What a night! The 1up Lodo Looney Tunes Launch Party was the place to be on June 2, 2024. With overcast clouds setting a mysterious tone and temperatures hovering at a comfortable 83°F, 18 players gathered for a fierce Group Knockout Tournament. The event stretched a whopping 10 hours, with each round intensifying the competition. Organized by the fabulous Deanna Scalf, this tournament was one for the books.
When Godzilla Stomps: Round 5 Showdown
Picture this: Round 5, the battle on Godzilla (Premium) by Stern. The chaos of kaiju and destruction of cities set the stage for an epic clash. Justin Hinman, Michelle Ebert, and Tim Bruner stepped up to the machine, their fingers ready to tame the beast. It was a nail-biter, but Justin Hinman emerged victorious, channeling the raw power of Godzilla to crush his competition and secure the top spot.
The Victors: Pinball Titans
Let’s hear it for the champions of the night! These players fought valiantly through the rounds, earning their rightful places in the top four:
- John Quinn from Denver, IFPA rank 791, with 78 events under his belt. He showed us all what true pinball prowess looks like.
- Kevin Pearl, IFPA rank 3064, with an impressive 187 events. His skill and determination were evident in every flip.
- Justin Hinman, IFPA rank 1113, a familiar name in the circuit with 231 events. He consistently proved his mettle throughout the night.
- Marissa Furman, an unranked warrior who fought her way to the top four, showing that rankings aren’t everything.
Pinball Machines That Stole the Show
The tournament featured 10 remarkable machines, but a few truly stood out:
- Rick and Morty (SE) by Spooky Pinball, released in December 2019, captivated players with its bizarre adventures and quirky humor. The custom callouts and dynamic animations were a hit.
- Godzilla (Premium) by Stern, released in September 2021, brought the chaos of monster battles to life with its impressive multi-level playfield and immersive sound effects.
- The Addams Family by Bally, a classic from January 1992, offered its iconic spooky charm and innovative features like the Thing hand and the electric chair, making it a perennial favorite.
The Venue: A Hidden Gem
Nestled in the heart of Denver, The 1up Arcade Bar – LoDo is a charming little spot that promises a good time. Located at 1925 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202, it’s the perfect place for a date night or a casual hangout. The atmosphere is cozy, and the drinks, like the Pickle Rick and Princess Peach, are must-tries. Check out their website here.
Colorado Pinball Scene: The Top 10 Titans
Here’s a snapshot of the current top 10 players in Colorado’s IFPA standings:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Walt Wood | Englewood | 364.06 |
| 2 | Ryan Altermatt | Denver | 177.45 |
| 3 | Justin Hinman | Denver | 123.33 |
| 4 | John Quinn | Denver | 119.31 |
| 5 | Adam Lefkoff | Longmont | 110.22 |
| 6 | Chase Hart | Denver | 94.21 |
| 7 | Kevin McCarthy | Conifer | 81.99 |
| 8 | Stepan Mazurov | Boulder | 81.43 |
| 9 | David Johnson | Aurora | 78.13 |
| 10 | Jonathon Robel | Golden | 74.64 |
Kudos and Farewell
A massive shoutout to Deanna Scalf for organizing such a phenomenal event. The 1up Arcade Bar – LoDo provided the perfect backdrop for a night of intense pinball action and camaraderie. Don’t miss your chance to catch future tournaments and highlights, and until then, may your flippers be ever ready, and your scores mile-high! Denver’s got the best pinball scene around, so keep an eye out for more action at the iconic spots in the city. Stay tuned!