Pinball Heat in the Denver Cold: Highlights from 1up Colfax

The 1up Colfax January Monthly brought the chill vibes—literally. With a brisk 4°F outside and a biting “feels like” temperature of -9°F, players had to bring their A-game to stay warm in this Group Knockout Tournament. Sixteen pinball wizards faced off over 11 rounds, racking up strikes in a Progressive Strikes format that rewarded strategic play and punished mistakes. After nearly 12 hours of flippers and nudges, the champions emerged, ready to cement their place in Colorado’s competitive pinball scene.

1up Colfax: More than just games

Located on East Colfax in Denver, The 1up Arcade Bar is a haven for retro and modern arcade enthusiasts alike. It’s a place where nostalgia meets innovation, offering a blend of vintage pinball machines and contemporary arcade games. With its spacious bar, creative cocktails, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a go-to spot for both casual hangouts and intense pinball battles. Guests rave about the well-maintained machines, friendly staff, and, of course, the legendary White Tea shots that are almost as addictive as the games themselves.

When The Big Lebowski stole the show

The fourth round took a cinematic twist on The Big Lebowski pinball machine by Dutch Pinball, a boutique company known for their dedication to creating high-quality, visually stunning games. This machine is a love letter to the cult-classic Coen Brothers movie, complete with intricate artwork, iconic quotes, and a soundtrack straight out of the film.

During this match, Tim Bruner dominated the Mark It Zero Multiball, channeling his inner Dude to secure a first-place finish. Mark White held steady in second, while Jeremy Simon, cool under pressure, locked in third. Tony Somma rounded out the group, giving it his all on this wonderfully chaotic machine. The Big Lebowski’s unique modes and immersive gameplay kept both players and spectators on their toes.

Tournament Guide: Highlights from the machines

The lineup for this tournament was nothing short of spectacular, featuring games that spanned decades of pinball innovation. Here’s a deeper dive into some standout machines:

• AC/DC (Premium) – Released by Stern Pinball in 2012, this machine pays tribute to the legendary rock band. Designed by pinball legend Steve Ritchie, it features fast-flowing ramps, an interactive bell, and a jukebox-style song selection that allows players to choose their own rock anthem. Stern Pinball, founded in the 1980s, is the longest-running pinball manufacturer and a giant in the industry.
• Deadpool (LE) – A fan-favorite since its 2018 release, Deadpool combines hilarious dialogue with unique gameplay features like a katana ball lock and disco modes. Designed by George Gomez, this game highlights Stern’s ability to blend humor with action-packed pinball.
• The Addams Family – Bally’s 1992 classic is the best-selling pinball machine of all time, with over 20,000 units produced. Designed by Pat Lawlor, it features magnets, ramps, and callouts from the beloved 1991 movie. Bally, a powerhouse in pinball history, merged with Williams in 1988, creating an era of iconic machines.
• Stranger Things (Premium) – Stern’s 2019 machine captures the eerie charm of the hit Netflix series. The game features a projector that displays images onto the playfield and a Demogorgon toy that players must “defeat.” Stern’s modern approach to incorporating pop culture themes shines here.
• Pulp Fiction – Released in 2023 by Chicago Gaming, this retro-style game harks back to simpler layouts while delivering thrilling gameplay. Inspired by Quentin Tarantino’s iconic film, the game is packed with memorable quotes, intense shot combos, and an aesthetic that screams ’90s cool. Chicago Gaming is a newer company making waves with their expertly crafted remakes and original designs.

From high-speed rock and roll to quirky movie tributes, these machines added flavor and challenge to the tournament.

Top players rise on Venom

The tournament concluded with a showdown on Stern’s Venom (Premium), a fast-paced game inspired by the Marvel Comics antihero. Its Symbiote Multi-Ball mode proved decisive, with James Granger unleashing his inner Eddie Brock to claim first place. Jeremy Simon’s adaptability earned them a strong second place, while Tim Bruner’s consistent gameplay secured third. Mark White rounded out the top four, showing grit until the very end.

1. James Granger – Denver’s rising star made a statement, proving his skill in only his 10th IFPA event.
2. Jeremy Simon – With over 140 tournaments to their name, Jeremy’s experience shined through in a solid second-place finish.
3. Tim Bruner – A veteran of 251 events, Tim’s calm approach and sharp play earned him a well-deserved third place.
4. Mark White – Consistent and competitive, Mark’s fourth-place finish added another strong showing to his pinball résumé.

Colorado IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

A frosty finish in Denver

Congratulations to organizer Deanna Scalf for running a seamless tournament. And hats off to The 1up Colfax, where the games were hot even if the weather wasn’t. With a lineup of legendary machines and a cozy arcade-bar vibe, it’s no surprise this location is a hub for pinball enthusiasts. As the snow-covered Rockies stood watch, this frosty January event proved that Denver’s pinball scene is hotter than ever.

Stay tuned for more tournament recaps and highlights. Until next time, keep your flippers ready and your aim true!