It was an evening of tantalizing drama and spectacular flipper finesse at District 82 Pinball’s Flipping Friday Tournament on September 22, 2023. As broken clouds hovered outside with a comfortable 74°F temperature, inside the arcade, it was nothing short of electrifying.

Fast Flips, Faster Decisions

The tournament was conducted in 4 rounds with 2 games per round. A total of 27 pinball aficionados competed, earning points based on their finishing positions. With a time limit of just over two and a half hours, players had to be fast with their flippers and faster with their decisions.

The Highlight Reel

In a surprising turn of events, Round 1 on the vintage Star Trek by Bally was a game to remember. Bret Derby from Appleton, WI, left everyone stunned with his IFPA rank of 1524, securing first place in the round. Tom Schmidt, and with a higher IFPA rank of 397, found themselves in fourth place, proving that in the world of pinball, rankings aren’t the end-all.

And the Flippers Go To…

Applause and kudos to the champions who maneuvered their way through the complex mazes and flashing lights:

1. Danny Bronny – Proving the power of experience, Danny with an IFPA rank of 450 emerged as the champion.
2. Tom Schmidt – They didn’t let their Round 1 setback keep them down, surging to a second-place finish.
3. Mark Hershey – His IFPA rank of 3491 didn’t hold him back from seizing third place.
4. Jim Heidemann – Consistent gameplay ensured Jim a spot in the top four.

Machines that Stole the Show

With a staggering 112 machines on hand, it was tough to choose favorites. Yet, some stood out:

1. Star Trek by Bally – A classic that can still draw a crowd.
2. The Walking Dead (Pro) by Stern – Because who doesn’t like dodging zombies?
3. Dolly Parton by Bally – Bringing a bit of country glamour to the arcade.
4. Last Action Hero by Data East – A 90s nostalgia trip worth taking.
5. Harlem Globetrotters On Tour by Bally – Another classic that never goes out of style.

The Mecca of Pinball

District 82 isn’t just another arcade; it’s a pinball pilgrimage site. Known for its stunning collection of well-maintained, rare, and popular pinball machines, the venue attracts a wide range of talent—from locals to global pinball celebs.

IFPA Wisconsin Top 10

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Luke Nahorniak	Lonsdale	1265.28
2	Jared August	West Bloomfield Township	1165.19
3	Neil Graf	Appleton	1143.63
4	Escher Lefkoff		1050.04
5	Steven Bowden	Palatine	998.75
6	Erik Thoren	De Pere	737.83
7	Jason Werdrick	Park Ridge	737.44
8	Zach McCarthy	Conifer	737.24
9	David Daluga	Milwaukee	728.62
10	Jordan Dechaine		683.87

As we closed the evening, it was clear that rankings and statistics are just numbers. What really matters is the skill you bring to the flippers and how you adapt in the face of unpredictability. Keep an eye out for our next tournament; who knows, you might be the next pinball wizard to rise through the ranks!

Stay tuned for more updates from the realm of pinball!

In the heart of De Pere, Wisconsin, the rhythmic sound of silver balls careening off bumpers is more than just a pastime – it’s an institution. This was never more apparent than on the night of September 15, 2023, at 6:00 PM, when pinball enthusiasts gathered for the Flipping Friday’s Tournament at District 82 Pinball Arcade. With a gentle breeze, broken clouds, and a pleasant temperature of 72°F, it was the perfect setting for a high-octane showdown.

High Stakes on Dolly Parton

While every game at District 82 has its own story, Round 2’s competition on Dolly Parton by Bally, a gem from 1978, was the stuff of legends. In a gripping face-off, Erik Thoren, the maestro from District 82 Pinball itself, took the lead. Eric Strangeway from Oshkosh wasn’t far behind, with Gregory Hein and Joe DeCleene rounding out the top spots. It was a blend of strategy, timing, and perhaps a little bit of that Dolly magic.

Machines of Legacy and Lore

112 pinball machines were at the players’ disposal, ranging from classics to the more contemporary. “Harley Davidson” by Bally took riders on a thrilling road journey, while “Jurassic Park” by Data East promised prehistoric perils. The celestial adventures of “Guardians of the Galaxy” by Stern proved a hit, as did the high-flying antics on “Flight 2000” and the rock rhythms of “Metallica (Pro LED).” Whether it was the thrill of a car chase on “Corvette” or battling super villains on “X-Men Wolverine (LE),” there was never a dull moment.

