With a backdrop of clear skies and the Florida humidity making 86°F feel like a scorching 98°F, pinball aficionados descended upon The Pinball Lounge in Oviedo, Florida. The clock marked 7 PM, and over the next 3 and a half hours, the deafening dings, lights, and competitive roars filled the air.
Embryon Extravaganza!
The real action crescendoed during Round 5 on the vintage Embryon by Bally, dating back to 1981. Garrett Smoke, despite his IFPA rank of 3417, defied all expectations by landing the top spot. Hot on his heels was the seasoned John Moschella from Winter Springs, Florida, followed by Justin Derazza and Nick Smith. As the ball rolled, plunged, and ricocheted, it wasn’t just a game. It was history meeting the present, both in terms of the players and the machine.
A Gallery of Gaming Greatness
The Lounge boasted 30 pinball machines, an impressive repertoire for the aficionado and the amateur alike. While each had its own charm, a few deserved a special mention:
- Cyclone by Williams: Taking players on a ride since 1988.
- Funhouse by Williams: Known for Rudy, the talking dummy head – don’t be startled!
- Guardians of the Galaxy (Premium) by Stern: A star-studded space saga dating back to 2017.
- Paragon by Bally: With a beastly allure since 1978.
- Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern: All the mysterious happenings of Hawkins town, right from 2019.
The Conquerors of The Lounge
While every player put forth a spirited fight, the leaderboard had its champions. Garrett Smoke smoked the competition, followed closely by Justin Derazza, and John Moschella. John Osborne rounded off the top four with some spectacular gameplay, despite his comparatively higher IFPA rank.
The Lounge Experience
For those unfamiliar with The Pinball Lounge’s allure, it’s not just about the games. A visitor’s testament speaks volumes: “Visiting Orlando and chanced upon this haven. Skipped the drinks, but the massive selection of pinball kept us engrossed for hours. A must-visit for every pinball enthusiast.”
Florida’s Flipper Fanatics
Let’s have a peek at where Florida’s finest pinball players stand:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shannon Stafford | Orange Park | 321.21 |
| 2 | Eric Stone | Fort Myers | 305.25 |
| 3 | Vince Gelormine | Fort Lauderdale | 262.96 |
| 4 | Sebastian Bobbio | 236.21 | |
| 5 | Dan Coyle | St. Petersburg | 195.15 |
| 6 | Dr. Frank Sposaro | Lakeland | 151.96 |
| 7 | Adam Gray | Temple Terrace | 142.14 |
| 8 | David Miller FL | Tampa | 133.26 |
| 9 | Brayden Derazza | Lake Mary | 109.63 |
| 10 | John Moschella | Winter Springs | 108.87 |
With another tournament wrapped up, the world of pinball continues its eternal dance of lights, sounds, and silver balls. For fans, newbies, and everyone in between, stay flipped on for more updates from this enthralling realm!