As Denver basked under a clear sky with temperatures dipping to a chilly 37°F, inside The 1Up – Colfax, the atmosphere was ablaze with excitement. Pinball enthusiasts from far and wide gathered on October 15, 2023, to partake in the much-anticipated REAPER event & Venom launch party.
All Day, All Play at The 1Up – Colfax
Housed at 717 E Colfax Ave and brilliantly orchestrated by Deanna Scalf, this pinball marathon commenced at 1 PM and spanned a staggering 15 and a half hours. With 49 players battling through 13 rounds, the tournament format was simple yet brutal. In this Group Knockout Tournament, players would earn strikes based on their placement in each round. Eleven strikes, and you’re out!
A Cirqus of Endurance
The spotlight inevitably shone on Cirqus Voltaire, a classic from 1997. Here, in Round 13, players were treated to an astonishing 75-minute spectacle. Donavan Stepp emerged as the ringmaster, clinching the top spot, closely followed by Chase Hart and Mat Brundage.
Meeting the Pinball Wizards
- 1st: Donavan Stepp – A titan in the world of pinball, and his ranking of 85 only hints at his prowess.
- 2nd: Chase Hart – His progress and performance in the tournament were nothing short of impressive.
- 3rd: Mat Brundage – Another strong contender, not far behind in the ranks.
- 4th: Drew Donohue – With a commendable record, he showcased his skills beautifully.
A Journey through Pinball Time and Space
A stunning array of 19 pinball machines was at play, including:
- The Mandalorian (Pro) – Taking us to a galaxy far, far away since 2021.
- The Godfather by Jersey Jack Pinball – Making an offer no one could refuse in 2023.
- Stranger Things (Premium) – A nostalgic trip to Hawkins since 2019.
- Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium/LE) – Serving spooky vibes since 2019.
- Godzilla (Premium/LE) – Wreaking havoc since 2021.
More Than Just Games at The 1Up – Colfax
With rave reviews about its vibrant ambiance, great drinks, and fantastic bartenders, The 1UP Arcade Bar – Colfax ensures it’s more than just about pinball. The added touch of clean and gender-neutral restrooms further enhances the inclusive atmosphere.
Colorado’s Pinball Elites
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Walt Wood | Englewood | 593.26 |
| 2 | Ryan Altermatt | Denver | 297.47 |
| 3 | Zach McCarthy | Conifer | 194.6 |
| 4 | Donavan Stepp | Lakewood | 193.11 |
| 5 | Mark Abbott | Denver | 176.98 |
| 6 | Daniel Anderson | Englewood | 150.31 |
| 7 | Mat Brundage | Denver | 141.57 |
| 8 | Ryan Wanger | Boulder | 137.44 |
| 9 | Robert Slyker | 132.69 | |
| 10 | Lewis Ritenour | 131.25 |
As the night drew to a close, exhausted yet exhilarated players left with memories of epic battles, close calls, and the unending charm of pinball. Denver, until the flippers meet again!