On a day where the clouds decided to make an appearance, with a comfortable temperature of 67°F, pinball enthusiasts from all over gathered at District 82 Pinball Arcade on September 26th, 2023. Starting at 6:00 PM, the tournament, meticulously organized by Erik Thoren, ran for an exhilarating 2 hours and 50 minutes.
A Tilt Back in Time
One of the standout games of the evening was a throwback to yesteryears. Celebrating its anniversary, the Mata Hari by Bally, a game that has it’s project date listed as September 26, 1977, had players battling fiercely in Round 3.
“Mata Hari” captures the enigma of its namesake, the exotic dancer and accused spy from the early 20th century, Margaretha Zelle. The game design, with elements like flippers, pop bumpers, drop targets, and a kick-out hole, takes players on a journey through the world of espionage, mystery, and dance. And while its gameplay offers a delightful throwback, the art by Dave Christensen, encapsulating the allure and intrigue of its central character, provides the perfect backdrop for fierce competition.
Back to the action, the Round 3 battle on “Mata Hari” was intense. Gerald Morrison, boasting a commendable International Flipper Pinball Association (IFPA) rank of 508, navigated the game’s challenges with finesse, securing a well-deserved first place. It was a thrilling display of skill and strategy, with Bob Brisk hot on his heels. Shawn McDonald and Tony Trofka also showcased their expertise, rounding out the top spots and making this round a highlight of the evening.
For many, this game served as a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reminding players of the deep-rooted history and evolution of pinball. “Mata Hari” proved yet again that classics never fade; they just get better with age.
Masters of the Machine
The evening culminated in the crowning of the ultimate pinball wizards:
- Nathan Zalewski with an IFPA rank of 271 showcased his skills and triumphed over the competition.
- Mike Schlumpf from Green Bay followed closely with a seasoned experience of 274 events under their belt.
- Tom Graf from the enigmatic PARTS UNKNOWN secured the third spot with an impressive 505 events experience.
- Tom Schmidt from Neenah, Wisconsin rounded out the top four.
The Arcade’s Arsenal
District 82’s impressive collection of 114 pinball machines was at full display. Players found themselves navigating through:
- Hook – A journey back to Neverland.
- Star Wars (Pro) – A galactic battle of skill.
- Mystic – A magical dance of flippers and balls.
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Taking on the universe, one ball at a time.
- World Cup Soccer – Scoring more than just goals.
District 82 – The Mecca for Pinball Lovers
Located on O Keefe Road, District 82 Pinball Arcade is a gem for those in love with the game. Operating primarily from September to May, it offers various tournaments throughout the week, making it the go-to destination for pinball aficionados. The vast collection, well-maintained machines, and the friendly atmosphere make it a haven for both novices and pros.
The Sultans of Wisconsin Pinball
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke Nahorniak | Lonsdale | 1265.3 |
| 2 | Jared August | West Bloomfield Township | 1165.19 |
| 3 | Neil Graf | Appleton | 1143.63 |
| 4 | Escher Lefkoff | 1050.03 | |
| 5 | Steven Bowden | Palatine | 998.75 |
| 6 | Erik Thoren | De Pere | 741.02 |
| 7 | Jason Werdrick | Park Ridge | 737.44 |
| 8 | Zach McCarthy | Conifer | 737.24 |
| 9 | David Daluga | Milwaukee | 728.75 |
| 10 | Jordan Dechaine | 683.86 |
As the flippers came to rest and the pinballs lay dormant, players left District 82 with smiles, stories, and scores to remember. The realm of pinball in Wisconsin is alive and well, and we can’t wait for the next flip-tastic event. Keep those flippers ready!