D82’s Saturday Night Classics: Vintage Machines, Fierce Competition

On a cold February 15th, with overcast skies and a biting 24°F temperature, pinball players gathered inside District 82 Pinball Arcade in De Pere, Wisconsin, for the D82 Saturday Night Classics Tournament. This wasn’t just any competition—it was a celebration of classic pinball, where players faced off on vintage machines that defined the golden age of the game. With 46 players battling it out over five qualification rounds, only 24 would move on to the finals. The nearly five-hour event, led by organizer Erik Thoren, was the perfect escape from winter’s grasp and a testament to the enduring appeal of classic pinball.

Stepping Inside Pinball Paradise

District 82 Pinball Arcade, located at 800 O Keefe Road, is one of the Midwest’s premier pinball destinations. The venue boasts over 100 machines spanning decades of pinball history, from the electro-mechanical era to modern solid-state classics. The spacious layout provides plenty of room for competition, and the well-maintained machines ensure fair play. Friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere make it a must-visit location for any pinball enthusiast.

Disco Fever Heats Up the First Round

The first round of competition kicked off with a memorable match on Disco Fever (Williams, 1978). This game is infamous for its unique “banana flippers,” curved to alter ball trajectory in ways that baffle even seasoned players. The disco-themed art and pulsating playfield lights set the stage for a heated battle.

Danny Bronny, ranked 3rd in the state, showed that he had the moves, deftly using the tricky flippers to control shots and maximize bonus multipliers. His mastery of the game’s saucer shots and spinner lanes earned him first place. Mike Schlumpf from Green Bay made a strong push, but the unpredictable nature of Disco Fever kept him just shy of the top spot. Meanwhile, Dori Zielinski and Matt McCarty fought hard, but neither could quite crack the rhythm that Bronny found.

Classic Machines That Defined the Tournament

The tournament lineup featured 43 machines, and several stood out for their unique designs and historical significance.

• Gorgar (Williams, 1979) – The first talking pinball machine in history, Gorgar boasts a seven-word vocabulary and a dynamic heartbeat sound that increases as the game intensifies. Players had to hit the G-O-R-G-A-R drop targets strategically to boost their scores, while the magnetic pit added a brutal element of randomness.
• Paragon (Bally, 1979) – A brutally challenging wide-body game, Paragon features a savage left outlane dubbed the “Beast’s Lair.” Players needed precision to navigate the game’s lower playfield flipper and avoid the deadly gap between the upper flippers. This game is notorious for punishing those who shoot blindly—perfect for high-pressure tournament play.
• Mata Hari (Bally, 1977) – With its stunning artwork depicting the infamous World War I spy, Mata Hari plays fast and rewards accuracy. The game’s dual in-line drop target banks are essential for big scores, and skilled nudging helps players keep the ball alive in a machine where drains can come out of nowhere.
• Silverball Mania (Bally, 1978) – A machine that celebrates the pinball culture itself, Silverball Mania features a mesmerizing design with a focus on high-scoring loops and bonus multipliers. Players needed to master the upper saucer shot to maximize their score potential.
• Supersonic (Bally, 1979) – This aviation-themed game captures the excitement of the supersonic jet era. With bonus multipliers tied to the left-side drop targets and a crucial center spinner, players had to find the perfect balance of risk and reward.

A Final Battle on Alien Poker

As the night neared its end, the top players faced off on Alien Poker (Williams, 1980). This space-themed game challenges players to complete poker hands via stand-up targets while dodging dangerous outlanes. The game’s challenging bonus strategy and quick shot flow make it a fitting battleground for a tournament finale.

Steven Bowden, ranked 6th in the state and 13th in the world, displayed his pinball prowess with a strategic and calculated game. He locked in his bonus multipliers early, avoided risky rebounds, and sealed his victory with a perfectly executed center shot to complete a high-value hand. Mike Carlson made an impressive push for the title, but Bowden’s superior control and shot accuracy secured his first-place finish.

Final Standings

1. Steven Bowden – Dominated the finals with precise play, proving why he’s a top-ranked competitor.
2. Mike Carlson – A strong second-place finish, showcasing excellent skill and adaptability.
3. Jordan Semrow – Battled fiercely through the rounds to earn a podium spot.
4. Tom Graf – A powerful competitor, consistently among the top-ranked players in the state.
5. Buck Bauer – Showed resilience throughout the tournament, finishing in the top five.
6. Mike Weyenberg – Representing Manitowoc, WI, with a solid performance.
7. Dori Zielinski – An impressive showing, making it into the final rounds against tough competition.
8. Tom Schmidt – Rounded out the top eight with strong strategic play.

Wisconsin IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Finishing the Tournament

The D82 Saturday Night Classics Tournament was a thrilling event, providing a warm escape from the cold Wisconsin night. With intense competition, a deep lineup of classic pinball machines, and a nail-biting final match, it was a night to remember. Special thanks to organizer Erik Thoren and District 82 Pinball Arcade for hosting yet another stellar event.

Congratulations to Steven Bowden for taking home the title! For more details and upcoming tournaments, visit District 82 Pinball. Stay tuned for more pinball action!