The 2025 pinball season kicked off with a bang at the D82 Flippin’ Friday Finals on January 3rd. This event served as the thrilling conclusion to the action-packed competition covered in our earlier post, “Chillin’ Competition at D82 Flippin’ Friday in the Frosty Air”. Thirteen pinball wizards braved the icy 15°F weather outside and the heat of competition inside District 82 Pinball Arcade. The Group Knockout format kept the pressure high, as players dodged strikes through 11 grueling rounds. With three strikes sealing a player’s fate, strategy and precision were critical, but only one could reign supreme.
The Mecca of Pinball: District 82
District 82 Pinball, located on O’Keefe Road in De Pere, WI, is every pinball enthusiast’s dream. With over 100 impeccably maintained machines, this arcade is more than just a location—it’s a pilgrimage site. From the roar of flippers to the hum of perfectly aligned bumpers, each game exudes care and passion, thanks to owner Erik Thoren’s meticulous attention to detail. Offering unlimited play and a welcoming atmosphere, District 82 isn’t just a place for seasoned competitors—it’s also a fantastic spot for families and groups to discover the magic of pinball. And trust me, if you’re coming from out of town, the trip is more than worth it.
Alien Poker: Tournament Guide for Williams’ 45th Anniversary
Williams’ sci-fi-meets-casino-themed classic, the game took center stage in Round 2. Rick Petit stepped up with confidence, channeling his inner poker ace as he navigated Alien Poker’s flashing card suits and jackpot shots. Tom Graf kept the pressure on with precise ramp hits, but Rick’s mastery of the multi-ball sealed his victory. Meanwhile, Jordan Cappaert and Gerald Morrison found themselves outmatched by the machine’s unpredictable drop targets.
In celebration of the 45th anniversary of Williams’ Alien Poker, let’s explore strategies for mastering this 1980 classic. The heart of the game is completing the card sequences by hitting lit drop targets to progress through poker hands, such as Royal Flushes, which unlock higher scoring opportunities. Completing these hands also contributes to your end-of-ball bonus, a crucial scoring factor. To maximize your bonus, aim to advance the bonus multiplier by completing the top rollover lanes and keeping the ball in play long enough to stack multipliers. A fully maxed-out bonus can easily turn the tide in competitive play, so focus on multiplier progression early.
The left spinner is another key scoring element. When lit, ripping the spinner provides significant points, making it essential to practice timing and accuracy for clean, consistent shots. Completing the top lanes and advancing sequences often lights the spinner, so keep track of when it’s ready to deliver maximum value. As with most classic machines, ball control is critical. Use techniques like cradling, post passing, and drop catching to slow the game down and set up intentional shots. Be mindful of hungry outlanes, as Alien Poker is notorious for punishing errant rebounds. Strong nudging skills and well-timed slap saves can help you keep the ball in play and avoid costly drains.
Success in Alien Poker hinges on balancing risk and reward. Progress through card sequences for big points, focus on building and multiplying your bonus, and take advantage of lit spinners when the opportunity arises. With precise shot-making, strategic planning, and strong defensive play around the outlanes, you’ll be ready to celebrate Alien Poker’s 44th anniversary in style—racking up high scores and taking down the competition. 👽🃏
The Tournament’s Pins
With 110 pinball machines available, players had their pick of iconic games. Let’s dive deeper into some of the machines that lit up the tournament:
Paragon (Bally, 1979)
Designed by the legendary Paul Faris, Paragon is a wide-body game and a true classic of the late ’70s. Its fantasy-themed artwork, featuring a ferocious beast and a brave warrior, is breathtaking and stands out as one of the most detailed playfields of its time. What makes Paragon so challenging is its Beast’s Lair—a brutal section of the playfield where errant balls are often lost to the outlanes. It’s a test of precision and skill that keeps even the best players on their toes. Bally’s innovative design choices in this era set the stage for some of the most beloved pinball machines of all time.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (Williams, 1993)
Barry Oursler and Mark Sprenger brought the gothic horror of Bram Stoker’s classic novel to life with this dark and atmospheric game. The mist multiball feature, where a ball glides eerily across the playfield via a magnetic mechanism, is one of the most memorable gimmicks in pinball history. The game’s fast-paced play and iconic callouts (“I never drink…wine”) make it a favorite among horror fans and competitive players alike. Released during the golden age of Williams pinball, it’s a staple at many tournaments.
The Getaway: High Speed II (Williams, 1992)
Steve Ritchie, often called the “Master of Flow,” designed The Getaway, and it shows in every fast-paced shot. This sequel to the 1986 hit High Speed takes the original’s cop-chase theme to the next level with a driving soundtrack (featuring ZZ Top’s “La Grange”) and an exhilarating Redline Mania mode. The supercharger loop, where balls race around a magnetic track at lightning speed, is a thrilling feature that never gets old. It’s a high-octane pinball experience that perfectly captures the adrenaline rush of a high-speed pursuit.
Pharaoh (Williams, 1981)
Designed by Ed Tomaszewski, Pharaoh transports players to ancient Egypt with its intricate artwork and engaging gameplay. The game features an upper playfield with challenging targets and a unique bonus system that rewards careful planning. Williams was known for pushing the boundaries of pinball design in the early ‘80s, and Pharaoh is a prime example of their innovation and creativity.
Theatre of Magic (Bally, 1995)
If pinball machines were works of art, Theatre of Magic would be hanging in a gallery. Designed by John Popadiuk, this game immerses players in the world of illusion, complete with a levitating ball trick and a rotating magic trunk that serves as the centerpiece of the playfield. The stunning visuals and smooth gameplay make it a perennial favorite, and its “Hocus Pocus” multiball is as fun to play as it is to watch. Bally’s attention to detail in the mid-‘90s truly set a new standard for pinball excellence.
Alien Poker (Williams, 1980)
This sci-fi casino mashup is as quirky as it is fun. Designed by Barry Oursler, Alien Poker features a cast of extraterrestrial card sharks and a playfield that demands quick reflexes and sharp aim. The drop targets and bonus multipliers keep players engaged, while the unique theme and vibrant artwork make it a standout in Williams’ early ‘80s lineup.
Climbing to Victory: Tournament Winners
After three hours of intense gameplay, four players emerged as the final challengers. With a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, the podium showcased just how deep the talent pool is at District 82.
- Danny Bronny – IFPA rank 340
Danny’s extensive experience in over 200 competitive events shone through as he dominated the field. Known for his sharp reflexes and ability to adapt to each game’s unique challenges, Danny proved why he’s a force to be reckoned with in the pinball world.
- Gerald Morrison – IFPA rank 424
A consistent performer across nearly 300 events, Gerald brought his steady gameplay and deep knowledge of pinball strategy to the tournament, earning a well-deserved second place. His ability to maintain focus under pressure showcased why he’s highly respected in the competitive scene
- Erik Thoren – IFPA rank 122
As the host and organizer of the tournament, Erik didn’t let his responsibilities outside the game distract him. With an impressive resume of over 470 events, Erik’s skill on the machines earned him third place, proving he’s just as formidable a player as he is a tournament director.
- Tom Graf – IFPA rank 138
With over 600 events to his name, Tom brought a wealth of experience to the competition. His tactical decision-making and precise gameplay helped him fend off fierce challengers to secure fourth place, adding yet another strong finish to his extensive record.
A Chilly Night, A Warm Finish
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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