Bonanza at The Pinball Lounge: A Night of Thrills and Skills

July 2, 2024, saw The Pinball Lounge at Oviedo Bowling Center hosting the highly anticipated Bonanza tournament. With 23 enthusiastic participants, the event featured six intense rounds, each with a single game, stretching over 3 hours and 30 minutes of pure pinball excitement. Organized by the adept Kurt van Zyl, the tournament took place under the overcast skies of a balmy Florida evening, where the temperature soared to a sizzling 89°F, but felt like a scorching 102°F.

A Night at The Pinball Lounge

The Pinball Lounge, nestled within the Oviedo Bowling Center, is a true gem for pinball aficionados. Located at 376 E Broadway Street, Oviedo, FL, this spot combines delicious food, a great selection of beers, and an impressive array of pinball machines. The establishment is renowned for its cleanliness and the friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Patrons can enjoy unlimited play on Friday nights for a flat fee, making it a popular choice for both casual visits and competitive events. With a constantly rotating selection of machines, The Pinball Lounge keeps the pinball experience fresh and exciting.

Epic Battle on JAWS (LE)

Round 1 of the tournament brought a thrilling match on JAWS (LE) by Stern, released in January 2024. The game’s intense shark-hunting set the stage for an epic battle among the players. Al Neumann emerged victorious, skillfully navigating the game’s treacherous waters and mastering the shark attack sequences to secure the win. John Osborne fought valiantly, but Al’s precision and strategy gave him the edge. Mike Zink from Ocala, FL, made an impressive run by successfully triggering multiple multiball modes, while Sheri Lewis showcased her sharp reflexes during the frenzied shark attack sequences.

Pinball Machines Galore

The tournament featured a lineup of 31 pinball machines, each offering unique gameplay and challenges. Here’s a closer look at five standout games:

  • Deadpool (Pro) by Stern (2018): This machine combines humor, action, and complex shot mechanics. The fast-paced gameplay and vibrant artwork make it a favorite among players.
  • Game of Thrones (Pro) by Stern (2015): Immerse yourself in the political intrigue and battles of Westeros. The machine’s intricate playfield and engaging modes bring the epic saga to life.
  • Stranger Things (Premium) by Stern (2019): Enter the Upside Down with this machine that captures the essence of the hit series. The UV lighting and Demogorgon bash toy add to the immersive experience.
  • City Slicker by Bally (1987): A classic from the 80s, this machine offers nostalgic gameplay with its simple yet challenging design. The vibrant city theme adds to its retro charm.
  • JAWS (LE) by Stern (2024): The latest addition to the pinball world, JAWS (LE), stands out with its innovative features and thrilling theme. The game’s multiball modes and shark attack sequences keep players on the edge of their seats.

Champions of the Night

The night concluded with the spotlight on the top players who demonstrated remarkable skill and determination throughout the tournament. Their exceptional performances captivated the audience and highlighted their mastery of the game.

  1. Patrick Durland from Florida took the top spot with his impressive performance, showcasing why he’s ranked 54th in the state and 3138th in the IFPA. His strategic play and consistent scoring made him the clear winner.
  2. Nick Smith from FL secured second place, adding another stellar performance to his record. His deft handling of the machines and quick reflexes were on full display.
  3. Mike Zink from Ocala, FL, showed consistent excellence, finishing in third place. Their ability to stay calm under pressure and make precise shots earned them a well-deserved spot on the podium.
  4. Al Neumann rounded out the top four, adding to his extensive tournament experience. His victory on JAWS (LE) in Round 1 set the tone for a strong overall performance.

These champions not only demonstrated their pinball prowess but also brought excitement and energy to the tournament, making it a memorable event for all participants and spectators.

IFPA Florida Pinball Top 10 Standings

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Shannon Stafford Orange Park 285.38
2 Sebastian Bobbio 261.67
3 Adam Gray Temple Terrace 201.54
4 Eric Stone Fort Myers 188.99
5 Vince Gelormine Fort Lauderdale 166.4
6 Dan Coyle St. Petersburg 151.81
7 Tristan Stafford Orange Park 130.78
8 David Miller FL Tampa 114
9 Joel Cohen Miami 93.17
10 Joe Geneau St Augustine 84.95

Wrapping Up the Bonanza

The Pinball Lounge Bonanza was a night filled with high-energy matches, showcasing the incredible skills of all participants. The six-round tournament kept everyone on their toes, with standout moments like the thrilling battle on JAWS (LE). Congratulations to Patrick Durland for his stellar victory, and to all the top players for their impressive performances. The Pinball Lounge, with its welcoming atmosphere and fantastic pinball selection, proved to be the perfect spot for an unforgettable evening of pinball. Stay tuned for more pinball news and past event highlights!

