What do you get when you combine Denver Broncos playoff excitement with the thrilling world of competitive pinball? The 1up Lodo “Broncos Going to Playoffs!” pinball tournament, of course! Just like the Broncos fought their way to the NFL playoffs, pinball wizards battled it out in an intense Group Knockout format. Over eight nail-biting rounds, players avoided strikes like Russell Wilson dodging a sack, hoping to come out on top. With Deanna Scalf at the helm, the tournament was as smooth as a perfectly executed touchdown pass.
Colorado’s Secret Pinball Stadium
Here’s where things get tricky: this pinball showdown was held… somewhere in Colorado. Yep, the exact location remains undisclosed, making my job as a pinball reporter as challenging as deciphering a Broncos offensive playbook. Was it in a hidden man-cave decked out in orange and blue? A secret bunker for diehard fans? Who knows! Let’s just agree that wherever it was, the spirit of both pinball and football were alive and kicking.
Monster Matchup on Godzilla
In the spirit of the Broncos’ relentless defense, Round 1 brought a legendary clash on Stern’s Godzilla (Premium), a game that embodies chaos, destruction, and high-octane action. Randy Pierce, channeling his inner kaiju, stormed through the match with combos and multiball plays that rivaled the Broncos’ best red zone drives. Tim Bruner held on for second place, playing like a veteran QB reading the defense, while Jeremy Moskowitz and David Witucki were left fighting the gravity of Godzilla’s wrath. Just like a close NFL playoff game, every shot mattered, and Randy’s precision sealed the deal.
The Playbook: Pinball Machines in the Lineup
Just like an NFL roster is packed with stars, this tournament featured a stacked lineup of pinball machines, each with its own personality and play style. Here’s a breakdown of five standouts that took center stage:
Jurassic Park (Pro) by Stern (2019)
Designed by Keith Elwin, one of pinball’s greatest modern minds, Jurassic Park is a perfect blend of fast-flowing gameplay and thematic immersion. This machine puts players right in the middle of Isla Nublar, where they must rescue staff, capture dinosaurs, and escape before becoming dino chow themselves. The T-Rex toy steals the show, and the chaotic multiball moments make it a thrill ride. Stern’s decision to lean on the adventure rather than the movies was a brilliant move, creating a unique experience for players and cementing its status as a modern classic.
X-Men by Stern (2012)
While it may not be as famous as some other Stern machines, X-Men has a loyal fanbase thanks to its deep ruleset and comic book-inspired design. Created by John Borg, the game features incredible artwork by Kevin O’Connor, with vibrant colors that pop on the playfield. Magneto’s magnetic ball lock adds a fun, unpredictable twist, while character modes like Wolverine and Storm challenge players to complete objectives tied to their mutant abilities. It’s a must-play for fans of both pinball and the Marvel universe.
John Wick (Pro) by Stern (2024)
The newest machine in the lineup, John Wick is Stern’s homage to the master assassin himself. Designed by Brian Eddy, this game keeps the adrenaline pumping with a bounty-hunting system that rewards precision shooting and strategy. The sleek, minimalist art style reflects the movie franchise’s tone, and the sound design, complete with Keanu Reeves’ iconic callouts, pulls players into the gritty, high-stakes world of John Wick. With its fast, satisfying shots and intense multiball modes, this game is quickly becoming a tournament favorite. Stern continues to set the bar high for integrating cinematic themes into pinball.
The Addams Family by Bally (1992)
A true legend in the pinball world, The Addams Family holds the title as the best-selling pinball machine of all time, with over 20,000 units produced. Designed by Pat Lawlor, the machine captures the quirky charm of the 1991 movie while introducing groundbreaking features like the “Thing” hand toy, which grabs and hides the ball, and the “Electric Chair” multiball start. The machine’s timeless appeal and intuitive layout make it a go-to game for both casual players and seasoned competitors. It’s not just a pinball machine—it’s a piece of history.
Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern (2019)
Another Brian Eddy creation, Stranger Things invites players to face the supernatural forces of the Upside Down while working through character modes inspired by the Netflix series. The projector system, which transforms the playfield with scenes from the show, is a standout feature that immerses players in Hawkins, Indiana. The Demogorgon bash toy adds a layer of fun and frustration, as players need to nail precise shots to defeat it. Fans of the show and pinball alike love how this game brings the eerie and thrilling world of Stranger Things to life.
Broncos Energy Fuels the Champions
As the night wore on, the final match came down to a showdown on John Wick (Pro). Much like a quarterback scanning the field, Nathan Haas showed patience and precision, completing bounty modes to claim victory. His experience across 477 IFPA events proved to be the edge he needed to dominate this tournament.
Jeremy Moskowitz, the underdog of the night, channeled his inner playoff fight and secured second place with strategic play. Deanna Scalf, who doubled as tournament organizer, displayed poise under pressure, claiming third place. David Witucki rounded out the top four with a solid showing, demonstrating the consistency of a seasoned competitor.
- Nathan Haas (IFPA rank 1831)
- Jeremy Moskowitz (IFPA rank 9068)
- Deanna Scalf (IFPA rank 3466)
- David Witucki (IFPA rank 1875)
Looking Ahead to More Pinball and Playoff Action
Much like the Broncos’ journey to the NFL playoffs, this tournament was a celebration of passion, strategy, and the joy of competition. Huge thanks to Deanna Scalf for organizing such a thrilling event and bringing together players who clearly brought their A-game. And congratulations to Nathan Haas, whose sharp shooting on John Wick secured a well-deserved victory.
As Denver gears up for playoff football, pinball fans can look forward to more tournaments, stories, and thrilling moments. Until next time, may your shots be accurate, your jackpots big, and your games as exciting as the Broncos’ playoff run!
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