location, and if you haven’t checked it out yet, put it on your must-visit list.

Follow along for more pinball news, tournament results, and deep dives into the best machines out there. Until next time—keep flipping!