In the crisp, autumnal air of De Pere, WI, under a clear sky, pinball enthusiasts from far and wide congregated at District 82 Pinball for the Flippin’ Friday Sept 8th tournament. The scent of nostalgia was palpable as players, surrounded by meticulously maintained machines spanning decades, prepped for an intense 7 hours and 31 minutes of pure, unadulterated pinball action.
Tournament Overview:
The clock struck 18:00, and the tournament was in full swing. Organized by the maestro of pinball tournaments, Erik Thoren, the evening was destined for greatness. With 37 contenders vying for the top spot across 4 rounds of 2 games each, the strategy was simple – outscore, outperform, and outlast your opponents. But as we’ve learned from history, execution is always harder than planning.
Game Spotlight:
One of the most thrilling matches took place on a true pinball classic – the Lost World by Bally, dated back to August 1978. Emerging from the midst of pinball warfare were our top contenders: Brian Leuthner clinching the top spot followed closely by Ryan Hacker. Tom Graf, our enigmatic player from PARTS UNKNOWN (and seriously, where is that?) took the third place, while Scott Landowski completed the quartet.
Ruling the Roster:
The final drum roll heralded our champions:
- The local hero, Brian Leuthner, ranked 249 in the IFPA.
- Tim Petitjean, showcasing his seasoned experience, took the second spot.
- Holden Milanowski, the gem from Combined Locks, WI, ranked 3rd.
- Not to be outdone, the man behind the evening, Erik Thoren, showcased his prowess by clinching the 4th position.
A Time Machine of Pinball Machines:
District 82’s repertoire is nothing short of a museum, with 116 pinball machines that recount the tales of yesteryears. Among the legends:
- Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern – A relatively new kid on the block from 2017.
- RollerCoaster Tycoon – Making us reminisce about the early 2000s.
- WWF Royal Rumble from Data East – Body-slamming its way from 1994.
- Dolly Parton by Bally – A country legend from 1978.
- F-14 Tomcat by Williams – A high-flying game from the late ’80s.
The Heartbeat of the Venue:
District 82 website is not your everyday arcade; it’s a time capsule. With tables set for tournament play, it’s a paradise for the pros and a challenge for the intermediates, ensuring everyone has something to take away. The machines are pristine, the ambiance is top-notch (a perfect 5 stars!), but here’s a note: they’re strict about their settings. So, for the casual visitor hoping for an easy play, brace for a challenge! The essence of District 82 lies in its dedication to tournaments, a commitment you’ll appreciate on every visit.
The IFPA Wisconsin Whizzes:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke Nahorniak | Lonsdale | 1265.37 |
| 2 | Jared August | West Bloomfield Township | 1165.25 |
| 3 | Neil Graf | Appleton | 1143.65 |
| 4 | Escher Lefkoff | 1050.09 | |
| 5 | Steven Bowden | Palatine | 998.83 |
| 6 | Jason Werdrick | Park Ridge | 737.47 |
| 7 | Zach McCarthy | Conifer | 737.28 |
| 8 | Erik Thoren | De Pere | 732.17 |
| 9 | David Daluga | Milwaukee | 691.14 |
| 10 | Jordan Dechaine | 683.91 |
As the flippers rest and the lights dim at District 82, the memories of this pinball showdown will remain vivid for a long time. Can’t wait to see what’s next in store! Stay plugged into the pinball world with us.