Frozen But Focused: The D82 Tilt’n Tuesday Tournament Showdown

As the temperatures dipped to a chilling 13°F with a wind chill that made it feel like an lung freezing 0°F, the action inside District 82 Pinball kept things warm and exciting. On January 14th, the D82 Tilt’n Tuesday Qualifier drew a dedicated crowd of 72 players, all battling it out across four intense rounds. The tournament, hosted by Erik Thoren, unfolded inside a pinball paradise for 3 hours and 21 minutes, providing plenty of opportunities for these talented players to show off their skills under the bright lights and clear skies.

District 82 Pinball: A True Pinball Haven

Tucked away at 800 O Keefe Road in De Pere, WI, District 82 Pinball is the place for serious pinball enthusiasts and casual players alike. This venue is revered not just for its impressive array of over 100 meticulously maintained pinball machines, but also for its welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re here for one of the various tournaments that take place throughout the week or a group outing, this place has it all—unlimited play for a set fee, the option to bring your own drinks, and even private parties. As one visitor from Texas aptly put it, there’s a reason they made the trek across the country to play here—and after experiencing the friendly vibe and top-notch machines, it’s clear why.

The Standout Game: Supersonic by Bally

In Round 1, the spotlight was on Supersonic, the fast-paced pinball machine from Bally (1979). Known for its dynamic features and its need for precision, Supersonic gave players a thrilling challenge. Drew Geigel rose to the occasion, taking the top spot in this round with a performance that had all the precision of a seasoned pinball wizard. Drew, whose skills on the machine earned him first place in the round, outplayed the competition by taking full advantage of the game’s extra ball features and bonus multipliers—sealing his victory with strategic shots and controlled flipper work. In the end, his victory was just the beginning of what would become a memorable night of competition.

Pinball Machines That Stood Out and How to Score Big

The D82 Tilt’n Tuesday Qualifier had a lineup of machines that were both challenging and rewarding for players. Here’s a look at some of the standout machines and a few tips to help you rack up those big scores:

• F-14 Tomcat (Williams, 1987): Fast ramps and intense multiball action make F-14 Tomcat a thrill. To rack up big points, focus on hitting the “Afterburner” ramp to lock a ball for multiball. Once multiball is active, shoot for the ramps to score combo shots, and try to keep the balls in play as long as possible to maximize your scoring potential.
• Flight 2000 (Stern Electronics, 1980): This classic machine rewards precision shots. To score big, aim for the “Time Tunnel” ramp to unlock big bonuses, and hit the bonus multiplier targets to stack up extra points. If you’re quick on the flippers, you can trigger some serious multipliers, making every shot count.
• Theatre of Magic (Bally, 1995): A machine that dazzles with its illusions, Theatre of Magic is all about mastering its features. Focus on the “Magic” ball to activate special modes and boost your score. The “Illusions” ramp shot can help you light up big jackpots, so make sure to take advantage of it when it’s available.
• Stingray (Stern Electronics, 1977): Stingray is perfect for players looking for a steady flow of points. To score big, keep hitting the top center and right-side targets. These are key to unlocking multipliers, and once you start stacking them up, the points will quickly start rolling in. Use the pop bumpers to keep the ball in play while you target those high-scoring shots.
• KISS (Pro) (Stern, 2015): With its rock ‘n’ roll vibe, KISS is packed with opportunities for big points. Aim for the “KISS” targets on the playfield to activate the “Rock and Roll All Nite” jackpot, and if you hit the “Gene Simmons” target during multiball, you’ll trigger some massive multipliers. Multiball is key for big points here, so keep the balls in play and hit those ramps!
• The Flintstones (Williams, 1994): This lighthearted machine is all about hitting key targets for big rewards. Focus on the “Fred” target to unlock additional modes, and don’t miss the “Rock Vegas” feature, which can net you some big points if you time it right. A consistent strategy will help you build up your score and keep the ball moving.
• Indianapolis 500 (Bally, 1995): Indianapolis 500 is a racing-themed machine, and to score big, you’ll need to hit those ramps for speed and multipliers. The “Pit Stop” feature is where the points are at, so make sure to aim for the ramp when it’s lit for a bonus burst of points.
• No Good Gofers (Williams, 1997): No Good Gofers is all about precision, with lots of opportunities for combo shots. Focus on hitting the gopher targets to build up points, and if you can land a hole-in-one, you’ll trigger big bonuses. The “Caddie” mode is another key feature for unlocking a huge jackpot, so don’t overlook it.
• Alien Poker (Williams, 1980): Alien Poker offers a unique twist on traditional pinball, with plenty of opportunities to score big. Focus on completing the “Aliens” bonus rounds by shooting the three outer lanes when they’re lit. The skill shot can be tricky, but nailing it early on gives you a solid lead in the game.

Each of these machines offers different challenges and rewards, but the common theme is making every shot count. Keep your focus, aim for the key targets, and always be ready to take advantage of multipliers and bonus modes. With a little practice, you’ll be racking up those high scores in no time!

The Best of the Best Battle It Out

With 72 players competing, the D82 Tilt’n Tuesday was a serious test of skill. The field was filled with some of the best players in the state, but it was Neil Graf who emerged as the ultimate victor. As the top-ranked player in Wisconsin and #19 globally, Neil’s performance was as smooth as a well-played multiball mode. His consistent precision and strategic gameplay saw him battle through the rounds with confidence, clinching the top spot and solidifying his reputation as one of the best.

Hot on his heels was Mike Weyenberg, ranked #20 in the state and #124 in the world. Mike showed he wasn’t just a contender but a serious challenger for the title. His game was marked by quick thinking and adaptive strategies, pushing him to the second-place finish in a tournament stacked with talent.

Nathan Zalewski, ranked #3 in the state and #150 in the world, didn’t make it easy for his opponents. He’s no stranger to top finishes, and his sharp gameplay and solid understanding of each machine allowed him to secure a well-deserved third place, proving once again that his skills are tough to beat.

Finally, Timothy Enders, ranked #4 in the state and #385 globally, fought hard through the tournament’s tough competition. Timothy brought his A-game and gave the leaders a serious run for their money, ultimately finishing in fourth place. His play was marked by strategic shot-making and solid decisions, but he couldn’t quite edge past the top three.

Wisconsin IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Congratulations to Our Winner!

What an incredible tournament at District 82 Pinball! Congratulations again to Neil Graf, the well-deserved victor of this highly competitive event. A big thank you to Erik Thoren for organizing this unforgettable night and to District 82 Pinball for being such an awesome location for pinball enthusiasts. For those who want to check out more of the action, be sure to visit their official website here for upcoming events.

Stay tuned for more updates and the latest pinball tournament news!