A Chilly Challenge in Conifer
The Blizzard Mountain January 2024 Max Matchplay Tournament brought a wave of excitement to the pinball community on January 14, 2024. Hosted at the Blizzard Mountain Pinball in Conifer, CO, the tournament, orchestrated by Kevin McCarthy, saw 38 players engage in intense competition over 3 and a half hours. The chilly weather, with broken clouds and temperatures at a frosty 12°F, added to the electrifying atmosphere of the event. Players were tested across 12 games each, with the top 16 advancing to a nail-biting final comprising 3 rounds and 3 games per round.
Unforgettable Moments on the Playfield
Mousin’ Around! by Bally, a beloved classic, was the crowd’s favorite, featuring in 10 games. Cactus Canyon (Remake Special) by Chicago Gaming stood out for its lengthy average game duration of around 17 minutes, challenging players’ endurance and skill. However, the most memorable game was the marathon 90-minute battle on The Wizard of Oz by Jersey Jack Pinball during the Finals. Ryan Altermatt, Nathan Hart, Kevin McCarthy, and Ross Unruh demonstrated exceptional resilience and strategy, with Ryan clinching the top spot in this epic showdown.
Celebrating the Tournament’s Top Players
The tournament showcased some remarkable talents, with the following players emerging victorious:
- Nathan Hart: Clinching first place with 7 wins, Nathan, ranked 1287th, showed exceptional skill and perseverance across 290 IFPA events.
- Ryan Altermatt: With 6 wins and an impressive IFPA rank of 420, Ryan’s performance in 264 events was a testament to his pinball prowess.
- Ross Unruh: Demonstrating strategic acumen with 5 wins, Ross, ranked 1914th, stood out in their 108 IFPA events.
- Kevin McCarthy: As the organizer and a top contender with 6 wins, Kevin, ranked 942nd, showed his dual expertise across 437 events.
- Marshall Weasel: With 6 wins and an IFPA rank of 1157, Marshall’s performance in 58 events was notable.
- Al Neumann: Achieving 4 wins, Al, ranked 1546th, proved his mettle in 292 events.
- Tracy Whetstine: With 7wins and an IFPA rank of 4758, Tracy showed remarkable skill and determination in their 155 events.
- Slaton Spangler: Securing 6 wins, Slaton, ranked 5702nd, demonstrated growing expertise in their 55 events.
A Diverse Array of Pinball Machines
The tournament featured an impressive lineup of 39 pinball machines, each adding its unique flavor to the competition. Highlights included The Wizard of Oz and Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory by Jersey Jack Pinball, known for their intricate designs and immersive gameplay. Stranger Things (Premium) by Stern, Medieval Madness by Williams, and Big Buck Hunter Pro by Stern were crowd favorites for their engaging themes and challenging playfields. Classic machines like F-14 Tomcat by Williams and the classic Black Knight by Williams brought a touch of nostalgia, while modern hits like Toy Story 4 (LE) and Rush (Pro) by Stern captivated players with their advanced features and dynamic gameplay.
The Vibrant Venue: Blizzard Mountain Pinball
Blizzard Mountain Pinball was more than just a venue; it was a hub for excitement and camaraderie. The atmosphere was lively, with players channeling their gamer passion, sometimes even old gamer rage, into each flip and nudge. The owner’s friendly demeanor and the venue’s cleanliness added to the welcoming environment, making it an ideal spot for friends and family to gather and enjoy the thrill of pinball.
As we wind down our evening, the Blizzard Mountain January 2024 Max Matchplay Tournament stands out as a prime example of the sport’s enduring appeal. Follow us for more updates and stories from the vibrant world of pinball!