Finals at the D82 Flippin’ Friday Showdown: The Battle Continues

If you caught the action from the earlier rounds of the D82 Flippin’ Friday Showdown, you know the competition was fierce. Now, we’re diving into the finals, where the stakes were even higher. After navigating through the intense qualifying rounds, 12 players earned their spot in the finals, ready to battle it out in a Group Knockout format. With just three strikes separating them from elimination, only the sharpest players could survive the nine grueling rounds. Buckle up as we recap the thrilling conclusion to this tournament, where pinball dreams were made and broken at D82!

A Pinball Lover’s Dream Location

District 82 Pinball, nestled in the heart of De Pere, WI, is a paradise for any pinball enthusiast. With over 100 meticulously maintained machines, this venue feels like a time capsule of pinball history, from vintage classics to modern masterpieces. The sheer variety here is mind-blowing, and whether you’re there for a private event or a public tournament, District 82 offers non-stop action with its unlimited play feature. Open Fridays and Saturdays from September to May, this spot has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the best places to play pinball in the country. The staff is known for being super helpful, and with everything so well organized, it’s no surprise players from all over flock here for tournaments like this one.

The Johnny Mnemonic Showdown in Round 3

One of the tournament’s most talked-about moments came during Round 3 on Johnny Mnemonic by Williams. This sci-fi-themed machine, released in 1995, perfectly captured the tension and intensity of the match. Johnny Mnemonic is all about fast gameplay and precision, where modes like “Data Transfer” can make or break your score. The game kicked off with Rachel Ristow, ranked 44th in the state, stepping up her game and dominating the field. She managed to skillfully navigate the chaotic speed of Johnny Mnemonic, taking full advantage of the tricky ramps and multi-ball features, and securing a solid 1st place finish.

Nathan Zalewski, fresh off his previous win, wasn’t too far behind, but even his state rank of 6th couldn’t propel him past Rachel’s precision. Meanwhile, Tim Petitjean and Ryan Eggers had a tough time keeping up. The quick-paced nature of Johnny Mnemonic caught them off guard, landing them in 3rd and 4th place, respectively. It was a wild match, but Rachel showed just how important it is to stay cool under pressure in these tournaments.

Tournament Game Highlights

With over 100 pinball machines at District 82, there were plenty of fan favorites in play during the finals. Here’s a quick look at some standout machines:

• Eight Ball Deluxe (LE) by Bally (1982): A timeless classic, Eight Ball Deluxe is all about precise shots. The long-lasting appeal comes from its simple but challenging gameplay that rewards strategy and skill over randomness.
• Metallica (Pro LED) by Stern (2014): Fans of the band Metallica love this fast-paced game packed with metal-themed modes like “Seek and Destroy.” It’s a combination of high-speed action and killer soundtrack that makes it a favorite in tournaments.
• Melody by Gottlieb (1967): A throwback to a simpler era, Melody keeps the gameplay straightforward, focusing on hitting drop targets. It’s a smooth player and a joy for those who appreciate the older style of pinball.
• Champion Pub by Bally (1998): This quirky machine is all about the boxing theme, with plenty of interactive features, including a punching bag! Champion Pub is challenging but fun and demands quick reflexes to knock out your opponents.
• Flash Gordon by Bally (1980): A real gem from the golden age of pinball, Flash Gordon is fast and brutal, with no room for error. The multi-level playfield and tough outlanes make it a real test of skill.

Battling Through to Victory

The finals were no walk in the park, with each round testing the players’ skill, endurance, and focus. When the dust settled, it was no surprise that Nathan Zalewski came out on top. Ranked 6th in the state and with over 100 tournaments under his belt, Nathan’s experience and consistency helped him outlast the competition. His win further solidifies his reputation as one of the most formidable players in Wisconsin.

Ryan Eggers, who finished in 2nd place, showed why he’s ranked 17th in the state. With 145 tournaments to his name, Ryan fought hard to keep up with Nathan but ultimately couldn’t catch him in the final rounds. His strong finish, however, proves he’s always a serious contender.

Jordan Cappaert, ranked 58th in the state, clinched 3rd place. Jordan may not have the same ranking prestige as Nathan or Ryan, but with over 200 tournament appearances, his experience shone through in the finals. His determination earned him a well-deserved spot on the podium.

Rounding out the top four was Danny Bronny, ranked 8th in the state. Known for his aggressive play style, Danny’s 4th place finish was a bit surprising given his higher ranking, but the fierce competition kept everyone on their toes. Still, Danny’s performance shows why he remains one of Wisconsin’s top players.

These players battled through nine rounds of intense competition, proving that winning at D82 requires more than just luck—it takes serious skill and strategy.

Wisconsin IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Looking Forward

In the end, Nathan Zalewski took home the win, solidifying his spot among Wisconsin’s top pinball players. District 82 Pinball Arcade continues to be the go-to destination for serious pinballers, with a great selection of games and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, D82 delivers an unforgettable pinball experience every time. Be sure to stay tuned for more updates on upcoming events and exciting pinball news!