Under a clear Florida sky, punctuated by a few drifting clouds and with the temperature tipping at a delightful 75°F, the night was set for the most gripping pinball action Oviedo has ever witnessed.
Setting the Stage
At the heart of this electric atmosphere was The Pinball Lounge in Oviedo Bowling Center, bustling with enthusiasm and the echoing chimes of pinball machines. For those who weren’t clock-watching, it was a whirlwind of approximately 3 hours and 16 minutes of relentless competition, organized by the indomitable Kurt van Zyl.
A Trip to the Jurassic Era
While every game had its moment, the talk of the night was an intense showdown on Stern’s Jurassic Park (Premium) during the first round. Anton Samilian led the charge, but with Dawn Ziatyk not far behind. Florida’s own Patrick Durland and Sheri Lewis also put up a commendable fight. It was as if the players had been transported to a time of dinosaurs, maneuvering through treacherous terrains and outsmarting the T-rex.
Conquering the Night: The Winners
Bravery, strategy, and a little bit of luck crowned our victors:
- John Osborne: Steadiness personified.
- John Moschella from Winter Springs, Florida: The strategic genius of the night.
- Dawn Ziatyk: A force to reckon with.
- David Troum: Consistency in every move.
Machines Through Time
The Lounge showcased a diverse range of machines, each echoing a different era of pinball’s storied history:
- The Flintstones: A yabba-dabba-doo trip to Bedrock.
- Eight Ball Champ: Serving ‘80s nostalgia.
- Rush (LE): A rock concert encapsulated in a machine.
- Star Trek: For every Trekkie’s soul.
- Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast: A metalhead’s dream pinball.
Atmosphere & Ambiance
Every inch of The Pinball Lounge screamed passion for the game. It wasn’t just about the collection of machines but the vibe. Praise should be reserved for Kurt and Ed who have turned this spot into the pinball Mecca for Florida. Their recent unveiling of the Cirqus Voltaire was the icing on the cake!
IFPA Florida Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shannon Stafford | Orange Park | 329.53 |
| 2 | Eric Stone | Fort Myers | 304.72 |
| 3 | Vince Gelormine | Fort Lauderdale | 271.68 |
| 4 | Sebastian Bobbio | — | 265.88 |
| 5 | Dan Coyle | St. Petersburg | 194.73 |
| 6 | Dr. Frank Sposaro | Lakeland | 151.96 |
| 7 | Adam Gray | Temple Terrace | 146.87 |
| 8 | David Miller FL | Tampa | 140.89 |
| 9 | Brayden Derazza | Lake Mary | 139.69 |
| 10 | John Moschella | Winter Springs | 126.81 |
In a nutshell, Oviedo witnessed a night that will be talked about in the pinball circles for a long time. Until next time, keep those flippers flipping and never let that ball drain!