The Longest Night in Colorado Pinball History
It’s a brisk Wednesday evening on September 13, 2023, and something electric is in the air at the Colorado Pinball Pub in Littleton, CO. No, it’s not just the overcast sky or the buzz from the whiskey bar; it’s the unmistakable energy of a Basic Knockout Pinball Tournament, where 20 of Colorado’s finest players have gathered to go head-to-head in a battle for arcade supremacy.
An Epic Showdown on Godzilla (Premium)
Picture this: Round 9, the air gets a little thinner, and it’s Walt Wood IFPA rank 37, versus Marshall Weasel, IFPA rank 1876. The machine? “Godzilla (Premium)” by Stern, a table released just two years prior. Walt Wood executed a masterful strategy, securing first place and cementing their status as a local legend.
The Champions Crowned
- 🥇 Walt Wood: A force to be reckoned with. A player who’s been to 245 IFPA events and ranked 37 globally.
- 🥈 Marshall Weasel: Though not as experienced, Marshall’s gameplay in this tourney proves he’s a rising star.
- 🥉 Kevin McCarthy: A veteran of 429 IFPA events, yet this time he had to settle for bronze.
- 🏅 Laura Mitchell: A newcomer with a mere three IFPA events under her belt, Laura finished a respectable fourth place.
An Array of Arcade Marvels
The pinball aficionados were treated to a broad selection of machines, from vintage gems to the latest thrillers:
- Godzilla (Premium) by Stern: The newest machine on the block and undeniably a crowd-pleaser.
- Pirates of the Caribbean by Stern: A trip through treacherous waters.
- Iron Maiden by Stern: Taking it back to the ’80s!
- Star Wars (Premium) by Stern: An intergalactic showdown.
- Medieval Madness by Williams: A fantasy quest featuring jousts and jesters.
Whiskey and Quarters
No quarters were needed at the Colorado Pinball Pub, allowing players to seamlessly transition from one machine to the next. Oh, and the whiskey? Top-notch. Just what you need to get in the zone.
IFPA’s Colorado Top 10
How did our contenders line up in the larger context? Here are the IFPA’s current Top 10 players in Colorado:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Walt Wood | Englewood | 506.53 |
| 2 | Ryan Altermatt | Denver | 232.92 |
| 3 | Zach McCarthy | Conifer | 193.11 |
| 4 | Mark Abbott | Denver | 122.02 |
| 5 | Lewis Ritenour | 120.7 | |
| 6 | Donavan Stepp | Lakewood | 110.68 |
| 7 | David Johnson CO | Aurora | 110.54 |
| 8 | Mat Brundage | Denver | 107.26 |
| 9 | Daniel Anderson | Englewood | 103.76 |
| 10 | Adam Lefkoff | Boulder | 95.67 |
So what did we learn from this 9-hour, 13-minute pinball extravaganza? That in the world of Colorado pinball, legends are made one flipper at a time.
Stay tuned for more updates from the realm of pinball! 🌄