After an intense qualifying round at District 82 (you can check out the full recap here), the Flippin’ Friday Finals kicked off on September 6, 2024, with six skilled players battling through 10 knockout rounds. The stakes were high, and with each round, the competition grew fiercer as players faced elimination after receiving three strikes. The night stretched to over four hours of action-packed play, with each flip inching the finalists closer to victory.
Let’s dive into the action, the machines, and who came out victorious.
District 82: The Pinball Playground of Champions
District 82 Pinball, located at 800 O Keefe Road in De Pere, is the place to be if you’re serious about your pinball game. With over 100 machines lining its walls, the arcade is a pinball paradise for both newcomers and seasoned pros. Whether you’re stepping up to a classic or a modern marvel, each machine is immaculately maintained and ready to deliver the full pinball experience.
This spot has earned a reputation as one of the top pinball arcades in the country, thanks to its spacious, organized layout and a knowledgeable staff that really knows how to make events shine. The tournament options are as vast as the machine collection, and players here always know they’re in for a top-notch time.
Breakshot Breakthrough in Round 3
Round 3 gave us one of the most thrilling games of the night on Breakshot by Capcom, released in 1996. Picture this: a classic billiards theme with some killer trick shots. In this round, it was all about playing smart, aiming for those critical skill shots, and keeping the ball alive. Danny Bronny took full control of the game, sinking point after point with precision. State-ranked 8th and IFPA-ranked 283rd, Danny used his experience to dominate the table, showing just how well he can handle the pressure.
Meanwhile, Erik Thoren, the tournament director himself, kept pace, but Danny’s lead was just too much to overcome. Tara Henjum also put up a solid performance, showing off her growing skills, but the night belonged to Danny in this round.
Machines That Made the Night
With 110 machines on the floor, District 82 offered a dream selection for pinball fans. A few of these stood out, not just for their gameplay, but for their legendary designers and artists.
- Star Trek (Bally, 1978): Designed by Greg Kmiec, this machine takes you on a journey through space, with bold colors and dynamic sound effects that keep you immersed. Its simpler ruleset makes it easy for anyone to pick up, but don’t let that fool you—it’s still a challenge for seasoned players.
- Foo Fighters (Pro) (Stern, 2023): A modern classic already, Foo Fighters combines rock ‘n’ roll energy with innovative gameplay. The design is fast-paced with loads of ramps, targets, and modes that keep players on their toes. The pro version keeps it sleek, but it’s still packed with action.
- Jurassic Park (Premium) (Stern, 2019): Dinosaurs and pinball—what could be better? John Borg’s design keeps the adrenaline pumping with its intricate wire ramps and multi-ball modes. The artwork and sounds bring the Jurassic world to life, making this machine a fan favorite.
- Bram Stoker’s Dracula (Williams, 1993): Designed by Barry Oursler, this gothic masterpiece is all about the eerie atmosphere. The game’s unique “Mist Multiball” and high difficulty level make it a must-play for those who like their pinball spooky and intense.
- Spider-Man (Stern, 2007): This Steve Ritchie-designed game throws players right into the web-slinging action. With tight shots, awesome animations, and plenty of modes, it’s no wonder this machine remains a fan favorite.
Rising to the Top: The Final Knockout
The final showdown came down to a tense battle on Doodle Bug by Williams, and the competition was fierce. Erik Thoren, already a pinball veteran with an impressive state rank of 5th and an IFPA rank of 97th, used his in-depth knowledge of the machines to clinch the top spot. His experience as both a player and a tournament director at District 82 gave him the edge, but his sharp reflexes and keen strategy sealed the deal.
Right behind him was Danny Bronny, who took second place after a strong showing throughout the tournament. With his state rank of 8th and IFPA rank of 283rd, Danny’s performance proves he’s a force to be reckoned with, and it’s only a matter of time before he grabs that top spot.
In third, Jordan Cappaert put up a solid fight. Ranked 58th in the state, Jordan’s consistency paid off, showing his ability to stay in the game even when the competition heated up. Tara Henjum rounded out the top four, showcasing her resilience and skill, and earning plenty of respect for her journey through the knockout rounds.
Wisconsin’s Pinball Powerhouses: Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steven Bowden | Palatine | 725.96 |
| 2 | Tom Graf | Appleton | 619.75 |
| 3 | Kassidy Milanowski | Appleton | 600.34 |
| 4 | Neil Graf | Appleton | 585.34 |
| 5 | Erik Thoren | De Pere | 560.95 |
| 6 | Nathan Zalewski | Stevens Point | 516.5 |
| 7 | Mike Weyenberg | Manitowoc | 506.04 |
| 8 | Danny Bronny | Beverly Shores | 469.03 |
| 9 | Eric Strangeway | Oshkosh | 414.5 |
| 10 | Carlos Delaserda | Columbus | 409.88 |
Wrapping Up an Epic Night of Pinball
That’s a wrap for the D82 Flippin’ Friday Finals, folks! Congratulations to Erik Thoren for his impressive victory, and props to all the competitors for making it such a memorable night. District 82 Pinball continues to be the place where champions are made, and if you haven’t been there yet, you’re seriously missing out. Check out their site for more tournaments and details on how to get involved at District 82.
Keep flipping, and don’t forget to follow GobbleHole for more pinball news, tips, and recaps!