From Saucers to Sarcophagi: Oviedo Hosts a Pinball Powerhouse

If you’re looking for proof that Florida knows how to host a banger of a pinball night, look no further than The Pinball Lounge – Bonanza held on April 15, 2025. With 32 players, six rounds of single-game drama, and a lineup of machines that could make even the most jaded flipper freak blush, this tournament was equal parts challenge and charm. With temperatures hovering at a perfectly pinball-friendly 81°F and the central Florida sky as clear as an LED insert, the Oviedo Bowling Center’s sidekick arcade delivered a night to remember.

Where the Lanes Are Clean and the Classics Shine

Tucked inside the Oviedo Bowling Center, The Pinball Lounge has transformed from its once-dingy past into one of Florida’s most polished pinball destinations. And no, that’s not just the playfield glass gleaming—reviews back it up with mentions of “sparkling clean” interiors, stellar customer service, and a modern card tap system that makes quarter-hustling feel positively prehistoric. Their collection hits all the nostalgic sweet spots, from ‘80s heavy hitters to Stern’s freshest flames. Whether you’re dodging summer storms or the Florida sun, this place has become a sanctuary for serious players and curious newcomers alike.

Jurassic Sparks Fly in Round 1

Round 1 got wild right out of the gate on Jurassic Park (Premium), Stern’s 2019 award-magnet designed by Keith Elwin. The game is a complex, kinetic jungle—filled with chaotic modes like T. Rex Rampage, tight shot progression through paddock rescues, and that thrilling Raptor Tower that loves to punish missed shots. It’s not beginner-friendly, which made the results even more interesting.

Anton Samilian, ranked 125th in the state, took full command of the island. He wasn’t just surviving; he was thriving—navigating to Control Room and triggering a well-timed multiball that let him scoop up critical rescues and jackpots. It was a bold start that set the tone for his entire tournament.

Nick Smith, a seasoned player sitting at #59 in Florida, had a promising setup but floundered trying to stack modes, falling victim to that infamous left outlane. He still held on for second, but it wasn’t his cleanest run.

John Moschella (Winter Springs, #31 FL) is no stranger to high-pressure play, but even solid rankings don’t save you when the raptor pen decides to feast. A few missed loops and a draining upper flipper misfire left him chasing the others.

And then there’s Brian Foshee, who took fourth. With a global ranking in the 17,000s, he fought hard but couldn’t quite escape the jaws of the T. rex—or the experience gap in this heavy-hitter group.

A Machine Lineup Worth the Multiball

With 30 machines in the mix, this tournament didn’t just test player skill—it tested their pinball literacy. From EM oddities to modern monsters, the lineup rewarded those who could adapt fast and flail slow.

Let’s start with The Uncanny X-Men (Premium), Stern’s fresh 2024 release. Designed by Jack Danger, it captures the energy of the comics with a ruleset that lets players “build their team” through different mutants, each unlocking a unique perk or ability. Early impressions praise its combo-friendly flow, and the art by Zombie Yeti gives it the full-color chaos that modern Sterns have become known for. It’s new, it’s bold, and it’s just wild enough to throw off players expecting a safe starter.

Then there’s Metallica Remastered (Premium)—another 2024 redo of a fan-favorite from 2013. The remastered version updates the lighting, sound package, and polish without changing what made it a classic. Lonnie Ropp and John Borg’s original design remains a brutal riff-fest of multiball stacking, with “Sparky,” “Grave Marker,” and “Coffin” multiballs all fighting for your attention. If your catch timing is off, Metallica will eat you alive.

And of course, Godzilla (Premium). What more needs to be said? Keith Elwin’s 2021 masterpiece still dominates tournament lineups thanks to its brilliant balance of accessible modes and deep strategy. Between the collapsing building, ramp-diverting bridge, and magnetic catch at Mechagodzilla, it’s a mechanical playground—and a shotmaker’s dream.

Attack from Mars (Bally, 1995) is a stone-cold classic, with a layout so smooth it feels like buttered ramps on rails. Brian Eddy’s symmetrical design, paired with Doug Watson’s comic book-style artwork, continues to hold up decades later. Center saucer spam may be tempting, but top players know it’s all about control and stacking the multiball phases.

For players craving campy flair, Creature from the Black Lagoon (Bally, 1992) delivered with its B-movie styling and John Trudeau’s quirky layout. It’s a love letter to drive-in culture, complete with a holographic creature under the playfield and a “Find the Girl” mode that still makes people smirk.

In the retro corner, Spanish Eyes by Segasa (1973) showed up to remind everyone that early solid-state-style nudging on an EM is a lost art. Its center pop bumper and unusual scoring structure made it a surprise favorite—or nightmare—depending on your tilt sensitivity.

Star Wars (Premium) by Steve Ritchie, released in 2017, remains a divisive beast. When it’s good, it’s incredible. When it’s bad, it’s ball 1 drain out of the Death Star. But it plays fast, rewards risk, and with Lyman Sheats’ code running the show, it’s always a game where the brave can rise.

Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Stern, 2018) brought the edge with its Egyptian-themed layout and progressive combo shots. Another Keith Elwin design, it features one of the best left ramps in modern pinball and a ruleset that encourages long-term strategy—plus a soundtrack that’ll melt your brain if you’re not into metal.

Finally, a nod to KISS (Bally, 1979), which brought old-school cool with wide open shots, big bonuses, and just enough randomness to humble anyone who thought their timing was flawless. Sure, it’s no code labyrinth, but it forces players to think on their feet—and maybe hum a little “Detroit Rock City” under their breath.

The Final Four: Who Rose and Who Raged

By the end of six intense rounds, four players emerged from the chaos, each bringing their own playstyle and regional flair. And the machines in these final games didn’t pull any punches.

1. Justin Derazza of Sorrento, currently ranked #24 in the state, took home the win with a tournament-defining performance on Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast. The 2018 Stern title demands precision and flow—especially on the Premium model with its moving sarcophagus ramp and brutal left orbit returns. Justin used the Trooper multiball as his launchpad, stacking modes like a pro and proving why his 134-event résumé makes him one of Florida’s most consistent contenders.
2. Anton Samilian, fresh off his Round 1 Jurassic Park heroics, kept the momentum going through classics like Attack from Mars, where his strategy centered around quick locks and saucer spam. Ranked 125th statewide and #5092 globally, Anton’s second-place finish felt like a statement: he’s not just another middle-rank grinder—he’s coming for the top tier.
3. Mike Zink, from Ocala (#57 FL), played the long game on Godzilla (Premium)—a title known for deep rules and tactical stacking. Mike leaned into Mechagodzilla Multiball and navigated the building mech ramp with surgical calm. With over 150 IFPA events under their belt, this third-place finish only solidifies their standing as a versatile threat in any bracket.
4. Tony Reining, ranked 67th in Florida, secured fourth with a gritty performance on Star Wars (Premium). Love it or hate it, Star Wars is a risk/reward monster, and Tony took chances—perhaps too many during TIE Fighter multiball—but still held firm in the standings, proving that 53 events’ worth of experience adds up in tight matches.

Florida’s Finest: IFPA Top 10 Standings

Wrapping It Up From Oviedo

Another day, another elite pinball showdown in the Sunshine State. Justin Derazza walked away with the trophy at The Pinball Lounge, but every player who navigated that 30-machine gauntlet earned their stripes. Oviedo continues to shine as a key stop on Florida’s ever-expanding competitive pinball map. From casual drop-ins to IFPA-point chasers, this is the kind of scene that keeps pinball alive and flipping. Stay tuned—we’ve got more recaps coming from across the state.