Florida’s sizzling sun might have been obscured by a few clouds on October 7th, 2023, but inside The Pinball Lounge @Oviedo Bowling Center, the atmosphere was positively electric. As the temperature outside teetered at 85°F, inside, the real heat was generated by 25 pinball wizards, meticulously mastering machines from yesteryears to contemporary classics.
The Pinball Lounge: An Arcade Utopia
Situated on 376 E Broadway Street in Oviedo, The Pinball Lounge is a paradise for aficionados of the silver ball. For visitors dropping by while vacationing in Orlando, it offers an escapade back in time. While they might not have tested the gastronomy, the pinball variety is nothing short of staggering. An essential stop for pinball enthusiasts and the perfect backdrop for the Pre Play Florida 2023 tournament.
Machines that Echoed through Time
Out of the 27 pinball machines present, a few definitely demanded the spotlight:
- Star Wars (Premium) by Stern: An intergalactic adventure from 2017.
- Eight Ball Champ by Bally: A throwback to the 80’s pool halls, released in 1985.
- Monster Bash (Remake LE) by Chicago Gaming: A 2018 reintroduction of the monster-themed marvel.
- Jacks Open by Gottlieb: A vintage pinball piece from 1977.
- Foo Fighters (LE) by Stern: The 2023 latest entry inspired by the rock legends themselves.
An Epic Round to Remember
Round 5 was not just another game—it was a saga. The players faced off on the Spirit of 76 by Gottlieb, a machine from 1975. An astounding 73 minutes saw Patrick Durland clinch the top spot, followed closely by Sebastian Bobbio and Sierra Lieffort, with David Miller finishing fourth.
The Titans of the Tournament
After hours of flippers flipping and balls bouncing, the champions emerged:
- Sebastian Bobbio: With his IFPA rank at 253 and equal number of IFPA events, Sebastian’s win wasn’t just about numbers—it was a showcase of sheer skill.
- Shannon Stafford: Ranked 77 globally, Shannon secured the second spot, further solidifying her position atop Florida’s pinball standings.
- Patrick Durland: The hero of the Spirit of 76 round secured a respectable third spot. Not bad for someone who’s participated in only 66 IFPA events!
- Garrett Smoke: Rounding out the top four, Garrett demonstrated that while his IFPA rank might be 3263, he’s a force to be reckoned with.
Florida’s Best Flippers
The IFPA Florida Pinball Top 10 standings post-tournament are:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shannon Stafford | Orange Park | 329.54 |
| 2 | Eric Stone | Fort Myers | 306.2 |
| 3 | Sebastian Bobbio | 279.07 | |
| 4 | Vince Gelormine | Fort Lauderdale | 271.69 |
| 5 | Dan Coyle | St. Petersburg | 194.72 |
| 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 | 139.72 |
| 10 | John Moschella | Winter Springs | 127.51 |
Until the Next Plunge!
With the echoes of the bells and buzzers now a memory, The Pinball Lounge – Pre Play Florida 2023 came to a close. But rest assured, the pinball cosmos is ever-evolving. So, whether you’re in it for the nostalgia, the strategy, or the sheer thrill of the game—stay tuned for more from the exciting realm of pinball!