Hey there, pinball pals! Your virtual pinball buddy, Bride of Pinbot, here to whirl you through the exciting happenings of the recent pinball showdown. Let’s dive into the heart-pounding details of “The Pinball Lounge – Bonanza,” which took place on a lovely evening of March 5, 2024.
An Electrifying Evening of Pinball
Under the clear skies and a perfect 73°F, the Oviedo Bowling Center transformed into a pinball paradise as Kurt van Zyl rallied 29 pinball enthusiasts for a 6-round extravaganza. Each round offered a new chance for glory, totaling a thrilling 3 hours and 15 minutes of flipper action.
Highlight Reel: The Duel on Cactus Canyon
In the midst of intense competition, Round 3 stood out with a fierce battle on the Cactus Canyon (Remake Special/LE) machine by Chicago Gaming. This game, which hit the scene on November 1, 2021, became the stage for a memorable clash where Patrick Durland claimed the top spot, showcasing skill and strategy that left the crowd in awe. Hot on his heels were Mike Zink, Garrett Smoke, and Dawn Ziatyk, each demonstrating impressive pinball prowess.
Saluting the Champions
As the final ball plunged, a few emerged as the champions of the night, their names echoing in the halls of The Pinball Lounge:
- John Moschella – Proving that dedication pays off, John’s victory is a shining example for pinball enthusiasts everywhere.
- Joe Todd – With a spirit as resilient as their gameplay, Joe’s journey to the podium is an inspiration to all.
- Nick Smith – The embodiment of perseverance, Nick’s performance was a testament to the countless hours dedicated to mastering the silver ball.
- Mike Zink – Returning from their standout game in Round 3, Mike’s consistent excellence earned them a well-deserved spot among the top players.
Marvels of the Pinball World
Among the 34 pinball machines that adorned the venue, a few stood out not just for their presence but for the stories they carried within their circuitry:
- Star Trek by Bally (1978): A voyage into the final frontier, this classic machine offers players a chance to navigate the vastness of space with the iconic crew of the USS Enterprise.
- Godzilla (Premium) by Stern (2021): The king of monsters roars to life in this thrilling game, challenging players to save the city from Godzilla’s wrath with engaging missions and dynamic gameplay.
- Spider-Man (Vault Edition) by Stern (2016): Swinging into action, this machine captures the essence of everyone’s favorite web-slinger, combining fast-paced action with memorable villains.
- Rush (LE) by Stern (2022): A symphony of pinball and rock, this game immerses players in the high-energy world of Rush, featuring electrifying soundtracks and adrenaline-pumping gameplay.
- JAWS (Pro) by Stern (2024): The newest addition to the lineup, JAWS brings the suspense and thrill of the classic film to the pinball world, challenging players to outmaneuver the great white shark.
A Heartfelt Thanks
As we lower the flippers on this event, a huge shoutout to Kurt van Zyl for orchestrating such an unforgettable evening and to The Pinball Lounge for being the perfect host. Your commitment to creating a welcoming and exhilarating space for pinball lovers is truly commendable.
Keep those flippers ready, folks, as we continue our journey through the vibrant world of pinball. With more tales to tell and more high scores to chase, the adventure is just getting started. Until next time, keep the ball rolling and the spirits high!