Locavore Beer Works June Pinball Tournament

Tournament Overview

Pinball enthusiasts gathered on June 22, 2024, at Locavore Beer Works for an electrifying tournament under the Colorado sun. With 20 skilled players battling through four intense rounds, the top 8 emerged to compete in the finals. The tournament, organized by Jason Smith, was a fast-paced event lasting just over two hours. Despite the heat, with temperatures hitting 89°F, the competition was fierce and the atmosphere electric.

A Local Gem: Locavore Beer Works

Nestled in Littleton, CO, Locavore Beer Works served as the perfect venue for the tournament. This local favorite, located at 5950 South Platte Canyon Road, offers a fantastic atmosphere and an impressive selection of beers. On this particular day, the crowd enjoyed refreshing Red Ale and Hazy IPA from behind the bar, courtesy of Alex’s excellent service. The delicious offerings from Brad’s BBQ food truck added to the delight, making it a day to remember. For more about this vibrant spot, check out their website.

Epic Battle on Medieval Madness

The highlight of the finals was an epic showdown on the Medieval Madness pinball machine by Williams, released in June 1997. The game, lasting an incredible 104 minutes, showcased the skills of top-ranked players. Donavan Stepp, ranked 45th in the state, clinched the first place. Walt Wood, the state’s top player from Englewood, CO, secured the second spot. Mark White, ranked 35th, and Ross Unruh, ranked 8th, rounded out the top four.

Medieval Madness is renowned for its engaging gameplay and challenging modes. Players were tested with tasks like destroying castles and defeating trolls, pushing their skills to the limit. Donavan’s precision and strategy were unmatched, while Walt’s consistency kept the pressure high. It was a battle worthy of the history books.

Pinball Machines: Stars of the Show

The tournament featured 11 pinball machines, each bringing its own flavor to the competition. Here are five standout games:

• Rush (Premium) by Stern (January 2022)
  This machine celebrates the legendary rock band Rush, with fast-paced gameplay and a stellar soundtrack. Players enjoyed hitting ramps and targets synchronized with classic Rush hits.
• John Wick (Premium) by Stern (May 2024)
  Based on the action-packed film series, John Wick’s machine features intense multi-ball action and intricate playfield designs, reflecting the movie’s high-octane sequences.
• James Bond 007 (Premium) by Stern (September 2022)
  Bringing the world of espionage to life, this machine challenges players with secret missions, gadgets, and iconic Bond moments. Its sleek design and dynamic gameplay are a hit among fans.
• Star Wars (Premium) by Stern (August 2017)
  This fan-favorite machine immerses players in the Star Wars universe, with missions inspired by the original trilogy. The fast-flowing gameplay and engaging features make it a tournament staple.
• Foo Fighters (Pro) by Stern (March 2023)
  A tribute to the legendary rock band, this machine features vibrant artwork and a rocking soundtrack. The kinetic gameplay, combined with challenging modes, keeps players on their toes.

Celebrating the Champions

The tournament saw remarkable performances, with the top players demonstrating exceptional skill and strategy. Here are the top winners:

1. Donavan Stepp
   Donavan, ranked 45th in the state and 67th in the IFPA, displayed incredible prowess throughout the tournament. With 594 total IFPA events under his belt, his victory was well-earned.
2. Walt Wood
   Walt, the top player from Englewood, CO, secured the second spot. With an impressive state rank of 1st and IFPA rank of 50, Walt’s consistency and skill were evident in every round.
3. Ross Unruh
   Ross, ranked 8th in the state, fought valiantly to clinch third place. With 126 IFPA events to their name, Ross’s performance was nothing short of stellar.
4. Mark White
   Mark, ranked 35th in the state and 2662nd in the IFPA, showcased remarkable skill, securing the fourth spot. His 69 total IFPA events highlight his dedication to the sport.
5. Dustin Eager
   Dustin, with a state rank of 135th and an IFPA rank of 12124, showed great potential. Despite being relatively new with 5 total IFPA events, his performance was commendable.
6. Warren Brown
   Warren, hailing from Arvada, CO, placed sixth. With a state rank of 55th and an IFPA rank of 3387, Warren’s experience from 34 IFPA events shone through.
7. Alex Vanee
   Alex, ranked 96th in the state, secured seventh place. His performance in the tournament was impressive, reflecting his dedication seen in 29 total IFPA events.
8. Tyler Lynch
   Tyler, from Highlands Ranch, ranked 49th in the state, rounded out the top eight. With 74 total IFPA events, Tyler’s experience and skill were evident in his gameplay.

IFPA Colorado Pinball Top 10 Standings

Closing Thoughts

A huge shoutout to Jason Smith for organizing such a thrilling tournament and to Locavore Beer Works for providing a fantastic venue. The Medieval Madness showdown was the perfect highlight, showcasing the incredible talent and competitive spirit of the players. Thank you to everyone who came out and made this event a success. Stay tuned for more pinball excitement and tournament recaps!