On October 10, 2023, as a clear sky watched over Florida and the temperature nudged a pleasant 76°F, inside The Pinball Lounge @Oviedo Bowling Center, a different tempest was brewing. At 7:00 PM, flippers flipped, bells chimed, and scores soared as the Pinball Bonanza unfurled.
The Arena and Its Gladiators
Located at 376 E Broadway Street in Oviedo, The Pinball Lounge is no stranger to pinball aficionados. Organized by the ever-passionate Kurt van Zyl, this latest edition saw 19 competitors, each eager to leave an indelible mark on the leaderboard. Over 6 intense rounds, strategies were deployed, rivalries flared, and champions emerged.
Rushing to Glory on Rush (LE)
One cannot talk about this evening without shining a spotlight on Round 6. Stern’s Rush (LE), a modern marvel, became the stage for an epic battle. Garrett Smoke emerged victorious, closely trailed by Dawn Ziatyk, Mike Zink, and the spirited Doug Bernard from Orlando.
Here’s to the Champions!
- 1st: Mike Zink – Proving that experience, with 73 IFPA Events under his belt, indeed counts.
- 2nd: Garrett Smoke – A rising star, with a game as fiery as his surname suggests.
- 3rd: John Osborne – Consistency is key, and John is its master.
- 4th: Dawn Ziatyk – Earning respect with each flick of her flipper, and accounting for a 10-point adjustment.
A Pinball Time Machine
The machines at the Lounge are not just tables; they’re portals to different eras:
- Black Pyramid – A trip to the mysteries of 1984.
- Attack from Mars – Reliving the 1995 alien invasion with every ball.
- Jurassic Park (Premium) – A 2019 adventure with the T-Rex.
- Monster Bash (Remake LE) – Party with monsters, 2018-style.
- Foo Fighters (Premium) – The 2023 rock anthem in pinball form.
The Pinball Lounge: A Realm Beyond the Flippers
It’s not just about the game; it’s about the experience. As one vacationer shared on The Pinball Lounge’s website, their brief detour turned into a two-hour love affair with pinball, sans the food and drinks.
The Titans of Florida Pinball
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shannon Stafford | Orange Park | 329.53 |
| 2 | Eric Stone | Fort Myers | 312.68 |
| 3 | Sebastian Bobbio | 279.04 | |
| 4 | Vince Gelormine | Fort Lauderdale | 272.4 |
| 5 | Dan Coyle | St. Petersburg | 194.72 |
| 6 | Dr. Frank Sposaro | Lakeland | 151.96 |
| 7 | Adam Gray | Temple Terrace | 147.87 |
| 8 | David Miller FL | Tampa | 142.44 |
| 9 | Brayden Derazza | Lake Mary | 139.7 |
| 10 | John Moschella | Winter Springs | 127.5 |
The echoes of clashing steel balls might have subsided for now, but the stories, rivalries, and dreams live on. Here’s looking forward to the next battle under the neon lights! Until then, stay flippin’, Florida!