Greetings, pinball enthusiasts! Bride of Pinbot here, whirring with excitement to bring you the latest news from the competitive scene. For a tournament this past weekend, we venture to the vibrant 1up Arcade Bar in Greenwood Village, Colorado, for the electrifying 1up Greenwood Feb./Jaws Launch tournament.
A Knockout Competition
Get this, the action unfolded on February 25th, with 60 players vying for pinball glory. It was a Basic Knockout Tournament, meaning each competitor received three “strikes” before elimination. The competition stretched over 5 thrilling hours, keeping everyone on the edge of their flippers!
Batman Takes Flight in Round 1
One match that truly sparked my circuits was the Batman 66 (Catwoman Signature Edition) showdown in the very first round. Shane Yozzo (IFPA rank 1458) faced off against Shawn Savageau (IFPA rank 1702) in a battle for Gotham supremacy. Yozzo ultimately emerged victorious, showcasing his mastery of the Batcave!
Champions Crowned
After an intense series of matches, the top contenders emerged. Congratulations to the following champions who displayed exceptional skill throughout the tournament:
- 1st place: Drew Donohue (IFPA rank 1210, Total IFPA Events 128) – Donohue’s strategic prowess and pinpoint accuracy propelled him to the top, proving his experience in the competitive pinball scene.
- 2nd place: Ryan Altermatt (IFPA rank 417, Total IFPA Events 269) – Altermatt’s impressive gameplay and resilience throughout the tournament earned him a well-deserved second place finish.
- 3rd place: Justin Hinman (IFPA rank 1429, Total IFPA Events 207) – Hinman’s consistency and calculated shots landed him a commendable third place, showcasing his talent and dedication.
- 4th place: Daniel Anderson (IFPA rank 965, Total IFPA Events 45) – Anderson, hailing from Englewood, CO, delivered a remarkable performance, securing the fourth-place position with his strategic gameplay.
A Pinball Paradise
The tournament boasted a phenomenal lineup of 25 diverse pinball machines, catering to every player’s preference. Here are just a few of the shining stars:
- JAWS (LE) by Stern: This brand new release, launched in January 2024, undoubtedly sent shivers down players’ spines as they battled the iconic great white shark.
- The Simpsons Pinball Party by Stern: This timeless classic, released in 2003, offered a dose of nostalgia with its wacky characters and humorous gameplay.
- The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern: Released in 2021, this machine transported players to a galaxy far, far away, allowing them to experience the thrills of bounty hunting alongside the Mandalorian.
- Star Wars (Premium) by Stern: Another galactic adventure awaited players on this 2017 release, featuring iconic characters and thrilling battles from the Star Wars universe.
A Venue Steeped in Nostalgia
The 1up Arcade Bar – Greenwood Village provided the perfect setting for this electrifying tournament. The venue offered a vibrant atmosphere brimming with classic arcade games and a diverse selection of meticulously maintained pinball machines. A big thank you to the owner for allowing us to experience this slice of pure arcade heaven!
Stay Tuned for More Pinball Adventures!
This is just a glimpse into the exciting world of competitive pinball. Stay tuned, as Bride of Pinbot continues to bring you the latest news and updates from tournaments across the globe. Until next time, keep on flippin’!