On January 31, 2025, pinball enthusiasts braved the chilly 31°F weather in De Pere, Wisconsin, to gather at the renowned District 82 Pinball Arcade for the D82 Flippin’ Friday Qualify tournament. With overcast skies above, the atmosphere inside was electric as 20 players competed in a series of four rounds, each featuring two games, all vying for a coveted spot in the upcoming finals. If you’re looking for the final chapter of this tournament, be sure to check out our coverage of the epic showdown at the Flippin’ Friday Finals here.
Where the Magic Happens: District 82 Pinball Arcade
Tucked away in De Pere, Wisconsin, District 82 Pinball Arcade is a paradise for competitive pinball players and casual enthusiasts alike. With over 100 well-maintained machines spanning decades of pinball history, it offers an impressive mix of classics and modern titles. The spacious layout provides plenty of room to move between machines, making it a comfortable place to play for hours on end. Open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays from September to May, the arcade operates on a set fee for unlimited play, making it an excellent option for groups and families looking for an all-you-can-flip experience. For more information, visit their website at district82.com.
Round 2 Spotlight: Mastering Demolition Man
In the second round, players faced off on the 1994 Williams classic, Demolition Man, a game that rewards players who can keep up with its fast-paced, multiball-heavy design. With multiple ramps, a unique upper flipper setup, and the infamous Cryo Claw, this game is all about control and precision.
The key to dominating Demolition Man lies in maximizing multiball opportunities. Locking balls in the Retina Scan or Fortress Multiball is crucial, as is keeping control of the ball when the pace ramps up. The Cryo Claw, a standout feature, lets players strategically choose their awards, but it’s best used to light Quick Freeze, which helps advance towards multiball. Players who can maintain ball control while utilizing the game’s wide-body layout to their advantage have the best shot at success.
Danny Bronny executed this strategy to near perfection, skillfully using the Cryo Claw to his advantage while maintaining steady multiball play. Jordan Cappaert proved to be a surprise contender, keeping pace with Bronny by focusing on controlled shots rather than getting overwhelmed by the game’s chaotic nature. Gerald Morrison played a methodical game, emphasizing combo shots and avoiding costly drains, while Rick Petit fought hard to stay in the mix, using solid ramp play to keep his score competitive.
Pinball Machines That Stole the Show
The tournament featured an impressive lineup of 112 machines, with several standouts:
- Fish Tales (Williams, 1992): Designed by Mark Ritchie, this game immerses players in a fishing adventure, featuring a rotating fishing reel and a challenging boat ramp shot.
- Gorgar (Williams, 1979): As the first talking pinball machine, Gorgar boasts a heartbeat sound that intensifies during gameplay, creating a thrilling experience.
- Avengers: Infinity Quest (Pro) (Stern, 2020): Designed by Keith Elwin, this modern machine challenges players to collect Infinity Stones, featuring dynamic ramps and a spinning disc.
- Barracora (Williams, 1981): Known for its distinctive art and dual-level playfield, Barracora offers unique gameplay with its inline drop targets.
- Jack•Bot (Williams, 1995): The third in the Pin-Bot series, this game combines casino themes with classic Pin-Bot gameplay, featuring a slot machine and poker hands.
- Hi-Deal (Bally, 1975): A card-themed electro-mechanical machine that tests a player’s nudging skills with its classic layout.
- Frontier (Bally, 1980): A Western-themed game with impressive bonus multipliers and strategic shot placement.
- Alien Poker (Williams, 1980): A space-meets-card-game hybrid that rewards accurate shots and strategic play.
- Dolly Parton (Bally, 1978): A tribute to the country music icon, this machine features colorful artwork and fast-paced gameplay.
A Night of Fierce Competition
Rather than one dominant player running away with the event, the night saw several competitors jostling for position in a highly competitive field. Erik Thoren showed experience and consistency, navigating the lineup with precision and steady hands to claim the top spot by the end of the night.
Matt McCarty came in strong and kept pace throughout, demonstrating why he’s a frequent podium finisher in the Wisconsin scene. David Daluga made the most of each game, delivering measured, strategic play that kept him in contention. Meanwhile, Mike Carlson made waves as one of the lowest-ranked players to place in the top four, outperforming several seasoned competitors and proving that, in pinball, anything can happen when shots are dialed in.
Wisconsin IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | WPPR Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nathan Zalewski | Stevens Point | 118.31 |
| 2 | Kassidy Milanowski | Appleton | 91.83 |
| 3 | Danny Bronny | Beverly Shores | 89.91 |
| 4 | Ryan Eggers | Madison | 74.5 |
| 5 | Eric Strangeway | Oshkosh | 64.05 |
| 6 | Neil Graf | Minneapolis | 63.46 |
| 7 | Matt McCarty | Neenah | 60.78 |
| 8 | Tom Graf | Appleton | 49.89 |
| 9 | Joe DeCleene | Suamico | 49.4 |
| 10 | Drew Geigel | Manitowoc | 47.48 |
Wrapping It Up
The D82 Flippin’ Friday Qualifier was a night of high-level competition and tightly contested matches, setting the stage for an even bigger battle in the finals. A huge shout-out to Erik Thoren for organizing this fantastic event at District 82 Pinball, a venue that continues to elevate competitive pinball in Wisconsin. Congratulations to all the players who secured their spot in the finals, and if you’re wondering how the drama unfolded in the championship round, don’t miss our follow-up coverage of the Flippin’ Friday Finals here. Stay tuned for more pinball action!
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