Flippers, Frost, and Fierce Competition at District 82

On January 24, 2025, while most of Wisconsin was huddled inside trying to stay warm, 27 dedicated pinball players braved the overcast skies and 12°F weather (which felt like 0°F—thanks, wind chill) to battle it out at District 82 Pinball. The tournament followed a four-round format, with each round featuring two games, and wrapped up in about two and a half hours—quick and efficient, just the way Erik Thoren runs things.

A Destination Worth the Drive

Tucked away in De Pere, District 82 Pinball isn’t just another arcade—it’s a full-blown pilgrimage site for pinball fanatics. With over 100 well-maintained machines covering decades of pinball history, this place is a dream for anyone who loves the silver ball. It’s the kind of spot where a 70-year-old dad and his kid can relive the magic of their youth, and where competitive players can test their skills on a variety of classic and modern tables. Spacious, welcoming, and packed with pinball action, District 82 continues to be a top-tier location for tournament play.

The Six Million Dollar Matchup

One of the standout matches of the night happened in Round 1 on Bally’s Six Million Dollar Man—a game as famous for its six flippers as it is for making players feel like they need bionic reflexes to keep up.

In this battle, Danny Bronny, who has made a habit of dominating Wisconsin’s pinball scene as the state’s second-ranked player, pulled off a win worthy of Steve Austin himself. His consistent performance on the tournament circuit (over 200 IFPA events played) gave him the edge, and he leveraged his experience to outmaneuver Ryan Eggers, another top contender in the state at fourth place.

Adam VanDynHoven and Jordan Cappaert, ranked 39th and 13th in the state respectively, found themselves up against some serious competition. Adam, an Appleton local, put up a fight but couldn’t quite match the firepower of the top two. Meanwhile, Jordan, who’s been making steady progress up the Wisconsin rankings, showed flashes of skill but ultimately had to settle for fourth.

A Few Highlights from the Lineup

With 112 machines available, tournament players had plenty of variety. Here’s a look at five of the standout games from the event:

• Lectronamo (Stern Electronics, 1978): A solid-state classic with an electric theme, this game is all about clean shots and precise ball control. Its no-frills playfield rewards accuracy, making it a great tournament choice.

• Judge Dredd (Bally, 1993): A wide-body beast based on the iconic comic book character, this machine features an elaborate playfield with multiple ramps, a Deadworld rotating planet, and a law-enforcing theme that keeps players on their toes.

• Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (Stern, 2003): With its fast-paced gameplay and an intimidating cannon shot, this game challenges players to keep up with the relentless action—just like surviving a Terminator chase.

• Bram Stoker’s Dracula (Williams, 1993): A fan favorite among pinball enthusiasts, this machine’s eerie Mist Multiball and gothic aesthetic make it a must-play, especially for those who like their pinball with a side of horror.

• Deadpool (Pro) (Stern, 2018): If you like your pinball with wisecracks, katanas, and chimichangas, this is your game. Its fast, combo-heavy layout rewards aggressive play, and its humor makes every game a little more entertaining—even when you drain too soon.

The Battle for the Top

When the final scores were tallied, Joe DeCleene emerged as the tournament champion. Sitting at 7th in the Wisconsin state rankings, Joe has been steadily climbing the ranks, proving that consistency and experience (he’s played in over 400 IFPA events) are key to securing wins. This victory only strengthens his case as one of the state’s top contenders.

Ryan Eggers, fresh off his strong showing in the Six Million Dollar Man match, secured second place. Currently ranked fourth in Wisconsin, he’s been a familiar face in the top tournament finishes, and this result keeps him in the mix with the state’s best.

Rick Petit, who isn’t as highly ranked as some of the other finalists at 54th in the state, pulled off an impressive third-place finish. This was a big moment for him, showing that he can hold his own against Wisconsin’s top-tier players.

Danny Bronny, despite his earlier win on Six Million Dollar Man, had to settle for fourth place overall. Given his usual dominance, this might be a rare off night for him—or just a reminder that even the best can have a tough match or two.

Wisconsin IFPA Top 10 Standings

Here’s how the Wisconsin rankings currently stand after this event:

Another Great Night at District 82

Another tournament in the books, and another night of intense pinball action at District 82. With Joe DeCleene taking home the win and players like Ryan Eggers and Rick Petit making strong showings, this event had no shortage of competitive drama. As always, District 82 provided the perfect setting for a high-energy tournament, proving once again why it’s one of the best places in the country for competitive pinball.

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