September 4th was the kickoff for PBJ League’s Season 11, and what a night it was! With 18 players coming out to Pinball Jones for some friendly yet fierce competition, the energy in the room was just right, even with the overcast clouds outside. The five-game round format had players testing their skills on some seriously fun machines. It lasted just under three hours, making for a tight but action-packed night. Let’s dive into the highlights from the event!
Where Pinball Dreams Come True
Pinball Jones on Linden Street in Fort Collins is the place to be if you’re a pinball fan. It’s more than just an arcade; it’s a local hangout with a great vibe. The lineup of machines is impressive, and they’ve got something for everyone—from classic Bally games to the latest Stern titles, including a jaw-dropping Jaws machine that everyone raves about. Whether you’re here to relive some nostalgia or take a break from your day, Pinball Jones has you covered. They’ve even been known to host weddings and rehearsal dinners—seriously! It’s got that cool, laid-back charm, and the people are as friendly as the games are exciting.
A Pinball Marathon on Captain Fantastic
Let’s talk about Round 1’s wild game on Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. The match stretched an unbelievable 140 minutes—Captain Fantastic may have Elton John in the art, but there were no rock ballads long enough to cover this! Will Schlatmann, Paul Kardell, Daniel Albeyta, and Josh Sonnier went head-to-head in what seemed like a battle of endurance.
The machine’s four flippers and complex upper playfield made for a dynamic (and apparently exhausting) match. Will’s careful nudging and ability to stay in control of multi-ball earned them the top spot in this marathon game. It wasn’t just about skill but mental toughness, as staying focused on this classic Bally from 1975 for over two hours is no easy feat. Schlatmann’s perseverance paid off, securing them a much-deserved first place in this game!
The Pinball Machines That Lit Up the Night
This week’s tournament featured some true standouts from pinball’s greatest hits. Here’s a quick rundown of five crowd favorites:
- Jurassic Park (Pro) – Stern (2019): This one’s a heart-pounding adventure with incredible depth. From chasing raptors to battling the T-Rex, Stern’s Jurassic Park delivers intense modes and challenging shots that kept players on their toes.
- Scared Stiff – Bally (1996): Elvira’s ghoulish sense of humor brings this game to life. With a six-ball multiball and the ‘Stiff-o-Meter’ to measure your creepiness, it’s a true fan favorite. Plus, that coffin lock shot is oh-so-satisfying!
- Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure – Williams (1993): Classic movie moments are woven into the gameplay. From shooting the Ark of the Covenant to escaping from a boulder, Indiana Jones is pure 90s pinball magic.
- Medieval Madness – Williams (1997): This one is all about humor and destruction. Catapulting cows, busting down castle gates, and trolling trolls—Medieval Madness is a classic that never fails to entertain.
- JAWS (Premium) – Stern (2024): A newer addition to the Pinball Jones lineup, JAWS has quickly become a hit. Players love the dynamic ball-lock feature that simulates the iconic shark attack. Plus, the game’s art and sound design pull you right into the world of Amity Island.
The Winners: Pinball Pros Take Center Stage
Let’s give a big shout-out to this week’s winners! Elliott Layne clinched the top spot, showing us all why they’re ranked 20th in the state. With 133 IFPA events under their belt, it’s no surprise they dominated the night, keeping their cool in every round.
Right behind Elliott was Will Schlatmann, who had already proven their skill earlier on Captain Fantastic. They’ve been steadily climbing the ranks, with 50 events now logged in their IFPA history. Will’s rise to the top is one to watch!
Aidan Lancaster rounded out the top three. Aidan’s been making moves, with only 31 IFPA events so far but already sitting comfortably in the top 50 of Colorado. With such a rapid climb, it won’t be long before they challenge for that number one spot.
Finally, a solid fourth-place finish went to David Klausa, representing FoCo well. It was a tight race, and David showed that patience and strategy go a long way in this game.
Colorado’s Top 10 Pinball Masters
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Walt Wood | Englewood | 433.34 |
| 2 | Ryan Altermatt | Denver | 232.88 |
| 3 | Kevin McCarthy | Conifer | 156.6 |
| 4 | Chase Hart | Denver | 141.01 |
| 5 | John Quinn | Denver | 137.44 |
| 6 | Justin Hinman | Denver | 137.1 |
| 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 |
A Night to Remember, and More to Come
That wraps it up for Week 1 of PBJ League Season 11! Huge congrats to Elliott Layne for taking home the top prize. Pinball Jones delivered the perfect setting for a memorable tournament, and with machines like JAWS and Captain Fantastic keeping us entertained, it’s no wonder why this place is a must-visit for pinball lovers. Be sure to follow along for more pinball updates and news as the season continues!