Another thrilling chapter of competitive pinball has been written at the Finals for the C Division D82 Summer Pinball Classic Main Event. With 21 eager players taking on 13 intense rounds of Group Knockout, this event was a rollercoaster of flippers, fast reflexes, and fierce competition. Players were hanging on by a thread, dodging strikes left and right as the Progressive Strikes system pushed everyone to their limits. By the end, it was all about who could keep their cool under pressure and who couldn’t handle the heat.
District 82 Pinball: A Pinball Paradise
If you haven’t been to District 82 Pinball Arcade yet, what are you waiting for? Located in De Pere, WI, this place is like a playground for pinball lovers. The arcade, tucked away at 800 O Keefe Road, is home to an astonishing collection of machines, all impeccably maintained. It’s no wonder players from all over the country make the pilgrimage to this spot. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, District 82 welcomes you with open flippers and machines that play like they’re straight out of the factory. Kudos to Erik Thoren, the mastermind behind this pinball haven, for keeping the spirit of pinball alive and kicking in Wisconsin.
Foo Fighters Rock the Table in Round 3
Round 3 brought us a high-octane match on the ever-popular Foo Fighters (Pro) by Stern. This game, fresh off the production line in March 2023, is packed with fast-paced action, just like a Foo Fighters concert. In this match, Lily Piazza showed off some serious skills, navigating through the game’s intricate shot layout and hitting those all-important multiballs to secure first place. Brian Spencer, a seasoned player from Minnesota, gave it his all but couldn’t quite catch up, finishing second. Dylan Sholtes and Daniel Nagy found themselves battling the machine as much as each other, but in the end, Lily was the star of the show, rocking her way to victory.
A Collection of Classics and New Hits
The tournament had a fantastic lineup of 114 pins, offering everything from golden-age classics to modern masterpieces. Among the highlights:
- Strikes and Spares (Bally, 1978): This game is a strike in the best way possible! With Greg Kmiec’s design and a theme that blends bowling and pinball, it’s no wonder this one’s a fan favorite.
- Harlem Globetrotters On Tour (Bally, 1978): The artwork by Kevin O’Connor captures the spirit of the Globetrotters, and the gameplay is as lively as the team itself. Perfect for those who like a bit of basketball with their pinball.
- Attack From Mars (Remake Special) (Chicago Gaming, 2017): With its vibrant artwork and the brilliant design by Brian Eddy, this remake captures everything that made the original a hit, but with even smoother gameplay.
- Godzilla (Pro) (Stern, 2021): This recent hit, designed by Keith Elwin, is already making waves. With its epic battles and cinematic feel, it’s a must-play for any tournament.
- The Flintstones (Williams, 1994): Take a trip back to Bedrock with this machine that’s as fun and colorful as the cartoon. If you’re a fan of Fred and the gang, this one’s a blast.
Each of these games brought something unique to the table, giving players a mix of classic and modern challenges to conquer.
Shout Out to the Champions
A big congratulations to Mike Moberg, who emerged as the champion of the night. With a state rank of 67th and an IFPA rank of 496, Mike showed why he’s one of the top players around, deftly navigating through the competition to claim the top spot. Right behind him, Mike Paul battled hard to secure second place, showcasing impressive skills for someone ranked 304th in the state. Eric Fryc put up a solid performance, finishing third, while Adam VanDynHoven, a consistent competitor from Appleton, rounded out the top four.
Wisconsin IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steven Bowden | Palatine | 727.09 |
| 2 | Tom Graf | Appleton | 619.91 |
| 3 | Kassidy Milanowski | Appleton | 590.53 |
| 4 | Erik Thoren | De Pere | 561.17 |
| 5 | Neil Graf | Appleton | 550.04 |
| 6 | Nathan Zalewski | Stevens Point | 500.83 |
| 7 | Mike Weyenberg | Manitowoc | 484.43 |
| 8 | Danny Bronny | Beverly Shores | 469.14 |
| 9 | Eric Strangeway | Oshkosh | 414.62 |
| 10 | Carlos Delaserda | Columbus | 410.5 |
Wrapping It Up
All in all, the Finals for the C Division at the D82 Summer Pinball Classic was an incredible event. With 13 intense rounds and some truly spectacular gameplay, it was a night to remember. A huge shout-out to Erik Thoren and District 82 for hosting yet another flawless tournament. And of course, a big congrats to Mike Moberg for taking home the title!
Stay tuned for more pinball updates, tournament recaps, and everything in between. Catch you on the flip side!