On August 11, 2024, 32 pinball enthusiasts gathered at Blizzard Mountain Pinball in Conifer, Colorado, for a thrilling evening of flipper action at the Blizzard Mountain August 2024 Max Matchplay Tournament. The weather was perfect for pinball—overcast skies and a cool 73°F outside made the warm, vibrant atmosphere inside all the more inviting. The tournament lasted just under four hours, with intense head-to-head competition across 12 games, leading up to a finals showdown among the top 16 players. Let’s dive into the highlights of this electrifying event!
Blizzard Mountain Pinball: A Pinball Paradise
Nestled in the heart of Conifer, Blizzard Mountain Pinball is a hidden gem for pinball lovers and casual gamers alike. With its charming, rustic vibe and an impressive lineup of over 37 pinball machines, it’s no wonder this place is becoming a must-visit for both locals and tourists. Whether you’re hosting a party or just dropping by to hone your skills, the owners are known for their friendliness and expertise, making it an excellent spot for anyone looking to learn the ropes of pinball without the pressure of constantly feeding quarters into the machines.
Pinball Tournament Guides: Strategy for Success
When it comes to mastering the classics and the modern marvels, the tournament at Blizzard Mountain Pinball offered players a chance to showcase their skills on a variety of machines. Let’s break down strategies for two standout games that saw plenty of action.
Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy
Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy might be an older machine, but its challenge remains timeless. Your main focus should be on clearing the drop targets on either side. Doing so lights up the bonus and sets you up for some serious points. But don’t overlook the spinner in the center; hitting it with a lit bonus can really push your score higher.
Keep an eye on the red and yellow multiplier targets in the center. Hitting these advances your bonus multiplier, which is key to racking up big points. And remember, the slingshots can be aggressive, so a timely nudge can save your ball from draining down the sides.
When plunging, go for a softer touch to avoid the pop bumpers and set yourself up for a shot directly at the drop targets or spinner. Finally, sometimes it’s better to play it safe—focus on ball control rather than risky shots to keep your score climbing.
Avengers: Infinity Quest (Premium)
Avengers: Infinity Quest (Premium) is a modern Stern machine that’s packed with features, making it both thrilling and complex. Your mission? Collect all six Infinity Stones, defeat Thanos, and unlock the Super Wizard Mode.
Each Infinity Stone requires specific shots on the playfield. For instance, the Power Stone is earned by hitting the captive ball, while the Time Stone involves the spinning disc. Knowing these shots inside and out will help you make efficient progress.
Stacking multiballs with stone modes is key to maximizing your score. Start the Ant-Man multiball, for example, before triggering a stone mode to really rack up points. And don’t forget about the stone power-ups—like the Soul Stone, which can resurrect a drained ball. Using these strategically can give you a significant edge.
The Gauntlet ramp is another crucial shot. It’s tricky but necessary for completing certain modes, so practicing it can pay off. Also, Portal Multiball is a high-scoring mode you’ll want to focus on. Lighting locks and entering this mode can seriously boost your score.
In a tournament setting, precision is your best friend. Focus on hitting your shots accurately and avoid rushing through modes. Avengers is a game of endurance, so stay pat
The Machines That Shined
The tournament featured an exciting variety of machines, but a few stood out for their unique design and gameplay. Pirates of the Caribbean by Jersey Jack Pinball (2018) transported players to the high seas with its immersive theme and intricate features, including a rotating pirate ship and a rocking mini-playfield.
Cactus Canyon (Remake Special) by Chicago Gaming (2021) brought the Wild West to life with its interactive shootout sequences and dynamic playfield.
Medieval Madness by Williams (1997) remains a fan-favorite with its hilarious castle-smashing antics and fast-paced gameplay, while Iron Man by Stern (2010) challenged players with its unforgiving difficulty and thrilling fast loops.
Of course, no tournament would be complete without our beloved Pinbot by Williams (1986), a classic that still manages to capture the hearts of pinball players with its sci-fi theme and iconic visor mechanism.
Congratulations to the Champions!
A big round of applause goes out to Mark Abbott, who claimed the top spot in the tournament. Mark, currently ranked 21st in the state and 566th in the IFPA rankings, has participated in 134 IFPA events, proving that his dedication to the game paid off in spades.
Lindsey Brown fought hard to secure 2nd place, showing incredible resilience despite being relatively new to the competitive pinball scene. Ranked 132nd in Colorado and 9269th in the IFPA, with only 19 events under their belt, Lindsey’s performance was nothing short of spectacular.
Jerry Yockel rounded out the top three, demonstrating the kind of skill that has earned him a 69th state ranking and a 2516th IFPA rank. With over 100 events to his name, Jerry’s experience shined through in every match.
A special shoutout to Nathan Wright for his 4th place finish, battling his way up despite a state ranking of 138th and an IFPA rank of 8582.
Colorado IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Walt Wood | Englewood | 418.79 |
| 2 | Ryan Altermatt | Denver | 213.45 |
| 3 | John Quinn | Denver | 136.48 |
| 4 | Justin Hinman | Denver | 134.65 |
| 5 | Mat Brundage | Denver | 117.37 |
| 6 | Adam Lefkoff | Longmont | 110.49 |
| 7 | Oliver Baker | 107.21 | |
| 8 | Chase Hart | Denver | 106.08 |
| 9 | Kevin McCarthy | Conifer | 105.08 |
| 10 | Justin Jancarik | 104.75 |
Wrapping Up the Action
As the sun set over Conifer, Blizzard Mountain Pinball once again proved to be the perfect setting for an epic pinball showdown. Congratulations to Mark Abbott for taking home the top prize, and to all the players who made this tournament unforgettable. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, Blizzard Mountain is the place to be for your next pinball adventure.
Stay tuned for more pinball news and past event recaps—there’s always another high score to chase!