On the evening of April 23, 2024, The Pinball Lounge nestled within the Oviedo Bowling Center transformed into a battleground for pinball enthusiasts. The Bonanza 4/23/24, organized by Kurt van Zyl, featured a lively contest among 30 competitors over 6 rounds of intense pinball action. As the haze settled around Oviedo, FL, with temperatures holding steady at 70°F, players and spectators alike reveled in nearly four hours of flipper-flipping excitement.
Opening Splash with JAWS (LE)
The tournament kicked off with a standout game on the newly released JAWS (LE) by Stern, captivating players with its thrilling gameplay. Anton Samilian seized the top spot in this inaugural round, followed closely by Brayden DeRazza and Justin Derazza, setting a high bar for competition and showcasing the intense skill levels present.
Honoring the Pinball Champions
As the final balls drained, the top performers emerged, each demonstrating exceptional pinball finesse:
- Dawn Ziatyk – Triumphed with notable strategic acumen, despite an IFPA rank of 3159, highlighting her growth and competitive spirit through 59 events.
- Tony Reining – A rising star in the pinball community, placed second with an impressive climb considering his rank of 8717 and participation in only 26 events.
- Nick Smith from Florida – Showed consistent play and solid tactics to earn third place, with 88 events under his belt.
- Anton Samilian – After a strong start in the first round, Anton capped the tournament in fourth place, reflecting his steady improvement in the sport.
Showcase of Legendary Pinball Machines
The Pinball Lounge dazzled with a selection of 37 pinball machines, each with unique themes and mechanical wonders:
- Godzilla (Premium) by Stern, a behemoth of the pinball world, challenges players to save cities from the iconic monster’s rampage, featuring destructible buildings and multiple ball play.
- Batman Forever by Sega, known for its vibrant playfield and gadgets, transports players into the Gotham City of the 90s with dynamic gameplay and digital effects.
- Harlem Globetrotters On Tour by Bally, brings the basketball court to the pinball arena with fast-paced action and classic sound effects dating back to 1978.
- Batman 66 (Premium) by Stern, revisits the classic TV series with modern twists, including detailed missions and high-definition displays.
- Stranger Things (Premium) by Stern, immerses players in the supernatural world of Hawkins with interactive gameplay and scenes directly from the series.
A Night to Remember at The Pinball Lounge
The Pinball Lounge at 376 E Broadway Street in Oviedo offers more than just pinball; it’s a venue that combines great food, craft beers, and unlimited pinball sessions on Friday nights for a flat fee. The atmosphere is always buzzing, making it a perfect spot for casual gamers and seasoned flippers alike.
Closing With Gratitude
Special thanks to Kurt van Zyl for organizing a spectacular evening of pinball at The Pinball Lounge. This venue continues to be a cornerstone of the pinball community in Florida, offering a top-notch gaming experience and regular refreshes of their pinball lineup. Keep your eyes on this blog for more exciting tales from the pinball world!