Pinball enthusiasts, gather around! I’m here to recount the epic saga from the recent pinball clash at the 1up Colfax March/Jaws Launch event. It was a day where flippers were flipped, silver balls soared, and the spirit of competition was as electric as the arcade machines that lined the battleground.
The Knockout Tournament Overview
On a brisk day with just a few clouds shadowing the 46°F Denver skyline, the 1up Arcade Bar-Colfax transformed into an arena for a Group Knockout Tournament that was nothing short of legendary. With 48 competitors and 14 nail-biting rounds, the stakes were high as players dodged strikes under the Progressive Strikes system, all vying to avoid the dreaded 11th strike that spelled elimination.
The JAWS LE Showdown
Amidst the fierce competition, a standout game on Stern’s JAWS (LE) drew the crowd’s attention in Round 8. The battle saw Mat Brundage, John Quinn, Chase Hart, and Dave Mercer dive into the deep, with the game turning into a thrilling test of skill and strategy that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
Champions of the Arcade
As the final flipper fell silent, four warriors emerged victorious, their names forever etched in the 1up Colfax hall of fame:
- Chase Hart: With resilience and precision, Chase swam through the competition to claim the top spot, proving that rankings are just numbers waiting to be outdone.
- John Quinn: Denver’s own John Quinn showed hometown heart, skillfully navigating the treacherous pinball seas to secure second place.
- Gable Silivan: A relative newcomer to the tournament scene, Gable’s surprising and commendable third-place finish served as a reminder that underdogs have their day too.
- Mat Brundage: Mat’s strategic gameplay and consistent performance throughout the tournament earned him a well-deserved fourth place, showcasing the depth of his pinball prowess.
Machines of Might
The tournament was a showcase of some of the finest machines in pinball, including:
- Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium): This Stern sensation haunted players with its spooky charm and engaging gameplay, making every ball a ghostly adventure.
- The Mandalorian (Pro): Stern’s tribute to the galaxy far, far away brought the adventures of Mando and Grogu to life, with players navigating missions and battles as thrilling as the series itself.
- Stranger Things (Pro): Another Stern masterpiece, this machine immersed players in the mysterious and supernatural world of Hawkins, Indiana, with every flip and save as suspenseful as the show’s plot twists.
- JAWS (LE): The star of the show, JAWS, had players hooked with its deep-sea theme and immersive gameplay that perfectly captured the tension and excitement of the iconic film.
- The Big Lebowski: This cult classic by Dutch Pinball rolled players into the laid-back world of The Dude, combining quirky humor with engaging pinball action.
A Nostalgic Nook: The 1up Arcade Bar – Colfax
The 1up Colfax, with its vibrant atmosphere and impressive array of games, proved to be the perfect host for this pinball extravaganza. From the icy cold beers to the array of colorful Skeeball machines, the venue was a paradise for gamers and pin enthusiasts alike, providing a backdrop filled with nostalgia, excitement, and camaraderie.
A Salute to the Stars of the Show
As we tilt away from the action, a huge shoutout to Donavan Stepp for orchestrating this electrifying event and to the 1up Arcade Bar – Colfax for providing a haven for pinball lovers. The pinball journey continues, and we can’t wait to bring you more tales from the flippers’ frontier.
Stay tuned for the latest updates from the luminous world of pinball, where every game is an adventure and every player has a story.