It was another epic night at District 82 Pinball in De Pere, Wisconsin, as 82 players descended upon the legendary arcade for the D82 Tilt’n Tuesday tournament on August 13th, 2024. With a staggering 114 pinball machines at their disposal, competitors faced off in four intense rounds, each featuring two games. In just over three hours, the best of the best battled it out in a tournament that truly lived up to its hype.
District 82: Pinball Heaven
If you’ve never been to District 82, you’re missing out on a pinball paradise. Located at 800 O Keefe Road in De Pere, this place isn’t just an arcade; it’s a labor of love. The machines are all in immaculate condition, and you can tell the owner, Erik Thoren, puts his heart into maintaining every single one. The word on the street (and in the reviews) is that folks from all over the country fly in just to experience the magic here. It’s a place where the love for pinball is evident, and everyone—from locals to out-of-towners—is welcomed with open arms and a well-oiled flipper.
Star Trek Brings the Heat in Round 1
Round 1 kicked off with a fierce battle on Bally’s 1978 classic, Star Trek. This game might be from a galaxy far, far away, but the competition was anything but distant. David Daluga, ranked 16th in the state, took first place with his stellar gameplay, proving that his IFPA rank of 99 isn’t just for show. Right on his tail was Emil Assily from Tampa, whose ranking of 3037 didn’t stop them from giving the higher-ranked players a run for their money. Mike Howard from St. Louis and DJ Bertino rounded out the table, but it was David’s precise shots and strategic use of the game’s famous “Transporter Beam” feature that secured his victory. Sometimes, it’s all about making the right moves at warp speed!
Exploring the Tournament’s Pinball Lineup
With 114 machines in play, there was no shortage of variety at this tournament. Here are just a few that stood out:
- Tales from the Crypt (Data East, 1993): This spooky title is known for its gruesome humor and challenging gameplay. The Crypt Keeper’s laugh can be heard echoing throughout the room as players navigate the multi-level playfield, battling their way to the coveted “Crypt Jam.”
- Funhouse (Williams, 1990): Rudy, the talking, creepy-cool ventriloquist dummy, steals the show in this classic. His menacing presence on the playfield keeps players on their toes, especially during the midnight mode when he shuts his eyes, only to open them again in a startling instant!
- KISS (Pro) (Stern, 2015): Rock and roll all night with this homage to the iconic band. The game features 10 different modes, including a “Demon Multiball” that really gets the adrenaline pumping. It’s a loud, fast-paced tribute to rock music and pinball combined.
- The Simpsons Pinball Party (Stern, 2003): This game is packed with features, from the mini-playfield representing Springfield Elementary to the interactive TV modes. It’s a deep game that rewards both casual players and those who are aiming for those big jackpots.
- Stingray (Stern Electronics, 1977): A bit of a hidden gem, this classic from the ‘70s offers a simpler, old-school pinball experience with a single spinner and a challenging layout that requires precise shots and a keen sense of timing.
Rising Above the Competition
With 82 skilled players in attendance, the road to victory was anything but easy. Kassidy Milanowski, the 2nd ranked player in the state, claimed the top spot, proving why she’s one of Wisconsin’s finest. She had to navigate a challenging field, including the formidable Steven Bowden, who holds an impressive IFPA rank of 10 and has played in a whopping 925 events. Erik Thoren, the man behind District 82, wasn’t just hosting—he was competing, taking third place with his own impressive rank of 84. Rounding out the top four was Ted Brockly from Chicago, who may be ranked 1636 in the IFPA, but clearly has the skills to mix it up with the best.
Wisconsin IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tom Graf | Appleton | 612.29 |
| 2 | Kassidy Milanowski | Appleton | 550.96 |
| 3 | Erik Thoren | De Pere | 542.95 |
| 4 | Danny Bronny | Beverly Shores | 454.35 |
| 5 | Steven Bowden | Palatine | 434.3 |
| 6 | Mike Weyenberg | Manitowoc | 423.51 |
| 7 | Neil Graf | Appleton | 416.31 |
| 8 | Eric Strangeway | Oshkosh | 404.41 |
| 9 | Drew Geigel | Manitowoc | 391.28 |
| 10 | Matt McCarty | Neenah | 381.71 |
Wrapping Up an Unforgettable Night
As the dust settled and the flippers cooled down, the D82 Tilt’n Tuesday tournament ended with a round of applause for Kassidy Milanowski, who once again demonstrated her pinball prowess. District 82 continues to be a beacon for pinball enthusiasts from all over, offering a top-tier gaming experience that’s hard to match. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, this is a place where the games are as good as the company. For more details on upcoming events, check out their website at District 82 Pinball.
Stay tuned for more pinball news, highlights, and recaps as we continue to follow the bouncing silver ball!