Flippin’ Friday Finals: Wisconsin’s Best Battle it Out at District 82

January 10, 2025, may have been a cold evening with scattered clouds and a crisp 24°F, but things were heating up at District 82 Pinball for the D82 Flippin’ Friday Finals. This thrilling Group Knockout Tournament saw 12 players face off over 11 rounds, battling it out until only one player could claim the top spot. The competition lasted for 2 hours and 58 minutes, and the energy remained high despite the chill outside. With no signs of frostbite for the players, it was clear that pinball passion kept everyone warm.

Pinball Paradise: District 82

District 82 Pinball is a must-visit arcade for any serious pinball fan. Located at 800 O Keefe Road, De Pere, WI, this spot is packed with over 100 meticulously maintained machines that have earned a reputation for offering top-tier gameplay. Whether you’re coming in for a tournament or just to play, District 82 provides an unmatched experience. The arcade is open on Fridays and Saturdays, offering not only unlimited play for a set fee but also a chance to explore its vast collection of games. From family-friendly vibes to serious tournament action, District 82 is the place where pinball enthusiasts flock to make memories. Plus, it’s clear the love for the hobby shines through—both from the owner and the machines themselves.

Game Spotlight: Lectronamo – A Retro Twist on Strategy

Round 4 of the D82 Flippin’ Friday Finals saw players face off against a true classic: Lectronamo, the 1978 release by Stern Electronics. This machine brings a unique mix of old-school pinball with a twist of strategy that kept even the most seasoned players on edge. Set in a retro-futuristic world, Lectronamo’s bright neon colors and vibrant flashing lights create an atmosphere that feels as if you’re zipping through an electronic landscape.

What makes Lectronamo particularly interesting isn’t just the visual appeal—it’s the way the game challenges players to make calculated decisions with every shot. The playfield is filled with targets that demand precision and timing. Players must navigate through a series of ramps and targets to score big, but the unpredictability of the ball’s path adds a layer of complexity. It’s a game that requires both strategic thinking and lightning-fast reflexes. Ryan Hacker, ranked 16th in the state, demonstrated just how much finesse was needed to master the tricky ball movement and rack up the points.

In a tournament setting like this, Lectronamo stood out as a favorite for those looking for a challenge. It’s not the kind of machine that lets you coast through rounds—it keeps you engaged and on your toes. Whether you’re aiming for high scores or just trying to survive long enough to make it to the next round, Lectronamo serves up a nostalgic yet difficult challenge for players of all skill levels. It’s a game where the strategy pays off, but the luck of the ball can throw you a curveball at any moment, keeping things exciting until the very last flip.

Pinball Machines: Legends of the Arcade

The D82 Flippin’ Friday Finals wasn’t just about the players—it was also a celebration of the incredible machines that made the tournament so unforgettable. Each game has its own history, quirks, and unique features that add a special flavor to the competition. Here’s a deeper look at some of the standout machines from the tournament:

Whirlwind (Williams, 1990)
This machine is all about the power of nature. Whirlwind was one of the first pinball machines to feature a moving playfield element—its signature spinning tornado. This whirlwind feature creates chaotic ball behavior that requires players to stay on their toes. The game’s theme is all about surviving nature’s fiercest storms, and the central “twister” feature is a nod to how unpredictably a ball can move. For players in the tournament, nailing shots while the tornado spun made this a thrilling, action-packed choice.

Jurassic Park (Premium) (Stern, 2019)
Stern’s Jurassic Park (Premium) brings the world of dinosaurs to life with cutting-edge technology. The premium version of this machine is known for its interactive T-Rex that can eat your ball during gameplay—a feature that sets it apart from the standard edition. Not only does it give a massive roar when it chomps down, but it also shifts the flow of the game, forcing players to adjust quickly. It’s a modern pinball machine with exciting ramps, a vivid display, and an atmosphere that feels like you’re in the middle of a Jurassic jungle. Players have to dodge the T-Rex and make the right shots to escape the island, or they’ll find themselves face-to-face with a game-ending dino.

