On the evening of September 26, 2023, amidst a dramatic Florida thunderstorm with temperatures rising to a steamy 84°F, enthusiasts gathered for a showdown of flippers and silver balls at The Pinball Lounge’s “Bonanza 9-26-23”. Located within the heart of Oviedo Bowling Center, The Pinball Lounge provided the perfect shelter from the weather’s theatrics and the ideal stage for some pinball magic.
The Dance of the Silver Ball
The night was orchestrated by Kurt van Zyl and was divided into six tense rounds, with each round featuring one game. Seventeen top-notch players, from various corners of Florida, vied for the title. As the rounds unfolded, strategies were revealed, rivalries intensified, and the leaderboard kept everyone guessing.
Deadpool Dominance
Round 6 witnessed a stellar performance on the “Deadpool (Pro)” by Stern. John Moschella, hailing from Winter Springs, FL, clinched the top spot, showing his prowess despite his rank of 1118. But he was closely trailed by Doug Bernard from Orlando and John Osborne. Brayden DeRazza from Lake Mary, FL also showcased his skills, ensuring his name was not forgotten that evening.
Pinball Royalty
The night concluded with some clear champions:
- Doug Bernard – This Orlando native topped the charts, reminding everyone of his mastery.
- John Moschella – He might have been second on the list, but his gameplay resonated with flair and finesse.
- Justin Derazza – Consistently great throughout.
- Brayden DeRazza – Proving that Lake Mary, FL, has some serious pinball talent.
Spotlight on Machines
The Pinball Lounge’s vast collection of 37 machines ensured that players had a diverse range of games to test their skills. Some of the crowd favorites included:
- Attack from Mars by Bally – A cosmic adventure from 1995.
- Batman 66 (Premium) by Stern – Reliving Gotham’s adventures from 2016.
- Funhouse by Williams – A trip back to 1990 with Rudy the ventriloquist dummy.
- The Mandalorian (Premium) by Stern – Bringing the latest Star Wars saga to pinball from 2021.
- Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure by Williams – An adventurous ride from 1993.
The Lounge Experience
For those unfamiliar with The Pinball Lounge, it’s more than just a venue with pinball machines. It’s a vibrant community spot where novices can feel at ease and professionals can feel challenged. With all-you-can-play nights, themed events, and a fantastic atmosphere, it’s no wonder pinball fans flock here. Plus, who can resist the delightful combo of pinball, food, and adult beverages?
Florida’s Finest Flippers
A glance at the top pinball players in Florida:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shannon Stafford | Orange Park | 329.54 |
| 2 | Eric Stone | Fort Myers | 304.72 |
| 3 | Vince Gelormine | Fort Lauderdale | 271.69 |
| 4 | Sebastian Bobbio | 265.88 | |
| 5 | Dan Coyle | St. Petersburg | 194.73 |
| 6 | Dr. Frank Sposaro | Lakeland | 151.96 |
| 7 | Adam Gray | Temple Terrace | 146.87 |
| 8 | David Miller FL | Tampa | 140.89 |
| 9 | Brayden Derazza | Lake Mary | 139.7 |
| 10 | John Moschella | Winter Springs | 126.82 |
As the thunderstorm raged outside, inside The Pinball Lounge, another storm was brewing. But by night’s end, players left with memories of thrilling victories, narrow defeats, and the promise of more pinball adventures to come. Stay plugged in for more pinball updates, because the silver ball saga never truly ends!