It was another fantastic evening at The Pinball Lounge in Oviedo, FL, where 22 players battled it out in a quick but intense six-round format. With broken clouds overhead and the temperature sitting comfortably at 82°F, it was the perfect setting for an indoor tournament. The games were tight, and the competition fierce, with the tournament wrapping up in just under three hours—pretty fast for a group of this caliber. Tournament organizer Kurt van Zyl kept things running smoothly, making sure every round went off without a hitch.
Hanging Out at The Pinball Lounge
If you haven’t been to The Pinball Lounge yet, you’re missing out. Tucked inside the Oviedo Bowling Center, this spot is a hidden gem for pinball lovers. With a fantastic collection of machines and a super-friendly staff, it’s a place you’ll want to keep coming back to. They’ve got daily rates that let you play all day for just $25, which is a steal. Plus, you can grab some tasty food at the bar and make a day of it. Whether you’re flying solo or bringing the family, there’s no better spot to sharpen your pinball skills while enjoying great company.
Jurassic Park Takes Center Stage
Round 1 got off to an exciting start with a showdown on Jurassic Park (Premium) by Stern. This game is known for its immersive theme, with players taking on the role of park rangers attempting to recapture escaped dinosaurs. Garrett Smoke came out swinging, using the Chaos Multiball to perfection, quickly racking up points by skillfully trapping and stacking balls for maximum carnage. John Moschella wasn’t far behind, narrowly missing a perfect Rescue Streak after taking a risky shot at the Control Room. Mike Zink and Nick Smith had a solid game, but Garrett’s ability to trigger the T-Rex ramp and utilize the Smart Missile was the clincher in his victory. You could practically hear the dinosaurs roar as the ball made its way across the playfield—what a way to kick off the night!
Machines You Gotta Play
A handful of machines really stood out at the tournament, offering players a mix of modern features and classic gameplay.
- Rush (LE) by Stern has some of the best music integration in any machine out there. Based on the legendary rock band, it pairs fast-paced shots with some of Rush’s greatest hits. The unique Time Machine Multiball keeps players on their toes, making it a fan favorite.
- Guardians of the Galaxy (Premium) always draws a crowd. With its blend of humor and challenge, the Orb Multiball and Groot feature are just a blast to play. Plus, who doesn’t love saving the galaxy alongside Star-Lord and company?
- Meteor by Stern Electronics is an oldie but a goodie, giving players that satisfying classic feel. The drop targets and spinners bring out the best in this machine, with its straightforward ruleset that rewards skillful shooting.
- Medieval Madness by Williams is another hit, with its blend of humor, deep rules, and that satisfying Castle Multiball. It’s no wonder this machine continues to be a tournament staple.
- Xenon by Bally is a mesmerizing machine with its futuristic sounds and dazzling tube shot. Players love navigating the tube shot for big points, and it always feels like a trip to another world.
Standout Performances from Tournament Winners
It all came down to a thrilling final match on Godzilla (Premium) by Stern, where Anton Samilian emerged as the champion. Anton’s no stranger to competitive pinball, but taking first place in this tournament as the 74th-ranked player in Florida was no small feat. He played like a pro, using his experience from over 60 IFPA events to outmaneuver his opponents. Jeff Welch, a relative newcomer with just nine events under his belt, finished second and is clearly on the rise. His aggressive playstyle on Godzilla’s loops and ramps was impressive. In third place, Michela Phillabaum showed her consistency, using her solid shot accuracy to her advantage. And let’s not forget Sheri Lewis, who put in a solid performance to claim fourth place, proving that you don’t need to be in the top 100 to hold your own in a competitive field like this.
Florida IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shannon Stafford | Orange Park | 372.33 |
| 2 | Sebastian Bobbio | 334.38 | |
| 3 | Eric Stone | Fort Myers | 306.03 |
| 4 | Adam Gray | Temple Terrace | 234.85 |
| 5 | Dan Coyle | St. Petersburg | 195.35 |
| 6 | Vince Gelormine | Fort Lauderdale | 192.82 |
| 7 | Tristan Stafford | Orange Park | 178.87 |
| 8 | David Miller FL | Tampa | 136.54 |
| 9 | Chad Markham | Columbus | 128.31 |
| 10 | John Moschella | Winter Springs | 110.9 |
Wrapping It All Up
It was an epic night of pinball with fierce competition, tight games, and plenty of action. Huge shout-out to Kurt van Zyl for organizing another fantastic tournament, and to The Pinball Lounge for hosting such a great event. Anton Samilian’s win on Godzilla was a well-deserved victory after a hard-fought evening. Stay tuned for more pinball news, and events. There’s always something exciting happening in the world of competitive pinball, and we’ll be here to bring you all the highlights!