Elyza Brillantes arrived at the Colfax Queens Summer Season tournament on a mission, delivering a masterclass in consistency and focus. The rising pinball talent, currently sitting at IFPA #3,619, executed a flawless run through the competitive group match play format. Brillantes did not just win the event; she went entirely undefeated, capturing first place in all six of her games throughout the evening. Her commanding performance left the rest of the 24-player field battling for second place right out of the gate.
The stage for this dominant showing was The 1up Arcade Bar on Colfax Avenue in Denver. Known as a staple of the local nightlife scene, the energetic venue seamlessly blends a classic dive bar atmosphere with dozens of well-maintained pinball machines and vintage arcade cabinets. Patrons often rave about the lively energy, the welcoming outdoor patio, and the accessible layout that keeps the action moving even on a busy night. Under the glow of the arcade lights on this warm, 82-degree summer evening, Brillantes found her rhythm and never let go.
The Field Takes Shape on Colfax
The Tuesday night showdown brought out a balanced mix of local talent, featuring thirteen IFPA-ranked competitors and eleven unranked players. This tournament represented a solid test of endurance and adaptability, drawing nine state-ranked participants with an average Colorado NACS rank of 226. Deanna Scalf entered as the strongest competitor on paper at IFPA #3,367, bringing significant national-level experience to the bracket. However, it quickly became apparent that Brillantes was the player to beat.
From the opening plunges in Round 1, the competition was fierce and grueling. One of the most notable early clashes occurred on Williams’ 1997 classic, Medieval Madness. In a tense three-player battle that stretched for 32 minutes, Elaine Grimmett managed to secure the five-point victory. She outlasted Erin Elzi, who took second, and Diana Miranda, who finished third in the marathon match.
Despite these intense skirmishes elsewhere on the floor, Brillantes was already building an insurmountable lead. She methodically dismantled her opening round groups, claiming convincing victories on Medieval Madness, Attack From Mars (Remake LE), and Elton John. Her 45-minute victory on Elton John showcased her ability to stay sharp and maintain control during extended play. By the end of Round 1, her perfect score clearly broadcasted her intentions for the remainder of the tournament.
A Masterclass in Machine Control
As the tournament transitioned into Round 2, the pressure on the top contenders mounted. Brillantes, however, refused to flinch, topping the field on most machines played in a truly dominant night on the floor. She put up the top score on all six of the six machines she stepped up to, shutting down every challenger who crossed her path. This remarkable arena sweep proved she could adapt her strategy to any era or manufacturer the organizers threw at her.
Her head-to-head dominance was particularly evident against tournament organizer and top-ranked player Deanna Scalf. Across their matchups during the event, Brillantes went 3-0 against Scalf, firmly establishing her control over the top tier of the bracket. Securing 2.53 WPPR points for her victory, Brillantes continues to climb the regional ranks. She now sits at a respectable 252nd in the Colorado state standings, proving she is a serious threat in any standard competitive draw.
While Brillantes pulled away, the battle for the rest of the podium remained incredibly tight. Julie Juarez quietly and efficiently compiled points throughout both rounds to claim second place. Juarez, who has only played in nine career tournaments, leveraged consistent top-two round finishes to secure the silver medal. Hayley Mitrano rounded out the podium in third place, relying on back-to-back second-place round finishes to edge out Markie Cecelones by a narrow margin.
Navigating the Labyrinth Marathon
While Brillantes was sprinting to the finish line, other competitors found themselves locked in grueling wars of attrition. The most punishing matchup of the night unfolded during the second round on Barrels of Fun’s Jim Henson’s Labyrinth. The four-player game quickly turned into an endurance test, dragging on for a tournament-topping 74 minutes. Fatigue and focus became just as critical as flipper skills in the sweltering heat of competition.
Julie Juarez emerged victorious from this marathon, a crucial win that heavily contributed to her overall runner-up placement. She bested Mackenzie Campbell, who fought hard for three points, and Bethany Moore, who settled for two. AJ Givens rounded out the grueling match with a single point after more than an hour of intense concentration. The Labyrinth battle exemplified the gritty, resilient nature of the Colfax Queens summer league.
Juarez’s performance was a massive leap forward for her young career. Her silver-medal finish on Tuesday vastly outperformed her career average finish of 22nd place, proving she has the stamina for high-pressure situations. Mitrano also proved her mettle, showing significant improvement from her 26th place finish at a venue tournament just two days prior. Yet, no matter how hard the rest of the field fought, they were all ultimately playing for second place in Brillantes’ shadow.
The definitive moment of the night arrived during a 60-minute battle on Elvira and the Party Monsters. Needing one final victory to complete her flawless run, Brillantes stepped up against Scalf, Elzi, and Suzie Heller. When the last ball drained and the final scores tallied, Brillantes had secured her sixth consecutive five-point win. It was the perfect exclamation point on an utterly dominant night of pinball.
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