On June 25, 2024, pinball enthusiasts gathered for The Pinball Lounge – Bonanza at the Oviedo Bowling Center. With 21 players competing in a 6-round, 1-game per round format, the excitement was palpable. The thunderstorm outside only added to the electric atmosphere inside, where the temperature was a comfortable 77°F. Kurt van Zyl organized the event, ensuring everything ran smoothly over the nearly 3-hour tournament.
The Pinball Lounge – A Pinball Haven
The Pinball Lounge, located at 376 E Broadway Street, Oviedo, FL 32765, is renowned as the best pinball spot in the Orlando area. It’s a place where pinball machines are meticulously maintained, and you can find great deals for single, timed, or unlimited coin drops. Visitors often go out of their way to play here, drawn by the quality of the machines and the vibrant atmosphere. For more details, check out their website.
Medieval Madness Madness!
Round 4 on Medieval Madness by Williams was a highlight of the tournament. John Moschella from Winter Springs, Florida, showcased his skills, clinching 1st place despite the fierce competition. John Osborne, Brendan Panzullo, and Mike Zink put up valiant efforts, but Moschella’s performance stood out, reflecting his high state and national rankings.
Pinball Machines Galore
The tournament featured 31 pinball machines, each with unique designs and special features. Here are reviews of five standout games:
- Tales of the Arabian Nights (Williams, May 1996): A personal favorite, known for its beautiful artwork and immersive story, this machine captures the essence of Arabian Nights tales with its unique playfield design and challenging gameplay.
- Cactus Canyon (Remake Special/LE) Chicago Gaming, November 2021): This remake of the classic game offers enhanced features, including updated sound and graphics, while retaining the wild west charm and engaging gameplay.
- Medieval Madness (Williams, June 1997): A fan favorite, Medieval Madness boasts a dynamic playfield with castle destruction features and humorous medieval-themed animations.
- Scooby-Doo (SE) Spooky Pinball, February 2023): With its vibrant colors and engaging modes, this machine brings the beloved cartoon to life, offering a mix of nostalgia and modern pinball challenges.
- Jurassic Park (Premium) Stern, October 2019): This machine captures the thrill of the Jurassic Park franchise with detailed playfield toys, challenging modes, and exciting multiball features.
Celebrating the Champions
The final game on Batman 66 (Premium) saw Doug Bernard from Orlando triumph, showcasing his pinball prowess. Here’s a shout-out to the top performers:
- Doug Bernard – He clinched 1st place with a steady hand and sharp focus. His state rank is 122nd, and his national rank is 4183.
- Nick Smith – An impressive 2nd place finish, state rank 20th, national rank 2638.
- Patrick Durland – Secured 3rd place with consistent performance, state rank 51st, national rank 3138.
- John Moschella – Also performed admirably, taking 4th place, state rank 15th, national rank 873.
IFPA Florida Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shannon Stafford | Orange Park | 251.58 |
| 2 | Sebastian Bobbio | 201.95 | |
| 3 | Adam Gray | Temple Terrace | 201.55 |
| 4 | Eric Stone | Fort Myers | 188.99 |
| 5 | Vince Gelormine | Fort Lauderdale | 147.89 |
| 6 | Dan Coyle | St. Petersburg | 141.02 |
| 7 | Tristan Stafford | Orange Park | 116.38 |
| 8 | David Miller FL | Tampa | 113.08 |
| 9 | Joel Cohen | Miami | 87.32 |
| 10 | Joe Geneau | St Augustine | 84.93 |
Wrapping Up the Bonanza
The Pinball Lounge – Bonanza was a resounding success, filled with competitive spirit and thrilling moments. Hats off to Kurt van Zyl for organizing such a fantastic event and to The Pinball Lounge for providing a stellar venue. Congratulations to Doug Bernard, our overall tournament winner! Stay tuned for more pinball news and updates.