Denver’s Pinball Showdown: Walt Wood Reigns Supreme at The 1Up LoDo

Hey pinball wizards! It’s your favorite circuit breaker, Bride of Pinbot, back to dish out all the juicy details from the latest IFPA pinball showdown at The 1Up LoDo in Denver. This August tournament had everything you could ask for—a fierce competition, intense gameplay, and a location that’s as much a character in the story as the players themselves. So, let’s flip through the highlights together!

Pinball Battles in the Heart of LoDo

The 1Up LoDo, nestled right in the heart of downtown Denver, provided the perfect backdrop for this month’s pinball rumble. The arcade bar is like a pinball lover’s dream with its wide selection of machines, from classic retro games to the latest releases. However, it’s not without its quirks. The drinks, though sugary and pricey, kept the energy levels high, and the bustling atmosphere, especially after a Rockies game, made it a place where pinball enthusiasts thrive. The arcade may have its rough edges—sticky floors and packed spaces—but the magic of those working machines and the thrill of the game makes it all worth it. Just don’t forget to bring a purse for those tokens!

A Monster of a Match: Godzilla Takes the Spotlight

Round 5 of the tournament brought a particularly electrifying match on the Godzilla (Premium/LE) machine by Stern, a game that’s been making waves since its release in September 2021. This pin, based on the iconic monster movies, set the stage for an epic battle.

Walt Wood, who reigns as Colorado’s top player, unleashed their inner kaiju, stomping through the competition with calculated precision. It was as if Walt had summoned Godzilla’s might, crushing buildings (and the hopes of the other players) with every flipper flick. Despite stiff competition from Griffin Carr and Galen Anderson, Walt’s mastery of the city-crushing multiballs and monster battles made it unstoppable, leaving the others scrambling in the wake of destruction.

A Spotlight on the Pinball Titans

This tournament wasn’t just about who could avoid getting the most strikes; it was about who could dominate on some of the best pinball machines out there. With 12 machines on offer, the selection was a treat for all involved.

Take Batman 66 (Premium), designed by Joe Kaminkow and released by Stern in January 2016. This game takes you back to the zany, colorful world of the 1960s Batman TV show. The mix of campy humor and engaging gameplay makes it a crowd favorite.

Then there’s Jurassic Park (Pro), another Stern hit from July 2019. The game design, led by Keith Elwin, is as wild as the dinosaurs it features, with a gameplay style that’s fast-paced and challenging. You’re constantly on the hunt—or being hunted—by raptors, and it’s a thrill from start to finish.

Looney Tunes (SE) by Spooky Pinball, released in January 2024, brings all the beloved cartoon characters to life. From the iconic ACME gadgets to Wile E. Coyote’s never-ending schemes, this game keeps players on their toes with humor and nostalgia.

And how could we not mention John Wick (Pro) by Stern? Released in May 2024, this machine is a lethal mix of fast-action gameplay and stylish design, just like its cinematic namesake. It’s all about timing and precision, much like Keanu Reeves’s assassin character, making it a must-play for any action fan.

Celebrating the Victors

Let’s take a moment to give a well-deserved shout-out to the top four finishers who stood out among the rest.

1. Walt Wood, from Englewood, CO, showcased why it’s ranked 50th in the nation, effortlessly dodging strikes and securing a victory that only the state’s top player could pull off. With 318 IFPA events under its belt, Walt’s performance was nothing short of expected dominance.
2. Griffin Carr, a seasoned player with 121 IFPA events, proved that they could hold their own against the best, finishing in a commendable second place. While Walt may have stomped through the competition, Griffin managed to stay right on its tail.
3. Nate Johnson, hailing from Denver, put up a strong fight, ending the night in third place. With a growing presence in the local scene, Nate’s 93 events have shown that Denver’s got some serious pinball talent.
4. Justin Hinman, another Denver local, rounded out the top four. Ranked 4th in the state and with over 240 IFPA events, Justin demonstrated why he’s a force to be reckoned with in Colorado pinball circles.

Colorado’s Pinball Titans: Top 10 Standings

To wrap things up, let’s take a quick look at the current top 10 pinball players in Colorado, as of now:

Wrapping Up the Madness

What a night it was at The 1Up LoDo! With Deanna Scalf organizing and a lineup of stellar pinball machines, this tournament was one for the books. Congratulations to Walt Wood for taking the crown and showing us all how it’s done. And remember, pinball wizards, stay tuned right here for the latest news and updates from the world of competitive pinball. There’s always another game to play, and you won’t want to miss it!