The Pinball Lounge Bonanza: Shots Fired, Scores Climbed

With scattered clouds above and a cool 63°F breeze in the air, players arrived at The Pinball Lounge on February 18, 2025, for the latest installment of the Bonanza tournament. The weather may have been mild, but inside the competition was anything but. With 35 players battling through six rounds, it was a night filled with precise shots, clever nudging, and high-stakes drama under the glow of classic and modern pinball machines.

Oviedo’s Pinball Gem: The Pinball Lounge

Tucked inside the Oviedo Bowling Center at 376 E Broadway Street, Oviedo, FL, The Pinball Lounge is a hidden treasure for pinball lovers. Players speak highly of its dedicated pinball room, which houses a well-maintained lineup of machines spanning multiple decades. The venue also offers an open-access day each week, making it a fantastic place to practice and play without breaking the bank. Whether you’re aiming for a Grand Champion score or just flipping for fun, The Pinball Lounge delivers an exceptional experience.

A Wild West Shootout: Round 4 on Cactus Canyon (Remake Special/LE)

Round 4 saw the action unfold on Cactus Canyon (Remake Special/LE), a modern reimagining of Bally’s 1998 classic. This game, brought back to life by Chicago Gaming in 2021, retains all the charm of the original while adding upgraded display animations and enhanced sound. The game’s playful take on Old West tropes, complete with duels, train heists, and outlaw brawls, made it the perfect battleground for an intense round.

Nick Smith, ranked 44th in Florida, proved he was the fastest flipper in town, wrangling his shots with pinpoint accuracy. He outdueled Justin Derazza (39th in the state), while Dan Fortener and Nick Przekop fought to keep up. In the end, Smith shot his way to victory, making the most of the game’s quick multiball mode and jackpot opportunities.

Machines That Defined the Night

With 37 pinball machines available, players had a diverse selection of games to test their skills. Here’s a closer look at a few of the standout tables from the tournament:

• Jurassic Park (Data East, 1993) – Designed by Joe Kaminkow and Ed Cebula, this game is one of Data East’s most beloved titles. It features a mechanical T. rex that snatches the ball right off the playfield—one of the most memorable toys in pinball history. The game also pioneered the “smart missile” feature, allowing players to instantly score key objectives with a well-timed button press.
• The Uncanny X-Men (Pro) (Stern, 2024) – A fresh release from Stern, this game throws players into the Marvel universe, battling Magneto, Sentinels, and other legendary villains. With dynamic ramp shots and custom comic-style artwork, this game embraces the 1990s X-Men aesthetic while delivering a deep ruleset with combo-heavy gameplay.
• John Wick (Premium/LE) (Stern, 2024) – One of the most anticipated games of the past year, John Wick translates the high-octane action of the films into pinball form. Players collect weapons, complete contract hits, and execute fast-flowing combos inspired by the movies’ stunt choreography. A unique feature is the “Continental Multiball,” a nod to the shadowy underworld of assassins.
• Eight Ball Deluxe (Bally, 1981) – A true classic, designed by George Christian. This game is often cited as one of the best solid-state pinball machines ever made. Its challenging shot layout and classic drop targets make it a favorite among competitive players. The game’s famous callout, “Quit talkin’ and start chalkin’!” is one of pinball’s most iconic soundbites.
• Metallica Remastered (Premium) (Stern, 2024) – An upgraded version of the 2013 hit, this game rocks players with an intense soundtrack and explosive gameplay. The famous “Sparky” toy—a captive electric chair that triggers multiball—returns with new animations and improved light shows. It remains a perfect blend of music and pinball.
• The Addams Family (Bally, 1992) – The best-selling pinball machine of all time, designed by Pat Lawlor. This game features the iconic “Thing” hand that reaches out to grab the ball, as well as some of the most innovative modes in pinball history. Its blend of humor, challenge, and movie magic has made it a tournament staple for decades.
• Foo Fighters (LE) (Stern, 2023) – One of the most well-received music-themed pinball games in recent years. Beyond the rocking soundtrack, this game has a unique layout that offers a mix of flow and chaos. Its quirky sci-fi story, where the Foo Fighters battle an evil alien overlord, makes it more than just a band tribute—it’s an adventure.
• Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (Bally, 1975) – A visually stunning electromechanical game featuring artwork by Dave Christensen. Based on Elton John’s stage persona in “Tommy,” this game captures the 1970s pinball vibe with its classic chimes, bold colors, and challenging playfield.

Honoring the Top Players

The tournament saw fierce competition, but in the end, the following players rose to the top:

• 1st Place: Kurt Swank (Elkhart) – A veteran of 217 IFPA events, Kurt’s steady hand and deep pinball knowledge secured him the top spot. With a state ranking of 111th, he proved experience counts.
• 2nd Place: Nick Smith (Florida) – Coming off his victory on Cactus Canyon, Nick’s strong overall performance placed him just behind the champion. With 127 IFPA events under his belt, he continues to climb the ranks.
• 3rd Place: Nick Przekop (Apopka, FL) – A relatively new competitor, Nick’s third-place finish is impressive, considering he’s only played in 14 IFPA events. Expect to see his ranking rise in the future.
• 4th Place: Justin Derazza (Sorrento) – With 130 IFPA events to his name, Justin’s consistency helped him land in the top four. Another strong performance in his growing tournament career.

Florida’s Top 10 IFPA Standings

Draining the Last Ball

The Pinball Lounge – Bonanza tournament was an unforgettable evening of thrilling matchups and standout performances. A huge thanks goes to organizer Kurt van Zyl and The Pinball Lounge team for putting together such a well-run event. Congratulations once again to champion Kurt Swank and all who competed—each flip, nudge, and jackpot made the night a special one.

With more tournaments on the horizon, there’s always another game to play and another high score to chase. Until next time, keep the flippers strong and the replays coming!