On June 1, 2024, the D82 Saturday Night Classics Tournament electrified the pinball community, bringing together 73 skilled players for an evening of intense competition. Hosted at the legendary District 82 Pinball and orchestrated by Erik Thoren, the event’s format featured five rounds of three games each, with the top 24 players advancing to the finals. Spanning 4 hours and 13 minutes, the tournament was a non-stop thrill ride from start to finish.
Rock On! Celebrating KISS by Bally
In celebration of the anniversary of KISS by Bally, released in June 1979, the iconic pinball machine headlined the first round. Just like a rock concert, the match was filled with high energy and fierce competition. Ethan Strangeway, with an IFPA rank of 2647, rocked his way to first place. Buck Bauer, ranked 7024, came in second, followed by Gerald Morrison at 415 and Jesse Carpenter at 947. It was a thrilling start to the tournament, reminiscent of a KISS concert’s electrifying atmosphere.
Champions’ Circle: Meet the Winners
A huge round of applause to the champions of this exhilarating tournament! Their skills and dedication were truly on display:
- Kassidy Milanowski (IFPA rank 133, Total IFPA Events 253)
- Danny Bronny (IFPA rank 325, Total IFPA Events 148)
- Gerald Morrison (IFPA rank 415, Total IFPA Events 245)
- Erik Rentmeester (IFPA rank 168, Total IFPA Events 279)
- Chuck Blohm (De Pere, WI, IFPA rank 781, Total IFPA Events 355)
- Tom Schmidt (Neenah, WI, IFPA rank 438, Total IFPA Events 131)
- Sean Jurewicz (IFPA rank 3251, Total IFPA Events 69)
- Ethan Strangeway (IFPA rank 2647, Total IFPA Events 34)
Kassidy Milanowski’s victory was a testament to her incredible expertise and consistency.
Marvelous Machines: Pinball Highlights
District 82 Pinball is home to an impressive collection of 44 machines. Here are five standout games from the tournament:
- Magic by Stern Electronics (January 1979): Known for its vibrant artwork and engaging gameplay, Magic is a perennial favorite.
- Seawitch by Stern Electronics (May 1980): This game’s fast pace and challenging shots make it a thrilling experience.
- Paragon by Bally (June 1979): A classic with a unique wide-body design, Paragon demands precision and skill.
- Eight Ball Deluxe (LE) by Bally (October 1982): Renowned for its classic pool-themed design and smooth playfield, it remains a tournament staple.
- Xenon by Bally (November 1980): With its futuristic theme and hypnotic sounds, Xenon captivates players with both style and substance.
The Magic of District 82 Pinball
Situated at 800 O Keefe Road, De Pere, WI, District 82 Pinball Arcade is a gem in the pinball world. My second visit confirmed its special status. Erik Thoren’s dedication to running top-notch tournaments and maintaining the machines is unparalleled. The atmosphere is vibrant, welcoming, and a true haven for pinball enthusiasts. No wonder I keep flying across the country to play here!
Wisconsin’s Pinball Powerhouses: Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tom Graf | Appleton | 554.36 |
| 2 | Erik Thoren | De Pere | 461.83 |
| 3 | Steven Bowden | Palatine | 434.3 |
| 4 | Danny Bronny | Beverly Shores | 407.48 |
| 5 | Kassidy Milanowski | Appleton | 385.83 |
| 6 | Jason Zahler | 372.99 | |
| 7 | Matt McCarty | Neenah | 364.8 |
| 8 | Eric Strangeway | Oshkosh | 359.47 |
| 9 | Mike Weyenberg | Manitowoc | 317.07 |
| 10 | Erik Rentmeester | Green Bay | 305.94 |
Wrapping Up
A huge thank you to Erik Thoren and the fantastic team at District 82 Pinball Arcade for hosting such an extraordinary event. De Pere, with its charming historic downtown and scenic views of the Fox River, always makes for a memorable visit. Until next time, remember to keep those flippers flipping and aim for the high score!
For more information and upcoming events, visit District 82 Pinball. Keep flipping those flippers, and see you at the next tournament!
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