Eddie Smith Claims Victory at the D82 Flippin Friday Finals

In the heart of De Pere, Wisconsin, where the February chill bites at a brisk 19°F (feeling more like a frosty 7°F), pinball enthusiasts gathered at District 82 Pinball for the D82 Flippin Friday Finals on February 21, 2025. This tournament followed an intense qualifying round, which we covered in a previous article, where players fought for their spot in the finals. Now, the top contenders faced off in a Group Knockout Tournament, battling through 11 intense rounds, with elimination looming after three strikes. In four-player groups, the stakes were high: finishing 3rd or 4th meant two strikes, while in three-player groups, the last-place finisher received one strike.

District 82 Pinball: A Competitive Playground for the Silverball Obsessed

Located at 800 O’Keefe Road in De Pere, Wisconsin, District 82 Pinball is more than just a venue—it’s a proving ground for the best in the game. With over 120 machines, including an impeccable mix of classics and modern titles, this arcade draws players from all over the country. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a casual player reliving childhood memories, the pristine machine upkeep and top-tier tournament organization make every visit worthwhile. Players rave about the welcoming atmosphere, with visitors traveling from as far as New York just to compete. The arcade’s meticulous maintenance, combined with the passion of owner Erik Thoren, ensures that every flipper, bumper, and ramp is tournament-ready. For those looking to test their skills or simply immerse themselves in the world of competitive pinball, District 82 delivers an unmatched experience.

High-Stakes Showdown on Lethal Weapon 3

Round 7 delivered a thrilling matchup on Lethal Weapon 3, a 1992 Data East title that is all about high-speed action and adrenaline-pumping multiball mayhem. This game is known for its “Shootout” mode, where players engage in a quick-draw battle, requiring sharp reflexes and precision shooting. Eddie Smith, ranked 36th in the state and 2184th in the IFPA, showcased an underdog performance by clinching 1st place. Local contender Peter Goeben, hailing from De Pere and holding a 30th state rank (804th IFPA), secured 2nd place, while tournament organizer and District 82’s own, Erik Thoren, with an impressive 5th state rank and 126th IFPA ranking, took 3rd. Eddie’s ability to capitalize on Lethal Weapon 3’s lucrative “Car Chase” multiball proved to be the game-changer.

Silverball Spotlight: The Stars of the Tournament

The tournament featured a staggering lineup of 112 machines, with some true standouts in the mix:

• Disney TRON: Legacy (Stern, 2011): This modern masterpiece brings the neon-drenched world of TRON to life with its dazzling light show and fast-flowing ramps. The “Light Cycle Multiball” is a test of endurance, requiring players to nail consecutive shots while dodging the ever-present risk of draining down the center.
• Paragon (Bally, 1979): A wide-body behemoth known for its unforgiving outlanes and the treacherous “Beast’s Lair” on the left side. Paragon is a game where nudging is as essential as flipper skills, rewarding those who can keep the ball in play amidst brutal side drains.
• The Addams Family (Bally, 1992): The highest-selling pinball machine of all time for good reason. The “Thing Flip” auto-shot and “Tour the Mansion” wizard mode keep players coming back for more. Few things in pinball are as satisfying as hearing the game call out, “You rang?” as Thing grabs the ball for a perfect shot.
• Stingray (Stern Electronics, 1977): An early Stern machine that features classic electromechanical-style gameplay with solid-state advancements. Its asymmetrical layout and bonus-laden drop targets provide an old-school challenge with a satisfying flow.
• Alien Poker (Williams, 1980): A quirky blend of sci-fi and card-game themes, Alien Poker rewards precise shooting with its sequential drop target banks. Completing hands in order is the key to big points, making strategy just as important as skill.
• No Good Gofers (Williams, 1997): This Pat Lawlor-designed gem brings a unique twist to pinball, featuring a slam ramp that can launch the ball into a “hole-in-one” shot for massive points. The talking gofers, Buzz and Bud, constantly mock players, adding humor to the chaos.
• Barracora (Williams, 1981): A visually striking game with an eerie, otherworldly theme. The inline drop targets and sequence-based scoring system make it a deceptively deep early solid-state title.
• Volley (Gottlieb, 1976): A tennis-themed electro-mechanical (EM) classic that is all about precision. Hitting the correct drop targets in sequence is essential for high scores, and the game rewards players who can control the ball with finesse.
• Sky Kings (Bally, 1974): A pure EM experience with a straightforward layout, Sky Kings is all about racking up bonuses and perfecting control over bounces and rebounds.

Who Owned the Board? Monopoly Decides the Winner

The final battle took place on Monopoly (Stern, 2001), where players navigated the board, acquiring properties and dodging the dreaded “Go to Jail” lane. Eddie Smith’s strategic mastery of the game’s “Cash Grab” mode, where players collect cash for hitting lit shots, propelled him to victory. Erik Thoren’s deep knowledge of the game’s nuances earned him 2nd place, while Peter Goeben’s steady performance landed them in 3rd.

1. Eddie Smith: Defied his 36th state ranking with sharp skills and strategic mastery.
2. Erik Thoren: Proved that organizing doesn’t hinder top-tier play, adding another accolade to his impressive record.
3. Peter Goeben: Demonstrated that dedication and local pride are formidable assets in competitive pinball.
4. Joe DeCleene: With a 13th state rank, Joe’s performance was a testament to his growing prowess in the pinball community.

Wisconsin’s Pinball Powerhouses: The Top 10

The tournament’s results have undoubtedly influenced the state’s rankings. Here’s the current Wisconsin IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings:

Flipping the Final Page

The D82 Flippin Friday Finals was a showcase of skill, strategy, and stamina, proving once again why District 82 is a must-visit venue for any serious pinball player. From nail-biting matches to unforgettable moments on classic machines, the competition kept everyone on their toes until the very last drain. A huge shoutout to Erik Thoren and the entire team at District 82 for running a flawless event, ensuring both the competition and the machines were in top condition.

Congratulations to Eddie Smith for securing the win and etching his name into District 82 history! With each tournament, the Wisconsin pinball scene continues to grow stronger, and we can’t wait to see what happens next.

Stay tuned for more pinball action, and let us know what you think with a star rating below. Until next time—keep flipping!