The Getaway: High Speed II (Williams, 1992)
The second in the High Speed series, The Getaway takes everything that was great about the first game and cranks it up. The machine revolves around high-speed chases and criminal escapes. With ramps that shoot the ball around the playfield like a getaway car speeding through a tunnel, the game’s fast pace is designed to push players to react quickly. The Getaway also includes a unique “supercharger” feature, a motorized ramp that accelerates the ball and ramps up the game’s intensity. For players in the finals, this was the perfect test of their reflexes as they raced to outsmart the machine, just like escaping a high-speed pursuit.

Alien Poker (Williams, 1980)
If you’ve never played Alien Poker, you’re in for a treat. This game combines two classic themes: poker and extraterrestrials. Each player faces off against a “space alien” in a poker showdown, with bonus features tied to the hand you hold. The wild and zany design of Alien Poker reflects its era, with quirky animations and a fun soundtrack to match. As a tournament pick, this machine offered an extra layer of strategy—players had to think about poker hands while also aiming for key targets that light up when a winning hand is achieved. It’s one of those machines that blends humor, strategy, and skill in a way that feels unique to the time.

Star Wars (Data East, 1992)
Who doesn’t love Star Wars? Data East’s 1992 release captures the high-stakes action of the iconic space saga. With a giant Death Star toy in the center of the playfield, this game gives players the chance to blow up the Death Star with a well-placed shot. The audio is filled with memorable quotes and music from the original trilogy, making it a true treat for Star Wars fans. During the tournament, this machine was a favorite for players who loved the challenge of getting through multiball while battling the Empire. The game mixes story mode progression with a fast-paced playfield that requires skillful shotmaking and the ability to handle the chaos of its many ramps and targets.

Tournament Winners: The Cream of the Crop

The D82 Flippin’ Friday Finals brought out some of the best pinball talent in the state, and the final results were a showcase of skill, experience, and determination. At the top of the leaderboard was Joe DeCleene, who took home 1st place in a performance that truly lived up to his high standing as Wisconsin’s 2nd-ranked player. With over 400 IFPA events under his belt, DeCleene is no stranger to tournament success, and his steady hand on The Getaway: High Speed II sealed his victory in the final match. His state ranking and IFPA consistency show just how tough he is to beat, and it was clear that he was hungry for the win at this prestigious event.

In 2nd place, Nathan Zalewski, ranked 5th in Wisconsin, demonstrated why he’s one of the state’s top competitors. With 128 IFPA events, Zalewski has shown remarkable consistency and skill across a range of machines, and his performance here was no exception. A few well-timed shots and excellent ball control kept him in the hunt, but ultimately, he fell just short of claiming the top spot. His 2nd-place finish was a testament to his incredible ability to stay cool under pressure.

Matt McCarty, the Tournament Director, took 3rd place. Despite the responsibilities of organizing the event, McCarty still found time to showcase his pinball prowess. As the 8th-ranked player in Wisconsin, McCarty has built a reputation as a fierce competitor with a deep understanding of the game’s strategy. His ability to navigate the tournament’s challenges while maintaining focus on the machines was evident as he battled through the final rounds. His performance in the tournament was as sharp as ever.

Rounding out the top four was Ryan Hacker, ranked 16th in Wisconsin. While Hacker may not have had the same level of experience as some of the other players, his raw talent and quick thinking put him in contention for a top spot. His drive and determination earned him 4th place, and it was clear that Hacker is a player to watch in future tournaments.

These four players, with their impressive rankings and deep understanding of the game, made for an unforgettable final match, pushing each other to the limit and proving that Wisconsin’s pinball scene is filled with some serious talent.

Wisconsin IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Closing: A Thrilling Night of Pinball Glory

A big thank you goes out to Erik Thoren for organizing yet another fantastic tournament at District 82 Pinball. The event ran smoothly and was a testament to both the competitive spirit of the players and the outstanding quality of the location. Special mention must go to the Lectronamo machine, which truly brought the past into the present in Round 4, proving that the classics still have a firm grip on our hearts.

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