Sharks, Demogorgons, and Symbiotes: Action-Packed Fun at The Pinball Lounge

January 14, 2025, was a perfect evening for flippers and fun, with clear skies and a crisp 53°F setting the tone for a thrilling night of competition. The Pinball Lounge in Oviedo, Florida, played host to the Bonanza tournament, drawing 22 eager players for six rounds of pinball glory. With organizer Kurt van Zyl running the show, the action moved smoothly through nearly three hours of gameplay, culminating in unforgettable matches.

A Bright Spot for Pinball Enthusiasts: The Pinball Lounge

The Pinball Lounge, tucked inside the Oviedo Bowling Center, has become the local spot for pinball players and casual visitors alike. This retro-inspired hotspot has undergone quite the glow-up, trading its formerly dim vibe for a cleaner, brighter, and welcoming space. Boasting over 25 machines, it’s a favorite for anyone seeking variety—whether you’re itching to tackle the Demogorgon in Stranger Things or channel your inner Roy Scheider in JAWS. Pair that with fantastic bar service and an affordable unlimited play deal, and you’ve got the ultimate hangout for tournaments and leisure alike.

Round 6 Showdown: Deadpool (Pro) Steals the Spotlight

The standout match of the night happened on Deadpool (Pro), a quirky and action-packed title from Stern released in 2018. With its witty callouts, zany animations, and an irresistible battle mode lineup, it set the stage for a high-energy final round. Joe Todd, ranked 5700, made the most of his chance to conquer the Mercenary Multiball, chaining jackpots and navigating the brutal outlanes like a true katana-wielding hero. He edged out Sheri Lewis and Justin Derazza with a clutch final ball, earning a well-deserved victory in a game that lived up to Deadpool’s chaotic charm.

Machines That Made the Magic Happen

While the tournament boasted an impressive 38 games, a few highlights stood out for their unique gameplay and visual flair:

Stranger Things (Premium) – Stern’s eerie tribute to the Netflix hit brings Hawkins, Indiana, to life in a way that’s both immersive and challenging. The standout feature is the Demogorgon toy, where players must shoot the ball through the creature’s mouth to save the day. Combine that with projection-mapped ramps that transform the playfield into the Upside Down and interactive callouts from the show’s characters, and you’ve got a game that’s a true test of skill and endurance.

JAWS (LE) – Stern’s 2024 release captures the terror and excitement of Spielberg’s classic film. A mechanical shark toy looms large, ready to chomp on balls, while the playfield features a dynamic “chum multiball” mode where players must hit dangerous shots to avoid the shark’s wrath. The game’s ocean-blue lighting and wave-like ramps make you feel like you’re out on the open sea, battling the monstrous Bruce.

Xenon – This 1980 sci-fi masterpiece from Bally combines dazzling tube shots with hypnotic visuals and an otherworldly soundtrack. Featuring one of the first female-voiced callouts in pinball history, it stands out for its groundbreaking use of sound design and striking neon aesthetics. The game’s skill shot through the clear tube remains one of the most iconic moments in pinball history.

Eight Ball Deluxe – Bally’s pool-themed classic from 1981 is all about precision. The “Bank Shot” targets and eight-ball sequences challenge players to think like a pool shark, making each shot a calculated risk. The game’s western saloon vibe, complete with catchy audio quips like “Quit talkin’ and start chalkin’,” keeps players engaged from start to finish.

Spider-Man (Vault Edition) –Released in 2016, this reimagining of Stern’s original Spider-Man brings stunning comic-inspired art and action-packed gameplay. With Green Goblin’s mini-playfield, Sandman’s bash toy, and the classic Doc Ock magnet, players have no shortage of villainous challenges to conquer. The flowing ramps and fast-paced combos make this game a favorite among players who love high-scoring opportunities.

These machines didn’t just provide entertainment—they tested every player’s skills, strategy, and ability to stay calm under pressure. Each one contributed to the unforgettable atmosphere of The Pinball Lounge Bonanza.

Champions Who Climbed to the Top

The final round of the tournament came to an electrifying close on Venom (Premium), a thrilling title from Stern that debuted in 2023. This game immerses players in the chaotic world of Marvel’s iconic anti-hero, with gameplay centered around collecting symbiotes and battling infamous characters like Carnage and Knull. Its unique feature is the “Symbiote Selector,” which lets players choose a character at the start of the game, each with its own special abilities to customize the strategy. The fast-paced shots and dynamic multiball modes, paired with a strikingly vibrant playfield design and intense soundtrack, made for a nail-biting finale. Players navigated tight orbits, combos, and high-risk shots, but one stood above the rest to claim victory.

1. Brayden DeRazza (IFPA rank 1074) delivered a masterclass in multiball strategy during the final game. They skillfully unleashed the “Symbiote Frenzy” mode on Venom, racking up a score that was impossible to catch.
2. John Moschella (rank 911) put up a strong fight, using their experience from over 100 tournaments to secure second place.
3. Mike Zink (rank 2342) demonstrated excellent consistency throughout the night, landing on the podium thanks to their precise flipper work.
4. Joe Todd (rank 5700) rounded out the top four, proving his earlier win on Deadpool was no fluke.

Florida’s Top 10 Pinball Players

Here’s where the best in the Sunshine State currently stand:

Wrapping It All Together

Congratulations to Brayden DeRazza for clinching the title at The Pinball Lounge Bonanza! With organizer Kurt van Zyl at the helm and The Pinball Lounge providing a first-class location, this tournament had all the ingredients for a memorable evening. If you’re in Oviedo, don’t miss a chance to play at this revitalized hotspot.

Stay tuned for more pinball updates, match highlights, and tips to up your flipper game!