On August 20th, 2024, the competitive spirit was alive and well at The Pinball Lounge as 12 pinball wizards gathered for a thrilling evening of gameplay. The Bonanza tournament, a rapid 6-round, single-game format, kicked off at 7:00 PM sharp, with players battling it out over the course of just over three hours. With clear skies outside and a comfortable 86°F in the air, it was the perfect night to be indoors, enjoying some classic pinball action.
Stepping Inside The Pinball Lounge
Located at 376 E Broadway Street in Oviedo, FL, this place has undergone a transformation. What used to be a dimly lit and somewhat dingy corner has been revitalized into a bright and inviting haven for pinball enthusiasts. With an awesome bar, top-notch service, and a line-up of pinball machines that would make any aficionado drool, it’s the perfect spot to escape the Florida heat or take a rainy day adventure. From Jaws to Stranger Things, the selection here caters to every kind of player, whether you’re chasing nostalgia or eager to try the latest titles. Oh, and did I mention you can bowl here too? Talk about a double whammy of fun!
Godzilla’s Wrath Unleashed in Round 6
As the tournament roared into its final round, all eyes were on Godzilla (Premium) by Stern, a game that’s as much about strategy as it is about sheer destruction. This 2021 release, designed by Keith Elwin, is an adrenaline-pumping mix of mayhem and monster battles. The battle was fierce, with Mike Zink leading the charge against Luciana Xavier, Brendan Panzullo, and Tank Koscinski. With their focus razor-sharp, Mike managed to harness the power of the King of Monsters, deftly navigating through the chaos to clinch the top spot in this round. It was a true showdown, fitting of a game that’s all about city-smashing, kaiju-busting action.
A Closer Look at the Games
The Pinball Lounge isn’t just about the vibe; it’s about the games. Let’s take a moment to appreciate some of the standout machines that made this tournament unforgettable.
Spider-Man (Vault Edition) by Stern, released in January 2016, brings the web-slinger to life in all his flippy, fast-paced glory. Designed by Steve Ritchie, this game is a celebration of the hero’s iconic battles, with tight shots and satisfying combos that keep you coming back for more.
Gorgar, a classic from Williams released in January 1979, is often credited as the first talking pinball machine. This early Steve Ritchie design features a menacing, demonic theme that challenges players with its fast-paced gameplay and hypnotic heartbeat sound effect—a real treat for those who appreciate the roots of pinball.
Medieval Madness, released by Williams in June 1997, is a fan favorite, and for good reason. Brian Eddy’s masterpiece offers a perfect blend of humor and challenge, with trolls, catapults, and damsels aplenty. Its engaging playfield and rewarding shots make it a must-play for any serious pinballer.
And then there’s Attack from Mars by Bally, another Brian Eddy gem from January 1995. This game is all about fast, flowing gameplay and hilarious, tongue-in-cheek humor as you defend Earth from a Martian invasion. It’s a classic example of how pinball can be both challenging and downright fun.
Celebrating the Champions
After six rounds of intense competition, it was Joe Todd from Eustis, FL, who emerged victorious. Joe, ranked 71st in the state with an IFPA rank of 6084, played with precision and determination, particularly in that final showdown on Godzilla (Premium). They may not be at the top of the rankings, but their performance tonight showed they’ve got what it takes to stand toe-to-toe with the best.
Hot on Joe’s heels was Anton Samilian, whose impressive 2nd place finish, with a state rank of 75th, added another strong showing to their tournament resume. Patrick Durland secured 3rd place, with a solid state ranking of 55th. Meanwhile, Garrett Smoke, one of Florida’s top players, rounded out the top four, demonstrating why he’s ranked 9th in the state. Each of these players brought their A-game, making this a night to remember.
Florida IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shannon Stafford | Orange Park | 317.73 |
| 2 | Sebastian Bobbio | 289.03 | |
| 3 | Eric Stone | Fort Myers | 229.51 |
| 4 | Adam Gray | Temple Terrace | 211.92 |
| 5 | Tristan Stafford | Orange Park | 173.12 |
| 6 | Vince Gelormine | Fort Lauderdale | 171.04 |
| 7 | Dan Coyle | St. Petersburg | 152.83 |
| 8 | David Miller FL | Tampa | 119.62 |
| 9 | Garrett Smoke | Orlando | 105.89 |
| 10 | Nick Smith FL | 105.39 |
Wrapping It Up
As the final pinball rolled into the drain and the scores were tallied, it was clear that this Bonanza tournament was one for the books. The Pinball Lounge once again proved itself as a top-notch location for competitive play, offering not just great games, but an atmosphere that makes you want to stay long after the tournament ends. If you’re ever in the Oviedo area, make sure to drop by and experience it for yourself—you won’t be disappointed.
Congrats to Joe Todd on their well-deserved victory, and kudos to all the participants who made the night a thrilling success. Stay tuned for more pinball action and event recaps, and until next time, keep flipping!