As the golden hue of the evening sun danced on a clear sky, pinball enthusiasts gathered for the much-anticipated Flippin’ Friday 9/29 Qualify tournament. The venue? The iconic District 82 Pinball Arcade in De Pere, WI. A place where memories are made with every flipper hit and every bumper bounce.
Setting the Scene
On September 29, 2023, at 6:00 PM sharp, the first ball was launched. 29 players, 4 rounds, and a passion for pinball that could be felt in the air, partly charged by the balmy 68°F weather. Over the next 2 hours and a half hours, strategies were employed, rivalries forged, and pinballs ricocheted, all under the masterful organization of Erik Thoren.
Jungle Lord’s Wild Reign
In a standout game during the 4th round, players took on the challenge of the classic Jungle Lord by Williams. With an impressive rating of 8/10, Jungle Lord is a solid state electronic machine that dates back to February 1981. With a production run of 6,000 units, this fantasy-themed gem showcases the brilliance of designer Barry Oursler and the artistic flair of Constantino and Jeanine Mitchell.
What makes Jungle Lord particularly notable? Its gameplay is enriched with features like four flippers, various drop target banks, two kick-out holes, and the distinctive Magna-Save. Perhaps its most enchanting feature is the mini-bagatelle located in the upper playfield, which releases a ball every time one lands in the kick-out hole.
Adam VanDynHoven, hailing from Appleton Wi, showcased his skills on this captivating machine, snatching the top spot and leaving Michael Reiman, Peter Goeben, and the very director of the tournament, Erik Thoren, trailing behind.
And The Pinball Kings Are…
- Andrew Kasten: With a dynamic gameplay style that left audiences in awe.
- Tom Graf: The enigma from “PARTS UNKNOWN”, always consistent in his performance.
- Matt McCarty: A seasoned player with a flair for the dramatic.
- Adam VanDynHoven: The hero from the Jungle Lord round, proving he’s not just a one-game wonder.
Arcade Acclaims
District 82 boasted an astounding lineup of 116 pinball machines for the event. Highlights included the nostalgic Lost World by Bally, the speed-fueled Corvette, and the monstrous Monster Bash (Remake Special) by Chicago Gaming. Not to be overlooked were the intricate Ghostbusters (Premium) and the space saga of Star Wars by Data East.
A Love Letter to District 82
Words from a devoted fan capture the essence of District 82: “I couldn’t love and recommend this place more… Seriously though, I fly from NC several times a year to come here… D82 I love you!!!”
Wisconsin’s Best in Pinball:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke Nahorniak | Lonsdale | 1265.27 |
| 2 | Jared August | West Bloomfield Township | 1165.19 |
| 3 | Neil Graf | Appleton | 1143.62 |
| 4 | Escher Lefkoff | 1050.04 | |
| 5 | Steven Bowden | Palatine | 998.73 |
| 6 | Erik Thoren | De Pere | 741.01 |
| 7 | Jason Werdrick | Park Ridge | 737.43 |
| 8 | Zach McCarthy | Conifer | 737.24 |
| 9 | David Daluga | Milwaukee | 728.58 |
| 10 | Jordan Dechaine | 683.85 |
From ricocheting balls to roaring applause, from masterful moves to near misses, the Flippin’ Friday tournament was an ode to the love of pinball. Until the next game, keep those flippers ready and stay tuned for more from the realm of pinball!