1up Westminster March Tournament Results & Standings

Under the crisp, clear skies of Westminster, Colorado, 61 pinball enthusiasts gathered at The 1up Arcade Bar – Westminster on March 9, 2025, for the 1up Westminster March Monthly Tournament. The Progressive Strikes Group Knockout format kept players on their toes, with elimination looming after seven strikes. Over nearly 12 hours of intense competition, only the sharpest reflexes and steadiest hands prevailed.​

The 1up Arcade Bar – Westminster: A Gamer’s Paradise

The 1up Arcade Bar – Westminster is a go-to spot for pinball and arcade lovers in the Denver area. Located at 4750 W. 120th Ave, this venue offers a vast selection of pinball machines alongside classic arcade cabinets, making it a paradise for competitive players and casual flippers alike. The layout is spacious, giving players plenty of room to focus on their shots without bumping elbows. Reviews praise the friendly bartenders, reasonable drink prices, and the overall welcoming atmosphere. Compared to its Colfax counterpart, the Westminster location feels larger and less crowded, allowing for an even better tournament experience. Whether you’re here to grind through a long competition or just want to throw a few quarters into a game of World Cup Soccer, The 1up delivers on both fun and nostalgia.​

A Magical Duel: Round 5 on Jim Henson’s Labyrinth

Few pinball machines capture the essence of their source material as well as Jim Henson’s Labyrinth by Barrels of Fun. Released in October 2023, this machine transports players into the enchanting and mysterious world of the 1986 fantasy film. The game’s playfield is a sprawling maze, much like the one Sarah must navigate to rescue her baby brother, complete with winding ramps, hidden paths, and an interactive, rotating crystal ball feature that controls ball movement in unexpected ways. The centerpiece of the machine is a sculpted Jareth the Goblin King, portrayed by David Bowie, who taunts players throughout their journey. The wizardry continues with intricate modes based on film scenes, including encounters with the Fireys, Ludo’s rock-summoning ability, and the ultimate showdown in Jareth’s Escher-like throne room.

Round 5 of the tournament saw this machine test the skills and patience of four competitors. Austin Quinty, ranked third in the state, took an early lead by locking in multi-ball and expertly chaining together high-scoring combos, navigating the winding shots like Sarah weaving through the labyrinth. Rob Tompkins put up a solid fight, utilizing the machine’s secondary objectives, like completing the “Helping Hands” mode, to keep himself in the game. Meanwhile, Justin Hinman struggled with the game’s deep rule set, falling behind in score while trying to complete the film’s famous “Time is Running Out” sequence. Philippe Dupont, an unranked player, faced the steepest challenge and had trouble mastering the game’s precise shots, ultimately falling to fourth place.

In the end, Austin Quinty’s mastery of multi-ball stacking and his ability to maximize the game’s higher-tier scoring opportunities secured his first-place finish. Rob Tompkins finished as a respectable runner-up, while Justin Hinman settled for third. Labyrinth is a game where strategy is key—knowing when to risk a high-difficulty shot versus playing it safe can make or break a score, and Austin played it to perfection.​

Spotlight on Tournament Machines: Four Must-Play Pins

With 28 pinball machines in play, the 1up Westminster March Monthly Tournament offered a deep and varied selection for competitors to battle on. Whether it was crushing cities with Godzilla, taking down outlaws in the Old West, or navigating the twists of Jim Henson’s Labyrinth, players had no shortage of challenges. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout machines that helped shape the competition.

Cactus Canyon (Remake Special/LE) – Chicago Gaming, November 2021

Originally released in 1998, Cactus Canyon was the last traditional pinball machine produced by Bally before the company shut down its pinball division. Because of its limited run and unfinished code, the game became something of a lost treasure in the pinball world—until Chicago Gaming stepped in to bring it back to life with modern enhancements. The 2021 remake improves upon the original with full RGB lighting, an interactive train feature, and expanded software that finally completes the intended experience. The game’s western theme makes for a fun, fast-paced playstyle, with players taking on the role of a lawman looking to clean up a lawless frontier town. The quick-draw shootouts and saloon brawls are packed with humor, making it a favorite for those who enjoy story-driven gameplay.

