Flipping Through the Cold: Locavore Beer Works January Tournament

The Locavore Beer Works January Pinball Tournament brought plenty of thrills to Littleton, CO, even as the snow gently blanketed the streets outside. With temperatures hovering at a brisk 16°F, this event warmed up the local pinball scene with a fast-paced format, a stellar lineup of machines, and some unforgettable moments. Forty-two players stepped up to the challenge, battling it out in four rounds before the top eight advanced to the finals for a shot at glory.

Locavore Beer Works: A Cozy Haven for Pinball and Pints

Nestled off South Platte Canyon Road, Locavore Beer Works serves as a perfect meeting ground for locals and pinball fans alike. Known for its craft brews and welcoming atmosphere, this brewery has become a favorite in the Denver metro area. Players enjoyed their Red Ales and Hazy IPAs alongside the smoky delights of Brad’s BBQ food truck, while the attentive bartenders like Chris ensured no glass stayed empty for long. It’s not just a brewery—it’s a local gem where camaraderie and great games collide.

Spotlight Match: Godzilla’s Monstrous 86-Minute Showdown

In the finals, the action hit legendary proportions on Godzilla (Premium) by Stern. This modern masterpiece from 2021 roared to life as Mark White, John Devore, Danny Casto, and Ross Unruh went head-to-head in an epic showdown. With battleships exploding and cities crumbling on the digital display, players navigated multiball madness and sought to unleash Godzilla’s fury. The game clocked an astounding 86 minutes—was it a technical hiccup or just pure skill on display? Either way, Mark White’s calculated shots eventually put him ahead, while the others scrambled to contain the chaos.

Tournament Guide: Machines That Stole the Show

The tournament featured an incredible lineup of 13 machines. Here are highlights from five standout games:

Batman 66 (Premium)
A tribute to Adam West’s caped crusader, this game immerses players in Gotham’s colorful villains with tight ramps, dynamic lighting, and creative video clips. Its interactive Batphone feature and rotating Batcave add an element of fun crime-fighting nostalgia.

Jim Henson’s Labyrinth
Barrels of Fun delivered magic with this whimsical new release from 2023. From goblins to glitter, the game’s standout feature is its twisting pathways and multiple playfields. Fans loved chasing after David Bowie’s Goblin King while trying to escape the maze!

Stranger Things (Pro)
The Upside Down feels a little less scary when you’re knocking down Demogorgons. The UV light show paired with fast-paced ramps keeps players on edge as they hunt for Eleven and her friends. The magnet-locked multiball was a favorite here.

The Mandalorian (Premium)
With its unique upper playfield shaped like the Razor Crest, players were transported to a galaxy far, far away. The Beskar collection and hunter-themed missions added complexity, while Grogu’s adorable appearances gave everyone a smile.

Pulp Fiction (SE)
This game hit players with a dose of Tarantino-style cool, including an old-school solid-state aesthetic and witty callouts. It’s all about flow and precision, with features like a “Big Kahuna” jackpot that gave players the ultimate adrenaline rush.

Champions Crowned: A Venomous Finale

The tournament finale on Venom (Premium) was a battle of nerves and skill, and in the end, John Devore emerged victorious. A regular on the Colorado pinball circuit, John brought his experience from countless IFPA events to the table, navigating Venom’s fast-flowing ramps and complex symbiote modes with confidence. His precise shot-making and cool demeanor made him unstoppable in the final moments.

Ross Unruh claimed second place with a performance that showcased their consistency throughout the tournament. Ross, known for their ability to adapt to any machine, put on an impressive display, keeping the pressure on John until the very last ball.

Mark White, who secured third place, had one of the tournament’s most memorable moments with his marathon 86-minute showdown on Godzilla. His endurance and skill during that game proved why he’s always a threat in competitive play.

In fourth, Danny Casto represented Littleton with a strong hometown showing. While newer to the competitive scene, Danny’s fearless approach and growing confidence were evident throughout the finals.

The rest of the top eight—Mike Ulreich, Erin Jacobsen, Jimmy Morgan, and Dan Ulrich—each delivered standout performances, demonstrating that the Colorado pinball community is brimming with talent.

The final match was a true nail-biter, and every player earned their spot with exceptional gameplay and determination. Congratulations to all!

Colorado IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

A Toast to Pinball

Hats off to Jason Smith for organizing such a fantastic event and to Locavore Beer Works for providing the perfect stage for this winter showdown. Congratulations to John Devore for taking home the gold with stellar gameplay and unwavering focus.

Stay tuned for more pinball action and updates as we dive into another exciting year of flipping, nudging, and high scores!