PBJ League Heats Up as Players Battle for Pinball Supremacy

On the chilly evening of January 29, 2025, as the mercury dipped to a brisk 32°F, 43 pinball enthusiasts converged at Pinball Jones in Fort Collins, Colorado, for the PBJ League Season 12 Week 2 tournament. The event kicked off at 7:00 PM and wrapped up in about three hours, filled with the clatter of flippers and the cheers of players.

Pinball Jones: Fort Collins’ Underground Gem

Pinball Jones, located at 107 Linden Street, is a favorite among local pinball players and visitors alike. This basement-level arcade has built a reputation for its packed free-play Mondays and well-maintained machines. The collection includes everything from classics to modern gems, and players rave about the challenging setups. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just stopping by to check a bucket-list game off your list, it’s a must-visit in the Fort Collins pinball scene. Visit their website for more info.

A Marathon on the James Bond 007 (Premium)

The longest battle of the night took place in Round 1 on Stern’s James Bond 007 (Premium), a machine that demands precision, patience, and perhaps a martini or two. Designed by George Gomez and released in September 2022, this game plunges players into the world of the legendary secret agent, complete with film clips, classic villains, and high-stakes missions.

This particular match lasted an unbelievable 140 minutes, testing the endurance of the four players. When the dust settled, Elliott Layne, ranked 1,449th by the IFPA, emerged victorious, proving that sometimes, slow and steady wins the spy game. Amanda Mageras, with an IFPA rank of 12,537, secured second place, while Fort Collins’ own Wes Alonzo (ranked 32,640th) landed third. Deepak Kumar, an unranked but tenacious competitor, rounded out the group.

Tournament Pins: The Machines That Stole the Show

The tournament lineup featured 38 machines, but a few stood out as highlights of the night:

• Jurassic Park (Pro) – Stern, July 2019 Designed by Keith Elwin, this modern classic immerses players in a chaotic dinosaur park rescue mission. The game features a kinetic T-Rex animatronic, interactive paddocks, and thrilling multi-ball sequences that keep players on edge. With deep rules and a challenging playfield layout, it rewards both quick reflexes and strategic play.
• Stranger Things (Pro) – Stern, December 2019 Designed by Brian Eddy, this machine pulls players into the eerie world of Hawkins, Indiana. The game’s main attraction is the Demogorgon bash toy, where players must shoot the creature’s mouth for big points. The UV lighting mode enhances the Upside Down experience, making it one of the most visually striking games in modern pinball.
• The Mandalorian (Pro) – Stern, May 2021 Also designed by Brian Eddy, this game follows Din Djarin’s adventures, featuring a rotating upper playfield representing Grogu’s hover pod. Custom callouts by Carl Weathers and a dynamic playfield design make this a must-play for Star Wars fans.
• Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (CE) – Jersey Jack Pinball, April 2019 Designed by Pat Lawlor, this game is a visual and mechanical masterpiece. The playfield features colorful LED lighting, a rotating gobstopper target, and multiple multi-ball modes. Players must collect Golden Tickets to advance towards an epic Wizard Mode, making it one of the most immersive games in recent years.
• Medieval Madness – Williams, June 1997 A legendary title by Brian Eddy, this game is known for its interactive castle destruction toy, witty callouts, and smooth gameplay. Players must storm the castle, defeat the king’s minions, and light up multiple ramps to achieve the ultimate showdown.
• The Getaway: High Speed II – Williams, February 1992 A high-octane sequel to Steve Ritchie’s original High Speed, this machine features a shifter gear for skill shots and a looping supercharger ramp that adds incredible speed to gameplay. The classic ZZ Top soundtrack fuels the adrenaline-pumping action.
• Scooby-Doo (CE) – Spooky Pinball, February 2023 Designed to capture the essence of the Mystery Inc. gang, this machine has an eerie, colorful playfield with interactive mystery-solving features. Players take on the role of the gang, unmasking villains and uncovering clues while aiming for high scores.
• Jim Henson’s Labyrinth – Barrels of Fun, October 2023 A mesmerizing entry into pinball, this game brings David Bowie’s classic film to life with stunning artwork, multi-level playfields, and challenging orbits. The unique mission-based rule set keeps players engaged in a fantastical adventure through the Goblin King’s realm.

Climbing the Ranks: Tournament Standouts

The battle for the top spot was fierce, with these four players rising above the rest of the 43-player field:

1. Will Schlatmann – Took first place with an IFPA rank of 3,041, showing that persistence in 52 events pays off.
2. Elliott Layne – Fresh off a marathon game, Elliott secured second place, adding to his impressive tally of 142 events.
3. Tai Tran – Ranked 81st in the state and 2,294th in the world, Tai’s experience in 120 events propelled him to third.
4. Devin Halsey – A Cincinnati player with 98 events under his belt, Devin locked in fourth place with an IFPA rank of 1,629.

Colorado’s Pinball Elite: Top 10 Standings

Closing Thoughts

The PBJ League Season 12 Week 2 tournament was another exciting chapter in Colorado’s thriving pinball scene. Congratulations to Will Schlatmann for securing first place in a night filled with intense competition and thrilling gameplay!

With its unbeatable lineup of machines and a passionate pinball community, Pinball Jones remains a cornerstone of Fort Collins’ arcade culture. As the season progresses, we look forward to even more high-stakes action, surprise upsets, and unforgettable moments.

Stay tuned for more tournament recaps, player highlights, and all things pinball. Until next time, keep those flippers hot and the tilt warnings low!