Pinball enthusiasts gathered at the 1Up Greenwood for an intense night of competition on September 22, 2024. The monthly knockout tournament, organized by Deanna Scalf, featured 38 players battling through 13 grueling rounds. With overcast clouds and a crisp 50°F evening, it was the perfect night for some indoor pinball action. The format was simple—each player received three strikes before being eliminated, and the tournament lasted for a whopping 10 and a half hours. By the end, only the best remained standing in what turned out to be a memorable showdown of skill and strategy.
1Up Greenwood – A Gamer’s Paradise
If you’re looking for a spot to immerse yourself in the world of arcade games and pinball, 1Up Arcade Bar in Greenwood Village is the place to be. Located at 6864 South Clinton Court in Englewood, CO, this location has quickly become a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re an ‘80s arcade fan or a modern pinball wizard, there’s something for everyone here. The rotating selection of games keeps things fresh, giving you a reason to come back and try your hand at new machines each time. The lively atmosphere, friendly staff, and an impressive drink menu make this spot ideal for everything from casual hangouts to serious competitions. It’s no wonder the place is often packed with gamers looking for that nostalgic vibe with a competitive edge.
Showdown on Jurassic Park
One of the standout moments of the tournament came during the 13th round when Walt Wood and Mark Abbott faced off on Jurassic Park (Premium/LE) by Stern. The stakes were high as both players battled their way through the game’s intense “Escape Nublar” mode, where the objective is to safely rescue staff from Isla Nublar while dodging rampaging dinosaurs. Walt, it’s no surprise, dominated the field with strategic precision, effortlessly completing challenging shots, while Mark held his own, fending off strikes with some impressive saves. Walt’s 1st-place state ranking showed why he’s the one to beat, while Mark, ranked 11th, demonstrated he’s more than capable of keeping up with the best. A truly thrilling match that had everyone on the edge of their seats!
Pinball Machines That Shined
The 1Up Greenwood tournament boasted 29 incredible machines, but a few truly stole the show. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro) by Stern, released in June 2020, is a fast-paced game featuring smooth ramps and a cooperative mode that lets players team up to fight off enemies, while Star Wars (Premium) transports players to a galaxy far, far away with its immersive multi-ball modes and iconic theme music. Monster Bash (Remake LE) had players battling classic Universal Monsters with beautifully detailed artwork and classic ‘90s charm, and Medieval Madness (Remake LE) saw players fending off trolls and destroying castles with satisfying shots. Jim Henson’s Labyrinth by Barrels of Fun was a recent addition to the lineup, released in October 2023, and its intricate maze design wowed everyone. Lastly, Fish Tales by Williams brought nostalgia and challenge, offering tricky ramps that even the most skilled players found challenging to master.
The Top Players Who Dominated
A massive congratulations to Walt Wood, who walked away with the first-place trophy. It’s no wonder Walt, with a state rank of 1st and an impressive 59th place in the national IFPA rankings, dominated the competition. With 324 tournaments under its belt, Walt’s experience shined through from the early rounds to the thrilling final game. Mark Abbott, ranked 11th in Colorado and 605th nationally, gave Walt a run for its money, finishing in a well-earned second place after 140 tournaments. Nate Johnson from Denver secured third place, showing incredible determination despite being ranked 31st in the state. Finally, Ryan Altermatt, Colorado’s 2nd-ranked player, rounded out the top four with his sharp skills and wealth of experience from over 300 tournaments.
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 | 170.31 |
| 5 | Ross Unruh | Littleton | 153.37 |
| 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 Up at 1Up Greenwood
After 13 rounds and 10 hours of non-stop pinball action, the 1Up Greenwood September Monthly tournament ended on a high note. A huge shout-out goes to Deanna Scalf for organizing such a well-run event, and to the 1Up Greenwood for providing the perfect backdrop for some thrilling pinball action. Once again, a big congratulations to Walt Wood for claiming the top spot and showing why it holds the crown in Colorado pinball. Stay tuned for more pinball tournament coverage and updates as we follow the action from around the country!