Hey there, fellow pinball wizards! This past Sunday, August 4th, the PBJ Aug ’24 tournament at Pinball Jones was an absolute blast. With 20 players going head-to-head in a fast-paced, high-energy event, it was a thrilling ride from start to finish. The action kicked off at 4:00 PM, and after a little over four hours (well, 4.5 hours, to be exact), we crowned a new champion. But before we get into the details, let’s talk about where all this magic happened.
Pinball Jones: More Than Just a Venue
Pinball Jones, nestled (well, not really ‘nestled,’ but you get the idea) in the heart of Fort Collins, is more than just your average arcade. Located at 107 Linden Street, this place is a pinball lover’s paradise. Imagine a cool, vintage vibe with an impressive lineup of machines ranging from the classics to the latest hits. Whether you’re there for a tournament, a casual night out, or even a special event like a wedding rehearsal dinner, Pinball Jones has got you covered. The friendly staff, like Zach the bartender, ensures you have a great time, and with the option to rent out the entire space, it’s no wonder folks rave about it online. And let’s not forget the killer lineup of machines, including that super popular Pulp Fiction table that’s been a hit since its release last year.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Where Legends Were Made
Now, onto the tournament’s standout moment—the epic battle on Stern’s Guardians of the Galaxy. This game took a whopping 81 minutes during the semifinals, making it the longest game of the day. The competition was fierce, with players like Daniel Albeyta and Aidan Lancaster giving it their all. Daniel, ranked 52nd in the state, showed why he’s a force to be reckoned with, skillfully navigating the game’s challenging modes like “Cherry Bomb Multiball” and “Save Xandar.” Aidan Lancaster, holding onto their 46th state rank, kept pace with Daniel, impressively handling the “Orb Multiball” and “Sanctuary” modes. Jerry Valentine, hailing from Montana, also put up a solid fight, while David Klausa’s strategic play kept everyone on their toes. The endurance and skill these players displayed were nothing short of remarkable.
The Pinball Machines That Shined
This tournament featured an incredible selection of pinball machines, each with its own unique flair:
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro) by Stern: Released in June 2020, this machine brings the beloved heroes in a half-shell to life with fast-paced gameplay, vibrant artwork, and a slew of missions that keep players engaged from the get-go.
- White Water by Williams: A classic from 1993, White Water is all about navigating treacherous rapids. The iconic “Insanity Falls” ramp is a real crowd-pleaser, and the game’s stunning playfield design adds to the excitement.
- Jurassic Park (Pro) by Stern: This 2019 release lets players relive the thrills of the Jurassic era, complete with raptor multiball and a T-Rex that chomps down on your ball—if you’re lucky (or unlucky) enough.
- Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (CE) by Jersey Jack Pinball: A golden ticket to a world of pure imagination, this machine captures the whimsy of the classic film with vibrant colors, a magical playfield, and endless multiball opportunities.
- Pulp Fiction (SE) by Chicago Gaming: Released in 2023, this table is a love letter to the iconic Tarantino film. With its retro design and engaging gameplay, it’s no wonder it’s become a favorite at Pinball Jones.
The Champions of PBJ Aug ’24
Congratulations to the top players who battled it out to claim victory:
- Elliott Layne: Ranked 23rd in the state and 1364th in the IFPA, Elliott clinched the top spot with some impressive skills on Pulp Fiction. Their mastery of the “Royale with Cheese” mode sealed the deal, making them the well-deserved champion of PBJ Aug ’24.
- Jerry Valentine: Coming all the way from Montana, Jerry finished in a strong second place. His ability to navigate the various modes with precision was on full display.
- Alex Yohe: With just 11 IFPA events under his belt, Alex showed that he’s one to watch, claiming third place with a mix of strategic play and quick reflexes.
- Aidan Lancaster: Ranked 3194th in the IFPA, Aidan’s fourth-place finish was a testament to their consistency and skill throughout the tournament.
- Paul Kardell: As the organizer and a player, Paul took fifth place, showcasing not only their skills in organizing a fantastic event but also in competing at a high level.
- Daniel Albeyta: The hero of the Guardians of the Galaxy match, Daniel secured sixth place with a solid overall performance.
- David Klausa: David’s seventh-place finish was well-earned after a day of tough competition.
- Clint Reeves: Rounding out the top eight, Clint’s experience and skills shone through, earning him a respectable finish.
Colorado IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
Here’s a quick look at the current top 10 players in Colorado:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Walt Wood | Englewood | 418.84 |
| 2 | Ryan Altermatt | Denver | 213.45 |
| 3 | John Quinn | Denver | 136.51 |
| 4 | Justin Hinman | Denver | 134.66 |
| 5 | Mat Brundage | Denver | 117.39 |
| 6 | Adam Lefkoff | Longmont | 110.51 |
| 7 | Oliver Baker | 107.23 | |
| 8 | Chase Hart | Denver | 106.08 |
| 9 | Kevin McCarthy | Conifer | 105.09 |
| 10 | Justin Jancarik | 104.71 |
Wrapping It Up
The PBJ Aug ’24 tournament was an exciting showcase of skill, strategy, and pure love for the game. Congratulations again to Elliott Layne for taking home the title, and a huge shoutout to all the players who made this event so memorable. If you haven’t been to Pinball Jones yet, you’re missing out on one of the coolest spots in Fort Collins—whether you’re a seasoned player or just getting started, there’s something for everyone.
Keep following along for more updates on upcoming tournaments, player profiles, and pinball tips. Until next time, keep those flippers flipping!