From Willy Wonka to the Winner’s Circle: Highlights from the 1up Colfax Women’s League

Pinball fans gathered on the evening of January 14, 2025, at The 1Up Arcade Bar on Colfax in Denver for the 1up Colfax Women’s League – Winter 2025 #2 event. With 20 players and a challenging format featuring two rounds of three games, it was a night of intense competition. The event ran for 9 hours and 23 minutes, and though the weather was a chilly 37°F with clear skies, the atmosphere inside was all about heated matches and high scores.

The 1Up Arcade Bar – Colfax: A Pinball Playground

Located at 717 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO, The 1Up Arcade Bar is a must-visit for pinball enthusiasts and casual gamers alike. Known for its combination of old-school nostalgia and modern fun, this arcade bar offers a variety of pinball machines, from the classics to the latest releases. Patrons rave about its vibrant atmosphere, with one reviewer sharing that it’s “the ultimate playground for adults,” where they found themselves diving into game after game. The bar serves up both great drinks and an ever-growing roster of games, making it the perfect spot to grab a cold one and spend hours getting lost in the action. Whether you’re reliving your childhood memories or making new ones, The 1Up Arcade Bar truly offers a unique experience.

Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory: A Sweet Showdown

One of the most memorable moments of the 1up Colfax Women’s League tournament came during Round 2, as players faced off on Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory by Jersey Jack Pinball. This machine, released in April 2019, takes players on a whimsical journey through the world of Roald Dahl’s beloved tale. With its striking visuals, from the colorful candy-filled world of Willy Wonka’s factory to the immersive soundtrack, the game perfectly captures the charm of the original story while offering plenty of excitement on the playfield.

The long-lasting match, which stretched an impressive 65 minutes, mirrored the adventurous and unpredictable nature of the factory itself. Players had to navigate through various chocolate rivers, oompa loompas, and golden ticket bonuses—each step requiring sharp precision and focus. Elyza Brillantes, from Denver, proved to be the most resilient player, handling the prolonged game time with grace and determination. She skillfully worked her way through the game’s multiple features, managing the multiballs and making the most of the game’s “Willy Wonka” and “Charlie Bucket” jackpots. As the minutes ticked on, it became clear that only the most patient and precise player could make it to the final candy-coated victory.

The game’s design, featuring artwork by Jean-Paul de Win and animations by the team at Jersey Jack, brings this classic children’s story to life in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The game’s lighting and sound effects create an atmosphere that feels magical, yet intense as players rack up points, fighting for supremacy in a factory of pure imagination. With a deep rule set and a range of modes that build on each other, this game can either lure you in with its sweetness or test your skills with its challenging layouts and advanced strategies. It’s no wonder that it held the stage as the longest game of the night.

In the end, Elyza’s calm under pressure and strategic approach to the game earned her a well-deserved victory, as she made her way through the candy-coated chaos to take the win in this extraordinary round.

Pinball Machines That Sparked the Competition

The 1up Colfax Women’s League – Winter 2025 #2 tournament featured a lineup of 25 machines that offered a variety of challenges for players. From classic themes to brand-new releases, the machines kept the competition fresh and exciting. Here are some of the standout titles that kept everyone on their toes:

