From Flip to Finish: Tik Tok’s Hosts a Monster-Sized Throwdown

Even with a blanket of broken clouds over Bremerton, Washington, there was no missing the glow from Tik Tok’s Workshop on April 15. Seven competitors battled across eight rounds of matchplay that stretched just past the three-hour mark—fueled by flickering inserts, classic callouts, and the kind of lineup that makes longtime pinheads nod approvingly.

This tournament brought together electro-mechanical charm, early solid-state challenge, and modern wizardry in a way few venues pull off. And whether it was a two-ball scramble on Joker Poker or a high-stakes ramp-fest on The Mandalorian, every game had something to say.

More Than Just a Workshop

Tucked away on Sylvan Way, Tik Tok’s Workshop is Bremerton’s best-kept secret for pinball aficionados and night owls alike. This steampunk-themed bar and arcade, owned by Richard Godwin, offers a unique blend of vintage charm and modern flair. With a décor that transports you to an alternate Victorian era, the ambiance is both quirky and inviting. The venue boasts a diverse selection of games, ranging from classic pinball machines to retro arcade favorites, ensuring that every visit offers a new experience. Beyond the games, Tik Tok’s is known for its vibrant community events, including karaoke nights and themed gatherings, making it a cultural hub in the heart of Bremerton. Whether you’re a seasoned pinball wizard or a curious newcomer, Tik Tok’s Workshop promises an unforgettable evening of entertainment and camaraderie.

And yes, the local beer and snacks are a hit—but for this crowd, it’s really the flippers that matter.

When Monsters Bash, One Man Stands Tall

Round 5 on Monster Bash (Remake) was more than just a chance to face Frankenstein. It was a study in pressure, stacking, and timing—executed to near-perfection by Jared Doss.

Chicago Gaming’s lovingly rebuilt version of the 1998 Williams classic retains everything players love: buttery ramps, comedic monster modes, and the ever-satisfying “Bash Frankenstein” toy. But in a tournament setting, it’s the mode stacking—like overlapping Mummy Mayhem and Dracula multiball—that separates the flailers from the planners.

Jared, despite being the lowest-ranked player in the group, locked in early and made all the right choices. He timed his Monster of Rock mode during multiball, leaned into Phantom Flip assists on the left lane (yes, they actually worked), and walked away with a first-place finish over Daniel Trobare, Andrew McCann, and Richard Godwin. For a machine built on campy horror themes, it was a surgical performance.

Pinball Machines That Shaped the Night

Let’s dig into some of the standout titles from the tournament, and why they matter:

The Wizard of Oz (LE) – Jersey Jack’s inaugural pin from 2013 is still one of the most visually dense and rule-rich games ever made. Featuring four flippers, two mini-playfields, five multiballs, and color-changing LEDs, it marked a turning point in modern pinball design. For a seven-player field, WoZ’s long ball times and deep wizard modes make it both a blessing and a pacing challenge.

Devil’s Dare – Released by Gottlieb in 1982, this early solid-state game is an oddball cult favorite. It’s one of the first pins to feature speech and multiball in the same package. With a sinister art package, asymmetrical playfield, and surprisingly tough inlanes, it makes players earn every bonus advance. And when that synth-voice cackles, you know someone just bricked a multiball.

Laser War – Data East’s very first entry into the pinball world (1987) is notable for its stereo sound system—the first in pinball history. The playfield might be a bit clunky by today’s standards, but it’s pure retro charm. Every jackpot and lock was a nostalgia blast for players who remember when Data East was just getting started (and hadn’t yet acquired the licenses for Robocop, WWF, or Back to the Future).

Joker Poker – Bally and Gottlieb were in a neck-and-neck race in the late ’70s, and this 1978 Gottlieb solid-state version is one of the era’s best-kept secrets. The five-bank drop targets and bonus ladder system make for sharp, positional play, and in a matchplay setting, one missed shot can spell disaster. A few players mentioned that this was their favorite “true player’s game” of the night.

Eight Ball – Don’t let the single-ball gameplay fool you. This 1977 Bally release was everywhere in the late ’70s, and remains one of the best-selling machines of all time. Modeled after the pool hall vibe of The Hustler, it rewards control and timing more than speed. And on Tik Tok’s setup, those slings were tuned to bite.

Rollergames – This 1990 Williams cult classic is equal parts silly and satisfying. With its magnet-saved center lane (the infamous “Magna-Save”), fast orbit shots, and absolutely over-the-top announcer voice, it thrives in matchplay. Plus, who doesn’t want to hear “GO FOR THE WALL!” after a few drinks?

The Mandalorian (Premium) – Stern’s 2021 hit brings video-era depth with approachable layout design. The premium version includes the tilting upper playfield (a nod to The Shadow), which adds scoring routes that less experienced players might miss. This machine saw plenty of action on the night, especially with Grogu lighting the way to bonus city.

Top Finishers Bring Their A-Game

Andrew McCann (he/them) brought calm consistency to every round and earned the win against stiff competition. With over 600 IFPA events behind him and a top 125 state ranking, Andrew’s ability to transition between EMs like Eight Ball and code-heavy monsters like Wizard of Oz was crucial.

Daniel Trobare leaned into aggressive play and it nearly paid off. With an IFPA ranking in the 3000s, he punched above his weight in early rounds, especially on Star Wars Premium, where his use of multipliers made for some lopsided scores.

Richard Godwin (they) earned third place both as a player and as the person who made the tournament happen. A hometown veteran of over 500 IFPA events, Richard’s familiarity with the machine lineup showed. They played Devil’s Dare like they were born in 1982.

Jared Doss (he) may have finished fourth overall, but he left with the single most memorable game of the night. His Monster Bash victory over three higher-ranked players was a reminder that rankings aren’t destiny—and that even Frankenstein can be tamed.

Washington IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings:

Wrapping Up From the Workshop

Hats off to Richard Godwin for organizing a smooth, competitive night of pinball in one of Bremerton’s best-kept secrets. Tik Tok’s Workshop continues to serve as a west-side anchor in Washington’s growing pinball scene, with a lineup that’s just the right mix of old-school and modern mayhem.

The machines played beautifully. The players brought their best. And as always, the true winners were the games themselves. If you’re cruising past the Puget Sound or heading toward the Manette Bridge, swing by Sylvan Way and catch the glow—because this little Workshop is building big pinball moments.

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