I woke up ravenous and rushed to the D82 Lucky 13 Tournament on June 23, 2024. With my stomach growling louder than the pinball machines, I was ready for an intense day of flipper action. The event, held at District 82 Pinball, featured 13 rounds of single-game battles among 32 players, lasting a hefty 6.5 hours. The overcast clouds and a cool 65°F set the stage for a day filled with pinball excitement.
The Delicious Atmosphere at District 82 Pinball
District 82 Pinball Arcade, located at 800 O Keefe Road, De Pere, WI, is a pinball enthusiast’s paradise. Stepping inside, I was greeted by an impressive array of machines, all impeccably maintained. The venue’s atmosphere was electric, with players eagerly competing and spectators cheering them on. I had attended D82’s Super Series before and knew I was in for a treat. The efficiency with which the tournament was run, combined with the presence of food trucks and the BYOB policy, made for an unforgettable experience. Kudos to Erik Thoren and his team for creating such a fantastic environment! District 82 Pinball.
Pinball Machines: Stars of the Show
The tournament featured an astounding 113 different machines, each with its unique charm and challenges. Highlights included:
- The Sopranos by Stern (2005): This machine, with its mobster theme, offered players a taste of the underworld with thrilling gameplay.
- KISS (Pro) by Stern (2015): Rocking out with the legendary band, players enjoyed fast-paced action and fantastic music.
- Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast by Stern (2018): A metalhead’s dream, this pin featured intricate playfield design and challenging modes.
- Doctor Who by Bally (1992): Time-traveling adventures with the Doctor provided endless excitement.
- Star Trek by Bally (1978) and Star Trek (Premium) by Stern (2013): Both versions brought the final frontier to life, each with its distinct gameplay and features.
- Bram Stoker’s Dracula by Williams (1993): Gothic horror came alive with this dark and captivating machine.
- Red & Ted’s Road Show by Williams (1994): A cross-country adventure that combined humor and engaging play.
- Eight Ball Deluxe (LE) by Bally (1982): A classic that tested players’ skill and strategy.
Hats Off to the Champions
A round of applause for the tournament winners! Jordan Semrow, ranked 162nd in the state and 449th by the IFPA, claimed the top spot, proving that dedication pays off. Jack Slovacek, with a state rank of 58th and an IFPA rank of 97, secured second place with his consistent performance. Danny Bronny, ranked 4th in the state and 250th by the IFPA, took third, showcasing his expertise. Mike Carlson from Sobieski, WI, rounded out the top four with a state rank of 94th and an IFPA rank of 4473, a remarkable achievement given his limited tournament experience.
IFPA Wisconsin Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tom Graf | Appleton | 595.53 |
| 2 | Kassidy Milanowski | Appleton | 513.84 |
| 3 | Erik Thoren | De Pere | 503.89 |
| 4 | Danny Bronny | Beverly Shores | 454.37 |
| 5 | Steven Bowden | Palatine | 434.3 |
| 6 | Matt McCarty | Neenah | 377.21 |
| 7 | Mike Weyenberg | Manitowoc | 376.16 |
| 8 | Eric Strangeway | Oshkosh | 373.29 |
| 9 | Jason Zahler | 372.99 | |
| 10 | Neil Graf | Appleton | 340.04 |
Wrapping Up the Feast of Flippers
The D82 Lucky 13 Tournament was a resounding success, filled with thrilling matches and standout performances. A huge shout-out to Erik Thoren and District 82 Pinball for hosting such a well-organized and enjoyable event. Congratulations to Jordan Semrow for his remarkable victory! Stay tuned for more pinball news and tournament updates, and don’t forget to grab a snack before your next competition!