The Road to Victory: District 82 Qualifying Action Heats Up

On February 21, 2025, as the sun dipped below the horizon, pinball enthusiasts braved the biting 22°F chill—feeling more like a brisk 11°F—to gather at District 82 Pinball Arcade in De Pere, Wisconsin. The occasion? The D82 Flippin’ Friday Qualifier, orchestrated by the ever-enthusiastic Erik Thoren. Over the course of approximately two and a half hours, 20 players engaged in four intense rounds, each featuring two games, all vying for a strong placement leading into the finals.

District 82: A Pinball Playground

Found at 800 O’Keefe Road, District 82 Pinball Arcade is a dreamland for players of all skill levels. Boasting over 100 meticulously maintained pinball machines, the arcade offers a nostalgic journey through decades of pinball history. Visitors often rave about its cleanliness, the variety of machines, and the welcoming demeanor of the staff. With open hours on Fridays and Saturdays from September to May and a flat fee granting unlimited play, it’s no wonder this venue has become a cornerstone of the Wisconsin pinball scene.

Jurassic Showdown: Round 3 Highlights

The third round saw a thrilling face-off on Jurassic Park (Premium) by Stern, released in October 2019. Designed by Keith Elwin, this modern classic challenges players to escape Isla Nublar while wrangling rogue dinosaurs, all while navigating fast ramps and the iconic T-Rex head that chomps the ball. The game rewards strategic play, requiring careful stacking of multiballs and well-timed modes.

David Gerwing showed true hunter instincts, skillfully using the Chaos Multiball to rack up points and secure first place. Peter Goeben nearly outmaneuvered the pack with a well-timed Raptor Tri-Ball, utilizing the tricky control room shots, but settled for second. Ryan Cappaert and Joe Reynolds fought valiantly, each attempting to complete the game’s nerve-wracking Pteranodon Attack mode, but neither could escape the jaws of elimination.

Machines That Made an Impact

The tournament lineup featured an impressive 112 pins, spanning multiple eras of pinball history. Here’s a closer look at a few that left their mark:

• Palooka (Williams, 1964) – A relic from the golden age of electromechanical pinball, Palooka was designed by Norm Clark and features a boxing theme. With a layout focused on skill shots and nudging finesse, it’s a test of classic pinball fundamentals.
• White Water (Williams, 1993) – Designed by Dennis Nordman and featuring John Youssi’s incredible artwork, this machine takes players down a treacherous rafting course. With its unique upper playfield and Insanity Falls ramp, it remains a standout for flow-based gameplay.
• Robo-War (Gottlieb, 1988) – An underrated gem by designer John Trudeau, Robo-War features a dystopian robot war theme and a distinctive ruleset focused on building up the power grid. Its satisfying shots and chaotic multiball moments make it a cult favorite.
• Mata Hari (Bally, 1977) – A game that combines striking backglass artwork with a deceptively difficult playfield. This Steve Kirk design is known for its smooth orbit shots and punishing outlanes, keeping players on their toes.
• John Wick (Pro) (Stern, 2024) – The newest entry in Stern’s lineup, this game drops players into the relentless world of the Baba Yaga himself. Featuring kinetic action sequences, a deep ruleset, and an arsenal of fast-flowing shots, it’s an instant hit for fans of modern pinball.
• Disney TRON: Legacy (Stern, 2011) – This visually stunning machine, designed by John Borg, immerses players in the digital grid. With the challenging Light Cycle multiball and recognizer bash toy, it’s one of the most beloved modern Stern titles.
• Jack•Bot (Williams, 1995) – A futuristic casino-themed pin, Jack•Bot is the spiritual successor to Pin•Bot, complete with gambling-based risk-reward elements and dazzling dot-matrix animations.
• Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Stern, 2018) – Designed by Keith Elwin, this machine revolutionized modern pinball design with its fast-flowing orbits, unique flipper layout, and deep strategic modes tied to the legendary band’s greatest hits.
• Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure (Williams, 1993) – One of the most beloved widebody machines, this Mark Ritchie-designed adventure captures the thrill of the film series with features like the Path of Adventure and the infamous Ark of the Covenant multiball.

The Final Battle on Volley

The tournament culminated in a tense showdown on Volley (Gottlieb, 1976), a classic single-player machine known for its 15 drop targets and precise shotmaking. Designed by Ed Krynski with artwork by Gordon Morison, it demands accuracy and controlled play. The key to high scores is clearing each bank of drop targets in sequence to maximize multipliers.

Matt McCarty executed a nearly flawless sequence, strategically targeting drop sequences in the optimal order while controlling ball speed through careful nudging. This methodical approach secured him the championship.

The top four finishers were:

1. Matt McCarty – Proving his elite status with a clutch win, Matt’s ability to read the game’s unique drop target strategy paid off big.
2. Erik Thoren – The tournament organizer and formidable competitor, Erik leveraged his knowledge of the field to expertly manage the game’s tricky rebounds and claim second place.
3. Jordan Cappaert – Displaying consistency throughout the tournament, Jordan demonstrated quick reflexes on the flippers to remain in contention, securing a well-earned third-place finish.
4. Joe DeCleene – Fighting hard, Joe showcased why he sits at 13th in the state rankings, using impressive ball control to hold his own against the tournament’s best.

Wisconsin’s Pinball Elite

The tournament also highlighted the state’s ever-competitive pinball scene. Here’s a snapshot of the top 10 players:

Flipping the Final Page

As the last ball drained and the final scores tallied, another thrilling qualifying event at District 82 came to a close. While this wasn’t the finals, the battles fought and strategies honed here will no doubt shape the competition ahead. Whether players left victorious or eager to refine their skills, one thing was certain—pinball never stops. Stay tuned for more tournament action, machine highlights, and deep dives into the ever-evolving world of competitive pinball. Until next time, keep flipping and chasing that high score!