Under the clear Wisconsin sky, with a comfortable 70°F temperature, eight skilled pinball players gathered at District 82 Pinball in De Pere for a night of high stakes and quick reflexes at the D82 Tilt’n Tuesday August 13th Side Tournament Finals. The tournament, which ran for a little over two hours, was a Group Knockout format—a battle of endurance and precision, where each mistake could cost a player dearly.
District 82: A Pinball Paradise
District 82 Pinball Arcade is more than just a venue—it’s a pilgrimage site for pinball enthusiasts. Nestled in De Pere, Wisconsin, this arcade offers an experience that has players from across the country flying in for a chance to flip the silver ball on some of the best-maintained machines in the game. The passion of the owner, Erik Thoren, shines through in every detail, from the immaculate condition of the machines to the smooth organization of tournaments. With a vibe that blends nostalgia with top-notch gameplay, District 82 has solidified itself as a must-visit destination for anyone serious about pinball.
First Round Fireworks: Mystic by Bally
The action started hot in Round 1 on Mystic by Bally, a classic from 1979. As players squared off, it was clear that this game was going to set the tone for the night. Buck Bauer, a player ranked 97th in the state, stunned the higher-ranked competition by expertly navigating the “Gates of Fate” mode. This mode, known for its unpredictability, demands sharp focus and fast reflexes—traits that Buck showcased brilliantly. He took first place in the game, leaving Gerald Morrison, Matt McCarty, and Bob Matthews trailing. It was a remarkable start, especially considering the ranking disparities among the players.
Machines of Mayhem: The Hardware Behind the Havoc
As the tournament progressed, a select group of pinball machines became the stage for some intense showdowns.
- Lectronamo by Stern Electronics: Released in January 1978, this game is known for its mesmerizing light show and challenging drop targets. Players found themselves battling not just each other, but also the machine’s unforgiving outlanes.
- Pharaoh by Williams: Released in May 1981, Pharaoh’s dual-level playfield and intricate rule set provided a true test of skill. Its ability to shift from a generous to a punishing game kept players on their toes throughout the night.
- Mystic by Bally: Already spotlighted in Round 1, Mystic continued to be a crowd-pleaser with its deep rule set and challenging multi-ball feature. The game’s unpredictability made it both loved and feared by competitors.
- Barracora by Williams: Released in January 1981, Barracora’s fast gameplay and unique playfield design made it a hit. The game’s notorious spinner shots and complex ruleset added a layer of strategy that only the most experienced players could navigate effectively.
The Final Showdown on F-14 Tomcat
The final game of the night was played on F-14 Tomcat, a fast and furious machine that demands precision. In the end, it was Bob Matthews who emerged victorious, clinching first place with his mastery of the game’s chaotic speed. Ranked 138th in the state and 29th in the world, Bob’s experience shone through as he navigated the Tomcat’s blistering pace and unpredictable ball movement. Joe DeCleene, despite being lower ranked at 23rd in the state, put up a valiant fight, securing second place. Timothy Enders and Mike Moberg rounded out the top four, both showcasing their own pinball prowess in the process.
Wisconsin IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
The tournament also brought some movement in the Wisconsin IFPA Pinball standings, with top players continuing to jostle for position. Here’s a look at the current top 10:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tom Graf | Appleton | 612.32 |
| 2 | Kassidy Milanowski | Appleton | 590.53 |
| 3 | Erik Thoren | De Pere | 560.11 |
| 4 | Steven Bowden | Palatine | 476.77 |
| 5 | Danny Bronny | Beverly Shores | 469.14 |
| 6 | Mike Weyenberg | Manitowoc | 440.6 |
| 7 | Nathan Zalewski | Stevens Point | 422.07 |
| 8 | Neil Graf | Appleton | 416.3 |
| 9 | Eric Strangeway | Oshkosh | 414.62 |
| 10 | Drew Geigel | Manitowoc | 399.17 |
Wrapping It Up with a Bow
As the dust settled at District 82, there was no doubt that this tournament had delivered some unforgettable moments. A big thanks goes out to Erik Thoren for organizing yet another fantastic event, and to District 82 for providing the perfect backdrop. Whether it was the nail-biting match on Mystic or the final showdown on F-14 Tomcat, the night was filled with excitement from start to finish. Stay connected for more pinball excitement and recaps—you never know when the next tilt might change everything!