When the temperature outside drops and the clouds hang heavy, pinball enthusiasts find solace in the shimmering lights, captivating soundtracks, and strategic gameplay that only a pinball machine can offer. And, the recent Flippin’ Friday 10/6 Qualify pinball tournament at District 82 Pinball was the epitome of such an event.
Setting the Stage
Hosted at the iconic District 82 Pinball in De Pere, Wisconsin on a cool October evening, 24 dedicated players arrived, ready to face off. Organized by the passionate Erik Thoren, the event saw players battle through 4 intense rounds, with each round comprising 2 nail-biting games.
An Ode to Dolly Parton
Round 2 had players rallying around the Dolly Parton pinball machine, a Bally classic celebrating its upcoming 45th anniversary. Released in November 1979, this machine boasts a 7-star rating, featuring a medley of flippers, pop bumpers, and unique targets. Dave Christensen’s art captures Dolly’s transition from country to pop, a shift reflected in her meticulous input on her pinball portrayal.
As scores skyrocketed, John Zalewski mastered Dolly’s playfield, claiming the top spot. Not far behind were Eddie Smith, Joe DeCleene, and Jacob Geurts. This round was a harmonious blend of nostalgia and competition, making the Dolly Parton machine the star of the evening.
The Unshakeable Champions
As flippers rested and the final tallies were counted, four players emerged as the undisputed masters of the night:
- Nathan Zalewski, showing finesse and skill, walked away with the gold.
- Gerald Morrison, demonstrating consistency and strategy, earned the second spot.
- Danny Bronny and Chris Gerwing followed, grabbing the third and fourth positions, respectively.
A Pinball Paradise
District 82, with a whopping total of 116 pinball machines, is truly a pinball enthusiast’s dream. Among the plethora of machines, some noteworthy ones include the thrilling Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, the adventurous Jurassic Park, the mystical Lost World, and of course, the space opera Star Wars (Pro).
A Community Like No Other
One step into District 82 Pinball, and you immediately sense the camaraderie and passion. The venue isn’t just a place to play; it’s a haven where strategy meets fun, and where players, whether rookies or veterans, come together as a community. The atmosphere? Welcoming, energetic, and pulsating with excitement.
Wisconsin’s Pinball Titans
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke Nahorniak | Lonsdale | 1265.34 |
| 2 | Jared August | West Bloomfield Township | 1165.22 |
| 3 | Neil Graf | Appleton | 1143.64 |
| 4 | Escher Lefkoff | — | 1050.06 |
| 5 | Steven Bowden | Palatine | 998.76 |
| 6 | Erik Thoren | De Pere | 741.03 |
| 7 | Jason Werdrick | Park Ridge | 737.45 |
| 8 | Zach McCarthy | Conifer | 737.25 |
| 9 | David Daluga | Milwaukee | 728.6 |
| 10 | Jordan Dechaine | — | 683.87 |
District 82’s Flippin’ Friday was more than just a tournament; it was a celebration of pinball, strategy, and the vibrant community. We eagerly anticipate the next showdown and, until then, keep those flippers flippin’!