It might have been pouring rain outside, but inside The Pinball Lounge, things were heating up. With 23 fierce competitors ready to face off, the September 10th Bonanza tournament proved that not even heavy rain could dampen the spirits of Florida’s top pinball players. Over the course of six thrilling rounds, players battled through a gauntlet of iconic machines, showing off their skills in a fast-paced contest that wrapped up in just under three hours.
Despite the weather, Kurt van Zyl, the tournament organizer, ensured everything ran smoothly, with participants diving into classic and modern pins with the same intensity as the storm brewing outside.
Pinball Glory: The Machines That Made Waves
The Pinball Lounge’s massive collection of 35 machines meant there was no shortage of options for players to test their mettle. A few games in particular stood out, not only for their unique designs but for the nostalgia and challenge they brought to the tournament.
Space Invaders (Bally, 1980) – Designed by Paul Faris, Space Invaders brought the arcade classic into the pinball world, complete with eerie sci-fi artwork that drew players in. The wide-body design gave players more room to navigate, while the hypnotic sounds and visuals made every game feel like a trip into the unknown. Mastering the tight lanes, especially with the additional challenge of those slingshots, kept even seasoned players on edge. It’s a game that merges strategy with a bit of luck, making it both rewarding and frustrating for those aiming for high scores.
Star Wars (Premium) (Stern, 2017) – Designed by the legendary Steve Ritchie, Star Wars (Premium) launched players straight into the action of the original trilogy. With intense missions like Escape from Tatooine and Destroy the Death Star, the game demands precision and quick reflexes. The hyperloop and hyperspace ramp add an extra layer of excitement, giving this Stern modern classic a sense of speed and urgency. Players who could chain modes and hit their shots were able to rack up astronomical scores, but those who missed key shots found themselves facing the wrath of the dark side.
Attack from Mars (Bally, 1995) – One of the most beloved games of all time, Attack from Mars was designed by Brian Eddy and combines humor with heart-pounding gameplay. Players are tasked with defending Earth from an alien invasion, with every ramp shot and saucer destruction playing a part in saving the world. The game’s multiball modes, particularly Total Annihilation, keep the adrenaline high as players aim for jackpot after jackpot. Mastering the center shot to destroy the saucer and light up multiball is crucial, but the game’s humor, including hilarious callouts, ensures that even the most intense moments are laced with fun.
Xenon (Bally, 1980) – Xenon is an iconic game that pushed the boundaries of pinball design and sound when it was released. Designed by Paul Faris and featuring groundbreaking audio work by Suzanne Ciani, it was the first pinball machine to feature a female-voiced narrator. Its futuristic, almost ethereal artwork coupled with a smooth flow makes this game as much an art piece as it is a game. The tube shot and its haunting sound effects created a mysterious atmosphere, drawing players deeper into the game’s sci-fi world. While its gameplay is deceptively simple, mastering the ramp shots and the ball flow is no easy task.
Venom (Premium) (Stern, 2023) – One of the newest Stern releases, Venom brings the dark, symbiotic world of Marvel’s iconic antihero to life. The game is packed with cutting-edge technology, from the fast-moving ramps to the innovative shot flow that keeps players on their toes. Venom introduces a deep storyline where players can evolve their character, unlocking new abilities as they progress. It’s a dynamic game that demands strategy and adaptability, making it an instant favorite among modern pinball enthusiasts. For players in the tournament, mastering the fast ramp shots was key to staying in the game.
The variety of games was a perfect blend of old-school classics and new-age wonders, keeping players on their toes the entire evening.
The Pinball Lounge: A Player’s Paradise
Tucked within the Oviedo Bowling Center, The Pinball Lounge is a haven for pinball enthusiasts. With over 35 pinball machines, this spot has built a reputation as one of the best places in Florida to flip some flippers. Reviews describe it as the ultimate sanctuary for pinball lovers—whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore competitor, you’re bound to feel right at home.
The machines are meticulously maintained, and the atmosphere is welcoming, making it a popular destination for both families and tournament players alike. Offering affordable play rates, The Pinball Lounge ensures that everyone can enjoy a day (or night) of non-stop pinball action.
Deadpool Delivers: A Round 1 Clash to Remember
Right out of the gate, the first round on Deadpool (Pro) by Stern set the tone for the evening. Anton Samilian, ranked 75th in the state, put on a clinic, tearing through Lil’ Deadpool Multiball like a seasoned mercenary. Samilian’s calm under pressure paid off, securing him first place in the round.
However, John Moschella (State Rank: 10th) wasn’t far behind. Known for his precision shots, Moschella pushed through Deadpool’s challenging battle modes to claim second place. Mike Zink, ranked 27th, held strong, despite the chaos of the Katana-Rama! shots, taking third, while Garrett Smoke rounded out the top four. It was a thrilling start to the tournament, and the action only escalated from there.
The Final Countdown: Who Emerged Victorious?
The final match on Godzilla (Premium) capped off a thrilling tournament, with Ken MacMillan rising to the occasion. Despite being ranked 83rd in the state, MacMillan played with the heart of a top contender, navigating Godzilla’s intense multiball modes with precision. His win was hard-fought, but it was clear he earned his place at the top of the podium.
Justin Derazza, ranked 20th, made sure to keep things competitive, finishing in second. Known for his consistency across 119 events, he showed why he’s a player to watch. Meanwhile, Nick Smith and Mike Zink rounded out the top four, with Zink once again proving they’re a force to be reckoned with, finishing strong despite a tough competition.
Florida IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shannon Stafford | Orange Park | 372.49 |
| 2 | Sebastian Bobbio | 355.8 | |
| 3 | Eric Stone | Fort Myers | 306.29 |
| 4 | Adam Gray | Temple Terrace | 234.93 |
| 5 | Vince Gelormine | Fort Lauderdale | 204.69 |
| 6 | Dan Coyle | St. Petersburg | 195.48 |
| 7 | Tristan Stafford | Orange Park | 178.88 |
| 8 | David Miller FL | Tampa | 136.58 |
| 9 | Chad Markham | Columbus | 128.5 |
| 10 | John Moschella | Winter Springs | 110.93 |
Hats Off to The Pinball Lounge and Kurt van Zyl
All in all, The Pinball Lounge – Bonanza lived up to its name, delivering thrills, spills, and plenty of memorable moments. Kurt van Zyl did an excellent job keeping the tournament moving, even as the rain poured down outside. Thanks to the welcoming atmosphere at The Pinball Lounge, players could focus on the games at hand, making for an unforgettable evening of competition.
As the rain eased off, so did the action inside, but if you’re looking for more pinball excitement, be sure to keep an eye on upcoming events here at Oviedo. Until next time, keep flipping those flippers!