Rolling the Dice: 1up Greenwood’s D&D Pinball Launch Party

On February 23, 2025, the 1up Greenwood buzzed with excitement as 74 pinball enthusiasts gathered for the Dungeons & Dragons Launch Party—a Group Knockout Tournament that tested both skill and endurance. Over nearly 13 hours, players navigated 12 intense rounds, each vying to avoid the dreaded seven strikes that would end their quest for victory.

The 1up Arcade Bar: A Retro Wonderland

Located at 6864 South Clinton Court, Englewood, CO, 1up Greenwood is a dream destination for arcade and pinball fans alike. With an impressive lineup of classic arcade cabinets and pinball machines, it offers a nostalgic dive back into the golden era of gaming. The lively atmosphere, friendly staff, and creative drink selection make it a perfect spot for casual players and competitive gamers alike.

Beyond pinball, the venue has its quirks—like a claw machine where you can win a White Claw (yes, really). The graffiti-decorated bathrooms add a bit of rebellious charm, giving the whole place an old-school arcade vibe. It’s not just a great place for tournaments—it’s a must-visit for any pinball lover.

Visit 1up Greenwood’s website here.

When the Shark Bites: A Round 5 JAWS Showdown

In Round 5, the action got intense on JAWS (Premium/LE) by Stern, a machine that perfectly captures the suspense and terror of Spielberg’s legendary film. The game’s dynamic playfield, complete with shark attacks, sinking boats, and intense multiball action, kept players on their toes. Featuring a moving shark fin, a tilting fishing boat, and dramatic callouts straight from the movie, this machine brings the hunt for Bruce to life in pinball form.

Mark White proved to be the apex predator, avoiding the tilt waters and sinking high scores to secure first place. Jason Lechuga and Tim Hosbach weren’t far behind, battling for survival in a match that left no room for hesitation. Meanwhile, John Devore found himself on the wrong end of a feeding frenzy, but every player walked away with the thrill of the hunt still fresh in their minds.

A Few Standout Pinball Machines

With 25 machines in play, the lineup was stacked. Here’s a closer look at five titles that made an impact:

Attack From Mars (Remake LE) – Chicago Gaming (2017)

Originally released by Bally in 1995, this machine is all about defending Earth from a Martian invasion. The fast, flow-heavy gameplay is enhanced by a UFO that players must destroy, interactive pop bumpers, and a brilliant strobe multiball mode that creates one of the most visually striking moments in pinball history. The Remake LE version modernizes the experience with RGB lighting, enhanced sound, and improved display animations, ensuring that the chaotic charm of the original lives on.

Godzilla (Premium/LE) – Stern (2021)

Designed by Keith Elwin, Stern’s Godzilla (Premium/LE) has quickly become a modern classic, even earning the title of “greatest pinball machine of all time” in fan polls. The game’s deep rule set lets players control Godzilla as he fights off invading kaiju, topples bridges, and destroys buildings with the help of a magnetically controlled ball lock. The stunning Mechagodzilla battle and heat-ray spinner make every shot feel like a blockbuster moment.

The Addams Family – Bally (1992)

Holding the record for the best-selling pinball machine of all time, this game was designed by Pat Lawlor and based on the 1991 film. It introduced the world to “The Power”, a unique magnet under the playfield that unpredictably alters ball movement. The game is filled with iconic callouts from Raul Julia and Anjelica Huston, an interactive Thing hand that grabs the ball, and an incredibly fun “Seance” mode that lights up the entire playfield in a ghostly blue.

JAWS (Premium/LE) – Stern (2024)

One of Stern’s most anticipated releases, JAWS (Premium/LE) brings the legendary 1975 thriller to life. The moving shark fin, dramatic modes like “Prepare the Cage,” and a barrel multiball inspired by Quint’s famous shark-hunting technique make this machine an absolute beast. The LCD screen is packed with footage from the movie, ensuring that every game feels like a high-stakes adventure on the open sea.

Monster Bash (Remake LE) – Chicago Gaming (2018)

A true cult favorite, Monster Bash is a humorous and well-balanced game where players reunite the classic Universal Monsters to form a rock band. Featuring Frankenstein, Dracula, The Wolfman, and more, the machine is known for its bright artwork, incredible sound design, and engaging wizard mode where the monsters take the stage for one final jam session. The Remake LE version enhances the experience with improved LED lighting and high-resolution animations.

Tournament Champions: Slaying the Competition

With 74 players in the tournament, earning a top spot was no small feat! The best of the best battled for hours, and these four rose above the rest:

🏆 1st Place: Austin Quinty (Westminster, CO) – State Rank: 3rd, IFPA Rank: 1130
Austin’s 160 IFPA events have paid off—his skill and experience made him unstoppable as he claimed the top prize.

🥈 2nd Place: Mark White – State Rank: 25th, IFPA Rank: 1429
Mark played strong all night, proving that his 101 IFPA events have made him a fierce competitor.

🥉 3rd Place: Jason Lechuga – State Rank: 39th, IFPA Rank: 3520
Jason fought through the crowded field, using sharp skills and strategic play to land in the top three.

🎖 4th Place: Ryan Altermatt (Denver, CO) – State Rank: 1st, IFPA Rank: 595
Colorado’s top-ranked player showed why he’s at the top, battling through 320 IFPA events to maintain his dominance.

Colorado IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Til Next Time, Keep Flipping!

The 1up Greenwood Dungeons & Dragons Launch Party was a legendary night of pinball action. Huge thanks to Deanna Scalf for running a fantastic tournament and to 1up Greenwood for providing an amazing venue. And of course—congratulations to Austin Quinty for battling through an enormous field and claiming victory!

Ironically, for a Dungeons & Dragons launch event, we didn’t actually mention the D&D pinball machine at all. Whoops. Let’s just assume it was slaying monsters in the background while we focused on battling kaiju, Martians, sharks, and the Addams Family. Priorities!

Stay tuned for more pinball tournament coverage, and don’t forget to rate this post below! Until next time, may your shots be clean and your drains be few!