An Evening of Pinball Magic in Oviedo, Florida
As the clear sky stretched over Oviedo, Florida, with a perfect temperature of 68°F, The Pinball Lounge at the Oviedo Bowling Center transformed into a pinball haven on the evening of January 23, 2024. Organized by Kurt van Zyl, the Bonanza 1/23/24 Round 2 tournament brought together 31 pinball enthusiasts for a gripping 3 and a half hours of competitive play.
The tournament’s format was both straightforward and intense: 6 rounds of play, one game per round. Players were grouped together, battling it out to earn points based on their finishing positions in each round. The ultimate goal? To amass the most points and claim victory by the end of the night.
The Batman 66 Battle: A Round 6 Thriller
The highlight of the tournament was the sixth and final round on the Batman 66 (Premium) machine by Stern, a fan favorite since its release in 2016. The game turned into a battleground for the top contenders. John Moschella from Winter Springs, Florida, with an IFPA rank of 796, emerged as the victor of this round. Nick Smith from Florida, ranked 4144, followed closely in second place. Al Neumann, ranked 1558, and Doug Bernard from Orlando, ranked 3538, clinched third and fourth places respectively, showcasing their skills in this intense round.
Celebrating the Pinball Titans
The tournament concluded with an impressive lineup of winners:
- Al Neumann – IFPA rank 1558, a veteran of 293 IFPA events, displayed exceptional skill and strategy to secure first place.
- John Moschella – From Winter Springs, Florida, with an IFPA rank of 796 and 53 events to his credit, clinched a well-deserved second place.
- Brayden DeRazza – Hailing from Lake Mary, FL, and ranked 971st in IFPA with 55 events, showed remarkable consistency to take third.
- Nick Smith – With an IFPA rank of 4144 and participation in 77 events, completed the top four with his commendable performance.
A Pinball Enthusiast’s Dream Line-Up
The tournament was also a showcase of 20 pinball machines, each offering its unique charm and challenges. Highlights included:
- Rush (LE) by Stern, rocking the pinball world since January 2022.
- Radical! by Bally, a throwback to the 90s since January 1990.
- Funhouse by Williams, a classic favorite since November 1990.
- Batman 66 (Premium) by Stern, a superhero saga since January 2016.
- Jurassic Park (Premium) by Stern, a prehistoric adventure since October 2019.
- Viking by Bally, a journey to Valhalla since December 1979.
- World Cup Soccer by Bally, reliving the soccer fever since February 1994.
- Spider-Man (Vault Edition) by Stern, a web-slinging adventure since January 2016.
- Paragon by Bally, a test of skill since June 1979.
The Venue: A Pinball Paradise
The Pinball Lounge, more than just a venue, was a haven for pinball enthusiasts. The impeccable selection of machines, combined with its pristine condition and friendly staff, made it a 10/10 experience for everyone involved. Despite a little road construction, the location’s appeal remained undiminished, testament to the dedication of those who run it.
Looking Ahead to More Pinball Adventures
As the event concluded, players and fans left with stories of triumph and the thrill of competition, eager for the next gathering of pinball enthusiasts. The Pinball Lounge – Bonanza 1/23/24 Round 2 tournament was not just a display of skill and strategy, but a celebration of the enduring appeal of pinball. Stay tuned for more updates from the exciting world of pinball tournaments across the Country!