Godzilla (Premium/LE) – Stern, September 2021

Stern’s Godzilla has quickly climbed the ranks to become one of the most celebrated pinball machines of all time. Designed by Keith Elwin, this game turns players into the legendary kaiju, tasked with defending Earth from invading monsters. The playfield is packed with features, including a collapsing bridge that drops balls into play, a moving building that shifts during gameplay, and a magnetic grab feature that lets Godzilla snatch the pinball mid-play. The deep rule set and challenging objectives make this a game that rewards skill and strategy. Players must conquer different cities, defeat classic Toho villains, and engage in escalating destruction. With its engaging gameplay and jaw-dropping animations, Godzilla isn’t just a great pinball game—it’s an instant classic.

Jurassic Park (Premium/LE) – Stern, July 2019

Dinosaurs and pinball are a match made in arcade heaven, and Stern’s Jurassic Park is one of the best examples of theme integration in the modern era. Designed by Keith Elwin, this game doesn’t follow the exact plot of the films but instead puts players in charge of capturing dinosaurs that have escaped from the park. The main attraction is the animatronic T-Rex, which physically grabs and throws the ball during gameplay. The machine’s layout is notoriously challenging, with tight shots, dynamic ramps, and a complex rule set that rewards players who can control the chaos. The “Escape Nublar” wizard mode, where players must flee the island before it’s too late, is one of the most exciting endgame challenges in pinball. For competitors, Jurassic Park is a true test of skill—knowing when to play it safe and when to take risks can make all the difference.

Medieval Madness – Williams, June 1997

Few pinball machines have the legacy of Medieval Madness. Released during the late ‘90s golden era of Williams pinball, this game is widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. Designed by Brian Eddy, it puts players in the role of a knight tasked with storming castles, battling dragons, and taking down sarcastic, wisecracking overlords. The interactive castle toy is one of the most famous playfield features in pinball, with its drawbridge and exploding towers adding excitement to every game. The humor, crisp shot layout, and satisfying gameplay loop make it an enduring favorite in both casual and tournament settings. It’s no surprise that this classic was part of the tournament lineup—no matter how many times you’ve played it, storming the castle never gets old.

A Diverse Lineup of Challenges

With machines spanning decades and a mix of both classic and modern designs, the 1up Westminster tournament was a true test of adaptability. Whether it was the deep strategy of Godzilla, the fast-paced fun of Cactus Canyon, or the unique rule set of Labyrinth, every machine demanded precision, patience, and skill. Competitors had to adjust their play styles across a variety of games, proving that to win in pinball, you have to master more than just a single machine—you have to conquer them all.

Battling Through the Ranks: Tournament Standouts

Emerging victorious in a field of 61 skilled participants is no small feat. The top four players demonstrated exceptional prowess:​

1. Austin Quinty: Hailing from Westminster, CO, Austin’s local knowledge and skill earned him the top spot. With a state rank of 3rd and an IFPA rank of 966, his 162 tournament appearances showcase his dedication to the game.​
2. Elliott Layne: Securing second place, Elliott holds a state rank of 23rd and an IFPA rank of 1429. His 145 tournament participations reflect his growing prominence in the pinball community.​
3. Jackson Fry: The top-ranked player in Colorado, Jackson’s third-place finish adds to his impressive record. With an IFPA rank of 1181 and 197 events under his belt, he’s a formidable competitor.​
4. Ryan Altermatt: Taking fourth, Ryan’s extensive experience is evident with 321 tournament appearances. Holding a state rank of 2nd and an IFPA rank of 595, his consistent performance is commendable.​

Colorado’s Pinball Elite: Current Top 10 Standings

The tournament results have influenced the state’s competitive landscape. Here’s a look at Colorado’s top 10 pinball players:​

Wrapping Up a Flawless Tournament

The 1up Westminster March Monthly Tournament was a resounding success, thanks to the seamless organization by Deanna Scalf and the welcoming ambiance of The 1up Arcade Bar – Westminster. Congratulations to all participants, especially our champion, Austin Quinty, for his stellar performance. Stay tuned for more pinball adventures and updates in the coming months!