The flashing lights, the excited shouts, and the unmistakable sounds of flippers and bells filled the air on September 17th at 1UP COLFAX in Denver, CO. Yes, it was a pinball paradise as the Post Dory Hill Thrill tournament took center stage for nearly 14 hours of intense competition. Organized by the charismatic Deanna Scalf, the event used a Progressive Strikes system, ensuring even the most seasoned players were on their toes. With the thermostat outside showing a brisk 58°F, the temperature inside was, metaphorically speaking, red-hot.
A Galaxy Not So Far Away
As the players battled it out, the pinball machine that stole the show was Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern. In a nail-biting Round 11 showdown, Walt Wood and Donavan Stepp, both IFPA top 100 players, duked it out. Walt Wood from Englewood showed why he’s ranked 37th in the IFPA by taking first place. Donavan Stepp, however, didn’t make it easy for him, displaying a kind of mastery that has earned him an 85th IFPA ranking. Shawn Savageau and Stepan Mazurov, though not top 100, put up a spirited fight.
Pinball Royalty
Let’s shine a light on the overall tournament winners:
- Walt Wood – The pinball wizard from Englewood not only showed us his skills but also his stamina, adding yet another win to his extensive record.
- Donavan Stepp – Hailing from Lakewood, his performance was nothing short of electrifying.
- Shawn Savageau – Representing Denver, Savageau fought valiantly to secure a well-deserved third place.
- Stepan Mazurov – Despite the tough competition, this Boulder native held his ground to clinch fourth place.
A Realm of Pinball Machines
The tournament was a connoisseur’s dream with a rich line-up of 22 pinball machines. Here are a few that stole the spotlight:
- Cirqus Voltaire by Bally: A classic that demands skill and strategy, adding to the tournament’s nostalgic charm.
- Rick and Morty by Spooky Pinball: A quirky and challenging machine that was a hit among fans of the series.
- The Godfather (LE) by Jersey Jack Pinball: A newly released machine that already has its share of loyalists.
- Venom (Pro) by Stern: A highlight for all Marvel fans and an instant classic despite its recent release.
- Jurassic Park (Premium) by Stern: With its challenging gameplay, it was as if the machine roared, “Welcome to Jurassic Park.”
In the Heart of the Action
The venue was a significant part of the experience. 1UP COLFAX hosted the tournament amidst a sea of both modern and classic arcade games. Despite a minor hiccup with the bar service, the atmosphere was fantastic. The vintage board games provided a nice break from the pinball action, and let’s be honest—who could resist a quick round of Super Mario Brothers?
State of the Game
The tournament also shook up the IFPA Colorado Pinball Top 10 Standings. Walt Wood still reigns supreme, but Donavan Stepp’s performance is sure to boost his rank.
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Walt Wood | Englewood | 506.53 |
| 2 | Ryan Altermatt | Denver | 232.91 |
| 3 | Zach McCarthy | Conifer | 193.11 |
| 4 | Mark Abbott | Denver | 122.02 |
| 5 | Lewis Ritenour | 120.7 | |
| 6 | Donavan Stepp | Lakewood | 110.69 |
| 7 | David Johnson CO | Aurora | 110.53 |
| 8 | Mat Brundage | Denver | 107.26 |
| 9 | Daniel Anderson | Englewood | 103.76 |
| 10 | Adam Lefkoff | Boulder | 95.67 |
As the flippers rest and the neon lights dim, we can only wait in anticipation for the next pinball extravaganza. Stay tuned for more updates from the realm of pinball!