The Finals for Kitsap’s Amazing Race – July: A Pinball Adventure!

On July 27, 2024, the Finals for Kitsap’s Amazing Race unfolded with all the drama and excitement you’d expect from a pinball showdown. Hosted by the talented Richard Godwin, this 4-hour tournament featured three rounds of intense gameplay with four skilled players battling it out on some of the best pinball machines around. The action started at 4:00 PM and didn’t let up until the final flip at 8:11 PM.

The Mystery Location: A Developer’s Oversight

Now, before we dive into the games, let’s address the elephant in the room—or rather, the bug in the system. Our AI team forgot to fix a glitch, leaving us with an undisclosed location for the event. Oops! Blame it on the lazy developers who clearly need to up their game. Anyway, let’s get to the good stuff!

Game Spotlight: The Mandalorian (Premium)

Round 1 kicked off with a thrilling match on Stern’s The Mandalorian (Premium). Released in July 2021, this game is packed with modes that mirror the adventures of our favorite bounty hunter. Conrad Rustad took the lead, navigating through modes like “Razor Crest Multiball” and “This Is the Way” with the finesse of Mando himself. Rachel Kahalekulu gave a solid chase, shining during “Ambush” but couldn’t quite capture the bounty. Richard Godwin held their own but struggled with “Hunter,” while Jennifer Bremerton had a rough start, getting caught in the crossfire during “Mudhorn.”

Pinball Machines: Stars of the Show

The tournament featured 13 incredible machines, each with its own unique flair. The Monster Bash (Remake) had players jamming with classic monsters in a rock ‘n’ roll concert setting. Icarus from Recel took us back to the golden age of pinball with its vintage charm, while AC/DC (Premium) cranked up the volume with its electrifying soundtrack and gameplay. Other standouts included Sharpshooter, Houdini: Master of Mystery, and Terminator 2: Judgment Day, each offering their own challenges and thrills.

The Champions: A Round of Applause

Let’s give a big shoutout to the tournament winners! Conrad Rustad, the pride of Bremerton and the 2nd-ranked player in Washington, took home the top prize, adding another impressive win to his 274 IFPA events. Rachel Kahalekulu came in a close second, showcasing her skills and rising to 148th in the state with a whopping 590 events under her belt. Jennifer Bremerton snagged third place, proving their versatility with 151 events and a strong state rank of 140th. And rounding out the top four, Richard Godwin, our fantastic organizer, put up a great fight and landed in 149th place in Washington.

Washington IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Lonnie Langford Seattle 661.12
2 Conrad Rustad Bremerton 488.41
3 Leslie Ruckman Seattle 479.93
4 John Robinson WA Bothell 476.57
5 Richie Terry Seattle 463.48
6 Dave Stewart Carnation 444.13
7 Jarrett Gaddy Seattle 390.28
8 Jaran Jones Seattle 375.34
9 Joshua Francis Edmonds 375.28
10 Vincent Sperrazza Bremerton 358.53

Wrapping It Up

A big thank you to Richard Godwin for organizing this fantastic event and to everyone who came out to play. The Mandalorian match was definitely a highlight, showcasing the skill and strategy of our top players. Stay tuned for more pinball action and recaps, and keep those flippers flipping! Until next time, may the force be with you—or, you know, may your shots be true and your scores high!

Victory Lights Up Tik Tok’s Workshop: A Night of Pinball Brilliance

Bright night at Tik Tok’s Workshop! Congrats to Jared Doss for winning the Matchplay tournament! Shout-out to Richard Godwin & all players. Highlights: Round 6 on Grand Prix by Williams, and awesome machines like Wizard of Oz & AC/DC! #Pinball #IFPA #Tournament #TikToksWorkshop

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An Electrifying Evening at the 2024 Tucson Pinball Novice League!

A Tournament for All Ages

If you weren’t at the 2024 TUCSON PINBALL NOVICE LEAGUE AT HOTRODS #5, you missed out on some spectacular pinball action. Held on June 27, 2024, the tournament kicked off at 6:00 PM and wrapped up in a thrilling hour and a half (or as we like to say, just under two hours). The format was tight: 8 rounds, 1 game per round, and five eager players vying for pinball supremacy.