Masterminds of the Pinball World

In the end, it was Eric Strangeway, with his experience of 400 IFPA events, who claimed the top spot. Close on his heels was Ryan Cappaert, with Erik Thoren, the man behind the magic of District 82, taking the third position.

The victory was sweet, but the thrill of the game and the camaraderie between players was the real prize. As the standings suggest, Wisconsin’s pinball scene is alive and well:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Luke Nahorniak	Lonsdale	1265.3
2	Jared August	West Bloomfield Township	1165.2
3	Neil Graf	Appleton	1143.64
4	Escher Lefkoff		1050.04
5	Steven Bowden	Palatine	998.8
6	Erik Thoren	De Pere	737.83
7	Jason Werdrick	Park Ridge	737.43
8	Zach McCarthy	Conifer	737.24
9	David Daluga	Milwaukee	728.78
10	Jordan Dechaine		683.86

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More Than Just a Game

Beyond the glitz and glamour of the tournament was the atmosphere of District 82 itself. Rows upon rows of machines, the glow of neon lights, and the unmistakable hum of electronics in the background. As the venue’s website aptly puts it: “It’s such a great place, tons of pinball machines. Never-ending fun!!”

With a memorable evening behind them, pinball enthusiasts left District 82, but not without the promise of returning soon. After all, in the realm of pinball, every game is a new adventure.

Stay flippin’ fabulous, and until the next update!

Ahoy, pinball enthusiasts! Let’s rewind to September 12, 2023. The air was crisp, and with just a few clouds hovering above, the atmosphere at District 82 Pinball was electric. Fans from across Wisconsin (and some from beyond) gathered to witness the spectacular Tilt’n Tuesday pinball tournament.

The Stage Was Set

Located in the heart of De Pere, District 82’s massive collection of 113 pinball machines were primed for the tournament. Organized by the renowned Erik Thoren, the tournament drew 67 players, all vying for the coveted top spot. The tournament went on for a thrilling 8 hours, but who’s counting when you’re immersed in a pinball galaxy?

Game On!

One of the many highlights of the evening was the intense face-off in Round 4 on Eight Ball Champ by Bally. This classic from 1985 saw Steve Fabry demonstrating why he’s a force to be reckoned with. Meanwhile, Shawn McDonald, Brian Leuthner, and Kel McBrair made sure to keep him on his toes. The action was intense, and the flippers never rested.

A Salute to the Champions

When the dust settled and the last ball drained, Nathan Zalewski emerged as the reigning champ, followed closely by Drew Geigel, Michael Reiman, and the man of the hour, Erik Thoren himself. Kudos to these pinball warriors for their stellar gameplay.

Pinball Spotlight

From the vast array of pinball machines, some notable ones were:

• Strikes and Spares – a nostalgic ride to 1978.
• Doodle Bug – an oldie but a goodie from 1971.
• The modern magnetism of Iron Man (Vault) and Deadpool (Pro) by Stern, from the years 2014 and 2018 respectively.
• And, No Fear: Dangerous Sports, a ‘90s gem.

More Than Just Pinball

As any regular will tell you, District 82 isn’t just a pinball arcade, it’s an experience. The ambiance is a solid 5-star, blending nostalgia with state-of-the-art setups. And while the games are all set for Tournament Play, it’s all part of the adrenaline-packed experience.

But here’s the catch: Intermediate players, you’ll notice the challenge levels are amped up with extreme table tilts and conservative settings. As the old adage goes, “It ain’t easy being a pinball wizard.”

Wisconsin’s Best

For those keeping score at home, here’s the latest IFPA Wisconsin Pinball Top 10 Standings:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Luke Nahorniak	Lonsdale	1265.33
2	Jared August	West Bloomfield Township	1165.21
3	Neil Graf	Appleton	1143.64
4	Escher Lefkoff		1050.04
5	Steven Bowden	Palatine	998.81
6	Jason Werdrick	Park Ridge	737.44
7	Zach McCarthy	Conifer	737.26
8	Erik Thoren	De Pere	732.12
9	David Daluga	Milwaukee	691.23
10	Jordan Dechaine		683.87

Final Thoughts

A massive shoutout to all participants and attendees. Pinball, at its heart, is a game of skill, strategy, and sometimes a smidgen of luck. And in Wisconsin, the passion for pinball burns brighter than ever. Until next time, keep those flippers flippin’ and stay tuned for more pinball updates!

