Shout It Out Loud: KISS Opens the Pinball Bonanza in Oviedo

Bride of Pinbot here, beaming in with another blast of tournament coverage from the glittering playfields of Florida! This time, we’re flipping our way into Oviedo, where the lanes at The Pinball Lounge inside the Oviedo Bowling Center lit up like a KISS concert during the Bonanza tournament on April 29th. With 35 players, six intense rounds, and a game list that could make a collector weak in the knees, this wasn’t just a pinball tournament—it was a full-throttle multiball of fun, strategy, and, yes, a little bit of rock ‘n roll.

Where strikes and strikes collide: The Oviedo Bowling Center

Hosting a pinball showdown inside a bowling alley might sound like sensory overload, but trust me—The Pinball Lounge at Oviedo Bowling Center makes it work like a dream. Located at 376 E Broadway Street, this place doesn’t just smell like pizza and victory—it is pizza and victory. Between games, players could take advantage of their new UNREAL Bowling setup (yes, it’s a real thing), cool off in the glow-bowling lanes, or grab a bite—rumor has it the wings and margaritas are tournament-tier. It’s a family-friendly venue with a clear emphasis on accessibility and hospitality, giving the whole event a local, feel-good buzz that kept spirits high even when the tilt warnings were hotter than the Florida pavement.

Round 1 was made for lovin’ you: Spotlight on KISS (Pro)

To open the night, players got a face-melting welcome from Stern’s KISS (Pro)—a fitting tribute, considering the game’s May 2015 release is celebrating a birthday this month. The four-player match unfolded like a rock anthem in slow build: Steve Reining took center stage early, locking in multiball and nailing the Demon features like he was born to tour. Jeff Welch hung tough, showing solid ball control but just couldn’t outscore the headliner. Justin Derazza, who’s ranked 25th in Florida, couldn’t quite tap into the Love Gun wizard mode this time. And Sheri Lewis had a few great shots but ultimately found herself caught in the spinner of defeat.

The KISS machine itself is all about fast, flowing shots and loud theatrics. With modes tied to band members and a rule set that rewards stacking for big payoffs, it’s a game that rewards gutsy play—and punishes hesitation. Exactly the kind of opener you want when you’re firing up the amps for five more rounds of competitive chaos.

These machines don’t just play—they perform

The lineup at this Bonanza was stacked with legends and newcomers, so let’s talk about five standout machines that shaped the night:

Funhouse (Williams, 1990)
You haven’t lived until Rudy’s given you attitude. This classic from Pat Lawlor features an interactive talking head and a time-based gameplay clock, pulling players into a creepy carnival world. It’s all about locking balls in Rudy’s mouth and triggering the hidden “Funhouse Midnight Multiball.”

Foo Fighters (LE) (Stern 2023)
One of Stern’s recent rockstar releases, Foo Fighters LE combines lightning-speed wireform action with a narrative-driven alien invasion theme. The kinetic energy, combined with fantastic original music tracks, makes it a tournament darling—though that upper playfield doesn’t forgive sloppy aim.

Metallica Remastered (Premium) (Stern 2024)
With freshly updated visuals and code refinement, the remastered Metallica brings back the electric brutality of the original with better flow and polish. Players hammer away on Sparky and unlock deep song-based modes that reward skilled combos and mode stacking. A rhythm game for flipper freaks.

Gorgar (Williams, 1979)
The first talking pinball machine ever, Gorgar may look simple next to today’s toys, but don’t be fooled. With a single-level playfield and tight rules, it demands precision. That iconic heartbeat sound speeding up as you play? Still gives players sweaty palms.

Medieval Madness (Remake) (CGC 2016)
A modern remake of the Brian Eddy original, this game is widely considered one of the greatest of all time. Destroy castles, battle trolls, and bash the gate to multiball glory—it’s got humor, flow, and a layout that rewards creative shot-making. Plus, it’s one of the few machines where trash-talking a catapult is totally acceptable.

The final four: Who ruled the Lounge?

When the flippers cooled down and the bonus countdowns finished tallying up the carnage, these four players emerged on top:

1. Nick Smith (FL) – With 133 IFPA events under his belt, Nick brought serious heat to Oviedo and showed why he’s ranked 19th in Florida. No stranger to final fours, he nailed his shots with the cool confidence of someone who’s played this endgame many times before.

2. Justin Derazza (Sorrento, FL) – Coming off a solid opening on KISS, Justin kept the momentum going and showed off the consistency that’s kept him in Florida’s top 25. He made clean work of tricky machines and stayed calm in close matches.

3. Tony Reining – Tony clawed his way up the ranks with smart play and sharp instincts, especially during late rounds. Sitting 64th in the state, this performance might just earn him a little bump.

4. Jeff Lepine – Despite being unranked, Jeff made waves with his placement, proving that even without IFPA numbers behind your name, you can absolutely light up a bracket.

Florida’s Finest: State IFPA Top 10

Thanks for the flips and the memories

Big shoutout to Kurt van Zyl for running a smooth tournament and to the team at The Pinball Lounge @ Oviedo Bowling Center for being such gracious (and gloriously air-conditioned) hosts. Whether you were there to grind for WPPRs, celebrate a birthday, or just bask in the glowing glory of Funhouse and John Wick, this Bonanza was one for the books.

And hey—if KISS rocked your round like it rocked the opener, maybe take a moment to thank the pinball gods for giving us a machine where scoring a jackpot literally means you’ve been “Shouted Out Loud.”

Stay tuned, stay tilted, and stay weird—I’ll see you at the next tournament recap!