The 1up Lodo Arcade Bar in Denver, Colorado, was abuzz with excitement and the clinking of quarters on the evening of February 4, 2024, as it hosted its February pinball tournament. Deanna Scalf orchestrated a Group Knockout Tournament that spanned an epic 11 hours, testing the endurance and skill of 16 dedicated players under the glow of pinball machine lights amidst the backdrop of moderate rain and chilly temperatures.
Godzilla Roars in Round 3
A highlight of the night was the electrifying Round 3 on Stern’s Godzilla (Premium), a machine that towers in the pinball world with its engaging gameplay and dynamic features. John Quinn, hailing from Denver with an IFPA rank of 905, dominated this round, showcasing his pinball prowess. Ryan Altermatt, Thomas Dessens from Cypress, TX, and Rob Longshore rounded out the competition, each bringing their unique strategies to the fore in a battle of flippers and silver balls.
The Evening’s Pinball Champions
As the tournament concluded, the top performers emerged, their gameplay setting them apart:
- John Quinn (Denver): Demonstrated exceptional skill across 69 IFPA events to clinch the top spot with his strategic mastery.
- Justin Hinman: With 202 IFPA events to his name, Justin’s consistent performance and tactical gameplay earned him second place.
- Ryan Altermatt: A seasoned player with 267 events, Ryan’s third-place finish was a testament to his enduring competitiveness and skill.
- Rob Longshore: Despite being ranked 6652nd, Rob’s dedication and improvement were evident as he secured fourth place, adding to his 58-event experience.
The Machines That Defined the Night
The tournament featured a diverse lineup of 12 pinball machines, offering challenges and adventures across various themes:
- Star Wars (Pro) by Stern: Took players on an intergalactic journey with iconic characters and missions.
- Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern: Immersed players in the supernatural mysteries of Hawkins, Indiana.
- Scooby-Doo (SE) by Spooky Pinball: Brought the classic cartoon to life, complete with spooky mysteries to solve.
- Rick and Morty by Spooky Pinball: Offered a wild ride through the multiverse with the beloved, eccentric duo.
- The Addams Family by Bally: Continued to charm players with its timeless gameplay and quirky theme.
- Godzilla (Premium) by Stern: The star of Round 3, Godzilla offered a monstrous challenge that thrilled players.
- James Bond 007 (Pro) by Stern: Provided a dose of espionage and action, fitting for the world’s most famous spy.
- Jurassic Park (Pro) by Stern: Brought prehistoric creatures to life, challenging players to navigate through Isla Nublar.
- Venom (Pro) by Stern: Threw players into the action-packed world of one of Marvel’s most complex characters.
A Night at The 1up Arcade Bar – LoDo
The 1up Arcade Bar – LoDo proved to be the perfect venue for an evening of pinball and arcade fun. With a balanced mix of pinball machines and arcade games, it offered something for everyone, making it an ideal spot for enthusiasts and casual players alike. The welcoming atmosphere and the joy of pumping quarters into machines for a few hours of entertainment made it a highly recommended destination.
A big thank you to Deanna Scalf for organizing a memorable tournament and to The 1up Arcade Bar – LoDo for hosting. The pinball community continues to grow, bringing together players of all ages and backgrounds in the spirit of competition and fun. Stay tuned for more thrilling updates from the lively world of pinball!