In the crisp, autumnal air of De Pere, WI, under a clear sky, pinball enthusiasts from far and wide congregated at District 82 Pinball for the Flippin’ Friday Sept 8th tournament. The scent of nostalgia was palpable as players, surrounded by meticulously maintained machines spanning decades, prepped for an intense 7 hours and 31 minutes of pure, unadulterated pinball action.

Tournament Overview:

The clock struck 18:00, and the tournament was in full swing. Organized by the maestro of pinball tournaments, Erik Thoren, the evening was destined for greatness. With 37 contenders vying for the top spot across 4 rounds of 2 games each, the strategy was simple – outscore, outperform, and outlast your opponents. But as we’ve learned from history, execution is always harder than planning.

Game Spotlight:

One of the most thrilling matches took place on a true pinball classic – the Lost World by Bally, dated back to August 1978. Emerging from the midst of pinball warfare were our top contenders: Brian Leuthner clinching the top spot followed closely by Ryan Hacker. Tom Graf, our enigmatic player from PARTS UNKNOWN (and seriously, where is that?) took the third place, while Scott Landowski completed the quartet.

Ruling the Roster:

The final drum roll heralded our champions:

1. The local hero, Brian Leuthner, ranked 249 in the IFPA.
2. Tim Petitjean, showcasing his seasoned experience, took the second spot.
3. Holden Milanowski, the gem from Combined Locks, WI, ranked 3rd.
4. Not to be outdone, the man behind the evening, Erik Thoren, showcased his prowess by clinching the 4th position.

A Time Machine of Pinball Machines:

District 82’s repertoire is nothing short of a museum, with 116 pinball machines that recount the tales of yesteryears. Among the legends:

• Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern – A relatively new kid on the block from 2017.
• RollerCoaster Tycoon – Making us reminisce about the early 2000s.
• WWF Royal Rumble from Data East – Body-slamming its way from 1994.
• Dolly Parton by Bally – A country legend from 1978.
• F-14 Tomcat by Williams – A high-flying game from the late ’80s.

The Heartbeat of the Venue:

District 82 website is not your everyday arcade; it’s a time capsule. With tables set for tournament play, it’s a paradise for the pros and a challenge for the intermediates, ensuring everyone has something to take away. The machines are pristine, the ambiance is top-notch (a perfect 5 stars!), but here’s a note: they’re strict about their settings. So, for the casual visitor hoping for an easy play, brace for a challenge! The essence of District 82 lies in its dedication to tournaments, a commitment you’ll appreciate on every visit.

The IFPA Wisconsin Whizzes:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Luke Nahorniak	Lonsdale	1265.37
2	Jared August	West Bloomfield Township	1165.25
3	Neil Graf	Appleton	1143.65
4	Escher Lefkoff		1050.09
5	Steven Bowden	Palatine	998.83
6	Jason Werdrick	Park Ridge	737.47
7	Zach McCarthy	Conifer	737.28
8	Erik Thoren	De Pere	732.17
9	David Daluga	Milwaukee	691.14
10	Jordan Dechaine		683.91

As the flippers rest and the lights dim at District 82, the memories of this pinball showdown will remain vivid for a long time. Can’t wait to see what’s next in store! Stay plugged into the pinball world with us.

On the balmy evening of August 23, 2023, the air at Madison’s renowned I/O Arcade Bar was filled with the pings, dings, and whirls that only dedicated pinball wizards could conjure. Located at 924 Williamson Street, this esteemed venue played host to the Finals for Stern Army 2023 Monthly Pinball Tournament, a vibrant gathering of top-tier talent organized by the esteemed Michael Williams.

I/O Arcade: A Gamer’s Paradise

One step into the I/O Arcade Bar and the vibrant atmosphere engulfs you. The bar boasts a plethora of games and an enviable selection of beers, ensuring that both your gaming and gustatory needs are satisfied. Opting for quarters instead of tokens, the arcade gives a nod to nostalgia, while its exclusive adults-only policy promises an evening free from pint-sized interruptions. Whether you’re reminiscing with the Simpsons arcade game, scoring high on ski ball, or diving deep into the world of pinball, I/O Arcade caters to every gamer’s whim.

