What’s up, pinball fans? It’s Bride of Pinbot here, your trusty guide to the flashing lights, buzzing flippers, and heart-pounding excitement that is the world of pinball tournaments. When I’m not contemplating taking over the world or perfecting my backhand shot, I’m here bringing you the latest and greatest from the pinball scene. Today, we’re diving into the 1up Colfax August Monthly, a Group Knockout Tournament that had players battling for a whopping 14 hours. Buckle up—it’s going to be a wild ride!
Where the Magic Happens: 1Up Arcade Bar – Colfax
Let’s kick things off with a little shoutout to our tournament’s location, The 1Up Arcade Bar on Colfax. If you’ve ever wondered where you can find a place that mixes nostalgia with a touch of modern-day flair, this is it. Nestled in the heart of Denver, this spot isn’t just about playing games—it’s an experience. Whether you’re grabbing a cold one from their extensive beer selection, getting your skeeball fix with a friend, or just vibing with the cool colors and retro games, 1Up Colfax brings back the good ol’ days with a modern twist. And let’s not forget the convenience factor—adding tokens to your bill is a game-changer. Oh, and did I mention their bathrooms are clean and gender-neutral? Yeah, they’ve got it all covered.
Magic in the Air: Round 7 on Theatre of Magic
Every tournament has that one match that everyone talks about afterward. For this event, it was Round 7 on Bally’s Theatre of Magic. This game takes you on a magical journey filled with illusions, tricks, and plenty of surprises. In this particular round, Walt Wood showed why it’s ranked #1 in the state, pulling off a performance that felt like watching a master magician at work. Chase Hart wasn’t far behind, putting up a fight that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. But the real story here was the battle for third and fourth, where Ryan Altermatt and Mike Paproski fought tooth and nail. As the spinning trunk whirled and the magical multi-ball rained down, it was a spectacle of pinball wizardry that we won’t soon forget.
The Pinball Lineup: A Parade of Hits
The tournament lineup at 1Up Colfax was nothing short of spectacular, with 20 machines to keep the competition fierce. Some standouts included the ever-popular Godzilla (Premium/LE) by Stern, which brought the heat with its incredible design and unique bridge destruction feature. Elton John by Jersey Jack Pinball had players grooving to the Rocket Man’s greatest hits while trying to keep up with the game’s fast-paced, flashy light show. And let’s not forget Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium/LE) by Stern—a spooky classic that had everyone battling the Mistress of the Dark herself. Whether it was the newer Venom (Premium/LE) with its immersive battle modes or the classic thrills of The Addams Family, every game added a different flavor to the competition.
The Final Showdown: The Winners Step Into the Spotlight
After 14 hours of relentless play, the dust finally settled, and a winner emerged. In the final round on Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory by Jersey Jack Pinball, Walt Wood once again proved why it’s the top-ranked player in Colorado. The match was a sweet treat, much like the everlasting gobstopper—Walt’s control of the flippers was as steady as Willy Wonka’s factory machinery, leaving its competition scrambling to keep up. Here’s how the top four players finished:
- Walt Wood – A flawless victory that solidified its rank as the best in the state.
- Chase Hart – Gave it everything he had, but the chocolate river was just too fast.
- Ryan Altermatt – A solid performance that secured second in the state.
- Brian Wonderly – A commendable finish, showing he’s a force to be reckoned with.
Colorado IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Walt Wood | Englewood | 432.71 |
| 2 | Ryan Altermatt | Denver | 221.95 |
| 3 | John Quinn | Denver | 136.48 |
| 4 | Justin Hinman | Denver | 134.65 |
| 5 | Chase Hart | Denver | 130.09 |
| 6 | Mat Brundage | Denver | 117.37 |
| 7 | Kevin McCarthy | Conifer | 111.15 |
| 8 | Adam Lefkoff | Longmont | 110.49 |
| 9 | Oliver Baker | 107.85 | |
| 10 | Lewis Ritenour | Denver | 106.46 |
Wrapping It Up: A Day to Remember
As the tournament came to a close, there was no denying that this was one for the books. A big shoutout to Deanna Scalf for organizing an event that kept us all on the edge of our seats. And of course, a huge thank you to 1Up Arcade Bar on Colfax for hosting us in style. Whether it was the epic showdown on Theatre of Magic or the final battle on Willy Wonka, this tournament had it all.
Stay connected for more pinball excitement and recaps—there’s always something magical happening in the world of pinball!