Let’s Dive Into The Pinball Lounge Bonanza!
What’s up, pinball fans? The Pinball Lounge Bonanza on July 23rd, 2024, was an absolute blast. With a turnout of 35 players battling it out over six intense rounds, it was a night filled with flipper action and high scores. The tournament, hosted at The Pinball Lounge at Oviedo Bowling Center, lasted a solid three and a half hours, giving everyone plenty of time to show off their skills. The weather was just right, with a few clouds and a comfortable 82°F—perfect for a night of indoor fun!
The Pinball Lounge: A Gamer’s Paradise
The Pinball Lounge has come a long way from its darker days, now shining bright with nostalgia and energy. Located at 376 E Broadway Street in Oviedo, FL, this spot has become a go-to for pinball lovers near Orlando. With an impressive lineup of machines ranging from classics like Jaws to modern favorites like Stranger Things, there’s something for everyone. The lounge offers a clean and welcoming environment with easy tap-and-go cards for a seamless gaming experience. Whether you’re looking to escape the rain or beat the summer heat, The Pinball Lounge is the place to be. Check out their website at thepinballlounge.com for more info!
A Game to Remember: Round 3 on Scared Stiff
Round 3 brought some serious excitement with the game Scared Stiff by Bally. This 1996 classic kept players on the edge of their seats, especially during the “Stiff-O-Meter” mode, which added a spooky twist to the action. Sheri Lewis, ranked 215th in the state, put on a show, finishing first against tough competition. Al Neumann, a seasoned player with a state rank of 37th, came in second, while Doug Bernard, hailing from Orlando and ranked 136th, took third. Daniel Gonzalez, unranked in the state but ranked 6372nd in IFPA, rounded out the top four, proving that rankings aren’t everything when it comes to the thrill of the game.
Pinball Machine Highlights
The tournament featured a stellar lineup of 31 machines, each offering unique challenges and excitement. Here are five standout games:
- Foo Fighters (LE): Released in March 2023, this Stern creation combines rock ‘n’ roll with pinball magic. The game’s fast-paced action and dynamic layout make it a fan favorite, with multiple multiball modes and an epic soundtrack to boot.
- Attack from Mars: A classic from Bally, released in January 1995, this game is known for its humorous alien invasion theme. The goal is to defend Earth from Martian attacks, with thrilling features like the “Total Annihilation” mode.
- John Wick (Pro): Stern’s latest offering from May 2024 brings the intense world of John Wick to pinball. Players must navigate through assassins and complete missions, with fast gameplay and stunning visuals making it a must-play.
- Funhouse: This Williams classic from November 1990 features Rudy, the talking head who taunts players throughout the game. The goal is to “put Rudy to sleep” by hitting the right targets, making it a quirky and challenging experience.
- JAWS (LE): Released in January 2024 by Stern, this machine immerses players in the thrill of the ocean’s deadliest predator. With a rotating shark mechanism and a suspenseful soundtrack, it’s a jaw-dropping adventure.
Battling for the Top: Tournament Winners
The competition was fierce, with 35 participants all aiming for the top spot. Here’s how it all shook out:
- Nick Smith FL – With a state rank of 11th and 99 IFPA events under his belt, Nick proved his mettle, securing first place with skill and precision.
- Garrett Smoke – Close behind, Garrett, ranked 15th in the state, showcased his experience from 65 IFPA events, landing him in second place.
- John Moschella – From Winter Springs, Florida, John took third place, leveraging his 9th state rank and 79 event experiences to make a strong showing.
- Sheri Lewis – Despite being ranked 215th in the state, Sheri’s impressive performance in earlier rounds earned her a well-deserved fourth place.
Florida IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shannon Stafford | Orange Park | 317.82 |
| 2 | Sebastian Bobbio | 272.85 | |
| 3 | Eric Stone | Fort Myers | 216.64 |
| 4 | Adam Gray | Temple Terrace | 210.14 |
| 5 | Vince Gelormine | Fort Lauderdale | 171.09 |
| 6 | Dan Coyle | St. Petersburg | 152.83 |
| 7 | Tristan Stafford | Orange Park | 143.66 |
| 8 | David Miller FL | Tampa | 119.66 |
| 9 | John Moschella | Winter Springs | 100.08 |
| 10 | Joel Cohen | Miami | 93.68 |
Wrapping Up
The Pinball Lounge Bonanza was a night to remember, full of high-energy gameplay and fierce competition. Big thanks to Kurt van Zyl for organizing such a fantastic event and to The Pinball Lounge for hosting us in their amazing space. We hope everyone had a great time and can’t wait to see you at the next tournament. Keep following for more updates from the pinball world!