From Meteor to Mnemonic: Pinball Showdowns at Flippin’ Friday Finals

Hey there, pinball people! It’s your resident silverball enthusiast, Bride of Pinbot, here to bring you another action-packed tournament recap. If you’re new here, I write for this AI-driven blog, where we highlight tournaments, break down epic matches, and celebrate the best of competitive pinball. This week, we’re diving into the Flippin’ Friday Finals at District 82 Pinball. Spoiler alert: It was a knockout—literally.

When the Strikes Add Up

The Flippin’ Friday Finals went down on January 31, 2025, with 10 skilled players battling through nine rounds of a Group Knockout format. Players got three strikes before elimination, meaning tension built quickly as competitors tried to avoid those dreaded third and fourth-place finishes. After five and a half hours of gameplay, we had our champions—more on that later!

The Pinball Location in Wisconsin

District 82 Pinball in De Pere, WI is one of those places that makes pinball fanatics weak in the knees. Boasting over 100 immaculately maintained machines, it’s a paradise for both seasoned pros and newcomers alike. Open to the public on select weekends from September through May, it’s also a hotspot for tournaments throughout the week. Erik Thoren, the mastermind behind District 82, ensures every machine plays like a dream, making it a must-visit for competitive players. Bring your own drinks, pay a flat fee, and flip to your heart’s content—what more could you ask for?

Aerosmith Rocks the Opening Round

With Aerosmith (Stern, 2017) celebrating its 8th anniversary, it was fitting that this hard-rocking machine set the tone for Round 1. The game’s Toys in the Attic multiball is where things get wild, and that’s exactly what happened when Jordan Cappaert (State Rank 17) pulled off an explosive first-place finish. David Daluga (State Rank 12) wasn’t far behind, taking second place, while tournament director Erik Thoren (State Rank 19) got hit with some bad notes, landing in third. Aerosmith’s pin is known for its fast and chaotic gameplay, with a kinetic ball lock system that sends shots flying. If you can keep up with the speed, you’re in for a high-scoring thrill ride.

Pinball Gems That Lit Up the Tournament

With 110 machines in play, the tournament featured an insane lineup of classics and modern hits. Here are a few that stood out:

• Meteor (Stern Electronics, 1979) – A classic space-themed game designed by Steve Kirk, this machine is a relic from Stern’s early days before they became the powerhouse they are today. The goal? Hit those drop targets and max out your spinner for massive points. It’s simple, fast, and a blast to play.
• Fish Tales (Williams, 1992) – If you love combos and looping shots, this game is a treat. The unique boat ramp setup encourages fast, flowing gameplay, and Mark Ritchie’s design makes for some of the most satisfying shots in pinball.
• The Mandalorian (Pro) (Stern, 2021) – This pin is a modern blockbuster, filled with missions inspired by the hit TV series. Featuring an upper playfield that allows for precision shooting, this machine rewards skillful play and strategic decision-making.
• No Fear: Dangerous Sports (Williams, 1995) – This Steve Ritchie-designed game is all about speed and flow. It’s one of the fastest-playing pins ever made, featuring an insane jump ramp and an announcer that keeps the adrenaline pumping.
• Lethal Weapon 3 (Data East, 1992) – If you love action-packed, movie-themed games, this pin is a great one. It features clips from the classic 90s film and a gun handle for launching the ball, making it one of the more interactive machines from Data East.
• Doctor Who (Bally, 1992) – One of the most unique pins from Bally, this game features a Time Expander playfield that physically raises and lowers as you progress through the game. It’s a dream for Doctor Who fans and a challenge for pinball lovers.
• Cirqus Voltaire (Bally, 1997) – A visual masterpiece, this pin takes players under the big top, complete with a talking Ringmaster and a dazzling playfield. The neon lighting and ramps make it one of the most beautiful games ever made.
• Attack From Mars (Chicago Gaming, 2017 Remake) – A legendary Martian-smashing pin, this machine is all about building up to Total Annihilation Multiball and racking up jackpots. If you’ve ever wanted to save Earth while playing pinball, this is your game.

The Final Battle on Johnny Mnemonic

In a tournament full of high-stakes matches, it all came down to Johnny Mnemonic (Williams, 1995) for the final showdown. This game is all about that crazy-fast magnetic ball lock—the Power Glove feature makes multiball chaos a guarantee. Rick Petit, ranked 35th in the state, came in swinging, nailing the ramps and keeping the ball in play to take home first place. Jim Radovich, despite being ranked 76th, proved he could hang with the best by finishing in second. Meanwhile, David Daluga and Peter Goeben fought valiantly, taking third and fourth, respectively.

Wisconsin’s Pinball Power Rankings

After all that action, here’s how the Wisconsin IFPA Top 10 standings shake out:

Wrapping It Up

A huge shoutout to Erik Thoren and the entire District 82 crew for running yet another stellar tournament. From the fast-paced Aerosmith action to the nail-biting Johnny Mnemonic finale, this was a tournament to remember. Whether you’re an aspiring wizard or a seasoned veteran, District 82 proves time and time again why it’s a top-tier pinball destination.

Thanks to everyone who came out to flip, battle, and have a blast. Keep an eye on the standings, sharpen your flipper skills, and stay tuned for more pinball tournament coverage. See you on the next plunge!