The Rivalry of the Ryans

The highlight of the tournament was undoubtedly the intense face-off during Round 3 on the freshly minted Scooby-Doo (CE) machine by Spooky Pinball. Ryan Eggers, ranked 764, demonstrated exemplary skill by beating out Ryan Spindler, who boasts a commendable IFPA rank of 168. While Spindler ultimately secured the overall championship, this round showcased that in the thrilling realm of pinball, anything’s possible!

A Pinballer’s Dream

This tournament was a showcase of some of the finest machines the pinball world has to offer. From the imaginative world of Toy Story 4 by Jersey Jack Pinball to the heart-pounding action of Godzilla (Premium) by Stern, players were treated to a vast array of challenges and themes. Not to forget the classic allure of Creature from the Black Lagoon or the contemporary twists of Foo Fighters (Pro), every machine had its own tales of triumphs and heartbreaks.

Wisconsin’s Best Flippers

Here’s a look at the IFPA Wisconsin Pinball Top 10 Standings:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Luke Nahorniak	Lonsdale	1265.26
2	Jared August	West Bloomfield Township	1165.17
3	Neil Graf	Appleton	1143.83
4	Escher Lefkoff		1050.04
5	Steven Bowden	Palatine	998.79
6	Jason Werdrick	Park Ridge	737.42
7	Zach McCarthy	Conifer	737.24
8	Erik Thoren	De Pere	721.13
9	David Daluga	Milwaukee	691.22
10	Jordan Dechaine		683.84

As the evening concluded, the lights dimmed, and the flippers rested. But the echoes of the night’s exhilaration, rivalry, and the magic of the silver ball lingered on. Until the next clash of the pinball titans, keep those flippers ready and your eyes on the prize. The world of pinball awaits your next move!

Ah, the familiar sounds of flippers, bells, and that anticipatory tension as the ball is set into play. The pinball community congregated on August 23rd for the PCMC-GB Tournament, an event meticulously organized by Erik Thoren. But the real story wasn’t just about the expert flips or near misses. It was about the rise of the underdogs.

The Game That Spoke Volumes

Round 5 had attendees perched at the edges of their seats. The Nascar machine by Stern, a gem from 2005, was the stage of a dramatic showdown. Among the contenders, Rob Hatszegi, Sam Rusch, and Jonathon Zahn – all unranked by IFPA – showed that rankings can sometimes just be numbers. Rob clinching the top spot was a testament to raw talent and dedication.

The Unexpected Champions

The trend of surprises didn’t stop at just one game. By the end of the tournament, it was clear that the day belonged to those who’ve been hidden in the shadows. Donna Shallow, who’s never graced an IFPA event before, emerged as the top player of the day. Will Parker, Gary Manske, and Eric Jensen followed suit, proving that sometimes, the biggest talents are the most underrated.

A Journey Through Time With Pinballs

While the players were the main attraction, the pinball machines held their ground, offering a diverse range of experiences:

• From the web-slinging fun of Spider-Man by Stern (2007)
• To the creepy charisma of The Addams Family by Bally (1992)
• The prehistoric thrill of Jurassic Park by Data East (1993)
• The cosmic allure of Star Trek (Premium) by Stern (2013)
• And the retro charm of Stars by Stern from way back in 1978.

Each machine brought its history, its legacy, and its unique challenge.

Venue Vibes

And speaking of history, Erik, buddy, where did this tournament magic happen? It’s a mystery we’d love to solve. Next time, drop a hint on MatchPlay, so we can rave about it!

The Pinball Titans

For those seeking inspiration, here’s a look at the top giants in the Wisconsin pinball realm:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Luke Nahorniak	Lonsdale	1265.26
2	Jared August	West Bloomfield Township	1165.17
3	Neil Graf	Appleton	1143.83
4	Escher Lefkoff		1050.05
5	Steven Bowden	Palatine	998.79
6	Jason Werdrick	Park Ridge	737.42
7	Zach McCarthy	Conifer	737.23
8	Erik Thoren (Our Organizer)	De Pere	721.13
9	David Daluga	Milwaukee	691.08
10	Jordan Dechaine		683.84

To all the pinball enthusiasts, whether you’re a seasoned pro, an up-and-coming star, or someone just getting to know the beauty of the game, remember: rankings are but numbers, and every game is a new chance to shine. Stay flippin’, and catch you at the next pinball showdown!