The PBJ Monthly Sept ’24 pinball tournament delivered a thrilling evening of fast-paced flipper action and intense competition. Held at the beloved Pinball Jones in Fort Collins, 14 players took on the challenge of the group knockout format, battling through 11 rounds of pinball mayhem. The rules were clear: survive the strikes and stay in the game. For nearly six hours, the sound of bells, chimes, and a few groans echoed throughout the arcade as one by one, players were eliminated after accumulating three strikes. In the end, only one could emerge victorious.
A Unique Atmosphere at Pinball Jones
Pinball Jones has earned its reputation as a go-to spot for pinball fans in Fort Collins. With a collection of well-maintained machines, it’s a haven for both casual players and competitive wizards alike. The location at 107 Linden Street buzzes with energy—especially during events like this one. The arcade’s ambiance is perfectly suited for such tournaments, and it’s no wonder that people often book it for private gatherings, like weddings and parties. Plus, with new games like JAWS catching everyone’s attention, this spot has something for pinball lovers of all ages. Locals rave about the friendly staff and the flexibility to bring your own food, making it feel like a true community spot. Pinball Jones, once again, proved to be the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable tournament.
Shaken, Not Stirred: Round 2 James Bond 007 Showdown
Round 2 saw a particularly cinematic showdown on the James Bond 007 (Premium/LE) machine by Stern. Released in September 2022, this game features Bond’s suave gadgets, heart-pounding missions, and iconic villains, making it a fan favorite. David Klausa took the lead, outsmarting the competition with a calculated blend of speed and precision, while Dave Mercer kept their cool, finishing second but avoiding the dreaded strikes. In a close battle, Elliott Layne fought hard but ended up in third, proving that even in pinball, no one is safe from the world of espionage. Klausa’s smooth play on this machine showed the rest of the field that he was in it to win it from the very start.
Pinball Machines: Fan Favorites Shine Bright
This tournament featured an impressive lineup of 38 machines, each bringing something unique to the competition.
- Star Wars (Premium) by Stern (2017) transported players to a galaxy far, far away, with dynamic gameplay based on the original trilogy. The force was definitely with the top players as they navigated multiballs and high-speed orbits.
- Scared Stiff by Bally (1996) had players rattled with its classic horror theme. Elvira’s macabre wit added a touch of humor to the competitive atmosphere, but make no mistake—this machine is no joke when it comes to draining balls fast.
- Lord of the Rings by Stern (2003) made an epic return, with players traveling through Middle Earth. The game’s journey through the Ring’s storyline gave fans plenty to look forward to, with ring multiballs and path of the dead shots demanding perfect precision.
- JAWS (Premium/LE) by Stern (2024) brought the ocean’s apex predator to the tournament. The new arrival at Pinball Jones had players nervously glancing at the shark’s mouth as they aimed for those crucial jackpot shots, trying not to get “bitten.”
- Foo Fighters (Pro) by Stern (2023) rocked the house with fast-paced gameplay, skill shots, and loop combos. For a rock band-themed pin, this machine never misses a beat—just like the players battling for supremacy.
Final Stand: Medieval Madness Crowns a Champion
In a fitting finale, Medieval Madness served as the battleground for the final game. Known for its iconic castle-crushing, this fan-favorite machine was the perfect stage for the final four competitors. Austin Quinty, hailing from Westminster, CO, showed why he’s a force to be reckoned with, claiming first place in a tightly contested match. With 135 IFPA events under his belt, Austin’s experience shone through as he skillfully navigated the multiballs and trolls that tried to stand in his way.
Elliott Layne finished strong in second place, adding another solid performance to his already impressive record of 132 IFPA events. Meanwhile, Paul Kardell, a familiar face at Pinball Jones, secured third place. Despite some tricky shots, Paul kept their cool in the final rounds, solidifying their spot on the podium. And rounding out the top four was Amanda Mageras, who played brilliantly to secure her spot against some of the state’s best.
Colorado IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Walt Wood | Englewood | 433.34 |
| 2 | Ryan Altermatt | Denver | 231.42 |
| 3 | Kevin McCarthy | Conifer | 156.6 |
| 4 | Chase Hart | Denver | 141.01 |
| 5 | Justin Hinman | Denver | 137.1 |
| 6 | John Quinn | Denver | 136.48 |
| 7 | Lewis Ritenour | Denver | 129.82 |
| 8 | Mat Brundage | Denver | 117.37 |
| 9 | David Johnson CO | Aurora | 112.48 |
| 10 | Adam Lefkoff | Longmont | 110.49 |
The Final Tilt: Wrapping up PBJ Monthly Sept ’24
With another successful tournament in the books, Pinball Jones continues to solidify its place as a hub for competitive pinball. Congratulations to Austin Quinty for taking home the top spot, and a special shoutout to all the players who gave it their all. Whether you were battling trolls on Medieval Madness or navigating shark-infested waters on JAWS, this was a tournament to remember.
Stay tuned for more updates from the pinball circuit, and make sure to visit Pinball Jones for your own shot at pinball glory. With a welcoming community and some of the best machines around, it’s the perfect place for seasoned pros and newcomers alike. Keep flipping, and we’ll see you at the next event!