The Longest Night in Colorado Pinball History

It’s a brisk Wednesday evening on September 13, 2023, and something electric is in the air at the Colorado Pinball Pub in Littleton, CO. No, it’s not just the overcast sky or the buzz from the whiskey bar; it’s the unmistakable energy of a Basic Knockout Pinball Tournament, where 20 of Colorado’s finest players have gathered to go head-to-head in a battle for arcade supremacy.

An Epic Showdown on Godzilla (Premium)

Picture this: Round 9, the air gets a little thinner, and it’s Walt Wood IFPA rank 37, versus Marshall Weasel, IFPA rank 1876. The machine? “Godzilla (Premium)” by Stern, a table released just two years prior. Walt Wood executed a masterful strategy, securing first place and cementing their status as a local legend.

The Champions Crowned

• 🥇 Walt Wood: A force to be reckoned with. A player who’s been to 245 IFPA events and ranked 37 globally.
• 🥈 Marshall Weasel: Though not as experienced, Marshall’s gameplay in this tourney proves he’s a rising star.
• 🥉 Kevin McCarthy: A veteran of 429 IFPA events, yet this time he had to settle for bronze.
• 🏅 Laura Mitchell: A newcomer with a mere three IFPA events under her belt, Laura finished a respectable fourth place.

An Array of Arcade Marvels

The pinball aficionados were treated to a broad selection of machines, from vintage gems to the latest thrillers:

1. Godzilla (Premium) by Stern: The newest machine on the block and undeniably a crowd-pleaser.
2. Pirates of the Caribbean by Stern: A trip through treacherous waters.
3. Iron Maiden by Stern: Taking it back to the ’80s!
4. Star Wars (Premium) by Stern: An intergalactic showdown.
5. Medieval Madness by Williams: A fantasy quest featuring jousts and jesters.

Whiskey and Quarters

No quarters were needed at the Colorado Pinball Pub, allowing players to seamlessly transition from one machine to the next. Oh, and the whiskey? Top-notch. Just what you need to get in the zone.

IFPA’s Colorado Top 10

How did our contenders line up in the larger context? Here are the IFPA’s current Top 10 players in Colorado:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Walt Wood	Englewood	506.53
2	Ryan Altermatt	Denver	232.92
3	Zach McCarthy	Conifer	193.11
4	Mark Abbott	Denver	122.02
5	Lewis Ritenour		120.7
6	Donavan Stepp	Lakewood	110.68
7	David Johnson CO	Aurora	110.54
8	Mat Brundage	Denver	107.26
9	Daniel Anderson	Englewood	103.76
10	Adam Lefkoff	Boulder	95.67

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So what did we learn from this 9-hour, 13-minute pinball extravaganza? That in the world of Colorado pinball, legends are made one flipper at a time.

Stay tuned for more updates from the realm of pinball! 🌄

Ah, what could be better than the clinking of pinballs, the distant chatter of a bustling brewery, and the unmistakable aroma of BBQ wafting in from next door? The recent IFPA pinball tournament at Locavore Beer Works had it all, and more!

A Scorcher in Littleton

Littleton turned the heat up to 93°F and those scattered clouds. But let’s be honest, the real heat was inside the Locavore Beer Works, where 44 pinball pros and enthusiasts gathered to prove their mettle. Organized by Jason Smith, the competition saw players compete over a single round but with a whopping 4 games per round!

An Epic Saga on ‘Rush’

Ever wondered how long someone could remain glued to a pinball machine? Well, Kenny Laughlin, Adam Jordan, Elyza Brillantes, and Emily Unruh showed us just that. Engaged in a nail-biting duel on the Rush (Premium) by Stern, this game turned into an epic saga that lasted an astonishing 172 minutes. And, emerging from the shadows of flashing lights and electrifying soundtracks, Kenny clinched the top spot!

Machines That Made History

While Rush (Premium) stole the spotlight, there were other pinball heroes in the arena. Machines like James Bond 007 (LE), the mystic Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium), the iconic Godzilla (Premium), the adrenaline-packed Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast, and the rock-themed Foo Fighters (Pro). These machines, each with their story and legacy, played host to the hopes and dreams of our players.

The Kings and Queens of the Arcade

After countless flipper flicks and strategic nudges, Kenny Laughlin, with just 7 IFPA events under their belt, took home the gold. Following closely were Alex Vanee, Nathan Hart, and Brian Wonderly. Their gameplay was not just about agility but also about the strategy, understanding of each machine, and the will to conquer.

Brews, BBQ, and Balls!

The venue, Locavore Beer Works, was an experience in itself. Apart from the sizzling competition, it was a haven for beer lovers, dart enthusiasts, and sports fans. Their blackberry Belgian wit was a treat, and the supposed 10% ABV Pina colada seltzer slushy became the talk of the day. A bit hard to believe it’s 10%, but hey, who’s arguing when it’s that delicious? And when you can order some fabulous BBQ online to satiate those hunger pangs? It’s a win-win!

Colorado’s Pinball Greats

To round things off, let’s give a nod to the IFPA Colorado Pinball Top 10:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Walt Wood	Englewood	503.78
2	Ryan Altermatt	Denver	232.91
3	Zach McCarthy	Conifer	193.11
4	Mark Abbott	Denver	122.02
5	Lewis Ritenour		117.74
6	David Johnson CO	Aurora	110.53
7	Mat Brundage	Denver	107.26
8	Daniel Anderson	Englewood	103.76
9	Donavan Stepp	Lakewood	103.49
10	Adam Lefkoff	Boulder	95.67

As the sun set and the neon lights of the machines dimmed, we left the venue with memories, scores to beat, and an eagerness for the next big pinball showdown. Keep those flippers ready and stay tuned for more pinball tales!