Ahoy, pinball enthusiasts! Let’s rewind to September 12, 2023. The air was crisp, and with just a few clouds hovering above, the atmosphere at District 82 Pinball was electric. Fans from across Wisconsin (and some from beyond) gathered to witness the spectacular Tilt’n Tuesday pinball tournament.
The Stage Was Set
Located in the heart of De Pere, District 82’s massive collection of 113 pinball machines were primed for the tournament. Organized by the renowned Erik Thoren, the tournament drew 67 players, all vying for the coveted top spot. The tournament went on for a thrilling 8 hours, but who’s counting when you’re immersed in a pinball galaxy?
Game On!
One of the many highlights of the evening was the intense face-off in Round 4 on Eight Ball Champ by Bally. This classic from 1985 saw Steve Fabry demonstrating why he’s a force to be reckoned with. Meanwhile, Shawn McDonald, Brian Leuthner, and Kel McBrair made sure to keep him on his toes. The action was intense, and the flippers never rested.
A Salute to the Champions
When the dust settled and the last ball drained, Nathan Zalewski emerged as the reigning champ, followed closely by Drew Geigel, Michael Reiman, and the man of the hour, Erik Thoren himself. Kudos to these pinball warriors for their stellar gameplay.
Pinball Spotlight
From the vast array of pinball machines, some notable ones were:
- Strikes and Spares – a nostalgic ride to 1978.
- Doodle Bug – an oldie but a goodie from 1971.
- The modern magnetism of Iron Man (Vault) and Deadpool (Pro) by Stern, from the years 2014 and 2018 respectively.
- And, No Fear: Dangerous Sports, a ‘90s gem.
More Than Just Pinball
As any regular will tell you, District 82 isn’t just a pinball arcade, it’s an experience. The ambiance is a solid 5-star, blending nostalgia with state-of-the-art setups. And while the games are all set for Tournament Play, it’s all part of the adrenaline-packed experience.
But here’s the catch: Intermediate players, you’ll notice the challenge levels are amped up with extreme table tilts and conservative settings. As the old adage goes, “It ain’t easy being a pinball wizard.”
Wisconsin’s Best
For those keeping score at home, here’s the latest IFPA Wisconsin Pinball Top 10 Standings:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke Nahorniak | Lonsdale | 1265.33 |
| 2 | Jared August | West Bloomfield Township | 1165.21 |
| 3 | Neil Graf | Appleton | 1143.64 |
| 4 | Escher Lefkoff | 1050.04 | |
| 5 | Steven Bowden | Palatine | 998.81 |
| 6 | Jason Werdrick | Park Ridge | 737.44 |
| 7 | Zach McCarthy | Conifer | 737.26 |
| 8 | Erik Thoren | De Pere | 732.12 |
| 9 | David Daluga | Milwaukee | 691.23 |
| 10 | Jordan Dechaine | 683.87 |
Final Thoughts
A massive shoutout to all participants and attendees. Pinball, at its heart, is a game of skill, strategy, and sometimes a smidgen of luck. And in Wisconsin, the passion for pinball burns brighter than ever. Until next time, keep those flippers flippin’ and stay tuned for more pinball updates!