• Attack From Mars (Remake LE) by Chicago Gaming (July 2017)
  A fan-favorite remake, Attack From Mars brings the chaos of Martian invaders back to life with modern technology. This machine features updated gameplay with faster shots and brighter LEDs, but it still keeps the spirit of the original, thanks to designer Brian Eddy. The game is packed with fun modes, including the “Martian Multiball” and “Close Encounter” features, which add intensity to every shot. The exaggerated, over-the-top humor and the game’s simplicity in design make it a great choice for both casual players and competitive ones. Whether you’re trying to shoot the flying saucer or battling the Martian menace, this game never fails to deliver.
• Foo Fighters (Pro) by Stern (March 2023)
  Released in early 2023, Foo Fighters brings the high-energy vibe of the iconic rock band to the pinball world. Designed by Lyman Sheats and Elwin, the game features a killer soundtrack with classics like “Everlong” and “Best of You”—a perfect match for fans of both pinball and rock music. The playfield is packed with action, with several ramps and a dynamic “Foo Fighter” target system that can trigger multiballs and high-scoring modes. The “All My Life” mode, for example, locks in balls for extra points, and the “The Pretender” feature challenges players to hit multiple targets in a short time. With its fast-paced gameplay and aggressive shots, Foo Fighters is definitely one of the most exciting and rewarding games in recent pinball history.
• Jim Henson’s Labyrinth by Barrels of Fun (October 2023)
  A newer addition to the world of pinball, Labyrinth is a visually stunning machine based on the 1986 fantasy film featuring David Bowie. The game boasts exceptional artwork by Gus MacDonald and Greg Freres, as well as intricate animations that transport players into the magical, yet mysterious world of the Labyrinth. The game features a “Crystal Ball Multiball” mode and a challenging labyrinth layout where players must navigate through twisting paths and obstacles. One of the most unique features of the machine is its “Goblin King” mini-playfield, which offers a separate set of challenges. With multiple ramps and hidden features, this game provides both deep strategy and moments of unexpected delight.
• Venom (Premium/LE) by Stern (July 2023)
  Based on the popular Marvel character, Venom is an action-packed machine that packs a punch. The game’s standout feature is the Venom ramp, which offers a thrilling high-speed shot that loops around the playfield. Designed by George Gomez, the layout includes challenging shots and a dynamic “Symbiote Multiball” mode that triggers when certain targets are hit. The game’s unique playfield includes the “Venom Spinner” and an interactive Venom head, which adds an extra level of excitement. The lighting and sound effects, combined with the intense speed of the game, make it one of the most visually and thematically striking machines available today.
• Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern (November 2017)
  Based on the Marvel film series, Guardians of the Galaxy brings the same mix of humor, action, and sci-fi adventure to the pinball machine. Designed by Steve Ritchie, the playfield includes a fun layout with ramps, a dynamic ball lock system, and a “Ravager Multiball” mode that rewards players with big scores for hitting specific targets. One of the most memorable features is the “Groot Mode”, which activates when players hit Groot’s target and sends the ball into his mouth for a special multiball sequence. The interactive Groot head in the center of the playfield is a crowd favorite, and the game’s soundtrack—including tracks from the movie’s iconic soundtrack—sets the perfect mood for space-faring adventures.
• Godzilla (Premium/LE) by Stern (September 2021)
  Another title by George Gomez, Godzilla is a game that perfectly balances strategy and speed. The playfield features multiple ramps, targets, and an interactive Godzilla toy, which players must destroy in order to unlock big points. The game is packed with challenging modes, including the “King of the Monsters Multiball”, where players battle Godzilla and other kaiju for massive rewards. The game’s art, lighting, and sound effects capture the epic scale of the Godzilla franchise, making it one of the most immersive pinball experiences available.

Each of these machines added their own flair to the tournament, providing both intense competition and fun opportunities to show off skill and strategy. Whether you were aiming for high scores or just soaking in the unique features of each game, there was never a dull moment on the tournament floor.

Tournament Winners: A Triumph of Skill

The competition in the 1up Colfax Women’s League – Winter 2025 #2 was fierce, but a few players truly stood out with their exceptional skill and steady composure under pressure. Here’s a look at how the top finishers performed:

• 1st – Elyza Brillantes (Denver, CO)
  Elyza, ranked 52nd in the state, was a powerhouse throughout the night, showcasing a deep understanding of the machines and a cool head during the most intense moments. Her play on Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, in particular, was a masterclass in patience and precision, as she navigated through multiballs and tricky shots to claim victory in one of the longest games of the night. With 104 IFPA events under her belt, Elyza’s experience really shone through as she kept her focus when the pressure was on, securing her spot at the top of the leaderboard.
• 2nd – Leigh Kiser
  Leigh’s performance in the tournament was nothing short of impressive. Ranked 6871 in the IFPA, she displayed remarkable consistency across the rounds, staying in the mix for the top spots throughout the night. While she didn’t clinch the win, her solid decision-making and ability to adapt to different game layouts kept her ahead of many other skilled competitors. Leigh’s calm demeanor and steady play allowed her to edge out some of the more experienced players, earning her a well-deserved second place finish.
• 3rd – Summer Puente (Boulder, CO)
  Summer, who’s ranked 8th in the state, showed why she’s one of Colorado’s top players. With nearly 200 IFPA events to her name, Summer brought a wealth of experience to the tournament floor. Her pinpoint accuracy and aggressive playstyle made her a formidable contender, and she was consistently in the mix for the win. While she fell short of taking the top spot, Summer’s competitive spirit never wavered, and her ability to perform under pressure allowed her to secure third place. With such a strong finish, Summer continues to prove she’s a force to be reckoned with in the state rankings.
• 4th – Yulie Grubbs (Unranked)
  While Yulie might not have a state ranking yet, her performance at the tournament showed she has the potential to make a big splash in the pinball scene. Despite being unranked, Yulie held her own against some of the best players in Colorado, showing flashes of brilliance with several high-scoring games. Though she ultimately finished in fourth, Yulie’s performance hinted at great things to come, and it will be exciting to see how she progresses in future tournaments.

Colorado IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Closing Thoughts

The 1up Colfax Women’s League – Winter 2025 #2 tournament was a thrilling display of pinball prowess, where every shot and every strategy counted. A big thank you goes to Deanna Scalf for making this event a success and to The 1Up Arcade Bar for hosting us in such a lively and welcoming environment. Congratulations again to Elyza Brillantes for her impressive victory, and cheers to all the players who showed up to compete. Until the next tournament, keep flipping and stay tuned for more updates from the world of pinball!