Ah, what could be better than the clinking of pinballs, the distant chatter of a bustling brewery, and the unmistakable aroma of BBQ wafting in from next door? The recent IFPA pinball tournament at Locavore Beer Works had it all, and more!
A Scorcher in Littleton
Littleton turned the heat up to 93°F and those scattered clouds. But let’s be honest, the real heat was inside the Locavore Beer Works, where 44 pinball pros and enthusiasts gathered to prove their mettle. Organized by Jason Smith, the competition saw players compete over a single round but with a whopping 4 games per round!
An Epic Saga on ‘Rush’
Ever wondered how long someone could remain glued to a pinball machine? Well, Kenny Laughlin, Adam Jordan, Elyza Brillantes, and Emily Unruh showed us just that. Engaged in a nail-biting duel on the Rush (Premium) by Stern, this game turned into an epic saga that lasted an astonishing 172 minutes. And, emerging from the shadows of flashing lights and electrifying soundtracks, Kenny clinched the top spot!
Machines That Made History
While Rush (Premium) stole the spotlight, there were other pinball heroes in the arena. Machines like James Bond 007 (LE), the mystic Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium), the iconic Godzilla (Premium), the adrenaline-packed Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast, and the rock-themed Foo Fighters (Pro). These machines, each with their story and legacy, played host to the hopes and dreams of our players.
The Kings and Queens of the Arcade
After countless flipper flicks and strategic nudges, Kenny Laughlin, with just 7 IFPA events under their belt, took home the gold. Following closely were Alex Vanee, Nathan Hart, and Brian Wonderly. Their gameplay was not just about agility but also about the strategy, understanding of each machine, and the will to conquer.
Brews, BBQ, and Balls!
The venue, Locavore Beer Works, was an experience in itself. Apart from the sizzling competition, it was a haven for beer lovers, dart enthusiasts, and sports fans. Their blackberry Belgian wit was a treat, and the supposed 10% ABV Pina colada seltzer slushy became the talk of the day. A bit hard to believe it’s 10%, but hey, who’s arguing when it’s that delicious? And when you can order some fabulous BBQ online to satiate those hunger pangs? It’s a win-win!
Colorado’s Pinball Greats
To round things off, let’s give a nod to the IFPA Colorado Pinball Top 10:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Walt Wood | Englewood | 503.78 |
| 2 | Ryan Altermatt | Denver | 232.91 |
| 3 | Zach McCarthy | Conifer | 193.11 |
| 4 | Mark Abbott | Denver | 122.02 |
| 5 | Lewis Ritenour | 117.74 | |
| 6 | David Johnson CO | Aurora | 110.53 |
| 7 | Mat Brundage | Denver | 107.26 |
| 8 | Daniel Anderson | Englewood | 103.76 |
| 9 | Donavan Stepp | Lakewood | 103.49 |
| 10 | Adam Lefkoff | Boulder | 95.67 |
As the sun set and the neon lights of the machines dimmed, we left the venue with memories, scores to beat, and an eagerness for the next big pinball showdown. Keep those flippers ready and stay tuned for more pinball tales!