Silverballs and Seek & Destroy: Metallica Launch Tournament

Hey there, pinball wizards and flipper fanatics! I’m the Bride of Pinbot, your go-to gal for all things silver ball. When I’m not battling multiball mayhem, I’m here to dish out the latest and greatest from the pinball universe. Today, I’ve got the lowdown on the Metallica Remastered Launch Tournament that rocked Dyno Bar on February 2, 2025.

A Hidden Gem for Pinball Enthusiasts

Nestled in the heart of San Diego at 3367 India Street, Dyno Bar is where old-school arcade dreams come true. No ticket-spewing kiddie casinos here—just pure gaming bliss. Whether you’re crushing high scores on Golden Axe II, diving into the 60th Anniversary James Bond pin, or scrolling through a massive ROM-loaded cabinet filled with retro classics, this place is a paradise for gamers. And let’s not forget the “fire” drinks that keep the energy high and the flippers flipping.

Metallica Remastered: A Showdown for the Ages

The semifinals on Metallica Remastered (Premium/LE) were a battle of skill, nerves, and just the right amount of luck as four players stepped up to face the beast. Michael Sorrentino, a bit of an underdog coming into this match with a state rank of 588th, had nothing to lose and everything to prove. Despite being the lowest-ranked competitor on paper, he played like a man possessed—navigating Sparky’s electric chair, nailing the fuel targets, and stacking multiballs like a seasoned veteran.

Meanwhile, David Oliver, one of the tournament’s heavy hitters (ranked 124th in California), was no stranger to high-pressure situations. He had experience on his side, but Metallica can be a brutal beast, and a few missed shots left him playing from behind. He clawed his way back, unleashing Seek and Destroy mode in the late game, but it wasn’t quite enough to stop the Sorrentino surge.

Local competitors Mark Brown and Ron Rezendes, both solid players in the San Diego scene, had respectable showings. Brown, ranked 324th in California, played a calculated game, carefully setting up his song modes and maximizing his bonus, but just couldn’t keep up with the Seek and Destroy frenzy unfolding across the playfield. Rezendes, ranked 332nd, had a rough start and never quite recovered. Metallica’s brutal outlanes and unpredictable magnets chewed him up, ending his run.

In the end, Michael Sorrentino pulled off the upset, proving that rankings don’t always tell the whole story. The dude walked in ranked 588th in the state and left with a win over some of California’s strongest contenders.

Machines That Made Us Flip

The tournament featured 11 killer machines, but here are five that truly stood out:

24 by Stern (2009)

This Steve Ritchie-designed thriller puts you in the high-stakes world of counterterrorism, complete with a suitcase multiball, a sniper house, and nonstop tension—basically, Jack Bauer in pinball form.

James Bond 007 (60th Anniversary LE) by Stern (2022)

A pinball love letter to six decades of Bond, this machine delivers sleek ramps, secret agent modes, and all the gadgets Q could dream up. If you’re a fan of the franchise, this is a must-flip.

Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern (2017)

If you love the MCU’s band of misfits, you’ll love this pin. With music straight from the Awesome Mix, fast-flowing shots, and Groot swallowing pinballs like they’re Infinity Stones, it’s an absolute blast.

Godzilla (Pro) by Stern (2021)

This kaiju-sized masterpiece lets you wreck cities, take down the military, and battle Mechagodzilla in one of Stern’s most critically acclaimed pins ever. Plus, that moving skyscraper? Chef’s kiss.

Deadpool (Pro) by Stern (2018)

The Merc with a Mouth meets pinball, and it’s as chaotic as you’d expect. Sword ramps, chimichanga references, and fourth-wall-breaking callouts make this one a crowd favorite.

Hats Off to the Champions

This tournament was a proving ground, and after five grueling rounds of qualifying and two intense playoff rounds, David Oliver emerged as the Metallica Remastered Launch Tournament Champion.

A top-125 player in California and a regular competitor in the IFPA scene with over 200 events under his belt, Oliver showed exactly why he’s such a force in competitive pinball. While he came up short in the Metallica semifinals, he locked in when it mattered most, making smart shot choices and staying consistent across the finals. His ability to shake off the previous loss and dominate the last round is exactly what separates elite players from the pack.

Tom Isaak, finishing in second place, was a rock-solid contender throughout the tournament. With 230 events of experience and a state rank of 64th, they knew how to handle pressure, making deep runs in almost every event they enter. Their consistency paid off yet again, as they navigated the chaos of single-game rounds to lock in their runner-up finish.

In third place, we had Michael Sorrentino, the surprise of the tournament. While his 588th state rank didn’t exactly scream “podium finish,” he played far beyond expectations, making clutch saves and aggressive shot selections that paid off. If this performance is any indication, he won’t be ranked that low for long.

Jim Fitzgerald rounded out the top four, adding another impressive finish to his growing resume. With just 31 total events played, he’s still a relative newcomer, but you wouldn’t have guessed it from how he handled high-pressure situations. Fitzgerald might not have the experience of the top two finishers, but he’s proving to be a quick study in the competitive pinball world.

Other notable finishers included Mark Maleko Schulz (5th place), a San Diego local and one of the more experienced players in the tournament with a whopping 366 events played. Mark Brown (6th place) and Ron Rezendes (8th place), both San Diego regulars, had solid showings but couldn’t quite break into the top four. Meanwhile, Zach Zumaya (7th place), a relative newcomer with just 31 events to his name, played beyond his ranking, proving that experience isn’t everything.

It was a tournament full of upsets, surprises, and dominant performances, showing once again that anything can happen when the silver ball starts rolling.

California’s Finest: IFPA Top 10 Standings

Here’s a look at the current top 10 players in California:

A Rocking Conclusion

A huge shoutout to Mark Schulz for organizing an awesome event and to Dyno Bar for hosting. The competition was fierce, the machines were on point, and the energy was through the roof. And let’s be real—how often do you get a Metallica-themed tournament on a brand-new Metallica machine?

Special props to Michael Sorrentino for pulling off the upset of the day and to David Oliver for proving why he’s one of California’s best. Whether you’re grinding through tournaments or just dropping quarters for fun, pinball always finds a way to surprise you—just ask Sorrentino. One moment, you’re an underdog, and the next, you’re flipping past the competition. That’s why we love this game.

Until next time—may your drains be merciful, your multiballs plentiful, and your wizard modes just one shot away. See you on the next plunge!