September 11, 2024, was one for the books as 21 dedicated players gathered at Pinball Jones for the second week of the PBJ League’s 11th season. Under the light drizzle and a cool 66°F evening, players faced off over five games in just one round, squeezing every moment of excitement into the 2-hour tournament. With the weather outside calm but steady, the action inside Pinball Jones was anything but!
Pinball Jones: A Local Favorite
Nestled in the heart of Fort Collins at 107 Linden Street, Pinball Jones is more than just a place to play pinball; it’s a beloved community hub. The venue itself has a unique charm that makes it feel like a throwback to classic arcades but with a modern twist. The space is cozy, filled with nostalgic machines and newer hits alike, and it even hosts special events—like wedding rehearsal dinners! I mean, who wouldn’t love playing pinball on free play surrounded by friends and family after a wedding rehearsal? It’s not just a location, it’s an experience.
The Game That Wouldn’t End: Star Wars Premium
The big spotlight of the night? It has to be the marathon showdown on Star Wars (Premium). Clocking in at an almost unbelievable 123 minutes, this match stretched the limits of patience and skill in the first round. As TIE Fighters swarmed and the Death Star loomed, it was a battle of not just flippers, but stamina.
David Klausa came out on top, their steady hand guiding them through Jedi training while dodging hyperspace traps with the precision of a Rebel ace. Coming in second, Dave Mercer showed why they’re ranked so highly in the state, navigating the Force with near-perfect execution. Meanwhile, Alex Dziaba and Andrea Exendine found themselves trapped in the sands of Tatooine, trying to keep up with their higher-ranked opponents. By the time the final ball dropped, everyone was ready for a break—even the machine might have needed one!
The Machines: Pinball Wonderland
With 37 pins to choose from, Pinball Jones truly is a pinball lover’s paradise. Here’s a quick look at some of the standout machines from the tournament lineup:
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Attack from Mars (Bally, 1995): Designed by Brian Eddy, this machine is a blast for any sci-fi lover. It’s all about defending Earth from an alien invasion, and with its smooth gameplay and hilarious Martian animations, it’s no wonder this one’s a fan favorite.
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White Water (Williams, 1993): This one, designed by Dennis Nordman, takes players on a white-knuckle river-rafting adventure. The ramps on this game feel like navigating actual rapids—super fun and fast-paced.
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Scared Stiff (Bally, 1996): A perfect mix of campy horror and pinball wizardry, designed by Dennis Nordman with Elvira as your guide through the spooky (but playful) experience.
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Twilight Zone (Bally, 1993): What can be said about this John Popadiuk classic that hasn’t been said already? The sheer complexity of this machine, from the Powerball to the gumball machine, makes it a must-play at any tournament.
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Deadpool (Pro) (Stern, 2018): Newer but just as fun, Deadpool is all about humor and chaos. The game’s animations and quirky voice-overs add a lighthearted vibe, making it a joy to flip through. And spoiler: this machine was the decider in the final round!
Tournament Winners: Dominating the Leaderboards
After hours of fierce competition, David Klausa claimed victory, showing everyone why they’re climbing the state ranks with each event. From Fort Collins and ranked 123rd in Colorado, David isn’t the flashiest name on the list, but they played like an absolute pro, staying calm under pressure, especially in the final game on Deadpool (Pro). With over 40 IFPA events under their belt, this win adds another notch to their growing reputation.
In second place, Will Schlatmann put up an excellent fight, coming into the tournament with a state ranking of 95th and their eye on the prize. Meanwhile, Dave Mercer, one of Colorado’s top 25 players, rounded out the podium in third. Though they’re no stranger to high-level competition, this tournament showed that even the best can get a run for their money.
Shoutout to MJ Smith for taking fourth place, proving once again that Fort Collins pinball has some serious talent in the pipeline!
Colorado IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
Here’s a quick look at the current top players in Colorado:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Walt Wood | Englewood | 433.34 |
| 2 | Ryan Altermatt | Denver | 234.63 |
| 3 | Kevin McCarthy | Conifer | 190.76 |
| 4 | Chase Hart | Denver | 167.66 |
| 5 | Ross Unruh | Littleton | 153.36 |
| 6 | Adam Lefkoff | Longmont | 142.51 |
| 7 | Justin Hinman | Denver | 137.62 |
| 8 | John Quinn | Denver | 137.44 |
| 9 | David Johnson CO | Aurora | 134.94 |
| 10 | Lewis Ritenour | Denver | 129.82 |
A Final Thank You
Huge thanks to Pinball Jones for hosting this fantastic event, and organizing such a smooth night of pinball action. The night had everything from long-haul battles like the Star Wars epic to fast-paced, high-stakes moments on Deadpool (Pro). It’s safe to say everyone left Pinball Jones with smiles on their faces and maybe a new appreciation for how intense competitive pinball can get.
Stay connected for more pinball excitement and tournament recaps!