As the overcast clouds hovered over Denver, the iconic 1Up – LoDo arcade bar brimmed with excitement. With the temperature a pleasant 79°F, and in the heart of Denver’s bustling district, pinball enthusiasts gathered for a tournament that would test their skills, strategies, and reflexes.
Gathering for Battle
On the evening of October 1st, 2023, organized by the dynamic Deanna Scalf, 14 top pinball players from around the state converged for the “1up Lodo October Pinball Tournament.” The competition format was intense — it was a Group Knockout Tournament, and with the Progressive Strikes system in place, the stakes were high.
A Legendary Game Stands Out
One game in particular stole the show. The James Bond 007 (Pro) pinball machine, released just a year prior, saw a fierce battle in the third round. Justin Hinman, with his quick reflexes, secured the first spot, followed by a neck-to-neck competition between Tim Bruner, Robert Slyker, and Denver’s own Nate Johnson.
Crowning the Kings of Pinball
Hours of strategic plays, impeccable timings, and a few bouts of good luck led to the crowning of our champions:
- Robert Slyker: A master of the flippers with 122 IFPA events under his belt.
- Tim Bruner: An ever-evolving player, bringing his A-game.
- Justin Hinman: The strategist, reading each bounce and tilt.
- Ryan Altermatt: A veteran with 251 IFPA events, always up for a challenge.
A Dive into Nostalgia with the Machines
The bar boasted an array of 10 pinball machines, each telling its own tale. The Jurassic Park (Pro) took players on a prehistoric journey, while The Mandalorian (Premium/LE) threw them into a galaxy far, far away. The nostalgic players took a trip down memory lane with classics like The Addams Family, while the newer entrants, such as James Bond 007, promised action and thrills.
The Heart of the Arcade: Venue Vibes
The 1UP Arcade Bar – LoDo wasn’t just about the games. The atmosphere radiated pure joy, combined with a hint of competitive spirit. While the Godzilla pinball machine seemed to be a crowd favorite, the arcade also offered classics like Pac-Man and Street Fighter. The venue perfectly blended old-school charm with modern amenities, ensuring every visitor, player or not, had a memorable time.
Colorado’s Pinball Pride: The Rankings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Walt Wood | Englewood | 543.38 |
| 2 | Ryan Altermatt | Denver | 271.64 |
| 3 | Zach McCarthy | Conifer | 194.11 |
| 4 | Donavan Stepp | Lakewood | 160.64 |
| 5 | Mark Abbott | Denver | 152.5 |
| 6 | Daniel Anderson | Englewood | 138.44 |
| 7 | Ryan Wanger | Boulder | 137.41 |
| 8 | Robert Slyker | — | 129.56 |
| 9 | Lewis Ritenour | — | 126.39 |
| 10 | Mat Brundage | Denver | 125.98 |
With the tournament wrapping up, it was more than just a game; it was about the community, the shared laughs, the groans at near misses, and the cheers for victories. The pinball scene in Colorado has never been more alive. Until next time, keep the balls rolling and the scores soaring!