The crisp Colorado air crackled with excitement on February 11th, 2024, as 25 pinball wizards battled it out in the Blizzard Mountain Max Matchplay Tournament. Organized by Kevin McCarthy, the tournament saw players face off in 12 thrilling games, culminating in an intense 3-round final amidst a light snowfall and temperatures hovering around 27°F.
Jurassic Domination and Epic Battles
Jurassic Park (Pro) emerged as the crowd favorite, seeing action in 6 games, while Venom (Premium) took the prize for longest average game duration, clocking in at a whopping 28 minutes. But true pinball history was made in the Semifinals, as Toy Story 4 (LE) witnessed an epic 107-minute battle between Stepan Mazurov and David Johnson CO. While Mazurov eventually emerged victorious, both players deserve major kudos for their endurance!
Champions Crowned
After fierce competition, several skilled players stood out.
- Walt Wood: 5 wins, IFPA rank 37, Total IFPA Events 283
- David Johnson CO: 6 wins, IFPA rank 612, Total IFPA Events 206
- Ryan Altermatt: 6 wins, IFPA rank 421, Total IFPA Events 267
- Stepan Mazurov: 5 wins, IFPA rank 1160, Total IFPA Events 184
- Marshall Weasel: 6 wins, IFPA rank 1149, Total IFPA Events 60
- Peter Pierpont: 6 wins, IFPA rank 10662, Total IFPA Events 5
- Jonathon Robel: 5 wins, IFPA rank 1464, Total IFPA Events 12
- Lehia Cadam: 7 wins, IFPA rank 7942, Total IFPA Events 25
A Pinball Paradise Under the Pines
Beyond the competition, the tournament thrived on the welcoming atmosphere fostered by Blizzard Mountain Pinball. With 39 meticulously maintained machines – from classic gems like Fish Tales (Williams, 1992) with its whimsical aquatic theme and unique underwater multiball, and Funhouse (Williams, 1990) with its iconic Rudy character and interactive house modes, to modern marvels like The Mandalorian (Premium) (Stern, 2021) with its dynamic bounty hunting gameplay and immersive Star Wars experience, and Rush (Pro) (Stern, 2022) with its rock n’ roll theme, innovative music integration, and challenging multiball modes – there was something for every player. Attendees praised the venue’s cleanliness, friendly owner, and overall charm, making it a true pinball paradise.
A Final Flipper Salute
A huge thank you to Kevin McCarthy and Blizzard Mountain Pinball for hosting this exceptional tournament. This event showcased the passion and dedication that fuel the pinball community. Stay tuned for more electrifying pinball clashes as we bring you updates from this ever-evolving world of silver ball magic!