Thrills and Spills at The Pinball Lounge

On June 25, 2024, pinball enthusiasts gathered for The Pinball Lounge – Bonanza at the Oviedo Bowling Center. With 21 players competing in a 6-round, 1-game per round format, the excitement was palpable. The thunderstorm outside only added to the electric atmosphere inside, where the temperature was a comfortable 77°F. Kurt van Zyl organized the event, ensuring everything ran smoothly over the nearly 3-hour tournament.

The Pinball Lounge – A Pinball Haven

The Pinball Lounge, located at 376 E Broadway Street, Oviedo, FL 32765, is renowned as the best pinball spot in the Orlando area. It’s a place where pinball machines are meticulously maintained, and you can find great deals for single, timed, or unlimited coin drops. Visitors often go out of their way to play here, drawn by the quality of the machines and the vibrant atmosphere. For more details, check out their website.

Medieval Madness Madness!

Round 4 on Medieval Madness by Williams was a highlight of the tournament. John Moschella from Winter Springs, Florida, showcased his skills, clinching 1st place despite the fierce competition. John Osborne, Brendan Panzullo, and Mike Zink put up valiant efforts, but Moschella’s performance stood out, reflecting his high state and national rankings.

Pinball Machines Galore

The tournament featured 31 pinball machines, each with unique designs and special features. Here are reviews of five standout games:

  • Tales of the Arabian Nights (Williams, May 1996): A personal favorite, known for its beautiful artwork and immersive story, this machine captures the essence of Arabian Nights tales with its unique playfield design and challenging gameplay.
  • Cactus Canyon (Remake Special/LE) Chicago Gaming, November 2021): This remake of the classic game offers enhanced features, including updated sound and graphics, while retaining the wild west charm and engaging gameplay.
  • Medieval Madness (Williams, June 1997): A fan favorite, Medieval Madness boasts a dynamic playfield with castle destruction features and humorous medieval-themed animations.
  • Scooby-Doo (SE) Spooky Pinball, February 2023): With its vibrant colors and engaging modes, this machine brings the beloved cartoon to life, offering a mix of nostalgia and modern pinball challenges.
  • Jurassic Park (Premium) Stern, October 2019): This machine captures the thrill of the Jurassic Park franchise with detailed playfield toys, challenging modes, and exciting multiball features.

Celebrating the Champions

The final game on Batman 66 (Premium) saw Doug Bernard from Orlando triumph, showcasing his pinball prowess. Here’s a shout-out to the top performers:

  1. Doug Bernard – He clinched 1st place with a steady hand and sharp focus. His state rank is 122nd, and his national rank is 4183.
  2. Nick Smith – An impressive 2nd place finish, state rank 20th, national rank 2638.
  3. Patrick Durland – Secured 3rd place with consistent performance, state rank 51st, national rank 3138.
  4. John Moschella – Also performed admirably, taking 4th place, state rank 15th, national rank 873.

IFPA Florida Pinball Top 10 Standings

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Shannon Stafford Orange Park 251.58
2 Sebastian Bobbio 201.95
3 Adam Gray Temple Terrace 201.55
4 Eric Stone Fort Myers 188.99
5 Vince Gelormine Fort Lauderdale 147.89
6 Dan Coyle St. Petersburg 141.02
7 Tristan Stafford Orange Park 116.38
8 David Miller FL Tampa 113.08
9 Joel Cohen Miami 87.32
10 Joe Geneau St Augustine 84.93

Wrapping Up the Bonanza

The Pinball Lounge – Bonanza was a resounding success, filled with competitive spirit and thrilling moments. Hats off to Kurt van Zyl for organizing such a fantastic event and to The Pinball Lounge for providing a stellar venue. Congratulations to Doug Bernard, our overall tournament winner! Stay tuned for more pinball news and updates.