Hey everyone! Bride of Pinbot here, your go-to source for all things pinball. Grab your snacks and let’s dive into the thrilling D82 Tilt’n Tuesday July 16th Side Tournament Finals!
The Epic Knockout Battle
The D82 Tilt’n Tuesday on July 16th was an absolute blast! This Group Knockout Tournament had 9 intense rounds with 8 fierce players. With each player aiming to avoid 3 strikes, the tension was palpable. Four-player groups meant the top two players avoided strikes, while the bottom two got two strikes each. In three-player groups, the last-place player received one strike. The tournament lasted 2 hours and 20 minutes, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats.
District 82 Pinball: A Pinball Paradise
Located at 800 O Keefe Road, De Pere, WI, District 82 Pinball Arcade is a pinball enthusiast’s dream come true. This place is famous for its top-notch, immaculately maintained machines and the warm hospitality of its owner, Erik Thoren. Whether you’re flying in from New York or just driving down the road, the atmosphere here is always buzzing with excitement. The arcade’s pristine condition and Erik’s passion for pinball make it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors.
Round 1 Showdown on Magic
The tournament kicked off with an electrifying game on Magic by Stern Electronics from January 1979. The standout match saw Mike Kennedy from Madison WI take the first spot, showing off his skills on the classic machine. The game’s unique feature, the 3-bank drop targets with stand-up targets behind, kept players on their toes. Ryan Cappaert, a tough contender, secured second place, while Beth Trofka and Rachel Ristow had to battle it out, with Beth landing in third and Rachel in fourth. The intensity of this game set the tone for the rest of the night!
Memorable Moments on the Machines
Each of these machines provided unique challenges and memorable moments throughout the tournament. From the fast-paced action of F-14 Tomcat to the strategic gameplay of Pharaoh, players had to bring their A-game to advance through the rounds. The variety of themes and gameplay styles kept the competition exciting and unpredictable.
Silverball Mania (Bally, June 1978)
Silverball Mania is a visual delight with its mesmerizing artwork and vibrant playfield. This game features a horseshoe shot and a spinner that players can hit for big points. The hypnotic sound effects and thrilling gameplay make it a favorite among pinball enthusiasts.
Nitro Ground Shaker (Bally, January 1978)
Nitro Ground Shaker brings the excitement of drag racing to the pinball world. With its unique racing theme, the game features a “drag strip” where players can rack up points by hitting specific targets. The artwork and theme take players straight to the racetrack, making each game a high-speed adventure.
F-14 Tomcat (Williams, March 1987)
F-14 Tomcat is a fast-paced game inspired by the iconic fighter jet. It features a mesmerizing light show and fast-moving targets that simulate aerial combat. The game’s playfield includes an aircraft carrier and jet sound effects that enhance the immersive experience.
Pharaoh (Williams, May 1981)
Step into ancient Egypt with Pharaoh, a game known for its intricate artwork and challenging multi-level playfield. Players must navigate through various obstacles and hit specific targets to uncover the pharaoh’s treasures. The game’s unique design and thematic elements make it a timeless classic.
Robo-War (Gottlieb, January 1988)
Robo-War offers an engaging sci-fi experience with its futuristic theme and fast-paced gameplay. The playfield is packed with ramps, targets, and multiball opportunities that keep players on their toes. The vibrant artwork and immersive sound effects add to the game’s appeal.
Top Tournament Winners
The competition was fierce, but these players emerged victorious:
- Timothy Enders: With a state rank of 24th and an IFPA rank of 339, Timothy’s performance was nothing short of spectacular.
- Mike Kennedy: Hailing from Madison WI, Mike’s strategic gameplay earned him second place.
- Rachel Ristow: From Sheboygan, WI, Rachel’s consistent performance secured her the third spot.
- Patrick VanDenEng: His skills and determination earned him a commendable fourth place.
Wisconsin IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tom Graf | Appleton | 611.09 |
| 2 | Erik Thoren | De Pere | 541.24 |
| 3 | Kassidy Milanowski | Appleton | 525.23 |
| 4 | Danny Bronny | Beverly Shores | 454.35 |
| 5 | Steven Bowden | Palatine | 434.31 |
| 6 | Neil Graf | Appleton | 399.68 |
| 7 | Mike Weyenberg | Manitowoc | 398.19 |
| 8 | Eric Strangeway | Oshkosh | 387.74 |
| 9 | Matt McCarty | Neenah | 381.46 |
| 10 | Jason Zahler | 372.99 |
Wrapping Up
The D82 Tilt’n Tuesday July 16th Side Tournament Finals was a fantastic display of skill and sportsmanship. A big shout-out to Erik Thoren for organizing this epic event and to District 82 Pinball for being the perfect host. Congrats to Timothy Enders for his well-deserved win! Stay tuned for more pinball adventures and updates!
Catch you next time, pinball wizards!