JAWS Takes a Bite Out of the Competition at The Pinball Lounge

On September 24th, 2024, under a warm and clear Florida sky, The Pinball Lounge hosted the highly anticipated Bonanza tournament. Thirty-three competitors gathered for a night of intense flipper action, competing in six rounds of single-game matches. With temperatures hovering at 84°F, players found refuge in the cool atmosphere of the Oviedo Bowling Center, where pinball enthusiasts came together for nearly three hours of non-stop excitement.

Kurt van Zyl, the tournament organizer, kept the event running smoothly, ensuring every match stayed on schedule. The mix of veteran players and new faces created an electric atmosphere, and the competition was fierce from start to finish.

The Pinball Lounge: Oviedo’s Premier Pinball Spot

Nestled inside the Oviedo Bowling Center, The Pinball Lounge offers a unique mix of over 25 classic and modern pinball machines. Located at 376 E Broadway Street, it’s a perfect spot for pinball aficionados to escape the heat or enjoy a rainy day. The Lounge is well-known for its unbeatable $10 unlimited play deal from 8pm to close, allowing players to try their hand at a wide range of machines, from Stern’s Jaws to the fan-favorite Foo Fighters.

Regulars rave about the extensive selection of machines, which include everything from nostalgic classics to the latest releases. Whether you’re chasing high scores on Stranger Things or diving into the deep with Jaws, The Pinball Lounge has something for every pinball lover.

Spotlight Match: Battling the Great White in Round 6

The final round of the night brought a thrilling showdown on JAWS (LE) by Stern, released in January 2024. Jeff Welch from Minneola, FL, who is ranked 120th in the state, faced off against three formidable competitors. The theme of the machine—facing off against the iconic great white shark—set the tone for a tense and nail-biting match.

Jeff navigated the dangerous waters with precision, lighting up the ‘Amity Island’ modes and collecting multiple jackpot points as he advanced through the rescue sequences. His ability to hit the multiball start and activate the “Feed the Shark” mode set him apart. Marc Duncan, although unranked, fought valiantly but ultimately couldn’t catch up. In the end, it was Jeff’s skill and composure under pressure that led him to a well-deserved victory. The final standings for the match were:

1st – Jeff Welch, Minneola FL (State Rank: 120, IFPA rank 10626)
2nd – Marc Duncan (IFPA Unranked)
3rd – Brandon Reining (IFPA Unranked)
4th – Noah Seibert (IFPA rank 25363)

A Stellar Lineup of Machines

The Pinball Lounge truly knows how to curate a stellar collection of machines, and this tournament featured some crowd-pleasers. Here’s a quick look at a few of the standouts:

• Ripley’s Believe It or Not! (Stern, 2004): A quirky, adventure-themed game designed by Pat Lawlor. Players navigate strange worlds, collecting oddities and relics. The multiple modes and skill shots make this machine a fan favorite for players who like a challenge.
• Rush (LE) (Stern, 2022): A love letter to fans of the legendary rock band Rush. The immersive gameplay takes you through their greatest hits, with fast ramps and complex multiball modes. It’s a high-octane game that rewards precision and timing.
• Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (Bally, 1975): This classic game is a nod to Elton John’s alter ego. With a vintage charm and straightforward layout, it keeps players on their toes with skill shots that demand focus.
• Jurassic Park (Premium) (Stern, 2019): You’re on Isla Nublar, trying to escape rampaging dinosaurs! The combination of fast-paced play and deep rule sets makes this game a thrilling experience every time.

Congratulations to the Champions

The competition was fierce, but a few players rose above the rest to claim the top spots in the tournament. James Blackford secured first place with his impressive skills, showing everyone why he’s one to watch. Ranked 266th in the state and 19666th globally, James has been steadily climbing the ranks, and this win is another feather in his cap.

Coming in second was Brayden DeRazza, currently ranked 12th in the state and boasting an impressive IFPA rank of 1008. With 75 tournaments under his belt, Brayden has been making waves in the Florida pinball scene.

Third place went to Al Neumann, a seasoned player with 342 IFPA events under his belt. Ranked 38th in the state, Al’s experience and consistency helped him edge out the competition.

Rounding out the top four was Garrett Smoke, ranked 14th in the state and 2008th globally. Garrett’s sharp skills and tenacity helped him hold onto his spot in the top tier of players.

Florida IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings:

Final Thoughts

A big thanks to Kurt van Zyl for organizing another fantastic tournament at The Pinball Lounge. The night was filled with great matches, thrilling machines, and memorable moments, with Jeff Welch’s performance on JAWS standing out as one of the highlights. The Pinball Lounge remains a prime destination for all things pinball, and we can’t wait to see what’s next. Stay connected for more pinball excitement and tournament coverage!