Barracora Battles and Big Wins at D82 Tilt’n Tuesday

On September 24th, 2024, the pinball wizards gathered once again at District 82 Pinball in De Pere, Wisconsin, for another exciting Tilt’n Tuesday tournament. With 58 players battling it out in four rounds of two games each, the tournament wrapped up in a neat 2 hours and 30 minutes. Under clear skies and a perfect 67°F, it was the ideal setting for an evening of flipping fun. Organized by Erik Thoren, this event promised high-energy gameplay, friendly competition, and some spectacular pinball moments.

The Ultimate Pinball Playground: District 82 Pinball Arcade

If you’ve ever dreamed of a pinball heaven, District 82 Pinball Arcade is as close as it gets. Located at 800 O’Keefe Road in De Pere, Wisconsin, this arcade boasts over 100 well-maintained pinball machines, offering a nostalgic yet modern experience for players of all levels. The layout is perfect for tournaments—plenty of space to move around, and the machines are all in top-notch condition, which can make a huge difference in competitive play. District 82 isn’t just about tournaments though; it’s open to the public on weekends from September through May, offering unlimited play for a set fee, making it a great spot for families, groups, or private parties. Plus, you’re free to bring your own drinks, although they’ve got soda and water on hand to keep you refreshed. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just looking to have some fun, District 82 delivers an unbeatable pinball experience.

Barracora Takes the Spotlight

In Round 1, the spotlight was on Barracora, an often underappreciated gem from Williams, released in 1981. Known for its intricate playfield and dynamic “Bonus Countdown” feature, Barracora challenges players to carefully build up their bonus multipliers throughout the game. Players can hit drop targets and rollovers to increase their bonus, but the real payoff comes at the end of the ball when the bonus countdown kicks in, allowing a well-timed game to snowball into a high-scoring frenzy.

Drew Geigel, ranked 13th in Wisconsin, demonstrated his mastery of this feature, building up his multipliers early and capitalizing on the end-of-ball bonus countdown to secure a first-place finish. Erik Thoren, ranked 6th in the state, played a solid game but couldn’t quite rack up the multipliers needed to catch Drew, finishing in second. Rick Petit, though ranked 168th in Wisconsin, gave the top players a run for their money, showing solid ball control to earn third place. Tara Henjum, despite a strong effort, rounded out the match in fourth, struggling to build up the bonus needed for a higher finish.

Barracora’s fast-paced gameplay and high-pressure multiplier strategy made this round one of the most exciting moments of the tournament.

Pinball Machines: Highlights from the Night

District 82’s massive lineup of 110 pinball machines gave players plenty of variety and challenges throughout the night. Here’s a closer look at five standout games that made an impact during the tournament:

• Meteor (Stern Electronics, 1979): This space-themed machine is known for its three drop target banks, each representing different aspects of the Meteor defense system. The key to high scores lies in strategically knocking down all the drop targets, which increases the bonus multiplier. With its fast, unforgiving gameplay, Meteor forces players to be precise with their shots, or risk losing the ball before even reaching the all-important multiball.
• Star Wars (Data East, 1992): Star Wars pulls players into a galaxy far, far away, complete with iconic sound bites and characters from the original trilogy. The central focus is hitting the Death Star shot to activate multiball. Once you’ve locked balls, the frantic gameplay kicks into high gear, with players scrambling to rack up points while avoiding the outlanes. It’s a fan favorite not just for the theme but also for its challenging gameplay.
• Supersonic (Bally, 1979): Supersonic takes players to the skies with its aviation-themed design. What makes this game stand out is the spinner shot, which, when hit correctly, can send your score soaring. The smooth ball flow combined with a satisfying set of drop targets and a wide-open playfield makes this a machine that rewards patience and skill.
• Demolition Man (Williams, 1994): Based on the popular action film, Demolition Man is all about fast-paced multiball action and skillful use of the machine’s unique handles, which give players a different way to control the flippers. With plenty of modes and shots to keep players engaged, it’s a machine where timing and shot selection can make or break your score.
• Cirqus Voltaire (Bally, 1997): One of the most visually stunning pinball machines ever made, Cirqus Voltaire offers players a whimsical, circus-themed adventure with vibrant colors and creative playfield toys. The standout feature is the interactive Ringmaster, who taunts players as they attempt to knock him down, creating a fun and challenging experience. Mastering the Ringmaster multiball is key to unlocking massive scoring opportunities.

Congratulations to the Champions

After hours of intense play, the final match took place on Comet by Williams, a carnival-themed machine where the key is mastering the cycle jump and hitting the roller coaster ramp for big points. Nathan Zalewski put on a clinic, using the cycle jump to perfection and earning the title of champion. His victory was hard-fought, especially with Erik Thoren, the event’s organizer, coming in hot on his heels. Here’s how the final standings shaped up:

1. Nathan Zalewski – His stellar performance on Comet sealed the deal. Ranked 5th in the state, Nathan showed why he’s one of the top players to watch.
2. Erik Thoren – Always a strong competitor, Erik finished just behind Nathan. His 6th place state ranking reflects his consistency across many tournaments.
3. Trae Vance – With a 28th state ranking, Trae’s strong finish in third proves that he’s a rising star in the Wisconsin pinball scene.
4. Timothy Enders – Ranked 20th in Wisconsin, Timothy fought hard to secure his fourth-place finish, adding another solid performance to his growing resume.

Wisconsin IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping Up an Epic Tilt’n Tuesday

The D82 Tilt’n Tuesday tournament delivered an unforgettable night of intense pinball action. A big thank you to Erik Thoren for organizing another stellar event and to District 82 Pinball for hosting in their amazing venue. The competition was fierce, and Barracora stole the spotlight early on with its thrilling gameplay. Congratulations to our champions, who fought all the way to the final match on Comet. For more upcoming tournaments and events, be sure to check out District 82’s website: District 82. Stay tuned for more exciting pinball recaps—there’s always another game just around the corner!