Pinball Battles Heat Up at 1up Greenwood

It may have been 18°F outside, but inside 1up Greenwood, the pinball competition was intense. Players packed in for a grueling 13-round knockout format, where each competitor had to fight through three strikes before elimination. The 49-player lineup made for a long night of battles, stretching nearly 11 hours, testing both skill and stamina. When the last ball drained, one champion stood tall—more on that later.

Where the Arcade Magic Happens – 1up Greenwood

1up Greenwood isn’t just another arcade bar—it’s a retro gaming paradise packed with classic arcade cabinets, skee-ball, racing games, and a stacked pinball lineup. The ’80s and ’90s aesthetic is strong here, but it’s not just about nostalgia. The staff is friendly, the drinks flow strong, and even the food holds its own, with standouts like crispy fries and a donut burger that’s both absurd and delicious. For pinball players, the draw is the impressive variety of machines, spanning everything from modern LCD-heavy titles to fast, brutal classics. Whether you’re a casual player or a serious competitor, 1up Greenwood delivers.

Flipping Through Springfield – The Simpsons Pinball Party Showdown

One of the tournament’s most intense battles went down in Round 7 on The Simpsons Pinball Party (Stern, 2003), a game known for its deep rule set and non-stop chaos. Players must complete TV modes, hit itchy-and-scratchy multiball, and stack their way toward the massive Springfield Mystery Spot wizard mode—all while dealing with some of the toughest shot angles in pinball.

Johnny Nowell, ranked 51st in Tennessee, played like Homer on an all-donut diet—completely unstoppable. He stacked multiballs efficiently, locked in Super Jackpot shots, and navigated the upper mini-playfield with ease. Scott Brown, ranked 76th in Colorado, fought hard, making good use of Comic Book Guy’s hurry-ups and ramp loops, but Johnny’s ability to keep control in multiball gave him the edge. The match showed why The Simpsons Pinball Party remains one of the most demanding yet rewarding games out there—it’s easy to flip away without a plan, but those who master its stacked features dominate the scoreboard.

Pinball Machines That Stole the Show

With 24 different pinball machines, this tournament lineup had something for every type of player, from flow-heavy rock themes to brutal classics. Here are the standouts:

• Pulp Fiction (Chicago Gaming, 2023) – Designed to feel like a ’70s-era Bally classic, this game is all about control and precision. With a single-level playfield, brutal stand-up targets, and a no-holds-barred multiball, it’s a love letter to old-school pinball, but with Tarantino flair. Players who could nail the drop targets and time their shots fared better here.
• Elton John (Jersey Jack, 2023) – A glamorous, high-energy pinball concert with some of the most vibrant lighting effects ever seen in a machine. The two-stage rocket kicker, upper playfield, and multiball stacking made this a game where rhythm was key—much like Sir Elton himself. Players who knew when to hit the loop for a light show extravaganza had a clear advantage.
• Fish Tales (Williams, 1992) – A fast, unforgiving classic where the key to high scores is looping the boat ramps and nailing the Monster Fish jackpot. The quirky topper with the fishing rod and talking fish adds to its charm, but the short flippers and tight shots meant players needed precise flipper control to stay in the game.
• Monster Bash (Chicago Gaming Remake, 2018) – A monster-themed masterpiece where you assemble Dracula, Frankenstein, and the gang for a rock concert. This game rewards strategy—you can collect each monster one at a time or stack them for insane scoring potential. The tournament saw several players build their way up to Monster Rock mode, where all features go wild.
• John Wick (Stern, 2024, Pro Model) – The newest game in the lineup, John Wick plays as fast and deadly as the assassin himself. The long ramps and orbit shots keep the ball moving, while the weapon selection modes force players to adjust strategies on the fly. A few competitors used the skillful looping shots to lock in high scores—definitely a game that will test reflexes.
• Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Stern, 2018, LE) – One of the most flow-heavy games in pinball, this machine rewards deadly accuracy with ramp-to-ramp combos and precision loop shots. The Eddie battle modes kept players engaged, with some of the longest turns happening here as competitors crushed loop jackpots and stacked Cyborg Multiball.

The Best of the Best – Tournament Champions

After 13 grueling rounds, the final four emerged victorious:

🏆 Nate Johnson (Denver) – State Rank: 10th, IFPA Rank: 2360
Nate’s experience in 109 IFPA events showed—his controlled playstyle and solid multiball strategy kept him ahead in the late rounds. With this win, he continues climbing Colorado’s highly competitive rankings.

🥈 Ryan Altermatt – State Rank: 4th, IFPA Rank: 552
A veteran with 317 IFPA events, Ryan was a force throughout the tournament. His consistency across multiple machines proves why he’s one of Colorado’s top-tier players.

🥉 Mike Ulreich – State Rank: 12th, IFPA Rank: 5694
With only 70 IFPA events, Mike’s strong finish is a sign of bigger things to come. Holding his own against more seasoned competitors made this third-place finish well-earned.

🏅 Mike Paproski – State Rank: 26th, IFPA Rank: 2168
Mike’s aggressive playstyle paid off, landing him in the final four. With 148 events under his belt, his ability to adapt to different machines kept him in the fight.

Colorado’s IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Closing Thoughts from Greenwood

Another epic tournament at 1up Greenwood, where Deanna Scalf put together a killer event that tested the best pinball players in Colorado. Whether you’re chasing WPPR points or just looking for a great night of flipping, this location delivers.

If you missed this one, don’t worry—there’s always another tournament around the corner. Until then, keep your multiballs stacked, your tilt warnings in check, and your flipper skills sharp!