Surviving the Drain: Pinball Rivals Clash at 1Up Colfax Women’s League

The 1up Colfax Women’s League returned for another intense night of pinball competition on February 4th. With 19 players battling through two rounds of three-game matchups, the action was relentless. The tournament stretched just past the nine-hour mark, proving that when pinballers get going, they don’t stop until the last ball drains. Organizer Deanna Scalf ensured everything ran smoothly while players tested their skills on a mix of modern and classic machines.

The 1Up Colfax – Denver’s Retro Playground

If you’re looking for a place where nostalgia meets competition, The 1Up Colfax delivers. Packed with classic arcade machines, a deep pinball lineup, and even Skeeball lanes glowing with vibrant colors, this venue turns an ordinary night out into something special. The bar keeps things simple with a solid drink selection, and the option to add tokens to your tab makes jumping between games seamless. Whether you’re a casual player or a tournament grinder, this place has something for everyone.

The Guardian of All Games – A 62-Minute War

Round 2 saw an absolute endurance test on Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern. This 2017 release is known for its punishing layout, with a left scoop that can be brutal and a right orbit that can send the ball careening unpredictably. Success on this machine requires careful mission stacking, precise multiball control, and smart use of the Hadron Enforcer button to cash in high-value shots.

Dusty Schmidt, ranked 60th in Colorado, navigated the chaos with skill and patience, outlasting her opponents in a match that stretched an incredible 62 minutes. Elyza Brillantes, ranked just behind Schmidt at 65th, fought hard with a more aggressive approach but fell just short. Liz Grimm-Morales, at 127th in the state, proved she could go the distance against higher-ranked opponents, while Lauren Rusnak showed grit in a game that demanded endurance and focus.

Final Results for the Guardians Marathon:
1st – Dusty Schmidt (Littleton, CO)
2nd – Elyza Brillantes (Denver, CO)
3rd – Liz Grimm-Morales
4th – Lauren Rusnak (Denver, CO)

Pinball Machines That Stole the Spotlight

With 25 machines in play, competitors had to adjust their strategies to a diverse range of designs and playstyles.

• Star Wars (Pro) (Stern, 2017) – Designed by Steve Ritchie, this is a fast and brutal game where the key to success lies in mastering the Hyperloop and strategically managing multipliers. Players who ignore the importance of stacking missions will find themselves struggling to score.
• Attack From Mars (Remake LE) (Chicago Gaming, 2017) – Originally released in 1995, this fan-favorite features some of the best flow in pinball history. The main goal? Destroy the Martian invaders before they take over the world. Keeping control of the ball while timing shots to the central saucer is crucial for big points.
• Deadpool (Pro) (Stern, 2018) – A machine that thrives on combos. To rack up high scores, players need to chain together fast shots while completing battles with characters like Juggernaut and Sabretooth. If you can consistently hit the Snikt Shot, you’re in good shape.
• Jim Henson’s Labyrinth (Barrels of Fun, 2023) – A newer entry in the tournament scene, this machine transports players into the world of the Goblin King with intricate shot paths and a rotating disc playfield. It’s a game that rewards careful planning over frantic flipping.
• Venom (Premium/LE) (Stern, 2023) – One of the fastest-playing machines on the lineup. Venom’s unique symbiote system lets players switch hosts mid-game, adding a fresh layer of strategy. Multiballs come quickly, but managing them effectively separates the high scorers from the rest.

The Final Showdown – Brillantes Takes the Crown

The tournament came down to a final match on Star Wars (Pro), where Elyza Brillantes claimed victory with a controlled and strategic performance. Ranked 65th in Colorado and 3128th worldwide, she used her experience across 107 IFPA events to navigate the game’s relentless speed, cashing in multipliers at key moments to lock in the win.

Leigh Kiser took second, proving that rankings don’t always tell the whole story, while Markie Cecelones made a strong tournament debut by securing third place in her very first IFPA event. Summer Puente, one of Colorado’s more seasoned competitors at 34th in the state, rounded out the top four with another solid performance.

Final Standings:
1st – Elyza Brillantes (Denver, CO)
2nd – Leigh Kiser
3rd – Markie Cecelones (First IFPA Event)
4th – Summer Puente (Colorado)

Colorado’s Pinball Power Rankings

Wrapping Up – Another Epic Night in Denver

A huge thank you to Deanna Scalf for organizing another stellar event and to The 1Up Colfax for providing the perfect venue for a night of competitive pinball. From the grueling match on Guardians of the Galaxy to the final showdown on Star Wars (Pro), this tournament had everything—high-level play, dramatic finishes, and players pushing their skills to the limit.

With more tournaments on the horizon, Colorado’s pinball scene is only getting stronger. Stay tuned for more tournament recaps, results, and match highlights. Until next time—keep flipping, and may your multiballs be plentiful!