The 1up Colfax Mackinnon pinball tournament, held on April 21, 2024, at the 1UP Arcade Bar – Colfax in Denver, was a thrilling marathon of pinball prowess. Organized by Deanna Scalf, the tournament featured a grueling Group Knockout format with 39 contenders battling through 11 rounds under the Progressive Strikes system. Players faced elimination after accumulating 11 strikes, intensifying the competition as they vied to stay in the game under clear skies and chilly 33°F weather.
Iron Maiden’s Legendary Duel
Highlighting the intense competition was a remarkable battle during Round 9 on the “Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Premium)” by Stern. Walt Wood, wielding an impressive IFPA rank of 41, emerged victorious in this round, showcasing skill and strategy that left the audience in awe. Griffin Carr, Rob Tompkins, and Chase Hart rounded out the top four, each delivering a fierce challenge.
Champions of the Arena
The final bell tolled, crowning the valiant warriors of this pinball clash:
- Walt Wood from Englewood, CO, commanded the tables with precision, leveraging their vast experience across 299 IFPA events to clinch the top spot.
- Mat Brundage, showing great resilience and skill, landed in second place with his solid performance across 161 IFPA events.
- Griffin Carr, although ranked 3935, surpassed expectations by securing third place, demonstrating that rankings aren’t always indicative of the final outcome.
- David Witucki from Colorado, with fewer tournaments under his belt, made a significant impact by finishing fourth.
Machines of Myth and Might
The tournament was stocked with 23 cutting-edge pinball machines, each adding its own flavor to the mix. Noteworthy among them were:
- Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Premium) by Stern, a fan-favorite for its intricate artwork and engaging soundtrack that complements the band’s iconic music.
- Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern, immerses players in intergalactic battles with its dynamic playfield and beloved characters.
- Deadpool (Pro) by Stern, known for its humorous and interactive gameplay that perfectly captures the antihero’s quirky essence.
- Godzilla (Premium) by Stern, challenges players to save cities and battle kaijus in a beautifully rendered Tokyo landscape.
- The Mandalorian (Premium) by Stern, takes players on bounty hunting missions across the galaxy, enriched with detailed missions and storylines from the series.
Retro Gaming at 1up Arcade Bar
The venue, 1up Arcade Bar – Colfax, with its neon lights and energetic atmosphere, provided the perfect backdrop for this pinball showdown. Players and spectators enjoyed a mix of nostalgic arcade games and modern pinball machines, complemented by a vibrant selection of drinks from the bar. The environment was lively and welcoming, thanks to the attentive staff and the upbeat background music.
Farewell and Future Flips
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Deanna Scalf for organizing this spectacular event and to the 1UP Arcade Bar – Colfax for hosting. This tournament is just one of many exciting chapters in the ongoing saga of pinball competitions across the nation. Stay tuned for more electrifying updates from the world of pinball!