Flipping Fun at PBJ League: A Night of Friendly Competition

The PBJ League returned for another exciting week of pinball action on September 18, 2024, and it didn’t disappoint. With 20 players competing at Pinball Jones under the clear night sky, it was a perfect evening for a showdown. The tournament’s format, featuring one round of five games, kept everyone on their toes as they battled through a variety of machines. Spanning two and a half hours, the night was packed with impressive performances, close calls, and a few marathon matches that tested even the most seasoned players. As always, the energy at Pinball Jones was infectious, setting the stage for another unforgettable night in the Colorado pinball scene.

Let’s dive into the action, explore the machines that shaped the tournament, and celebrate the players who left their mark on Week 3 of Season 11.

A Look at Pinball Jones

Located at 107 Linden Street, Fort Collins, CO, Pinball Jones is a beloved spot for pinball enthusiasts and arcade lovers alike. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and always buzzing with excitement. With a huge selection of pinball machines, there’s always a new challenge around the corner. While some patrons mention that the machines can be a bit pricey at four quarters a pop, the Monday $5 free play makes it a must-visit. The staff is friendly, and if you’re not solely into pinball, they’ve got air hockey, skee ball, and foosball to round out your arcade experience. Just be sure to dress light—it can get toasty when the place fills up! Overall, it’s a go-to destination for local pinball leagues like PBJ, offering a vibrant gaming experience.

Guardians of the Galaxy Shines in the Spotlight

Round 1 brought the most epic match of the night on Stern’s Guardians of the Galaxy, a machine known for its fast-paced action and dynamic soundtrack. Released in November 2017, this game was designed by John Borg with artwork by Christopher Franchi, and it features the fan-favorite Marvel universe characters. The gameplay revolves around completing missions with the Guardians team, including Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket, and Groot, while battling villains like Ronan and the Collector.

The match on this machine was a marathon, lasting an incredible 117 minutes. Much of the intensity came during the “Save Xandar” mode, where players had to battle their way through multiple waves of enemies to defend the galaxy. Paul Kardell, ranked 46th in Colorado, showed their experience by successfully navigating the multi-ball chaos and hitting the crucial shots to take the lead. Their precision and control over the ball were unmatched, allowing them to outlast the other competitors on the board.

Nick Corcoran, with a much lower state ranking of 422nd, gave Paul a serious run for their money. Despite being ranked far lower, Nick held his own during the fast-paced mode, landing several jackpots, which kept him in the race. However, the mode’s intensity eventually wore him down, and he finished in 2nd place.

Alex Dziaba and Jordan Duvall rounded out the top four but struggled to keep up with the relentless pace of the game. Though they gave it their all, Guardians of the Galaxy demanded more precise shots and quicker reflexes than they could manage that night.

A Mix of Classics and Modern Machines

The PBJ League always brings an impressive selection of pinball machines, and Season 11, Week 3 was no exception. With 37 pins in total, players had the chance to test their skills on a variety of classic and modern games. From whimsical worlds to thrilling action-packed adventures, each machine offered its own unique set of challenges. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout machines that kept the competition fierce.

Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (CE) by Jersey Jack Pinball: Released in April 2019, this colorful game, designed by Pat Lawlor, transports players into the world of Roald Dahl’s famous factory. The intricate playfield is packed with features like Gobstopper and WonkaVision multiballs, and the Oompa-Loompas keep the action lively. The game is a visual treat with its playful animations and rich artwork, making it as fun to watch as it is to play.

Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern: Launched in November 2017, this game designed by John Borg is fast-paced and full of adrenaline. Players must complete missions with their favorite Marvel characters, battling villains and collecting the precious Infinity Stones. The game’s soundtrack, featuring iconic hits from the ’70s and ’80s, adds to the immersive experience, while the shot layout keeps players on their toes. Modes like “Save Xandar” are particularly challenging, requiring quick reflexes and precise aim to rack up points.

The Addams Family by Bally: This iconic machine, released in January 1992, is a true classic in the pinball world. Designed by Pat Lawlor with artwork by John Youssi, it remains the best-selling pinball machine of all time. The game’s quirky theme, based on the spooky yet charming Addams family, keeps players hooked with features like “Thing” flipping the flippers and the dreaded “Mamushka” multi-ball. Its humor and intricate gameplay have made it a staple in both casual and competitive play.

Elvira and the Party Monsters by Bally: Released in January 1989, this fun and campy game designed by Dennis Nordman was the first in a series of Elvira-themed pinball machines. With its lighthearted horror theme, it features the legendary Mistress of the Dark, and players are tasked with “lighting the party” by completing shots and triggering the lively “Monster Multi-ball.” The humor and gothic charm of this game make it a fan favorite.

Jurassic Park (Pro) by Stern: Released in July 2019, this machine is a thrilling adventure set in the Jurassic world, where players must navigate a treacherous island filled with dinosaurs. Designed by Keith Elwin, the game offers several challenging modes, including battling a T-Rex and rescuing stranded park employees. The fast-paced nature of the game keeps players engaged, and the clever design ensures plenty of heart-pounding moments.

Banzai Run by Williams: Released in May 1988, Banzai Run is famous for its unique vertical playfield located in the backglass, where players race a motorcycle up the side of a mountain. Designed by Pat Lawlor, the game requires players to win races on both the main playfield and the vertical track. It’s a rare machine and is often a favorite among those looking for something truly different in a pinball game.

Celebrating the Tournament Winners

The competition was fierce, but in the end, Paul Kardell took home the top prize, securing 1st place. With 124 IFPA events under their belt and a solid state ranking of 46th, it’s no surprise they came out on top. Close behind was Dave Mercer, who placed 2nd with an impressive state ranking of 24th, proving once again that their experience and consistency in over 297 events make them a force to be reckoned with in Colorado’s pinball scene. Rounding out the top three was Alex Yohe, who has participated in just 13 IFPA events, making his 3rd place finish all the more remarkable. Will Schlatmann also put up a good fight, coming in 4th, showing why they remain a fixture in Colorado pinball with a respectable state ranking of 97th.

Colorado IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

A Memorable Night of Pinball Comes to a Close

As the competition wrapped up, it was clear that PBJ League Season 11, Week 3 was another unforgettable night at Pinball Jones. With an impressive lineup of machines and a spirited group of players, the evening was full of thrilling moments, hard-fought battles, and some standout performances. Special congratulations go to Paul Kardell, who emerged victorious after a long night of competitive play, showcasing their mastery on the machines. Shout-out to Dave Mercer and Alex Yohe for rounding out the top three, proving that the Colorado pinball scene continues to grow stronger with every event.

A big thank you to Pinball Jones for providing such an exciting and welcoming space for the league to thrive, and to the dedicated staff who keep the machines running smoothly. Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming tournaments, as the action in Colorado’s pinball community is only heating up. Keep flippin’ and see you at the next event!