The 1up Lodo July John Wick Launch Party brought 21 pinball enthusiasts together for an exciting Group Knockout Tournament. Players battled it out across eight intense rounds, facing elimination after receiving seven strikes. The Progressive Strikes system added an extra layer of strategy, with four-player groups getting one strike for second place and two strikes for third and fourth places. Three-player groups faced one strike for second place and two strikes for third. The tournament, held on July 7th, 2024, lasted approximately ten and a half hours, kicking off at 6:00 PM.
The 1up Arcade Bar – LoDo: A Pinball Paradise
Located in the heart of Denver, The 1up Arcade Bar – LoDo is the perfect spot for pinball aficionados. Situated at 1925 Blake St, this charming hole-in-the-wall arcade bar offers a delightful atmosphere for a date night or a competitive pinball showdown. With signature drinks like Pickle Rick and Princess Peach, it’s a spot that combines great games with great drinks. For more information, check out their website.
Round 4 Highlight: Toy Story 4 Magic
Round 4 of the tournament saw a thrilling match on Toy Story 4 by Jersey Jack Pinball. This game, inspired by the beloved movie, brought out the competitive spirit in the players. David Witucki triumphed with a masterful performance, leveraging the game’s exciting features like the Duke Caboom stunt ramp and the carnival-themed mini-games. His strategic gameplay and sharp focus secured him first place, while Randy Pierce, John Quinn, and Griffin Carr followed in the rankings. It was a round filled with buzzers, lights, and a lot of pinball magic.
Standout Machines: Pinball Wonders
The tournament featured ten fantastic pinball machines, each with its own unique appeal:
- Star Wars (Pro) by Stern (2017): This machine immerses players in the epic Star Wars saga. With iconic movie scenes, interactive mini-games, and a hyperdrive ramp, it offers a fast-paced adventure through the galaxy.
- Looney Tunes (CE) by Spooky Pinball (2024): A vibrant game that brings all the classic characters to life. Expect zany antics with interactive features like the Wabbit Hole and Acme Rocket Ramp, providing endless fun.
- Jim Henson’s Labyrinth by Barrels of Fun (2023): Step into the magical world of Labyrinth, where players navigate intricate mazes and solve puzzles. The mesmerizing soundtrack and captivating gameplay make it a standout.
- JAWS (Pro) by Stern (2024): Dive into the thrilling world of JAWS. This machine captures the suspense of the movie with features like the Shark Cage Multiball and Orca Ramp, offering a nail-biting experience.
- Toy Story 4 by Jersey Jack Pinball (2022): Relive the adventures of Woody and Buzz. With carnival-themed mini-games, a Duke Caboom stunt ramp, and vibrant animations, this machine is pure fun.
- John Wick (Pro) by Stern (2024): Experience the action-packed world of John Wick. Fast-paced gameplay, intricate fight sequences, and a high-energy soundtrack immerse players in the life of the legendary assassin.
- Godzilla (Premium) by Stern (2021): Take on the king of monsters. Destruction and mayhem await with the innovative Magna Grab magnet, skyscraper bash toy, and city-crushing challenges.
- Jurassic Park (Pro) by Stern (2019): Navigate the dangerous world of Jurassic Park. Players will face off against dinosaurs, complete rescue missions, and escape the island, all while battling raptors and T. rex.
- The Addams Family by Bally (1992): A classic machine that brings the spooky and kooky world of the Addams Family to life. With the mansion’s creepy features, Thing’s hand, and the Mamushka dance, it’s a fan favorite.
Celebrating the Champions
Congratulations to the top players who showcased their superior pinball skills:
- Justin Hinman claimed first place with his remarkable skills and consistent performance. As Colorado’s 3rd-ranked player and holding an impressive IFPA rank of 1152, Justin’s experience in 236 IFPA events shone through.
- Marshall Weasel secured second place, demonstrating his prowess. With a state rank of 25th and an IFPA rank of 1161, Marshall has proven himself in 77 IFPA events.
- David Witucki finished third, adding another accolade to his achievements. Ranked 18th in the state and 2661 in the IFPA, David’s performance in 55 events is commendable.
- Deanna Scalf, the tournament’s organizer, took fourth place. Ranked 58th in Colorado and 3768 in the IFPA, Deanna’s participation in 107 events showcases her dedication to the sport.
IFPA Colorado Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Walt Wood | Englewood | 405.78 |
| 2 | Ryan Altermatt | Denver | 203.18 |
| 3 | Justin Hinman | Denver | 128.67 |
| 4 | John Quinn | Denver | 127.42 |
| 5 | Mat Brundage | Denver | 117.36 |
| 6 | Adam Lefkoff | Longmont | 110.51 |
| 7 | Oliver Baker | 103.06 | |
| 8 | Justin Jancarik | 102.53 | |
| 9 | Kevin McCarthy | Conifer | 94.59 |
| 10 | Chase Hart | Denver | 94.2 |
Wrapping Up
A big thank you to Deanna Scalf for organizing such a fantastic event and to The 1up LoDo for providing a wonderful location for the tournament. The 1up Lodo July John Wick Launch Party was a smashing success, celebrating the launch of the new John Wick pinball machine. It was filled with thrilling matches and memorable moments, with a standout performance on Toy Story 4 adding to the excitement. Stay tuned for more pinball excitement and recaps!