On a sun-kissed day at a cozy 81°F, the pinball wizards of Colorado gathered. The Locavore Beer Works September Pinball Tournament was set in motion, and Littleton’s air was thick with excitement.

Brews and Ballers at Locavore

Tucked away at 5950 South Platte Canyon Road, Locavore Beer Works is not just another brewery—it’s where camaraderie meets competition. A pair from Glendale, Arizona, who came to savor Locavore’s brews, found themselves entranced by the pinball fervor. They raved about the Rush-themed machine, and the beer—simply awesome! But the most unexpected twist? Bumping into a neighbor miles away from home. Their experience? An echoing sentiment: “Fantastic location, delightful beer, and a spirited crowd. A must-visit on any trip to Denver!”

Bond’s Puzzling Pinball Thriller

Round 1 on the James Bond 007 (LE) by Stern, a sleek beauty from September 2022, saw a game stretching an astonishing 100 minutes! It’s a head-scratcher: this single game outlasted the entire 1 hour 38-minute tournament. The scoreboard showcased Lewis Ritenour’s top skills, followed by Danny Casto’s unexpected prowess. Dan Ulrich and Cait Brennan also made commendable plays, each leaving a mark in this marathon match.

Champions of the Day

Here’s a glance at the pinball prodigies of the tournament:

1. Ross Unruh (Littleton, CO) – IFPA rank 2002, Total IFPA Events 89
2. Lewis Ritenour – IFPA rank 1183, Total IFPA Events 56
3. Tim Bruner (Northglenn, CO) – IFPA rank 1599, Total IFPA Events 144
4. Elliott Peters – IFPA rank 0, Total IFPA Events 0

Machines That Made the Magic

Ah, the pinball machines—the beating heart of any tournament. Elvira’s House of Horrors took players on a spine-tingling journey, while Foo Fighters provided a rock-infused rollercoaster. Godzilla and James Bond 007 showcased cinematic flair, and the rhythmic odyssey of the Rush machine had players (and some onlookers) humming along. A diverse set, each machine brought its own charm to the showdown.

Colorado’s Pinball Elite

A peek into the top tier in the pinball circuit of Colorado:

Hats off to Jason Smith for masterminding a memorable pinball affair. The buzz in the world of pinball is undeniable, and we’re all ears (and flippers) for what’s next! Stay dialed in for more exhilarating pinball updates!

The flashing lights, the excited shouts, and the unmistakable sounds of flippers and bells filled the air on September 17th at 1UP COLFAX in Denver, CO. Yes, it was a pinball paradise as the Post Dory Hill Thrill tournament took center stage for nearly 14 hours of intense competition. Organized by the charismatic Deanna Scalf, the event used a Progressive Strikes system, ensuring even the most seasoned players were on their toes. With the thermostat outside showing a brisk 58°F, the temperature inside was, metaphorically speaking, red-hot.

A Galaxy Not So Far Away

As the players battled it out, the pinball machine that stole the show was Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern. In a nail-biting Round 11 showdown, Walt Wood and Donavan Stepp, both IFPA top 100 players, duked it out. Walt Wood from Englewood showed why he’s ranked 37th in the IFPA by taking first place. Donavan Stepp, however, didn’t make it easy for him, displaying a kind of mastery that has earned him an 85th IFPA ranking. Shawn Savageau and Stepan Mazurov, though not top 100, put up a spirited fight.

Pinball Royalty

Let’s shine a light on the overall tournament winners:

1. Walt Wood – The pinball wizard from Englewood not only showed us his skills but also his stamina, adding yet another win to his extensive record.
2. Donavan Stepp – Hailing from Lakewood, his performance was nothing short of electrifying.
3. Shawn Savageau – Representing Denver, Savageau fought valiantly to secure a well-deserved third place.
4. Stepan Mazurov – Despite the tough competition, this Boulder native held his ground to clinch fourth place.

A Realm of Pinball Machines

The tournament was a connoisseur’s dream with a rich line-up of 22 pinball machines. Here are a few that stole the spotlight:

• Cirqus Voltaire by Bally: A classic that demands skill and strategy, adding to the tournament’s nostalgic charm.
• Rick and Morty by Spooky Pinball: A quirky and challenging machine that was a hit among fans of the series.
• The Godfather (LE) by Jersey Jack Pinball: A newly released machine that already has its share of loyalists.
• Venom (Pro) by Stern: A highlight for all Marvel fans and an instant classic despite its recent release.
• Jurassic Park (Premium) by Stern: With its challenging gameplay, it was as if the machine roared, “Welcome to Jurassic Park.”

In the Heart of the Action

The venue was a significant part of the experience. 1UP COLFAX hosted the tournament amidst a sea of both modern and classic arcade games. Despite a minor hiccup with the bar service, the atmosphere was fantastic. The vintage board games provided a nice break from the pinball action, and let’s be honest—who could resist a quick round of Super Mario Brothers?

State of the Game

The tournament also shook up the IFPA Colorado Pinball Top 10 Standings. Walt Wood still reigns supreme, but Donavan Stepp’s performance is sure to boost his rank.

As the flippers rest and the neon lights dim, we can only wait in anticipation for the next pinball extravaganza. Stay tuned for more updates from the realm of pinball!