Pinball Pros Battle It Out at 1up Lodo’s Epic September Showdown

The 1up Lodo September Monthly brought together 24 pinball wizards for a 9-round Group Knockout Tournament, where strikes were flying, and competition was fierce. The progressive strikes system added a strategic twist, with players getting 1 strike for finishing 2nd in a four-player group, and 2 strikes for both 3rd and 4th place. It was a long night, with the tournament clocking in at an impressive 11 hours and 34 minutes—yes, you read that right! After seven strikes, players were eliminated, whittling down the competition round after round.

The battle took place on September 1st, 2024, at the ever-popular 1up Arcade Bar in LoDo, Denver. With clear skies and a temperature of 84°F, it was a perfect evening to head inside for some serious pinball action.

1up LoDo: Pinball Fun Meets Dive Bar Vibes

The 1up Arcade Bar in LoDo, located at 1925 Blake St, Denver, CO, is the spot to be for arcade game lovers and pinball enthusiasts alike. It’s a place where you can kick back, enjoy some classic and modern arcade games, and, of course, dominate on the pinball machines. The bar has a chill dive bar vibe, making it the perfect spot to either hang out with friends or fly solo while racking up high scores.

Players and visitors alike rave about the friendly bartenders and the nostalgic atmosphere. Whether you’re sinking your teeth into Godzilla (pinball, not the movie) or challenging your friends to a round of Street Fighter, 1up has something for everyone. And if you’re like me, you could easily lose yourself for hours on one of those pinball machines, forgetting the world exists!

The Game Spotlight: Godzilla’s Rampage

In Round 3, the epic showdown took place on none other than Godzilla (Premium) by Stern, a game famous for its monster-themed chaos and destruction. This particular match spanned a jaw-dropping 74 minutes—yeah, Godzilla wasn’t ready to go down without a fight! Imagine the tension in the room as the players battled through rampages, looping combos, and monster battles, trying to topple the king of kaiju.

Ryan Altermatt ultimately outlasted the competition, claiming victory with state rank 2nd on his side. Right behind him, Walt Wood, the top-ranked player in Colorado, gave it everything they had but had to settle for second place. Justin Hinman held his ground for third, and Griffin Carr, though ranked 37th in the state, rounded out the group with a hard-fought fourth. Watching these four take on Godzilla was like seeing a city being torn apart one skyscraper at a time—epic and relentless.

Tournament Guide: Pinball Machines in Play

The machines at 1up LoDo were nothing short of iconic, with a range of games that put every player’s skills to the test. Here’s a look at five of the standout games featured in the tournament:

Rick and Morty (SE) – If you’re a fan of the show, you’re going to love this one. It’s chaotic, it’s fast, and it’s full of the series’ humor. The “Meeseeks” mode is especially fun, but don’t let it distract you from hitting those portals.

John Wick (Pro) – Released just this year, John Wick is already becoming a fan favorite. It’s got that sleek, action-packed feel, much like the movies. The gun-fu inspired ramps and fight scenes keep the intensity high throughout every ball.

Jurassic Park (Pro) – This is a staple in any modern tournament. The dino theme never gets old, and the variety of multiball modes keeps things exciting. Watch out for the T-Rex though; it’s been known to steal the ball when you least expect it!

Toy Story 4 – From Jersey Jack, this machine is packed with interactive toys and features that make it a joy to play. The colorful design, movie tie-ins, and fun mini-games are crowd-pleasers. But don’t let the cutesy look fool you—this one has some challenging shots.

Jim Henson’s Labyrinth – With its detailed artwork and immersive gameplay, this one is pure nostalgia. The twisting paths and complex rule set capture the feeling of getting lost in the labyrinth, while Bowie fans will appreciate the nods to the classic film.

Celebrating the Winners: Pinball’s Elite

Congrats to Walt Wood for taking home the first-place finish! Walt, who hails from Englewood, CO, showed why they’re ranked 1st in the state, fending off fierce competition throughout the night. With 323 IFPA events under their belt, Walt’s experience really shone through in those crucial knockout rounds.

In second place, we had Ryan Altermatt, another top-tier player. Ryan might be state-ranked 2nd, but they gave Walt a run for their money, proving why they’re climbing the ranks with every tournament.

Rounding out the top three was Warren Brown from Arvada, CO. Despite being ranked 59th in the state, Warren punched well above his weight, showing off some serious skills and determination. It’s exciting to see a player like him rise to the challenge in such a tough field.

And finally, Jason Lechuga secured 4th place. Jason’s ranked 40th in Colorado, but this finish proves he’s got what it takes to make waves in future tournaments.

Colorado IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings:

Closing Thoughts: Pinball, Community, and Competition

What a tournament! Congratulations again to Walt Wood for claiming the top spot and to all the competitors for bringing their A-game to the 1up LoDo September Monthly. The 1up LoDo continues to be a stellar location for both seasoned pinball pros and newcomers alike. If you’ve never been, it’s well worth a visit for a night of classic arcade action, great drinks, and, of course, top-tier pinball.

Follow along for more pinball news, tournament highlights, and insights from past events! See you at the next one.