Flippers & Pints: Inside Locavore’s February Pinball Showdown

Pinball and craft beer—two of life’s finer things—collided in glorious fashion at the Locavore Beer Works February Pinball Tournament. With 39 players battling through four rounds of single-game matches, the top eight advanced to the finals for two rounds of three-game battles. The action was as crisp as the 31-degree weather outside, and after just under three hours, a champion was crowned.

A Brewery with a Side of Flippers

Locavore Beer Works, situated in Littleton, Colorado, isn’t just a great place to grab a pint—it’s a local favorite for good reason. Their beer selection gets high marks, with standouts like their Red Ale and Hazy IPA earning rave reviews. Patrons love the relaxed vibe, friendly staff, and the occasional delicious food truck parked outside. But what really caught our attention? The well-maintained pinball lineup, of course! One visitor even raved about their Rush machine, so you know they’re doing things right. Whether you’re a pinball wizard or just there for the beer, Locavore delivers a great experience.

The 79-Minute Pulp Fiction Showdown

The longest game of the tournament took place during the semifinals, where four competitors found themselves locked in an epic duel on Pulp Fiction (SE) by Chicago Gaming. This retro-style machine, released in March 2023, pays homage to early solid-state games with its minimalist layout but packs in modern features like an old-school alphanumeric display and lightning-fast shots.

Chris Langley, ranked 28th in the state, emerged victorious, using his control of the “Bad Mother Flipper” multiball to keep the ball in play when it mattered most. David Witucki (21st in CO) put up a solid fight, but despite his higher ranking, he had to settle for second. Rob Tompkins, from Golden, and Ross Unruh, who’s known for strong tournament performances, rounded out the final standings in third and fourth. Seventy-nine minutes is a long time to keep your cool—props to all of them for the endurance match of the night!

Machines That Lit Up the Tournament

Locavore Beer Works hosted 13 pinball machines for the tournament, and a few stood out in particular:

Batman 66 (Premium) – Stern, January 2016
A love letter to the 1966 Batman TV show, this game leans heavily into nostalgia with custom callouts from Adam West and Burt Ward. The game’s deep ruleset revolves around capturing villains like The Joker, The Penguin, and The Riddler, with a thrilling Villain Escape wizard mode for those who can take them all down. The rotating mini-playfield simulates classic Bat-gadgets, adding to the charm.

JAWS (Premium) – Stern, January 2024
Stern’s newest machine plunged players into the deep with its dynamic shark attack feature and unique harpoon ball lock. The tension builds as players activate “Bigger Boat Multiball,” where fast-paced shots determine survival. The upper playfield, themed after Quint’s boat, made for some high-stakes action in tournament play.

Jim Henson’s Labyrinth – Barrels of Fun, October 2023
A stunning debut from Barrels of Fun, Labyrinth captures the magic of the beloved 1986 film with beautiful hand-drawn artwork and unique, non-traditional flipper layouts. The “13 Hours to Save Toby” countdown feature creates a thrilling time-based challenge, while players navigate their way through the Goblin King’s maze. The intricate paths and challenging shots made it a strategic favorite.

Godzilla (Premium) – Stern, September 2021
The reigning king of modern pinball, Godzilla is a dream for flow-focused players. Designed by Keith Elwin, the game’s chaotic destruction jackpot, crumbling bridge, and magnetic chaos from the Mechagodzilla spinner make it an adrenaline rush. The deep code offers multiple city battles, keeping tournament players engaged round after round.

Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Premium) – Stern, March 2019
Bringing back one of pinball’s most iconic antagonists, this machine features a talking, taunting Black Knight who challenges players at every turn. With an upper playfield that rewards skillful nudging and a punishing rule set, it’s a high-risk, high-reward machine that separates casuals from the hardcore competitors.

A Well-Earned Victory

After all the dust settled, Jeremy Moskowitz claimed the tournament title! Ranked 11th in Colorado, he proved why he’s a regular force in the scene, besting Chris Langley, who came close but had to settle for second place. David Witucki’s extensive tournament experience (84 IFPA events) helped him secure third, while Tyler Lynch, ranked 47th in the state, showed impressive skill to land in fourth. Rounding out the top eight were Mike Cooley, Rob Tompkins, Mike Ulreich, and Ross Unruh—each putting on a show of skill and endurance.

Colorado’s Current Pinball Power Players

Here’s how the state’s top ten IFPA standings look:

Finish Up a Great Tournament

A huge shoutout to Jason Smith for organizing another successful event and to Locavore Beer Works for being a fantastic host. The mix of great beer and great pinball made for a memorable afternoon. Congratulations again to Jeremy Moskowitz on his big win—something tells me he won’t be stopping at just one victory this year.

Stay tuned for more pinball updates, and keep those flippers hot!