Pinball, Endurance, and a Monster-Sized Match—PBJ League at Pinball Jones

Another Monday night, another fierce battle for pinball glory at Pinball Jones. The PBJ League rolled into its fourth week of Season 12, with 35 players ready to tackle a grueling round of five games each. If you were anywhere near 107 Linden Street in Fort Collins on February 12, you might have heard the unmistakable sound of flippers firing, bonus countdowns buzzing, and the occasional groan of a player watching their ball head straight down the middle.

With an impressive lineup of 38 machines, competition was fierce, strategies were tested, and at least one game lasted long enough to qualify as a feature-length film. Let’s dive into the highlights, including the machines that challenged players, the marathon match on Godzilla (Pro), and the players who fought their way to the top.

Pinball Jones: Where the Flippers Never Rest

Pinball Jones isn’t just another arcade—it’s a Fort Collins institution. Tucked away on Linden Street, this spot has been drawing pinball players for years with its well-maintained machines, competitive league nights, and the kind of energy that only a room full of clanking metal balls and flashing lights can create.

Monday nights are particularly popular thanks to the $5 free play deal, which means you’re just as likely to find seasoned tournament players dialing in their skills as you are a group of kids celebrating a birthday by discovering the magic of pinball for the first time. And when the cold Colorado air makes outdoor plans less appealing, this place fills up fast. For Week 4 of the PBJ League, that meant a packed house, a stacked lineup of 38 machines, and plenty of fierce competition.

A Monster of a Match: The Godzilla Marathon

If there’s one machine designed to test endurance, patience, and the ability to keep flippers alive for what feels like an eternity, it’s Godzilla (Pro) by Stern. And in Round 1 of the tournament, it lived up to its reputation with an epic 142-minute game—long enough for a feature-length kaiju film and maybe even a sequel.

Released in September 2021, Godzilla (Pro) is a Keith Elwin-designed masterpiece that quickly became a tournament favorite. The game plunges players into the chaotic world of Toho’s monster universe, where they must battle kaiju, conquer cities, and rack up points through a brilliantly designed playfield that feels endlessly rewarding.

What Makes Godzilla (Pro) So Good?

• Magna Grab & Newton Ball Action – One of the game’s most unique features is the Magna Grab, a magnetic newton ball that can snatch incoming shots from five different angles and redirect them into other playfield elements. It creates unpredictable moments that keep even experienced players on edge.
• Heat Ray and Bridge Attack Multiball – The playfield is built around an interactive collapsing bridge and a skyscraper that physically moves, making multiball sequences feel epic. Players can strategically attack the bridge, triggering dramatic collapses and opening up massive scoring opportunities.
• Kaiju Battles & City Destruction – The game features six different cities to conquer, each with its own strategic advantage. Players select their path, taking on classic foes like King Ghidorah, Mechagodzilla, and Gigan, each offering different modes and rewards.
• Flow & Shot Geometry – As with all Keith Elwin designs, the flow on Godzilla is top-tier, with multiple smooth ramps, inner loops, and a left-side scoop that keeps the action fast-paced. The combination of speed and control makes it a dream game for competitive players.

The Players Who Took on the Beast

For 142 minutes, four players battled it out on the monster-sized playfield, but in the end, Tai Tran emerged victorious. Ranked 35th in Colorado and 2313th in IFPA, Tai played an incredibly controlled game, making the most of Godzilla’s deep ruleset. Jerry Valentine (103rd in the state) fought hard but had to settle for second, while Savannah Brown (143rd in Colorado) held her own for third. Jered Prostrollo rounded out the group, surviving a brutal challenge from one of pinball’s toughest machines.

Spotlight on the Machines: Icons of Pinball Excellence

The tournament featured an impressive array of pinball machines, each with its own storied history and distinctive gameplay elements. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout titles:

Godzilla (Pro) by Stern (September 2021)

Players are thrust into the chaos of a city under siege by the legendary kaiju, Godzilla. The machine features an innovative “Magna Grab” magnetic newton ball, capable of catching pinballs from five different shot paths, adding a unique twist to gameplay. The dynamic playfield and challenging modes make it a favorite among enthusiasts.

Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure by Williams (January 1993)

Designed by Mark Ritchie, this widebody machine immerses players in the first three Indiana Jones films. Notable for being the first game to utilize Williams’ DCS Sound System, it features authentic sound clips and a musical score from the movies. A standout feature is the “Path of Adventure,” a tilting mini-playfield that challenges players to navigate perilous pathways, capturing the spirit of Indy’s daring escapades.

Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast by Stern (April 2018)

This machine takes players on a journey through the mythos of Iron Maiden’s iconic mascot, Eddie. Equipped with four flippers, multiple ramps, and a dynamic rule set, the game challenges players to defeat beasts and conquer realms, all set to a backdrop of the band’s classic tracks. The intricate playfield design and immersive theme make it a standout in any collection.

Earthshaker by Williams (February 1989)

A creation of designer Pat Lawlor, Earthshaker simulates the tremors of an earthquake. It was among the first machines to incorporate a shaker motor, causing the cabinet to vibrate in sync with on-screen seismic activity. Early production models featured a sinking “Earthquake Institute” building, adding a unique and interactive element to the gameplay.

The Uncanny X-Men (Premium/LE) by Stern (September 2024)

The latest addition to Stern’s lineup, this machine immerses players in the X-Men universe. With custom artwork and voiceovers, the game challenges players to harness mutant powers, navigate dynamic playfield features, and battle iconic villains. The machine’s design pays homage to the rich history of the X-Men franchise, offering both nostalgia and fresh excitement for players.

A Marathon on the Playfield: The Godzilla Showdown

The evening’s most intense battle unfolded on the Godzilla (Pro) machine, where players engaged in a marathon 142-minute game. The innovative “Magna Grab” feature kept competitors on their toes, as they navigated the chaos of a city under siege. In the end, Tai Tran emerged victorious, showcasing exceptional skill and endurance.

Celebrating the Champions

After a series of intense matches, the tournament concluded with the following top players:

1. David Klausa: Hailing from Fort Collins, David battled through the competitive field to claim the top spot.
2. Will Schlatmann: Demonstrating consistent skill, Will secured a well-earned second place.
3. MJ Smith: Another Fort Collins local, MJ’s strategic play earned him a spot in the top three.
4. Paul Kardell: Representing Pinball Jones, Paul’s familiarity with the machines contributed to his strong performance.

Colorado’s Pinball Elite

The tournament also highlighted the prowess of players in the broader Colorado pinball scene. Here’s a snapshot of the current top 10 standings:

A Night of Flipping Feats

The PBJ League’s Season 12 Week 4 tournament delivered everything you want in a great pinball showdown—intense competition, nail-biting moments, and at least one game that outlasted most feature films. With 35 players battling across 38 machines, it took skill, strategy, and maybe a little luck to rise to the top.

A huge shoutout to Pinball Jones for keeping the flippers flipping and the games in top shape, creating the perfect battleground for players to test their skills. And of course, congratulations to David Klausa for taking home the win after an impressive run through the field.

With the season heating up, expect even more high-scoring drama, unexpected upsets, and maybe another endurance match that requires snacks and hydration breaks. Stay tuned for more updates as the PBJ League rolls on!