Monsters, Mayhem, and Multiballs: Inside The Pinball Lounge Tournament

Salutations, pinball champs! Ready for a wild ride through the electrifying action of The Pinball Lounge – Bonanza? Let’s dive into the highlights of the tournament that took place on a warm August evening in Oviedo, Florida, where 35 competitors clashed in a fast-paced battle for pinball supremacy.

The Showdown at The Pinball Lounge

The Pinball Lounge, located inside the Oviedo Bowling Center, has become a must-visit spot for pinball lovers. This place has undergone a remarkable transformation, shedding its old, dim ambiance for a bright, lively space that’s buzzing with nostalgia. With a sparkling clean environment and a fantastic selection of pinball machines, it’s easy to see why it’s so highly recommended. From classics like Jaws to modern hits like Stranger Things, The Pinball Lounge offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to beat the summer heat or just enjoy a fun day out with the family, this place has got you covered.

Venom Strikes in Round 1

Round 1 kicked off with a bang as players faced off on Venom (Premium) by Stern, a game that’s all about embracing the symbiote and unleashing pure chaos. The tension in the room was palpable as Doug Bernard, known for his cool demeanor under pressure, took on the challenge. Venom is no ordinary pinball machine—it’s a test of your ability to adapt, evolve, and dominate. In this game, players are tasked with building up their character by absorbing powers, taking down iconic Marvel villains, and unlocking new abilities as they go.

Doug wasted no time diving into the heart of the symbiote’s world. From the get-go, he focused on stringing together combos, a crucial strategy in Venom that rewards players with escalating power and intensity. As the multiball mode triggered, Doug’s precision play allowed him to keep the action flowing, his score climbing higher with each calculated shot. The key to success in Venom lies in maintaining momentum, and Doug did just that, expertly absorbing powers and deploying them at the right moments to take down the villains standing in his way.

By the end of the round, Doug had not only dominated the game but had also set the tone for the rest of the tournament. His ability to immerse himself in Venom’s chaotic energy and leverage the game’s mechanics to his advantage was a masterclass in strategic pinball play. While his competitors fought valiantly, they simply couldn’t keep up with Doug’s relentless pace, solidifying his victory in this pivotal round.

A Collection of Legends

With 32 pinball machines on deck, players had no shortage of thrilling challenges. Let’s take a quick spin through a few of the highlights:

• City Slicker by Bally (1987): A bit of a hidden gem from the late ’80s, City Slicker is designed by George Christian and offers a quirky dive into the hustle and bustle of city life. The game’s theme revolves around navigating an urban landscape, where players collect items like keys and parking meters to rack up points. Its straightforward objectives, mixed with a touch of humor, make it a fun challenge, especially for those who appreciate the charm of classic Bally machines.
• Stranger Things (Premium) by Stern (2019): Designed by Brian Eddy, Stranger Things (Premium) pulls players straight into the eerie world of Hawkins, where they must battle the Demogorgon and survive the Upside Down. The game’s centerpiece is the Demogorgon bash toy—a true test of skill as players aim to land the perfect shot to defeat the monster. With modes inspired by key moments from the hit show, this machine blends physical and digital elements seamlessly, offering a cinematic and engaging experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
• Godzilla (Premium) by Stern (2021): Designed by Keith Elwin, Godzilla (Premium) amps up the destruction as players take on the role of the King of the Monsters. This version of the game includes interactive toys and dynamic features like a moving building and a collapsing bridge, making the mayhem even more satisfying. The gameplay focuses on annihilating cities and battling kaiju, with each shot contributing to the chaos. It’s a thrilling experience that combines strategic play with sheer, monster-sized fun.
• Scared Stiff by Bally (1996): If you’re in the mood for spooky fun, Scared Stiff by Dennis Nordman is the perfect choice. Guided by the iconic Elvira, players must complete the six “Tales of Terror” by hitting specific shots, all while enjoying Elvira’s campy humor. The game is easy to pick up but offers plenty of depth, with multiple multiballs and the ultimate challenge of reaching the Stiff-O-Meter. The blend of horror, humor, and engaging gameplay makes Scared Stiff a timeless favorite for pinball enthusiasts.

These machines, each with their own distinctive style and gameplay mechanics, provided the perfect backdrop for the fierce competition at The Pinball Lounge, keeping players both challenged and entertained throughout the night.

Who Came Out on Top?

With 35 players battling it out, the competition was fierce, but it was Jeff Welch from Minneola who emerged victorious. Despite being ranked 172nd in the state, Jeff showed that determination and skill can overcome the odds, as he outplayed his higher-ranked opponents to claim the top spot. Doug Bernard, who was on fire throughout the tournament, put up a strong fight and secured second place. His consistent performance across all rounds was a testament to his experience and strategic play.

Meanwhile, Garrett Smoke, a top contender ranked 12th in the state, rounded out the top three, with his skill shining through even in the face of tough competition. And let’s not forget John Moschella, who despite being one of the top-ranked players in Florida, finished in fourth place. The unpredictability of pinball strikes again!

Florida IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping It Up

What a night! The Pinball Lounge provided the perfect backdrop for a thrilling evening of pinball action, and hats off to Kurt van Zyl for organizing such a smooth and exciting event. A special shoutout to all the players who brought their A-game, and especially to Jeff Welch for his unexpected but well-deserved victory. And let’s not forget Doug Bernard’s stunning performance on Venom—definitely a highlight of the night.

Thanks to everyone who came out to play, and stay tuned for more pinball excitement and tournament recaps. Until next time, keep those flippers flipping!