The D82 Tilt’n Tuesday Side Tournament on September 10th brought out the competitive spirit at District 82 Pinball in De Pere, WI. With 10 players battling it out over 10 intense rounds, this Group Knockout Tournament kept things exciting until the very last flip. The format was straightforward—players who placed 3rd or 4th in four-player groups received strikes, while those finishing 1st or 2nd stayed safe. In three-player groups, 3rd place earned 1 strike. Once a player got 3 strikes, they were out, making every round count.
Despite some fierce competition, this tournament wrapped up in a quick 2 hours. With clear skies and a comfortable 66°F outside, it was the perfect night for some serious pinball action!
Pinball Machines: Highlights From the Lineup
This tournament had a fantastic lineup of 13 machines, and a few really stood out. For instance, Mystic (Bally, 1979) is a player’s dream with its challenging spinner and drop targets that keep you on your toes. It’s a game where quick reflexes meet strategy.
Then there’s Silverball Mania (Bally, 1978), known for its beautiful mirrored backglass and that tricky upper playfield which can make or break a game. It’s one of those machines where you think you’re doing great—until you’re suddenly not!
For something a little different, Volley (Gottlieb, 1976) kept the tournament’s pace fast with its addictive drop targets and bonus-building action. It’s a blast from the past but still delivers a serious challenge.
Not to be overlooked, Nitro Ground Shaker (Bally, 1978) brought a unique speed and intensity to the tournament floor with its cool racing theme and simple, but hard-to-master layout.
Epic First Round on Volley
The game of the night took place on Volley, where the competition really heated up in Round 1. Imagine a high-speed tennis match where every ball is a potential game-winner or breaker. That’s what Tom Menge, Adam VanDynHoven, Joe Schoenebeck, and Jon Bruinooge experienced.
Tom Menge dominated, showing off his skills with perfect drop target shots and calculated nudging. It was as if every ball was glued to his flippers. Adam VanDynHoven followed closely behind, giving Tom a run for his money with his consistency. Joe and Jon fought hard, but Volley can be unforgiving—missing just one shot can put you in the hot seat fast. When the dust settled, Tom emerged victorious, with Adam securing 2nd, and Joe and Jon finding themselves with early strikes.
Winners: A Night of Triumph
In the end, the top players came through and made their mark.
- Tom Menge took 1st place with a strong, consistent showing. His skill and experience shined through, especially in those later rounds where precision is key. With over 330 events under his belt, it’s no surprise he rose to the top.
- Jordan Cappaert grabbed 2nd place, making a strong run through the bracket. A familiar face in Wisconsin pinball, Jordan’s experience across over 200 events certainly helped him maneuver the competition.
- Chris Gerwing rounded out the podium in 3rd. Don’t let his State Rank fool you—Chris fought hard and his sharp play throughout the night earned him a well-deserved spot in the top 3.
- Joe Staed took 4th, showing resilience all the way from Green Bay. Joe played steadily throughout the tournament, and though couldn’t break into the top 3, Joe’s performance was nothing short of impressive.
District 82 Pinball: A Pinball Lover’s Paradise
If you haven’t been to District 82 Pinball yet, you’re missing out! This place is a haven for pinball enthusiasts with over 100 machines to choose from. The space is open, inviting, and the machines? Well, they’re in tip-top shape thanks to the dedication of owner Erik Thoren. Whether you’re a tournament player or just here for a fun night, District 82’s well-maintained and diverse selection of machines ensures everyone has a blast.
And it’s not just locals who love this place—players fly in from all over, even as far as New York, just to experience the atmosphere and top-notch machines.
Wisconsin IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steven Bowden | Palatine | 725.96 |
| 2 | Tom Graf | Appleton | 639.48 |
| 3 | Kassidy Milanowski | Appleton | 621.85 |
| 4 | Neil Graf | Appleton | 589.9 |
| 5 | Nathan Zalewski | Stevens Point | 574.11 |
| 6 | Erik Thoren | De Pere | 560.95 |
| 7 | Mike Weyenberg | Manitowoc | 506.01 |
| 8 | Danny Bronny | Beverly Shores | 469.03 |
| 9 | Eric Strangeway | Oshkosh | 414.61 |
| 10 | Carlos Delaserda | Columbus | 409.88 |
Wrapping It All Up
A big thank you to Erik Thoren for organizing yet another fantastic tournament at District 82 Pinball. The combination of great players, a stellar lineup of machines, and a welcoming atmosphere made this a night to remember. And let’s not forget that unforgettable match on Volley—pinball fans will be talking about that one for a while.
Stay tuned for more pinball excitement and highlights from tournaments coming your way!