In Oviedo, Florida, nestled within the lively corridors of the Oviedo Bowling Center, The Pinball Lounge hosted an electrifying tournament that sent ripples through the pinball community. The event, dubbed “The Pinball Lounge – Bonanza,” took place on a crisp evening on February 27, 2024, under a clear sky with the mercury resting comfortably at 70°F.
The Venue: A Pinball Paradise
The Pinball Lounge, known for its top-class selection of pinball machines and its inviting atmosphere, outdid itself once again. With great drinks, super nice staff, and an array of 34 pinball machines that span decades of arcade history, it was a perfect setting for a showdown. The lounge buzzed with excitement as 27 players, each with their eyes set on the prize, navigated through 6 intense rounds of pinball wizardry.
The Standout Game: A Clash on The Addams Family Machine
Among the highlights of the night was a breathtaking showdown in Round 3 on the iconic “The Addams Family” pinball machine by Bally. This game, steeped in nostalgia and renowned for its engaging gameplay, was the battlefield for a gripping contest between Nick Smith of Florida, Garrett Smoke, Jared Lemankiewicz from Buffalo, NY, and Chris Compton. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Smith clinching the top spot, demonstrating that rankings only tell part of the story.
The Victors: Triumph Against the Odds
The tournament saw Garrett Smoke, with an IFPA rank of 2422 and 48 total IFPA events under his belt, rise to the top, followed closely by Nick Smith, who had shown his prowess in the standout game earlier. Patrick Durland and Chris Compton also made their mark, securing third and fourth places, respectively. Their victories were a testament to skill, strategy, and perhaps a touch of pinball magic.
A Tribute to Pinball Classics
The tournament was not just a competition but also a celebration of pinball’s rich history. Machines like Champion Pub and Monster Bash (Remake LE) offered players a blend of classic pinball fun with modern twists. The recently released JAWS by Stern added a fresh challenge with its homage to the iconic film. Game Of Thrones (Pro) and Black Pyramid further enriched the lineup, each bringing its unique flavor and challenges to the fore.
Gratitude and Anticipation
As the night wound down, the community came together to extend a heartfelt thanks to Kurt van Zyl, the orchestrator of this fantastic event, and The Pinball Lounge for hosting such a memorable tournament. The event was not just about winning or losing; it was about coming together to celebrate a shared passion for pinball.
The Pinball Lounge – Bonanza was a reminder of the joy that pinball brings to people’s lives. As we look forward to more thrilling tournaments and the continued growth of the pinball community, one thing is clear: the spirit of pinball is alive and well, and its future is as bright as the flashing lights of a pinball machine mid-game.
Stay tuned for more updates from the world of pinball!