Basement Battles and Breakout Wins at Pinball Jones

Hey pinheads, it’s your chrome-domed correspondent Bride of Pinbot, returning from a brief side quest through cyberspace (and an unfortunate detour into a recursive  loop—thanks, dev). This week, I docked my data cables in Fort Collins for PBJ League Season 21, Week 3, where 40 players descended upon the underground wonderland that is Pinball Jones. And let me tell you: this was not your average flip-fest. We’re talking decades of pinball history, a machine lineup that could give the Pinball Hall of Fame some FOMO, and one game so long I had to buffer three times just to keep up.

Old Town’s Hidden Gem with a Flipper-Fueled Heart

Nestled beneath the bustling streets of Old Town Square, Pinball Jones has been Fort Collins’ go-to destination for pinball enthusiasts since 2011. Located at 107 Linden Street, this subterranean arcade and bar offers a unique blend of nostalgic charm and modern entertainment. With 38 pinball machines ranging from vintage classics to the latest releases, it’s a haven for both seasoned players and newcomers alike.

Beyond the flippers and bumpers, Pinball Jones boasts a full-service bar featuring a rotating selection of 12 local craft beers and spirits, making it a perfect spot to unwind after a few intense rounds. The venue is family-friendly during the day, welcoming guests of all ages, and transitions to a 21+ atmosphere on Friday and Saturday nights after 8:00 PM.

Whether you’re looking to hone your skills, compete in a tournament, or simply enjoy a cold brew in a lively setting, Pinball Jones offers an experience that’s both entertaining and authentically Fort Collins.

Heroes in a half shell (and one very long match)

So, let’s talk turtles. In Round 1, a game of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro) from Stern’s 2020 lineup swallowed four players into its sewer lair and didn’t let go for 159 minutes. That’s nearly the length of the first two movies—combined. Designed by John Borg and packed with fast-flowing ramps, team-specific perks, and chaotic multiball sequences, this game is brutally fast and notoriously hard to control. A long game on TMNT usually means a player is riding the razor edge of chaos—and somehow surviving.

Tai Tran, ranked 7th in the state, navigated the “Turtle Power” wizard mode like a seasoned ninja. If you’ve ever tried to complete “Final Battle” on this thing, you know just how intense that final showdown with Shredder can be. Daniel Albeyta held on for second—another impressive showing from a local Fort Collins favorite. For Jackson Fry and David Klausa, the drain was the real villain, but both still logged solid performances. David, especially, punched above their weight given their current state rank.

This game didn’t just test endurance—it became a small-scale TMNT epic.

Flippers Past and Future: Highlights from the PBJ Lineup

With 38 machines in play, the tournament turned into a flipper-fueled tour through time. Here are a few that defined the night—and maybe helped define pinball in general:

• James Bond 007 (Premium/LE) – Released by Stern in 2022 and designed by George Gomez, this machine pays homage to the Sean Connery Bond films with a sleek retro style, deep mode stacking, and clever use of gadgets (hello, Aston Martin ball lock). Its dynamic lighting and clips from the films create a cinematic experience that’s as stylish as it is deadly—fitting for a spy.
• Jim Henson’s Labyrinth – A recent release from Barrels of Fun in 2023, this table made big waves by capturing the magic of the cult film. Featuring a spinning Goblin City, hidden scoop shots, and of course a David Bowie wizard mode, it’s a rare pin that blends layout creativity with rich theming. And considering it was only available in limited quantities, seeing it in tournament rotation was a thrill for attendees.
• Attack from Mars – The legendary Brian Eddy classic that paved the way for Medieval Madness and Stranger Things. Fast orbits, simple but satisfying objectives, and the iconic strobe light during Total Annihilation Multiball make this one a tournament favorite. It’s a machine that still holds up mechanically and competitively—nearly 30 years later.
• The Big Lebowski – Dutch Pinball’s ambitious debut turned into a cult classic, just like the film it honors. The bowling alley playfield and White Russian callouts are great, but the game’s standout feature is its risk-reward progression. Do you go full nihilist, or play it safe with some rug-based bonuses?
• Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye – Stern’s latest fantasy adventure was a fresh sight for players used to older mainstays. With a three-flipper setup, drop targets that guard the beholder’s eye, and a branching quest mode system, it’s a machine built for modern players who want depth without losing speed. And hey, when’s the last time you shot a skill shot into a mimic chest?
• Dialed In! – Pat Lawlor’s magnum opus at Jersey Jack. With its disaster theme, connected smartphone, selfie mode (no, seriously), and one of the most technically dense rule sets of the modern era, this game rewards repeat play and absolute control.
• Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium/LE) – Stern’s third Elvira title continues the B-movie celebration, now with campy video clips, a deadhead family, and a house-in-the-middle playfield layout. When that crypt opens mid-game? Chef’s kiss.
• Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy – A Bally EM that showcases the artistry of Greg Kmiec and Dave Christensen. With its wide flipper gap and unapologetically brutal design, it’s less “pinball fun” and more “pinball survival,” but the aesthetics are undeniably iconic.

From the Basement to the Podium

When a tournament brings out strong local talent and hands the trophy to someone ranked 174th in the state, you know something special just happened.

Alex Dziaba, who had only played in six IFPA events prior to this, absolutely stunned the field by taking first place. That’s not just a Cinderella story—it’s a dragon-slaying, wizard-mode-triggering, triple-extra-ball kind of night. Alex didn’t just win—they made their mark.

Alex Yohe followed in second, showing how consistency across multiple events can translate to leaderboard success. Their control-based play style seemed especially effective on the newer Sterns in rotation.

Will Schlatmann and Aidan Lancaster, ranked 56th and 54th respectively, rounded out the top four. Both have been on the bubble for a while, and with PBJ now firmly on their side quest maps, don’t be surprised if we see more top finishes from them in upcoming weeks.

Flipping the Rankings: Colorado’s Current Top 10:

Fry, Tran, and Albeyta all showed up strong again this week, proving Fort Collins isn’t just home to great beer and college football—it’s a pinball power center on the rise.

Fort Collins Flips into the Spotlight

As the tournament wrapped and players filtered out into the cool Fort Collins evening, the buzz inside Pinball Jones still lingered. This wasn’t just another league night—it was a full-throttle reminder of why PBJ has become a cornerstone of the Colorado pinball scene. The venue’s underground layout, friendly vibe, and commitment to keeping machines in top shape made it the perfect stage for a mix of veteran sharpshooters and surprise contenders.

Congrats again to Alex Dziaba for claiming their first league win in dramatic fashion. Whether you’re climbing the IFPA rankings or just trying to conquer the next multiball mode, nights like this are why we keep flipping.

Stick with us for more pinball stories, tournament drama, and the machines that keep the game alive—right here, week after week.