Tilted Hearts: A Valentine’s Showdown at District 82

Valentine’s Day brought more than just chocolates and roses to Wisconsin this year—it also delivered fast flippers and fierce competition at the D82 Stern Army Valentine’s Day Tournament. With 35 players battling across four rounds, this rapid-fire showdown was a test of skill, strategy, and the ability to keep your hands warm in the frigid 19-degree weather. Hosted by the ever-reliable Erik Thoren, the tournament wrapped up in just under three hours, proving that love isn’t the only thing that moves fast on February 14th.

Where the Pinball Never Sleeps

District 82 Pinball in De Pere, WI, is more than just a tournament venue—it’s a pilgrimage site for pinball enthusiasts. With over 100 meticulously maintained machines spanning decades of design, it’s a place where classics and modern marvels coexist under one roof. The staff is known for their hospitality, making out-of-towners feel like regulars, and the spacious layout ensures there’s always a game waiting. Whether you’re grinding in competition or just flipping for fun, District 82 sets the standard for what a dedicated pinball arcade should be.

Future Shock: A Battle in the Spa

Round 3 saw an electric clash on Future Spa, Bally’s 1979 creation that looks like the fever dream of a 1970s sci-fi fitness instructor. With vibrant artwork, a spacious playfield, and punishing outlanes, Future Spa is known for turning confident players into panicked button mashers. The game features an early form of inline drop targets, a unique feature for its time, and a playfield that rewards both precision and endurance. Steven Bowden emerged victorious, handling the game’s brutal kickouts with the poise of a seasoned competitor. Tom Graf from Parts Unknown put up a strong fight but had to settle for second. Meanwhile, Ryan Cappaert and Jeff Asman found themselves in the spa’s metaphorical deep end, with the game’s merciless physics leaving them struggling to stay afloat.

Heavy Hitters of the Night

With 110 machines in play, players had no shortage of challenges, but a few classics stood out:

• Star Trek (Bally, 1978): This wide-body pinball machine capitalized on the Star Trek craze of the late ‘70s, featuring voice effects and a layout that demands strategic shot selection. Its saucer shots and bonus multipliers make for an engaging, methodical playstyle.
• White Water (Williams, 1993): A fan favorite with wild ramps, a frantic upper playfield, and the infamous “Bigfoot” toy that diverts shots unpredictably. The challenge lies in navigating the river-like flow and building up the game’s high-scoring Vacation Jackpot.
• The Walking Dead (Stern, 2014): Based on the hit TV show, this game is infamous for its brutal drains and tight shots. The barn and well walker bash toys add physical interaction, while the Blood Bath multiball is a crucial scoring opportunity.
• Metallica (Stern, 2014): One of Stern’s most energetic releases, this machine is packed with looping ramps, electrifying soundtracks, and Sparky—an electrocution-themed bash toy that charges up high scores with every hit.
• Barracora (Williams, 1981): A sleeper hit of the early ‘80s, Barracora boasts a rare inline drop target arrangement and an eerie sci-fi theme. Its fast, unforgiving gameplay rewards aggressive yet calculated play.
• Harley Davidson (Bally, 1991): This machine combines the thrill of the open road with a smooth, flowing layout. Featuring a shifting gear mechanism for added play variety, it’s a must-play for motorcycle enthusiasts.
• Indianapolis 500 (Bally, 1995): A fast-paced, racing-themed pin loaded with speed-boosting loops and turbo-charged multiballs. Players must time their shots to simulate the intensity of real-life Indy racing.
• The Addams Family (Bally, 1992): No pinball night is complete without the best-selling pin of all time. Its magnets (The Power), Gomez’s Mansion modes, and smooth ramp shots make it endlessly replayable.
• Whirlwind (Williams, 1990): This fan favorite features a spinning disc playfield gimmick and a ramp setup that makes it feel like the ball is caught in an actual storm. The fan on top of the backbox even blows air on the player to enhance the effect!

Champions of the Night

After four rounds of grueling competition, Tom Graf from Parts Unknown emerged victorious. Coming in with the second-best ranking in Wisconsin, he proved exactly why he’s one of the top contenders in the state. Nathan Zalewski, the current #1 in Wisconsin, gave him a run for his money, finishing in second place. Matt McCarty, who’s no stranger to high-stakes pinball, claimed third, while Tom Menge rounded out the top four with a strong performance. With hundreds of IFPA events between them, these players showed why they belong at the top of the leaderboard.

Wisconsin’s Top 10 Pinball Players

Wrapping Up the Night

As another thrilling tournament concludes, District 82 once again proves why it stands at the heart of Wisconsin’s competitive pinball scene. The machines were pristine, the competition was fierce, and the battles at the flippers were nothing short of electrifying.

A well-earned congratulations to Tom Graf for taking home the win, proving once again why he’s one of the top players in the state. A special shoutout to Erik Thoren, whose dedication continues to fuel the magic of pinball at District 82.

With more tournaments just around the corner, the action never stops. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a casual flipper, there’s always another game waiting. Stay tuned for more tournament recaps, deep dives into classic machines, and all things pinball!