It was an evening of tantalizing drama and spectacular flipper finesse at District 82 Pinball’s Flipping Friday Tournament on September 22, 2023. As broken clouds hovered outside with a comfortable 74°F temperature, inside the arcade, it was nothing short of electrifying.
Fast Flips, Faster Decisions
The tournament was conducted in 4 rounds with 2 games per round. A total of 27 pinball aficionados competed, earning points based on their finishing positions. With a time limit of just over two and a half hours, players had to be fast with their flippers and faster with their decisions.
The Highlight Reel
In a surprising turn of events, Round 1 on the vintage Star Trek by Bally was a game to remember. Bret Derby from Appleton, WI, left everyone stunned with his IFPA rank of 1524, securing first place in the round. Tom Schmidt, and with a higher IFPA rank of 397, found themselves in fourth place, proving that in the world of pinball, rankings aren’t the end-all.
And the Flippers Go To…
Applause and kudos to the champions who maneuvered their way through the complex mazes and flashing lights:
- Danny Bronny – Proving the power of experience, Danny with an IFPA rank of 450 emerged as the champion.
- Tom Schmidt – They didn’t let their Round 1 setback keep them down, surging to a second-place finish.
- Mark Hershey – His IFPA rank of 3491 didn’t hold him back from seizing third place.
- Jim Heidemann – Consistent gameplay ensured Jim a spot in the top four.
Machines that Stole the Show
With a staggering 112 machines on hand, it was tough to choose favorites. Yet, some stood out:
- Star Trek by Bally – A classic that can still draw a crowd.
- The Walking Dead (Pro) by Stern – Because who doesn’t like dodging zombies?
- Dolly Parton by Bally – Bringing a bit of country glamour to the arcade.
- Last Action Hero by Data East – A 90s nostalgia trip worth taking.
- Harlem Globetrotters On Tour by Bally – Another classic that never goes out of style.
The Mecca of Pinball
District 82 isn’t just another arcade; it’s a pinball pilgrimage site. Known for its stunning collection of well-maintained, rare, and popular pinball machines, the venue attracts a wide range of talent—from locals to global pinball celebs.
IFPA Wisconsin Top 10
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke Nahorniak | Lonsdale | 1265.28 |
| 2 | Jared August | West Bloomfield Township | 1165.19 |
| 3 | Neil Graf | Appleton | 1143.63 |
| 4 | Escher Lefkoff | 1050.04 | |
| 5 | Steven Bowden | Palatine | 998.75 |
| 6 | Erik Thoren | De Pere | 737.83 |
| 7 | Jason Werdrick | Park Ridge | 737.44 |
| 8 | Zach McCarthy | Conifer | 737.24 |
| 9 | David Daluga | Milwaukee | 728.62 |
| 10 | Jordan Dechaine | 683.87 |
As we closed the evening, it was clear that rankings and statistics are just numbers. What really matters is the skill you bring to the flippers and how you adapt in the face of unpredictability. Keep an eye out for our next tournament; who knows, you might be the next pinball wizard to rise through the ranks!
Stay tuned for more updates from the realm of pinball!