Six More Weeks of Winter, but Only One Champion at the 1up Lodo Pinball Brawl

On February 2, 2025, Denver was graced with an unseasonably warm 59°F—probably the last bit of kindness before more winter kicks in, according to our furry weather oracle. But while Phil was busy predicting doom, 19 pinball players were locked in a different kind of battle at the 1up Lodo Groundhog Day tournament.

The event featured a group knockout format, with each player eliminated after accumulating seven strikes over eight rounds. The progressive strikes system meant finishing low in a round was an express ticket to danger. The tournament ran for a marathon 10.5 hours, proving that winter isn’t the only thing that refuses to end.

Reporting Live From… Somewhere in Colorado?

Ah, the life of a pinball journalist: digging up IFPA rankings, describing epic gameplay moments, and occasionally realizing that nobody bothered to tell you where the event actually happened. All we know is it took place somewhere in Colorado—which, granted, is a state full of pinball spots, mountains, and legal cannabis. Maybe this tournament was so intense, even the location had to remain classified.

D’oh! The Simpsons Pinball Party Turns Into a Slugfest

Round 2’s standout match took place on The Simpsons Pinball Party, Stern’s 2003 love letter to Springfield. It was a chaotic flipper-fest featuring four determined players battling for supremacy.

Jeremy Simon, ranked 35th in Colorado, took home the win, likely channeling their inner Homer to make it through the game’s punishing mini-games. Between the couch multiball, the daredevil Itchy & Scratchy modes, and the insane shot paths, the game offers both comedy and pain—much like any episode of The Simpsons. Tim Bruner, ranked 10th in Colorado, came in second, with Brian Wonderly and Jeremy Moskowitz rounding out the pack. Somewhere, Comic Book Guy is muttering, “Worst multiball ever.”

Meet the Machines: Five Pins That Shined

With a lineup of nine pinball machines, players had a diverse selection of chaos to navigate. Here’s a closer look at five standout games from the event:

Jurassic Park (Pro) – Stern (2019)

Much like an actual dinosaur outbreak, this game is fast, wild, and full of unexpected turns. Players must rescue trapped staff, wrangle rogue dinos, and avoid a T-Rex with serious anger issues. The moving dinosaur head and chaotic multiballs make it a fan favorite.

Rick and Morty (SE) – Spooky Pinball (2019)

If you’re a fan of absolute chaos and interdimensional nonsense, this game delivers. Between Meeseeks-assisted shots, portal travel, and custom voice lines from the show, it’s a brilliantly unhinged experience—exactly what you’d expect from a Rick and Morty pin.

The Addams Family – Bally (1992)

A stone-cold classic that still draws a crowd. From the Thing hand that literally grabs your ball to the crazy mansion modes, it’s no wonder this remains the best-selling pinball machine of all time. It’s spooky, it’s kooky, and it probably destroyed a few dreams during the tournament.

Godzilla (Premium) – Stern (2021)

You are the kaiju. Destroy cities, battle King Ghidorah, and unleash utter mayhem across a gorgeous, feature-packed playfield. The collapsing skyscraper and bridge make for some of the most creative pinball moments in modern Stern history.

John Wick (Pro) – Stern (2024)

John Wick never misses a shot, and neither could players if they wanted to survive this brutal table. Featuring ultra-fast ramp shots, a Continental Hotel safehouse, and a “Pencil Multiball” mode (yes, really), it’s a fitting tribute to the ultimate assassin.

And The Champions Are…

After hours of battle, four players stood above the rest:

• 1st place: Griffin Carr, ranked 31st in Colorado, played with relentless consistency, showing why they’ve competed in 130 IFPA events. Their road to victory was paved with precision shots and nerves of steel.
• 2nd place: Tim Bruner, ranked 10th in the state, brought the experience of 255 IFPA events into this showdown, proving once again why they are a mainstay at the top of Colorado pinball.
• 3rd place: Justin Hinman, with 278 IFPA events under his belt, leaned on his state ranking of 15th to battle through a tough field.
• 4th place: Thomas Dessens from Cypress, TX, finished fourth despite having far fewer events (45) than the others. A strong showing from a rising player.

Colorado’s Pinball Titans: The Top 10

Here’s a look at the current top 10 pinball players in Colorado, according to IFPA rankings:

Wrapping Up: More Winter, More Pinball

Punxsutawney Phil may have promised six more weeks of winter, but for these players, the only forecast was flippers, multiballs, and ruthless knockouts. Huge thanks to Deanna Scalf for organizing another epic event and to 1up Lodo for hosting the action.

Congrats again to Griffin Carr for taking home the gold! Stay tuned for more pinball tournament coverage, and don’t forget to rate this article below—preferably higher than your worst game of the night.