The icy Wisconsin air couldn’t cool the competitive fire of 27 determined pinball players at District 82 on January 3rd, 2025. Under crystal-clear skies and a brisk 17°F that felt more like 4°F, the D82 Flippin’ Friday Qualify tournament turned up the heat with four action-packed rounds of pinball mayhem. Organized by Erik Thoren, the event saw players battling it out on some of the finest machines around, with the tournament wrapping up after about two and a half hours of intense gameplay.
District 82 Pinball: A Player’s Paradise
With over 100 meticulously maintained machines spanning decades of pinball history, the location offers something for everyone—from retro classics to modern marvels. Spacious, clean, and staffed with friendly faces, District 82 is open Fridays and Saturdays to the public during the colder months and hosts frequent tournaments for those craving a competitive edge. With unlimited play for a flat fee and the option to bring your own refreshments, it’s no surprise this arcade gets glowing reviews. Whether you’re practicing for the next IFPA event or introducing your friends and family to the joys of pinball, District 82 delivers an unforgettable experience.
Spotlight Game: Attack From Mars Invades Round 1
Attack From Mars (Remake Special) by Chicago Gaming made its extraterrestrial presence felt in Round 1, paying homage to its 2017 release anniversary. The game’s vibrant sci-fi theme set the stage as players battled to save Earth from alien domination. Mike Carlson’s precise flipper skills sent Martian saucers crashing to the ground, while Matt McCarty’s strategic play nearly secured him the top score. Joe Reynolds and Jordan Cappaert joined the fray, with each lighting up the playfield in their attempts to complete the game’s challenging objectives. In the end, Mike’s familiarity with the game’s dynamic ramps and humor-infused callouts gave him the edge, setting the tone for the rest of the tournament.
Tournament Guide: Pinball Highlights
With 111 machines in action, the tournament offered players a dazzling array of games to master. Here’s a quick look at a few standouts:
Pharaoh (Williams, 1981): This early 80s gem, designed by Ed Tomaszewski, challenges players with an Egyptian-themed playfield full of intricate targets and mesmerizing art by Doug Watson. Its unique three-level bonus multiplier system keeps players on their toes.
Mousin’ Around! (Bally, 1989): Greg Freres’ whimsical art and Dennis Nordman’s playful design combine in this fast-paced, cheese-loving adventure. Keep an eye on those ramps—they’re critical for racking up big points.
Flash Gordon (Bally, 1980): A cult favorite with punishing difficulty, this game demands sharp reflexes. Gordon Morison’s vibrant artwork and the innovative split-level playfield make it a must-play for any serious competitor.
Star Wars (Data East, 1992): May the Force be with you as you navigate this machine’s iconic sound effects and unique Death Star ramp. Its fan-favorite theme is paired with engaging, fast-paced gameplay.
Sky Kings (Bally, 1974): A vintage delight, this machine’s straightforward rules and satisfying drop targets evoke the golden age of pinball. A great choice for players looking to master the basics with a touch of nostalgia.
Celebrating the Champions
Victory was sweet for Mike Carlson, who took first place with a performance as cool and consistent as the weather outside. Hailing from Sobieski, Wisconsin, Mike’s skill and focus helped him rise to the top despite his modest IFPA rank of 1933. In second place was Gerald Morrison, a seasoned competitor with nearly 300 IFPA events under his belt. His vast experience made him a formidable opponent throughout the evening. Matt McCarty, the tournament director himself, clinched third place, adding another impressive finish to his already stellar track record of 590 events. Rounding out the top four was Alex Phelps, who played with home-field advantage, representing District 82 with pride and precision.
- Mike Carlson – Sobieski, WI
- Gerald Morrison
- Matt McCarty
- Alex Phelps – District 82, WI
The Final Flip
As the night drew to a close, the pinball community at District 82 proved once again why this location is a hotspot for competitive play. Congratulations to Mike Carlson for his stellar performance and to all participants for braving the frosty weather to take part in such a thrilling event. With its unbeatable lineup of machines and welcoming atmosphere, District 82 continues to be a beacon for players across Wisconsin and beyond.
Curious how the finals unfolded? Dive into the action with our detailed finals coverage here: De Pere’s Pinball Battleground: D82 Friday Finals Results. Follow along for more pinball stories, tournament highlights, and tips as we roll into an exciting year of flipper action!
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