Pinball Warfare on Valentine’s Day: Who Emerged Victorious at District 82?

While most people spent Valentine’s Day indulging in chocolates and candlelit dinners, 17 dedicated pinball players were locked in an intense Group Knockout Tournament at District 82 Pinball. With snow falling lightly outside and temperatures biting at a frigid 11°F, the competition inside was nothing short of red-hot.

Over 12 grueling rounds, players battled through three-strike elimination rules, testing their skills against some of the most challenging machines the venue had to offer. Some fell early, while others clawed their way through round after round. By the end of the night, only one would be left standing.

Where Pinball Legends Are Made

Ask any competitive pinball player where they’d want to throw down, and District 82 Pinball is bound to come up. Located in De Pere, Wisconsin, this massive arcade is a paradise for tournament players, boasting over 100 immaculately maintained machines. Unlike the dimly lit barcades filled with quarter-eaters, District 82 is built for competition, with fast play settings, no extra balls, and a roster of tournaments happening almost every week.

Players appreciate the unlimited play setup, the ability to bring their own drinks, and the sheer variety of machines, which range from golden age classics to modern powerhouses. If you love pinball, this is the battlefield you dream of.

The Match That Had Everyone Talking

By the time Round 7 rolled around, tensions were high. A match on Bally’s The Addams Family—the best-selling pinball machine of all time—was about to deliver a pivotal moment in the tournament.

Steven Bowden, a player with years of top-tier competitive experience, was up against Nathan Zalewski, a dominant force in Wisconsin pinball, along with Eddie Smith and Mike Weyenberg, both of whom had been playing smart all night to avoid unnecessary strikes.

Bowden wasted no time locking in Mansion Modes, while Zalewski leaned into a Multiball-heavy strategy, aiming to capitalize on the game’s lucrative Jackpots and Thing’s hand locks. Smith and Weyenberg struggled to keep up, finding themselves victims of the machine’s unpredictable magnets—a cruel reminder that even the best players aren’t safe from The Addams Family’s chaotic gameplay.

In the end, Bowden came out on top, while Zalewski took second. For Smith and Weyenberg, the match meant another step closer to elimination.

The Machines That Made or Broke Players

Pinball isn’t just about skill—it’s about knowing the games inside and out. District 82’s eclectic lineup of machines gave players plenty of challenges to adapt to. Some were punishing classics, while others rewarded deep strategic play. Here’s a look at some of the key machines that shook up the tournament:

Hot Hand (Stern Electronics, 1979)

This rare Stern machine isn’t just about flipper accuracy—it’s about timing. The rotating flipper disc in the upper playfield lets players complete poker hands, forcing a unique balance between precision shots and chaos management. One wrong move, and the ball slips past before you even know what happened.

Flash Gordon (Bally, 1980)

Known for its punishing layout and brutal difficulty, Flash Gordon has no mercy. The upper playfield adds a second level of strategy, while the quick-draining outlanes mean that every flipper decision has to be perfect. If you make a mistake on Flash Gordon, you don’t get a second chance.

The Addams Family (Bally, 1992)

A staple of any great tournament lineup, this game revolutionized pinball with deep Mansion Modes, The Power magnets, and the Thing hand feature. It’s a game that rewards controlled shooting but punishes bad flipper habits, making it an ideal battlefield for competitors.

South Park (Sega, 1999)

This machine often gets dismissed as a casual-friendly game, but in tournament play, it’s a whole different beast. The quick multiball locks can lead to massive scoring opportunities, and missed shots often lead to disaster.

Whirlwind (Williams, 1990)

One of Williams’ best interactive pinball machines, Whirlwind makes you feel the chaos of an approaching storm. With three spinning discs affecting ball movement and a literal fan blowing air onto players, this game demands sharp reflexes and adaptive gameplay.

Hotdoggin’ (Bally, 1979)

A wide-body machine with an open playfield, this game can lull players into a false sense of security—until they realize how brutal the outlanes are. The center spinner is the key to success, but too much greed and you’ll be watching your ball head straight down the drain.

A Final Showdown Worthy of a Champion

The final match took place on Robo-War (Gottlieb, 1988)—a lesser-known, but absolutely ruthless machine. Unlike most pinball games, it has no pop bumpers, meaning everything comes down to pure ball control and strategic shooting.

Steven Bowden locked in the critical 4X multiplier, while Nathan Zalewski did everything he could to catch up with quick loops and ramp hits. Erik Thoren, the tournament organizer himself, showed off his deep knowledge of the machine, but ultimately fell short.

When the final ball drained, Bowden emerged victorious, claiming the title in a tournament that tested every aspect of his pinball prowess.

The Champions of District 82

1. Steven Bowden – A well-earned victory for a player who has spent years battling at the highest level.
2. Nathan Zalewski – A dominant player in Wisconsin pinball, showing once again why he’s at the top of the state rankings.
3. Erik Thoren – Even as the tournament organizer, he proved he can still throw down with the best.
4. Mike Weyenberg – A strong finish in a brutal tournament lineup.

Wisconsin’s IFPA Top 10 Standings

A Night to Remember

The D82 Stern Army Valentine’s Day Finals delivered on every level—fierce competition, a deep lineup of machines, and a dramatic final match. A huge thanks to Erik Thoren and District 82 Pinball for hosting another outstanding event.

Steven Bowden walked away with the title, but every player fought hard to make this a truly memorable showdown. If you missed the qualifying round coverage, check it out here.

What was your favorite machine from the tournament? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to rate the event below!