Flashing Lights and Fierce Fights: Tik Tok’s Pinball Tournament

On March 10, 2025, pinball players gathered at Tik Tok’s Workshop in Bremerton, Washington, for a night of competitive flipper action. The event followed a Group Knockout format, stretching across 10 rounds, where six players faced off, each accumulating up to seven strikes before elimination. The Fair Strikes system was in play, making every match a battle of endurance. With a brisk 43-degree evening and overcast skies outside, the warmth of buzzing arcade lights and the crack of pinballs against rubber bumpers set the perfect scene for this showdown.

The Heart of the Action: Tik Tok’s Workshop

Tik Tok’s Workshop isn’t your run-of-the-mill pinball spot—it’s a place with character. Nestled in Bremerton, this steampunk-inspired bar and arcade mixes vintage charm with a welcoming community vibe. Patrons rave about its unique selection of pinball machines, rare arcade cabinets, and even a quirky bowling game that brings out the competitive spirit in visitors. Drinks are reasonably priced, the staff is as friendly as they come, and if you’re in the mood for more than just pinball, weekend events include karaoke nights and burlesque shows. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why local arcades still matter.

Devil’s Dare: The First Round Showdown

The first round of the tournament saw players face off on Devil’s Dare, Gottlieb’s 1982 horror-themed pinball machine. Known for its ominous artwork and challenging multi-ball play, this game pits players against a sinister demon lurking in the shadows of the backglass. Devil’s Dare was one of the earliest games to introduce a multi-ball system in solid-state pinball, making it a pioneer of its era.

Gottlieb, a company with a rich history dating back to the early days of pinball, was pushing the boundaries in the early 1980s as the industry moved away from electro-mechanical machines. This particular game also had an infamous “ball save” feature that would sometimes malfunction, making every second of play all the more intense.

In this electrifying round, Donovan Haga showcased sharp reflexes and strategic ball control, taking first place. Bruce Cherry followed in second, with tournament organizer Richard Godwin landing in third. The demon of Devil’s Dare may have claimed many lost balls, but in this match, it was the players who fought back the hardest.

Five Machines That Stole the Show

With 13 machines in play, there was plenty of variety for competitors, but here are five that made the biggest impact:

• Devil’s Dare (Gottlieb, 1982) – This game marked one of the first multi-ball experiences in solid-state pinball. Its dark, almost sinister theme set it apart from the usual sci-fi or sports themes of the time. The unique asymmetrical playfield, combined with tricky upper flippers, made it a true test of skill.
• Eight Ball (Bally, 1977) – A cornerstone of classic pinball design, this game capitalized on the popularity of pool halls in the 1970s. Designed by Greg Kmiec, it featured drop targets that mimic the order of pocketing balls in a real game of billiards. Bally was dominating the industry in the late ’70s, and Eight Ball became one of the highest-selling pinball machines of all time.
• Monster Bash Remake (Chicago Gaming, 2018) – A loving recreation of Williams’ 1998 classic, this game lets players assemble a band featuring Universal’s most iconic monsters. The 2018 remake added enhanced lighting, a clearer LCD display, and upgraded mechanics, making it a sought-after title for collectors and competitive players alike.
• Star Trek: The Next Generation (Williams, 1993) – This widebody machine was designed by Steve Ritchie, the “King of Flow.” Featuring dual cannons that fire the ball into the playfield, it fully immerses players in the Star Trek universe. At the time, Williams was pioneering deeper rule sets in pinball, and this game’s extensive modes and missions set a new standard for the industry.
• The Wizard of Oz (Jersey Jack Pinball, 2013) – Jersey Jack Pinball entered the pinball industry with this groundbreaking game, featuring an HD LCD display—a first for modern pinball. The game’s vibrant RGB lighting and deep storytelling elements revolutionized how pinball was presented to players, setting a high bar for future machines.

Who Took Home the Crown?

With fierce competition and a stacked lineup of players, only a few could make it to the top. The final standings were:

1. Conrad Rustad (Bremerton, WA) – With a state rank of 11th and an impressive IFPA rank of 63, Conrad proved why he’s one of the best in Washington.
2. Donovan Haga (Bremerton, WA) – Coming in second, Donovan fought hard through the rounds, adding another strong tournament finish to his 201 IFPA events.
3. Bruce Cherry (Silverdale, WA) – With a state rank of 460th, Bruce showed that rankings don’t dictate skill, finishing strong in third.
4. Andrew McCann (Washington) – Rounding out the top four, Andrew’s 643 IFPA events experience kept him in the fight to the very end.

Washington’s IFPA Top 10: Who’s Leading the Pack?

Final Thoughts: Another One for the Books

Tik Tok’s Fair Strikes 3/10 was yet another thrilling event, proving once again that Washington’s pinball scene is alive and well. Congratulations to Conrad Rustad on his stellar victory, and hats off to all the players who put their skills to the test. If you haven’t checked out Tik Tok’s Workshop, it’s worth the trip for a mix of nostalgia, competition, and community. Whether you’re aiming for a state ranking or just looking for a night of great pinball, this is a place that delivers.

Follow along for more pinball news and event recaps—see you at the next tournament!