Classic Machines, Fierce Competition: Pinball Action at District 82

On March 2, 2025, at the bright and early hour of 9:00 AM, 50 players gathered at District 82 Pinball in De Pere, Wisconsin, to battle it out in the D82 Sunday Classics Tournament. With a crisp 21°F temperature outside, it was the perfect day to stay inside and warm up the flippers. Over the course of five rounds and three games per round, players navigated a gauntlet of classic machines, with the tournament wrapping up in just over four hours. The competition was fierce, the pinball was fast, and, as always, District 82 delivered an unforgettable experience.

A Playground for Pinball Enthusiasts

District 82 Pinball Arcade, located at 800 O Keefe Road, has built a reputation as one of the Midwest’s premier pinball venues. Open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays from September to May, the arcade boasts over 100 impeccably maintained machines. Unlike your average arcade, District 82 operates on a flat fee for unlimited play, making it a dream come true for both casual players and die-hard competitors. The venue is known for its friendly staff, retro decor, and an atmosphere that makes every visit feel like a trip back to pinball’s golden era. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a tournament regular, there’s no doubt you’ll be coming back for more.

Spotlight Match: Volley Delivers a Nail-Biter

Round 2 of the tournament saw a heated showdown on Volley, Gottlieb’s 1976 classic. With its simple but challenging drop-target layout, Volley demands precision and control—two things Steven Bowden had in spades. Gottlieb, one of the most prolific pinball manufacturers of the 20th century, was known for designing machines that emphasized skill over luck. Volley, with its symmetrical playfield and rows of drop targets, is a perfect example of this philosophy.

Final Results for Volley:

1. Steven Bowden – A force to be reckoned with, Bowden played with the confidence and skill expected from a player of his caliber, proving why he’s consistently ranked among the top players in the state.

2. Joshua Holz – Holz put up an impressive fight, demonstrating sharp flipper control and a keen eye for shot accuracy. While he may not yet be a household name in competitive pinball, performances like this show he’s climbing the ranks fast.

3. Jason Krajcar – A tenacious competitor from Lambertville, MI, Krajcar made their presence known with strategic gameplay. Their ability to navigate Volley’s demanding layout was commendable, and this performance will surely fuel future tournament appearances.

4. Jordan Cappaert – A solid player in Wisconsin’s scene, Cappaert held his own against some of the best. His familiarity with classic machines gave him an edge, though a few near-misses kept him just outside the top three.

Bowden’s mastery of drop targets sealed the victory, proving once again why he’s one of the top competitors in the state.

Pinball Machines That Lit Up the Tournament

With a lineup of 43 classic pinball machines, the tournament gave players a chance to test their skills on a wide variety of playfields. Here are five standout machines that made an impact:

Comet (Williams, 1985) Step right up to the carnival! Comet takes players on a roller coaster ride with its carnival-themed playfield, complete with a Ferris wheel, ramps, and a one-million-point shot that keeps everyone chasing the high score. Williams was one of the most innovative pinball manufacturers, and Comet was the first in its famous amusement park trilogy, later followed by Cyclone and Hurricane.

Silverball Mania (Bally, 1978) With dazzling mirrored artwork and a playfield that keeps players on their toes, Silverball Mania captures the spirit of late ’70s pinball. It’s a fast game with an unforgiving drain, rewarding precise shooting and strategic nudging. Bally, at this time, was a dominant force in pinball manufacturing, riding high on the success of games like Eight Ball and Flash Gordon.

Eight Ball Deluxe (LE) (Bally, 1982) A pinball tribute to the game of pool, Eight Ball Deluxe is all about making shots count. With its iconic “stop talkin’ and start chalkin'” callouts, this machine is a tournament staple for a reason—sharp aim and ball control are key. The original Eight Ball was a massive success, but Bally took things up a notch with Deluxe, refining the rules and layout to create a game that remains a player favorite to this day.

KISS (Bally, 1979) Rock and roll all night, and flip forever! KISS delivers high-energy gameplay with a simple but addictive layout. With classic band imagery and a steady stream of high-speed shots, this one never fails to entertain. Bally was known for capitalizing on pop culture, and KISS was one of its most successful attempts to merge rock and pinball. The game helped pave the way for other music-themed machines like The Rolling Stones and AC/DC.

Seawitch (Stern, 1980) One of Stern’s most beloved early machines, Seawitch features a unique layout with spinners, drop targets, and a lightning-fast upper loop shot. It’s a player’s game, and those who master it can make magic happen. Seawitch is also known for influencing the design of the much later Stern classic, Star Trek (2013), which borrowed heavily from its looping shots and flowing layout.

Rising to the Top: The Tournament’s Best

With 50 players in the mix, competition was fierce. When the final ball drained, these four players emerged victorious:

1. Erik Thoren – A familiar face at District 82, Thoren leveraged his home-field advantage to clinch the win. His deep knowledge of the lineup gave him the edge, and his ability to adapt under pressure secured him the championship.

2. Jim Radovich – Radovich may not be as highly ranked as some of the others, but that didn’t stop him from delivering a stellar performance. His steady and controlled play made him a tough competitor throughout the tournament.

3. Steven Bowden – Bowden’s third-place finish doesn’t change the fact that he remains one of the most formidable players on the scene. His precise shooting and deep understanding of classic games kept him in the mix all day long.

4. Danny Bronny – A strong competitor with a history of solid tournament performances, Bronny’s strategic approach helped him navigate the chaos. His placement here only adds to his growing reputation as one of Wisconsin’s top players.

Wisconsin’s Top 10 Pinball Players

The Wisconsin IFPA standings continue to shift as players battle for ranking points. Here’s how the top 10 currently stand:

The Last Tilt of the Day

The D82 Sunday Classics Tournament was another fantastic day of competition at one of Wisconsin’s premier pinball venues. A huge thank you to Erik Thoren for organizing, and to District 82 Pinball for hosting yet another high-caliber event. The battle on Volley will be one to remember, with Steven Bowden’s precision play standing out as one of the tournament’s highlights.

Stay connected for more pinball excitement and tournament coverage, and if you’re looking for your next chance to flip, check out District 82’s upcoming events!