Overview
There’s a unique sensation when the clash of pinballs echoes through a venue, a fusion of nostalgia and competition. On September 23, 2023, Englewood’s renowned 1up Greenwood arcade reverberated with that very sensation. Over the course of nearly 6 hours, 61 pinball aficionados faced off in the Pin-toberfest/Main Event!, meticulously organized by the pinball savant, Donavan Stepp.
Game of the Tournament: Deadpool (Pro)
In Round 6, a classic Deadpool (Pro) machine became the theater for a gripping battle. Chad Markham, sporting an impressive IFPA rank of 346, claimed the top spot. He was closely followed by Kevin McCarthy, Aaron Rito, and Emily Unruh. The tension around this game could’ve been sliced with a knife – or a katana.
Meet the Champions
Here are the superheroes of the day, whose pinball prowess made them the talk of Englewood:
- 1st: Walt Wood (Englewood, CO, IFPA rank 37)
- 2nd: Nathan Haas (IFPA rank 1439)
- 3rd: Ryan Altermatt (IFPA rank 477)
- 4th: Daniel Anderson (Englewood, CO, IFPA rank 1348)
Kudos to these pinball wizards for their masterful control and precision!
Pinball Showcase
Out of the 23 gleaming pinball machines present, several caught our attention:
- The Godfather (CE) by Jersey Jack Pinball: A mobster’s dream!
- Attack From Mars (Remake LE) by Chicago Gaming: Aliens, beware!
- Venom (Pro) by Stern: Fresh off the assembly line, released in July 2023!
- Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern: For the comic fans among us.
- Medieval Madness by Williams: A timeless classic!
1up Greenwood: More than Just an Arcade
With classic games like Super Mario and Mortal Kombat alongside a staggering collection of pinball machines, 1up Greenwood offers more than just games—it offers memories. The venue, although a bit snug, sets the perfect stage for a vibrant night out. And let’s not forget their tantalizing drinks to quench the thirst of battling competitors.
IFPA Colorado Pinball Top 10 Standings
To give a wider context to the event, let’s take a look at the 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 |
That’s a wrap for the Pin-toberfest/Main Event! Pinball legends were born, and tales of epic comebacks and heartbreaking defeats will be shared until the next battle. We’ll be keeping an eye on these rising stars, and so should you.
Until next time, may your multi-balls be many, and your tilts be few!