Strikes, Skills, and Stern Classics: The D82 Friday Finals

On January 24, 2025, District 82 Pinball in De Pere, Wisconsin, hosted the D82 Flippin’ Friday Finals—a Group Knockout Tournament that kept the flippers flipping and the competition fierce. Thirteen players battled through 11 rounds, each aiming to avoid the dreaded three strikes that would send them packing. In four-player groups, the stakes were high: finishing 3rd or 4th slapped you with two strikes, while 1st and 2nd places offered a safe haven. In three-player matchups, the last-place finisher wasn’t spared either, receiving a single strike. The tournament kicked off at 8:30 PM and wrapped up just over three hours later, proving that time flies when you’re chasing high scores.

Chilled to the Silverballs: The Venue

Located at 800 O Keefe Road, District 82 Pinball is a paradise for pinball enthusiasts. With over 100 meticulously maintained machines spanning from the 1960s to the latest releases, it’s no wonder this place is hailed as a must-visit. The spacious layout and friendly staff make it a haven for both seasoned players and newcomers alike. Open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays from September to May, they also host various tournaments throughout the week. And for those looking to celebrate special occasions, private parties are available. With a set fee for unlimited play and the option to bring your own drinks, it’s a great spot for groups and families to immerse themselves in the silverball experience.

Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast – Conquering the Beast in Round 9

Round 9 saw players face off on Stern’s 2018 release, Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast. This game isn’t just a nod to the legendary band but a test of skill and strategy. To maximize your score in a tournament setting, consider the following approach:

1. Skill Shot Selection: Opt for the regular super skill shot by plunging the ball to the upper right target. Even if you miss, you can often hit one or both of the upper multiplier targets, setting the stage for higher scores.
2. Multiball Modes:
   • Trooper Multiball: Focus on sweeping the drop targets to light locks. Once lit, lock the ball three times to initiate this lucrative multiball mode.
   • Mummy Multiball: Hit the captive ball to spell “MUMMY.” After completing the sequence, shoot the center ramp to start the multiball.
3. Loop Jackpots: Utilize the upper flippers to shoot consecutive loops. Building up loop jackpots can lead to substantial points, especially when combined with playfield multipliers.
4. Mode Stacking: Starting a mode before initiating a multiball can amplify your scoring opportunities. For instance, combining “Hallowed Be Thy Name” mode with a multiball can yield impressive results.

In this round, Danny Bronny clinched 1st place, showcasing his mastery of the machine. Ryan Eggers secured 2nd, followed by Eric Strangeway from Oshkosh, WI, in 3rd, and Joe DeCleene from Suamico in 4th.

A Glimpse at the Tournament’s Pinball Lineup

With 111 machines available, participants were spoiled for choice. Here are a few highlights:

• Seawitch (Stern Electronics, May 1980): Designed by Joe Kaminkow and Ed Cebula, Seawitch offers a captivating layout with four flippers and a mesmerizing loop shot. Its nautical theme and challenging gameplay have made it a classic among enthusiasts.
• Aerosmith (Stern, February 2017): Under the design prowess of John Borg, Aerosmith combines rock ‘n’ roll with pinball magic. The vibrant artwork by “Dirty” Donny Gillies complements the energetic gameplay, featuring a toy box multiball mechanism that’s both fun and rewarding.
• F-14 Tomcat (Williams, March 1987): Steve Ritchie’s design brings high-speed thrills to the pinball arena. With its fast-paced gameplay, distinctive lighting effects, and a theme inspired by fighter jets, it’s a rush for players seeking adrenaline-fueled action.
• Champion Pub (Bally, January 1998): A unique creation by George Gomez, this machine immerses players in a boxing gym setting. With features like a rotating punching bag and a jumping rope, it offers a blend of humor and challenge that’s hard to beat.

Hats Off to the Champions

After a series of intense matches, the final game unfolded on Stern’s Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines. In a showdown reminiscent of a sci-fi blockbuster, the top players battled it out, showcasing their skills and determination.

1. Ryan Eggers (Madison): Demonstrated exceptional skill and strategy throughout the tournament, culminating in a well-deserved first-place finish.
2. Joe DeCleene (Suamico): With consistent high-level play, Joe secured the runner-up position, proving his mettle against formidable opponents.
3. Eric Strangeway (Oshkosh): Showcased resilience and expertise, earning a commendable third-place finish in a competitive field.
4. Danny Bronny (Beverly Shores): Despite a strong start and leading performances in earlier rounds, Danny concluded the tournament in fourth place, highlighting the unpredictable nature of competitive pinball.

Wisconsin IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

The latest standings for Wisconsin’s finest pinball wizards are as follows:

A Cold Night, But Hot Competition

Despite the frigid temperatures outside, District 82 kept the pinball action heated all night long. Erik Thoren once again delivered a well-organized tournament, showcasing why District 82 remains a top-tier location for competitive pinball. With 111 machines and a community of dedicated players, it’s no wonder this arcade continues to draw some of the best talent in the state.

With another Flippin’ Friday in the books, it’s time to look ahead to the next round of competition. Who will rise in the rankings? Who will get sent to the game-over screen? Stick around for more tournament highlights, and don’t forget to set your sights on the next big event—because in pinball, the action never stops!