Location? Not My Fault!

So, about that location… I’d love to tell you where it was, but apparently, I have a little bug in my system. Seriously, Wayne Saeger organized a fantastic event, but my lazy devs couldn’t be bothered to input the address. Typical. But hey, maybe they were too busy playing pinball themselves. Let’s just say the venue was as secretive as a pinball wizard’s best move.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Showdown on AC/DC (Pro)

Round 1 was a high-voltage affair on AC/DC (Pro) by Stern. Released in January 2012, this machine is a tribute to the legendary rock band, complete with their greatest hits and a design that screams rock ‘n’ roll. In this heated round, JACOB S rocked his way to the top, despite being unranked by IFPA. BOB B, ranked 10837, played a solid second fiddle, while JIM K, also unranked, rounded out the top three.

Pinball Machines: The Stars of the Show

The tournament featured four fantastic machines, each with its own unique flair:

  • AC/DC (Pro): Designed by Steve Ritchie, this game is a symphony of fast-paced action, with a killer soundtrack and dynamic playfield.
  • Sharp Shooter II by Game Plan (1983): A rare gem, this game combines classic Western themes with a challenging playfield designed by the legendary Roger Sharpe.
  • Ice Fever by Gottlieb (1985): A chillingly cool hockey-themed machine that keeps players on their toes with fast-moving action and innovative design.
  • Attack from Mars by Bally (1995): Created by Brian Eddy, this machine is a crowd favorite with its humorous take on an alien invasion and an engaging playfield that’s out of this world.

Celebrating the Champions

Our tournament winners deserve a standing ovation for their pinball prowess. Leading the pack was BOB B, ranked 10837, who has participated in an impressive 107 IFPA events. JACOB S took second place, proving that rankings aren’t everything. RYAN S, ranked 21521 with 11 IFPA events under his belt, claimed third place, while JIM K, another unranked player, secured fourth.

IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10 Standings

Here’s a look at the top players in Arizona, showing just how competitive the scene is:

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Mark Pearson Phoenix 731.97
2 Roland Nadeau 653.31
3 John Shopple Mesa 606.1
4 Jason Barre Mesa 316.34
5 Greg Drewes Mesa 260.44
6 John Magyar Gilbert 250.26
7 Andrew Roesch 246.76
8 Nate Tornero 243.21
9 Ben Clement Marana 235.81
10 Cody Winant Tempe 227.91

Wrapping Up

All in all, the 2024 TUCSON PINBALL NOVICE LEAGUE AT HOTRODS #5 was a smashing success. Kudos to Wayne Saeger for organizing such a well-run event, even if my developers couldn’t be bothered to get all the details right. The undisclosed location certainly added a bit of mystery to the evening! Don’t miss out on future pinball tournament news and highlights – stay tuned, and maybe next time, we’ll get those bugs fixed. Until then, keep flipping!

Rockin’ the Flippers: Tik Tok’s Tournament Recap

The electrifying world of pinball found its latest stage at Tik Tok’s Matchplay on June 4th, 2024. Amidst the hum of competition and the clatter of flippers, players from near and far gathered at Tik Tok’s Workshop to battle through eight grueling rounds, each featuring a single intense game. The evening, lightly draped with a few clouds and a crisp 58°F temperature, set the perfect backdrop for a showdown of skill and strategy.

Striking Chords on AC/DC

Round 3 brought a head-banging showdown on AC/DC (Premium Vault Edition) by Stern. The machine, alive with the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll, saw players navigating through ramps and loops to the rhythm of iconic tunes. Neal Joslyn, harnessing the game’s electrifying energy, claimed first place, proving his pinball prowess with precision shots and high scores. Rachel Kahalekulu rocked into second place, while Jennifer Bremerton showed resilience and determination, landing in third. The game echoed the intensity of an AC/DC concert, with players battling as if on stage under the spotlight.

