Tilt-Free Triumph: A New Champion Rises at The Pinball Lounge

On the evening of February 4, 2025, The Pinball Lounge at Oviedo Bowling Center became the epicenter of competitive pinball as 31 players clashed in the Bonanza tournament. Over six rounds, each player got a single shot per match to rack up points and prove their mastery of the silver ball. With a game-per-round format, every flip counted, making for an intense three-hour showdown.

A Spot Worthy of the Flipper Elite

If you’re looking for a place that takes pinball seriously while keeping the vibe welcoming, The Pinball Lounge is it. Located at 376 E Broadway Street, Oviedo, FL, inside Oviedo Bowling Center, this spot is packed with over 25 beautifully maintained machines, from classics to the latest Premium and Limited Edition releases. Players regularly praise the friendly staff, the pristine condition of the machines, and the overall welcoming atmosphere. Plus, for those looking to get in more flipper reps outside of competition, they offer an unbeatable $10 unlimited play deal on Fridays from 8 PM to close.

JAWS Bites Hard in Round 6

Round 6 brought one of the most exciting matches of the night, played on JAWS (Premium/LE), Stern’s 2024 pinball adaptation of the Spielberg classic. This game isn’t just about hitting shots—it’s about surviving the hunt, with modes like Night Swim that lure players into open water while the great white lurks beneath.

One player who had no trouble navigating the treacherous depths was John Moschella, who showed why he’s one of the most consistent players in Florida. A seasoned competitor with over 100 IFPA events under his belt, Moschella locked in a dominant performance, making clutch shots to secure the win.

But it wasn’t a runaway victory. Nick Przekop, a player who’s been quietly building momentum in the scene, put up an impressive fight. Though not a household name in competitive pinball, their strategic play showed they weren’t afraid to go head-to-head with higher-ranked players. Rounding out the match were Tony Reining, a top-25 Florida player known for his strong shot accuracy, and Nick Smith, who has steadily climbed the state rankings over the past year.

A Closer Look at the Machines That Made This Tournament Special

With 35 machines in play, this tournament featured a mix of new-school flow, old-school brutality, and everything in between. Here are some of the standouts:

Deadpool (Pro) – Stern (2018)

Few machines blend humor and chaos like Deadpool. Players take on Marvel villains like Juggernaut and Sabretooth, all while Deadpool himself provides sarcastic commentary on their performance.

Standout Features:

• Lil’ Deadpool Mini-Playfield – This interactive bash toy shakes up the playfield and throws off even the best players.
• Battle System – Instead of just shooting for points, players must strategically pick fights with villains and defeat them to advance.

Batman 66 (Premium) – Stern (2016)

A love letter to Adam West’s 1960s Batman, this machine leans hard into nostalgia with classic callouts and TV footage.

Standout Features:

• Rotating Bat-Computer Mini-Playfield – A game-changing feature that opens up new strategies mid-game.
• Villain Stacking – Players can take on multiple villains at once, making for high-risk, high-reward play.

Foo Fighters (LE) – Stern (2023)

Forget simple music pins—Foo Fighters is a sci-fi adventure where the band fights off alien invaders.

Standout Features:

• Smooth Flow and Fast Ramps – Designed by Jack Danger, this game is built for combo-heavy play.
• Overlord Battle Modes – A challenging wizard mode forces players to take down the alien leader.

Cactus Canyon (Remake Special/LE) – Chicago Gaming (2021)

Originally released in 1998 but cut short due to Bally’s struggles, Cactus Canyon finally got the spotlight it deserved with this remake.

Standout Features:

• Quick-Draw Duels – Players must shoot faster than outlaws to win showdowns.
• Modernized Code Updates – The remake includes new wizard modes that the original never had.

Jurassic Park – Data East (1993)

Before Stern’s Jurassic Park, Data East set the standard with one of the most iconic toys in pinball history—a moving T-Rex that eats the ball.

Standout Features:

• Electric Fence Skill Shot – A tricky multiball setup that rewards precision.
• Authentic Movie Soundtrack – Featuring the original Jurassic Park film audio.

A Well-Earned Victory

After six rounds of intense competition, Nick Przekop pulled off a stunning upset to win the tournament. A relative underdog on the IFPA scene, they went head-to-head with some of Florida’s most experienced players and came out on top.

Finishing in second place was John Moschella, who was widely expected to be a contender. His extensive tournament experience gave him an edge, but even seasoned players know pinball doesn’t always go according to plan.

Nick Smith took third place, continuing his steady rise in Florida’s competitive scene, while Kurt Swank, a veteran of over 200 IFPA events, rounded out the top four with another strong finish.

Florida’s IFPA Top 10 Standings

The Final Tilt: A Tournament to Remember

With a mix of seasoned competitors, rising stars, and one of the best machine lineups in Florida, the Pinball Lounge Bonanza proved why competitive pinball continues to thrive in the Sunshine State.

The night belonged to Nick Przekop, whose steady play and smart decision-making led to an impressive underdog victory. John Moschella, a familiar face on the circuit, put up a strong fight but had to settle for second. Nick Smith continued to cement his reputation as a player on the rise, while Kurt Swank showcased why experience always plays a role in high-pressure tournaments.

Hats off to Kurt van Zyl for running a smooth and exciting event, and to The Pinball Lounge for providing a top-tier pinball battleground. Whether you’re looking for competition or just some quality flipper time, this venue continues to be a must-visit spot for Florida pinball.

As the final multiball drained and the tournament wrapped up, players filtered out into the Florida night, no doubt already thinking about their next shot at victory. With more tournaments on the horizon, one thing’s for sure—this year is shaping up to be a wild ride for competitive pinball.