Pinball Jones Delivers Another Epic Knockout Tournament

On February 2, 2025, the PBJ Monthly tournament brought 23 players to Pinball Jones in Fort Collins for an intense Group Knockout showdown. The format was straightforward but ruthless—players racked up strikes by finishing at the bottom of their group, and three strikes meant game over. The competition stretched for about five and a half hours, with each round tightening the noose on the remaining contenders. The weather outside was cool and overcast, but inside, things were heating up fast.

The Underground Arcade That Keeps the Flippers Moving

Pinball Jones is one of those spots that every pinball player should visit at least once. Tucked underground in Old Town Fort Collins, it’s a cozy, neon-lit retreat filled with some of the best-maintained machines in the region. Regulars know it as the place to be on Mondays for unlimited play, but even on tournament nights, there’s an undeniable buzz. The variety of games is top-notch, from old-school classics to brand-new releases, all set up to challenge players with precise shots and tricky tilts. Whether you’re in it for the competition or just the atmosphere, Pinball Jones delivers.

Bond, Pinball Bond: The Round That Had Everyone Watching

Round 5 delivered a highlight match on James Bond 007 (Premium/LE) by Stern, a machine that requires players to channel their inner secret agent to rack up points through various Villain Modes. The game saw a strong showing from Nolan Fellows, who maneuvered through “The Incredible Laser Ray” mode like a seasoned spy, keeping his shots dialed in for major point gains. Austin Quinty followed close behind, using his experience in high-level competition to keep the pressure on. Aidan Lancaster found themselves battling the layout but still managed a respectable score, while Elliott Layne had a rough go of it, struggling to get a multiball going in time to turn the tide. With its deep rule set, the Bond machine tested players’ ability to balance mode progressions, shot accuracy, and multiball strategy—a true proving ground for competitors.

The Machines That Stole the Spotlight

With 37 machines in play, players had plenty of opportunities to test their skills across different eras of pinball history. Some standouts included:

• Pulp Fiction (Chicago Gaming, 2023) – A fresh take on old-school pinball, this game embraces a single-level playfield reminiscent of 80s Bally classics. The inline drop targets, brutal stand-ups, and fast-paced action meant that only the most precise players could keep control. The unique art and callouts bring the spirit of Tarantino’s film to life.
• Banzai Run (Williams, 1988) – A true oddball, this game’s vertical playfield is always a crowd-pleaser. Players had to master the lower playfield before sending the ball up to the vertical track, where flipper control became an entirely new challenge. The added complexity made this a highlight for seasoned players.
• Deadpool (Pro) (Stern, 2018) – Fast and funny, this one forces players to keep their reflexes sharp while enjoying some of the best humor in modern pinball. The katana ramp, multiple multiball opportunities, and chimichanga truck targets provided players with numerous scoring paths.
• Lord of the Rings (Stern, 2003) – A long-playing, deep-ruleset machine that can make or break a tournament run. With three major multiballs—Fellowship, Two Towers, and Return of the King—players had to strategize how to stack modes and maximize their scoring potential. The Path of the Dead also presented a high-risk, high-reward strategy.
• Earthshaker (Williams, 1989) – The classic that literally shakes things up with its earthquake feature, making for a chaotic but rewarding challenge. Players who could hit the jackpot on the fault line stood a chance at putting up monster scores.
• Medieval Madness (Williams, 1997) – A legendary game that still holds up decades later, offering perfect shot flow and some of the best callouts in pinball history. The castle destruction feature kept players engaged, while the multiball strategies allowed for huge point swings in competitive play.
• Foo Fighters (Pro) (Stern, 2023) – Fast, flowy, and packed with energy, this one always brings out the competitive fire in players. The upper playfield on higher-end models is a major factor in scoring, but even the Pro edition keeps players on their toes with fast ramps and a killer soundtrack.
• The Uncanny X-Men (Pro) (Stern, 2024) – A newer addition to the pinball scene, this game lets players battle through X-Men storylines with high-speed ramps and satisfying combos. Each hero has their own unique mode, giving players a variety of strategies to approach high-scoring opportunities.
• Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium/LE) (Stern, 2019) – A spooky yet hilarious adventure, where players navigate the haunted house of the one and only Mistress of the Dark. The interactive crypt and unique multiball stacking strategies made this game a favorite for those looking for a balanced mix of humor and challenge.

The Final Four: Who Rose to the Challenge?

After eleven rounds of intense battles, four players emerged at the top:

• Elliott Layne claimed first place, proving that persistence and adaptability can pay off, even when the odds aren’t in your favor.
• Adam Ryther fought his way into second, making a strong statement with his deep tournament run.
• Austin Quinty rounded out the podium in third, continuing to showcase the skills that have made him one of the top competitors in the state.
• Dave Mercer took fourth, adding another solid finish to an already impressive tournament record.

Colorado’s Pinball Power Rankings

Here’s where things stand in the state rankings after this event:

One Knockout Night to Remember

The PBJ Monthly Feb ’25 tournament was a thrilling showcase of skill, strategy, and endurance, with intense battles and unforgettable moments on the flippers. Huge congratulations to Elliott Layne for taking home the win, and kudos to all the competitors for keeping the action exciting. A big shoutout to Pinball Jones for once again proving why it’s one of the best pinball destinations in Colorado. If you haven’t been, consider this your sign to make the trip—you won’t regret it. Stay tuned for more tournament coverage, pinball news, and all things silver ball!