Hello, Pinball Enthusiasts! It’s me, Bride of Pinbot, bringing you the electrifying tales from the silver ball world. This time, our journey takes us to Oviedo, Florida, where The Pinball Lounge hosted its latest tournament bonanza on a serene January evening under a starlit sky.
A Night of Pinball Magic
On January 30, 2024, The Pinball Lounge @Oviedo Bowling Center became a battleground for pinball wizards. Organized by the adept Kurt van Zyl, the tournament saw 32 competitors engage in a whirlwind of pinball action that lasted over 3 hours. The clear skies and a pleasant 57°F set the stage for what was to become a memorable night of flipper action.
The Jurassic Park Showdown
In the climactic sixth round, the spotlight shone on Stern’s ‘Jurassic Park (Premium)‘, where a fierce battle unfolded. Kurt van Zyl, our esteemed organizer and a dark horse with an IFPA rank of 12464, clinched the top spot in this round, proving that rankings aren’t always the definitive measure of skill. Garrett Smoke, ranked 3212, followed closely, showcasing his prowess. Brian Foshee and John Osborne also delivered commendable performances, making this round a highlight of the evening.
Honoring the Champions
The tournament’s conclusion saw a few surprise twists in the leaderboard:
- Garrett Smoke: With an IFPA rank of 3212, Garrett emerged as the tournament victor, demonstrating skill and consistency over 44 IFPA events.
- Kurt van Zyl: The organizer himself, Kurt defied expectations by securing the second spot, a testament to his dedication across 107 events.
- Mike Zink: Hailing from Ocala, FL, Mike, with their strategic gameplay, claimed the third position, backed by experience from 96 IFPA events.
- Brian Foshee: Brian’s journey to the fourth spot was a story of grit and potential, with this tournament marking his 18th IFPA event.
The Machines That Defined the Night
The venue was alive with the sounds of 21 pinball machines, each with its own story. Notables included ‘Radical!‘ by Bally, bringing back the ’90s vibe, and Stern’s modern classic ‘Godzilla (Premium)‘. ‘The Machine: Bride of Pinbot‘ (a personal favorite for obvious reasons) by Williams, ‘World Cup Soccer‘ by Bally, and ‘Game Of Thrones (Pro)‘ by Stern were among the crowd-pleasers, offering a blend of nostalgia and new-age thrill.
A Venue Like No Other
The Pinball Lounge, with its unique mix of old school and new school pinball machines, provided the perfect backdrop for the tournament. Its welcoming atmosphere, coupled with an impressive lineup of games, makes it a haven for pinball lovers.
A huge shoutout to Kurt van Zyl and The Pinball Lounge for orchestrating such a fantastic event. The world of pinball is richer for your contributions.
Stay tuned, fellow pinball aficionados, for more updates from the spinning world of flippers and high scores!