On a slightly rainy December evening in Oviedo, Florida, the air inside The Pinball Lounge was charged with excitement and the sounds of silver balls clashing against bumpers. The Pinball Lounge – Bonanza, organized by Kurt van Zyl, was a perfect blend of skill, fun, and pinball wizardry.
A Cozy Venue for Pinball Aficionados
The Pinball Lounge, nestled within the Oviedo Bowling Center (find more about them here), strikes a delightful balance between old school charm and modern marvels. Their collection caters to all tastes, making it a haven for both purists and those seeking the latest in pinball technology.
The Tournament in Full Swing
The competition saw 23 players diving into 6 rounds of intense pinball action. Each round was a showcase of strategy, reflexes, and a touch of luck. The light rain outside seemed a world away as players focused on racking up points and climbing the leaderboard.
Spotlight on ‘Stranger Things’
Round 1 featured a standout game on ‘Stranger Things (Pro)‘ by Stern, a recent hit in the pinball world. Al Neumann took the top spot, followed closely by Dawn Ziatyk, Doug Bernard, and Mike Zink. The game was a thrilling start to the tournament, setting the tone for the evening.
The Victorious Few
The tournament concluded with Nick Smith FL claiming the top spot. John Moschella, Mike Zink, and Al Neumann also earned their places in the pantheon of the night’s pinball champions. Each player displayed a blend of skill and passion that was a joy to witness.
Machines That Stood Out
The tournament featured an impressive array of machines, including the adrenaline-pumping ‘Rush (LE)‘ by Stern, the classic ‘Star Trek‘ by Bally, and the adventurous ‘Jurassic Park (Premium)‘ by Stern. ‘The Mandalorian (Premium)‘ and ‘Monster Bash (Remake LE)‘ were crowd favorites, adding to the night’s excitement.
Until Next Time
As the night ended, players left with memories of a fantastic evening spent amongst peers who share a love for this timeless game. The Pinball Lounge, with its unique blend of old and new, promises many more nights of pinball bliss.
Stay tuned for more updates from the realm of pinball, and remember, there’s always room for one more game!