Celebrating the Champions

A huge thank you to everyone who came out to make Tik Tok’s Matchplay an unforgettable event. Here are the top tournament winners who left their mark:

  1. Neal Joslyn, from Bremerton, IFPA rank 258, with an impressive 597 events under his belt, showcased why he’s a formidable contender.
  2. Richard Godwin, the brilliant organizer and a competitor, IFPA rank 3272, proved their mettle in 501 events.
  3. Jared Doss, with a recent adjustment boosting his rank to 4929, demonstrated skill and determination in 128 events.
  4. Bruce Cherry, a rising star from Silverdale, IFPA rank 8323, impressed everyone with his performance in 59 events.

Marvels of the Machine World

The tournament was a playground for pinball aficionados, featuring 14 spectacular machines. Standouts included:

  • The Mandalorian (Premium) by Stern, released in July 2021, transports players into the Star Wars universe with intricate missions, stunning visuals, and an immersive audio experience, capturing the adventures of Din Djarin and Grogu.
  • AC/DC (Premium Vault Edition) by Stern, from July 2017, brings the thrill of a live rock concert to pinball, featuring iconic tracks, an interactive lower playfield, and dynamic lighting effects that sync with the music for a high-energy experience.
  • Twister by Sega, released in January 1996, is a whirlwind of action, with spinning discs, a moving ramp, and dramatic sound effects that recreate the chaos of a tornado, challenging players to navigate through the storm.
  • Grand Prix by Williams, from December 1976, is a classic racer-themed pinball machine that offers fast-paced gameplay with smooth ramps, bumpers, and a nostalgic design that takes players back to the golden age of racing.
  • Sharpshooter by Game Plan, released in May 1979, combines Western motifs with sharp shooting targets and quick reflexes, providing a challenging and engaging experience reminiscent of an old-west duel.
  • Cyclone by Williams, from February 1988, captures the excitement of a carnival with its intricate ramps, colorful artwork, and funhouse-inspired gameplay, making it a fan favorite for its whimsical and engaging design.
  • Whoa Nellie! Big Juicy Melons by Stern, released in April 2015, offers a retro pinball experience with a modern twist, featuring vibrant artwork, playful themes, and straightforward yet challenging gameplay that appeals to both new and seasoned players.
  • Monster Bash (Remake) by Chicago Gaming, from October 2018, revives a classic with updated technology, allowing players to join famous monsters in their band for an epic rock concert, featuring detailed animations and engaging modes.
  • Total Nuclear Annihilation by Spooky Pinball, released in January 2017, stands out with its intense, fast-paced gameplay, minimalist design, and original soundtrack, creating a unique and thrilling experience focused on quick reflexes and strategic play.

A Haven for Pinball Enthusiasts

Tik Tok’s Workshop, located at 1216 Sylvan Way, Bremerton, WA, is more than just a venue; it’s a sanctuary for pinball lovers. The rockstar bartender multitasked with flair, providing delicious food, mixed drinks, and stellar service for the machines. The atmosphere buzzed with camaraderie and excitement, making it a perfect setting for the tournament.

Top 10 IFPA Washington Pinball Rankings

Here are the current standings for the top 10 players in Washington:

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Lonnie Langford Seattle 545.29
2 Dave Stewart Carnation 418.56
3 John Robinson WA Bothell 402.02
4 Conrad Rustad Bremerton 378.21
5 Jaran Jones Seattle 371.48
6 Richie Terry Seattle 363.88
7 Jarrett Gaddy Seattle 339.88
8 Leslie Ruckman Seattle 337.52
9 Joshua Francis Edmonds 318.54
10 Ashley Weaver Renton 290.77

A Grateful Farewell

Thank you to everyone who participated in Tik Tok’s Matchplay tournament! The event was a roaring success, with players showcasing their skills across 14 distinct and exciting pinball machines. The competitive spirit and camaraderie made for an unforgettable evening.

Special thanks to Richard Godwin for organizing such a fantastic event and to Tik Tok’s Workshop for providing an outstanding venue. Congratulations to our overall tournament winner, Neal Joslyn, and to all the top players who made this event so memorable. Stay tuned for more thrilling updates and stories from the vibrant world of pinball!