Frozen Temperatures, Hot Pinball Action: Highlights from PBJ Monthly

On January 5, 2025, Pinball Jones hosted the PBJ Monthly tournament in Fort Collins, CO. Despite the chilly temperature of 27°F and the sky dotted with broken clouds, the atmosphere inside the venue was far from cold. A total of 20 players faced off in 8 rounds, with one game per round, as the top 8 players made it to the Finals. The event lasted almost five hours, wrapping up with thrilling pinball action and tight competition that kept players on the edge of their seats.

Pinball Jones: The Heart of Fort Collins Pinball Scene

Pinball Jones, located at 107 Linden Street, is known for its fantastic selection of pinball machines and nostalgic games, making it a local favorite. The venue has earned high praise for its classic pinball machines and old-school games, like skeeball, which complement the craft beer and snacks they offer. With its cozy, inviting environment, it’s easy to see why it’s considered one of the best pinball bars around. Whether you’re looking to unwind with a pint or go head-to-head with a classic machine, Pinball Jones delivers an unforgettable experience.

Game Spotlight: Earthshaker and the 72-Minute Marathon

The standout game of the tournament was undoubtedly the Semifinals on Earthshaker by Williams, a 1989 release that tested the patience and skill of all players involved. The match stretched on for an incredible 72 minutes, leaving the audience awestruck. Players were deep into the Shaker Multi-Ball mode, which, true to its name, sent the machine into a literal and figurative shaking frenzy. For those not familiar, this mode triggers random effects and ramps up the chaos, keeping the players on their toes and the ball in constant motion. Summer Puente, who was ranked 2384 on the IFPA ladder, seemed unshaken by the intensity, showing both precision and endurance. While Earthshaker is notorious for long games, Puente’s performance was the highlight of the match, demonstrating their tenacity to outlast opponents and secure a spot in the Finals.

Pinball Machines: A Showcase of Classic and Modern Machines

The tournament boasted an impressive lineup of 36 pinball machines, each offering a unique blend of design and features. Let’s take a look at a few of the machines that stood out:

• Twilight Zone (Bally, 1993): A machine revered by pinball players for its complexity and depth. Twilight Zone is infamous for its intricate playfield, filled with tricky shots like the Powerball, which adds an extra level of unpredictability to the game. One fun tidbit: The game’s Gumball Machine lock is based on a prop from the Twilight Zone TV show. Its design was so innovative at the time that it’s still considered one of the best mechanical features in pinball history. Players often remark that completing the Powerfield multiball is a true test of both skill and luck!
• Stranger Things (Pro) (Stern, 2019): Released to coincide with the hit Netflix series, Stranger Things quickly became a fan favorite. The game’s highlight is its Demogorgon mode, where the alien creature serves as the main antagonist. The game also includes a unique Upside-Down mechanic, where players have to flip the playfield upside down to activate specific features. There’s a fun little story about the game’s design—Stern’s team worked closely with the creators of Stranger Things to integrate key visual and sound elements, like the eerie Morningside Drive soundtrack, to make sure the game felt like you were living in Hawkins, Indiana.
• The Addams Family (Bally, 1992): Perhaps one of the most iconic pinball machines of all time, The Addams Family is a perfect mix of humor and challenge. The Thing hand, which reaches out from the playfield to grab the ball and launch it into a multiball mode, is an unforgettable feature. Here’s an interesting tidbit: the design for Thing was inspired by a similar prop from the original Addams Family TV series, but the mechanical feat behind it was entirely new to the pinball world. The game’s high revenue in arcades is still talked about—it’s one of the highest-grossing pinball machines of all time.
• Attack from Mars (Bally, 1995): Attack from Mars is beloved for its simplicity and addictiveness, with easy-to-understand rules that still reward advanced techniques. One standout feature is the Martian Saucer, a shot that progresses you toward the goal of defeating the Martians. The game was designed by the famous pinball duo, Brian Eddy and Larry DeMar, whose work on the design of Attack from Mars is often cited as a pinnacle in the classic Bally style. Fun fact: Attack from Mars is one of the few pinball machines to feature a completely retro 1950s-style alien invasion theme, which made it a hit both for its quirky design and its smooth gameplay.

The Champions: Levi Fels Steals the Show

The tournament’s top spots were hotly contested, and in the end, it was Levi Fels, ranked 5754 on the IFPA ladder, who claimed victory. Despite his relatively lower ranking in the pinball world, Fels demonstrated great skill throughout the tournament, culminating in a nail-biting performance on Monster Bash in the Finals. This win marked a solid accomplishment for Fels, who has participated in 170 IFPA events. Coming in second was Paul Kardell (IFPA rank 2477), whose steady play and solid strategy almost saw them take the top spot. With 131 IFPA events under their belt, Kardell’s performance in the tournament was a testament to their consistency and skill. MJ Smith, ranked 3210, secured third place, while Daniel Albeyta (ranked 3146) rounded out the top four, with both players showcasing impressive perseverance in the face of fierce competition.

Closing: A Big Congratulations and Thanks to the Pinball Community

Kudos to Pinball Jones for organizing another fantastic tournament. A big thank you to the venue and organizer for bringing together a community of passionate pinball players. And a heartfelt congratulations to Levi Fels for taking home the win! Keep an eye out for more thrilling pinball tournaments and stories coming your way!