What’s up, pinballers? It was another fantastic day at 1UP Colfax this past Sunday, September 15th, where 13 players battled it out in a Group Knockout Tournament. With 9 rounds of fierce competition and a progressive strikes format, players had to be on their toes. The format kept things interesting—if you placed second in a four-player group, you’d get hit with one strike, but third and fourth? That’s two strikes each. And when you’re dealing with 9 strikes total, those can add up real quick. The tournament clocked in at just over 10 hours, and the action didn’t let up for a second.
1UP Arcade Bar – Colfax: A Perfect Spot for Pinball Fans
If you’ve never been to 1UP Arcade Bar on Colfax, you’re missing out. This place is a pinball lover’s dream, with rows of machines and a laid-back vibe that draws in locals and travelers alike. Located at 717 E Colfax Ave, Denver, it’s not just the pinball that gets people talking. The bartenders are top-notch, and there’s always a great selection of drinks to keep you refreshed between rounds. And let’s not forget the super clean, gender-neutral bathrooms—because who doesn’t appreciate a place that takes care of the details?
One of the best parts? The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, whether you’re there for a tournament or just catching up with a friend over a cold beer before diving into some retro classics. It’s the kind of place where time flies, and suddenly you’re elbow-deep in nostalgia and chasing high scores.
Epic Battle on Godzilla (Premium/LE): Round 7 Showdown
Round 7 delivered some serious thrills on Godzilla (Premium/LE) by Stern, released in September 2021. Known for its massive destruction sequences and chaos as the city crumbles, the match mirrored the game’s energy perfectly. Walt Wood, currently Colorado’s top-ranked player and holding an IFPA rank of 59, was like Godzilla himself, smashing through the competition to take 1st place in this round. Mat Brundage, ranked 14th in the state, put up a good fight, finishing second. Cindy Grote came in third, and Eric Bateman took 4th, making it a hard-fought round. Each player faced the wrath of Godzilla’s multiball modes and chaotic action, but Walt’s top-notch precision and experience ultimately claimed victory.
Machines That Stood Out
This tournament had an incredible lineup of machines, but a few really stood out. Venom (Premium/LE) by Stern, a 2023 release, was a crowd favorite with its intense playfield and deep ruleset. Players also loved Stranger Things (Premium/LE), which brings the supernatural adventures from Hawkins, Indiana, right into the arcade with exciting magnetic ball locks and Demogorgon battles.
Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory by Jersey Jack Pinball, with its magical factory and ever-expanding rules, provided a whimsical break from the more action-packed titles. Then there was Deadpool (Pro), always a blast with its mix of humor and slick shots, and Foo Fighters (Pro), which delivered fast, music-fueled fun. Another favorite was Jim Henson’s Labyrinth—released just this year by Barrels of Fun, it’s quickly becoming a hit for its gorgeous artwork and immersive gameplay. Not to be outdone, Pulp Fiction (SE), with its retro flair, and AC/DC (Premium) kept the energy high all day long.
A Big Shoutout to the Winners
Walt Wood absolutely crushed it, taking 1st place after a long day of skillful play. As Colorado’s top-ranked player, it’s no surprise to see Walt continue to dominate the scene. With 324 IFPA events under its belt, Walt is a pinball powerhouse.
Coming in 2nd was Chase Hart, ranked 4th in Colorado, who showed why he’s among the state’s best with consistent performances across the board. Mat Brundage secured 3rd place, climbing the ranks after holding steady in 14th statewide. And rounding out the top 4 was David Witucki, whose 27th rank in the state didn’t stop him from giving higher-ranked players a run for their money. Congrats to all the winners!
Colorado IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| 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 |
Wrapping It All Up
Overall, it was another fantastic tournament at 1UP Colfax, filled with exciting matches and high-level play. Newcomers to the tournament, including Adam Lerner and Jessie Wong, got their first taste of competitive pinball and held their own. A big thanks to Deanna Scalf for organizing this stellar event, and to 1UP Colfax for being the perfect spot for all the action.
Until next time, keep those flippers ready and your game sharp! More updates from the pinball world are coming your way—so stay tuned!