Frosty Air, Hot Flippers: A Night at the D82 Tilt’n Tuesday Side Tournament

Brrr, it was a chilly night at the D82 Tilt’n Tuesday January 14th Side Tournament Finals, with temperatures hovering at a cool 10°F and a brisk wind making it feel even colder. But that didn’t stop 8 skilled players from showing up at District 82 Pinball in De Pere, WI, for an intense Group Knockout tournament that had everyone on edge. Over the course of 9 rounds, players faced elimination after racking up 3 strikes, testing their mettle against a mix of classic machines. In true pinball fashion, the players battled through the cold, keeping their focus on the flashing lights and ringing bells, with a total tournament duration of 2 and a half hours.

District 82 Pinball: Where Legends Are Made

District 82 Pinball, located at 800 O’Keefe Road, is a gem for pinball enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The cozy yet expansive arcade is known for its superbly maintained machines and vibrant atmosphere. Players from far and wide flock to this spot, including those who, like one reviewer, travel over 1.5 hours to relive their childhood memories of pinball. With over 15 machines on hand, from vintage classics to modern marvels, it’s no wonder District 82 has become a beloved location. The combination of welcoming staff, pristine machines, and a diverse range of games makes it a place where memories are made, one flip at a time.

The Showdown on Lectronamo – A 1978 Classic

In Round 1, the spotlight fell on Lectronamo, a game by Stern Electronics from 1978. Players had to navigate through its futuristic theme, a nod to the high-tech visions of the late ‘70s, all while aiming for big points and avoiding strikes. Lectronamo is a game where timing and precision matter most, and the stakes were high in this first round. Rachel Ristow (State Rank: 11th) dominated the game with calm control, edging out Steve Beno (State Rank: 19th), Todd Dorschner (State Rank: 27th), and tournament director Eric Strangeway (State Rank: 18th) in a thrilling display of skill. Ristow’s steady hand and sharp eye helped her secure the win, leaving the others to wonder how they could have cracked the code of this classic game.

Machines That Rocked the Tournament

Viking (Bally, 1979): This classic title brings players into the world of Norse mythology, where Viking warriors are on a quest for glory. The machine’s design is based on Viking lore, complete with a roaring dragon and intricate artwork. Its playfield offers a variety of ramps, drop targets, and an exciting multiball mode. The game is known for its fast-paced action and challenging layouts, rewarding skillful shot-making with high point values. Released in 1979, Viking stands out for its combination of both strategy and pure flipper reflexes, making it a favorite among seasoned players.

Harley Davidson (Bally, 1991): For those who love motorcycles and fast-paced action, Harley Davidson is the perfect pin. Released in 1991, this machine captures the thrill of the open road, complete with motorcycle-themed ramps and skill shots. Players can unlock special modes such as “The Ride” and “Custom Chopper,” which introduce unique challenges like accelerating ramps and challenging multiball features. The game’s design features bold artwork, with flames, engines, and a roaring Harley Davidson bike taking center stage. The combination of fast action and motorcycle-themed excitement makes this a beloved choice for players of all skill levels.

Future Spa (Bally, 1979): Set in a luxurious spa of the future, Future Spa immerses players in an era of relaxation and rejuvenation—while still offering a set of exciting challenges. The game’s unique layout includes colorful ramps, spinners, and a multiball feature that adds to the chaos on the playfield. Released in 1979, Future Spa is known for its smooth flow and aesthetically pleasing design, which features a combination of tranquil imagery and playful artwork. Players must master the ramps and targets to trigger jackpots, which reward them with points and special bonus rounds. It’s a perfect blend of strategy and reflexes, and a great way to test pinball skills in a futuristic setting.

Barracora (Williams, 1981): This fast and furious pin from Williams has an unmistakable underwater theme. Released in 1981, Barracora challenges players with its flowing ramps, drop targets, and skill shots. The game is notable for its high-speed gameplay and intricate design, with a playfield that can change drastically as players unlock new features. Players must hit targets to trigger special modes, including a high-stakes multiball round, which pushes the excitement factor into overdrive. The artwork on Barracora is vibrant and features underwater creatures and swirling ocean waves, further enhancing the game’s challenging and fast-paced nature.

Top Competitors

Congratulations are in order for Kris Koehler, who clinched the top spot in the tournament! His State Rank of 9th and impressive IFPA rank of 1472 showed just how much skill he brought to the game. With a total of 169 IFPA events under his belt, Koehler proved his mastery across a variety of machines, keeping his cool as he sailed past his competition. Rachel Ristow, securing 2nd place, also deserves a round of applause. With 393 IFPA events and a State Rank of 11th, her performance was stellar, even in the face of stiff competition. Eric Strangeway, placing 3rd, showcased his experience with 507 IFPA events and a State Rank of 18th, and rounding out the top four was Steve Beno, whose skill in tournaments makes him a constant contender, as seen by his State Rank of 19th and 217 IFPA events.

Wisconsin’s Top 10 Pinball Masters: The Standings

Another Epic Night at District 82

What a night! The D82 Tilt’n Tuesday January 14th Side Tournament Finals proved that cold weather won’t freeze the competition at District 82 Pinball. A huge shout-out to Erik Thoren for orchestrating such a smooth and exciting event, and to District 82 for being the perfect venue to host it. A well-deserved congratulations to Kris Koehler for his standout performance, securing his place at the top of the leaderboard. Keep an eye out for the latest pinball happenings—there’s always another tournament around the corner, and you won’t want to miss what’s coming next! Stay flipping, pinball fans!