Metal Mayhem and Multiballs: The Pinball Lounge Bonanza Crowns a New Champion

It was a pinball showdown at The Pinball Lounge, where 28 players gathered under overcast skies for a fast-paced, six-round tournament. With only one game per round, every plunge counted, and after just about three hours of flipper action, a champion emerged. Organized by Kurt van Zyl, the event brought fierce competition to one of Florida’s favorite pinball destinations.

The Pinball Lounge: A Pinball Arcade in Oviedo

Tucked inside the Oviedo Bowling Center, The Pinball Lounge is a go-to spot for players looking for a well-maintained collection of classic and modern pinball machines. The lineup includes everything from rock-themed crowd-pleasers to movie-inspired hits, making it a dream for both casual players and die-hard competitors. The location is praised for its bright, welcoming atmosphere and a bar that keeps the refreshments flowing. Whether you’re battling it out in a tournament or just dropping quarters for fun, this spot keeps the silverball spirit alive in Florida’s pinball scene.

Headbanging to Victory: The Battle on Metallica Remastered (Premium)

Round 6 saw an electric clash on Metallica Remastered (Premium)—Stern’s heavy-metal tribute to one of the biggest bands in rock history. This machine isn’t just a pinball table; it’s a stage for chaos, packed with fast ramps, furious multiballs, and a skull-crushing soundtrack.

Brayden DeRazza took center stage in this final-round battle, proving why they’re ranked 37th in the state. They hit the Sparky Multiball with precision, stacking jackpots while fuel-injected riffs echoed across The Pinball Lounge. Joe Todd, hailing from Eustis, put up a fight with some well-timed Crank It Up modes but fell short in the encore. Kurt Swank and Ken MacMillan brought solid play but couldn’t match DeRazza’s rhythm. With a perfectly timed coffin lock and a brutal bonus count, DeRazza sealed the win, banging their way to victory like a true metalhead.

Game Results:

1. Brayden DeRazza (State Rank: 37, IFPA Rank: 1070)
2. Joe Todd (IFPA Rank: 5700)
3. Kurt Swank (IFPA Rank: 1849)
4. Ken MacMillan (IFPA Rank: 3070)

Tournament Pins: Machines That Shaped the Night

The tournament featured a killer lineup of 34 machines, but here are a few that stood out:

Venom (Premium) – Stern, 2023

Fast, furious, and dripping with symbiote energy, Venom delivers a shape-shifting layout with ramps that change mid-game, forcing players to adapt on the fly. Leveling up characters adds depth, and if you stack the right multiballs, things can get downright chaotic. It’s the perfect machine for players who love dynamic, ever-changing gameplay.

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

A wild west showdown with saloon doors, train heists, and a gunfight-ready layout, Cactus Canyon is packed with humor and high-speed action. With a deep rule set and modern enhancements, this remake makes every showdown feel like a high-stakes duel at high noon.

Indiana Jones – Stern, 2008

Adventure awaits in this wide-body masterpiece inspired by the classic films. Featuring a moving Ark, a rotating Path of Adventure, and voice clips from Harrison Ford, Indiana Jones delivers cinematic thrills with every flip. Players had to time their shots wisely to navigate the many modes based on iconic Indy moments.

Creature from the Black Lagoon – Bally, 1992

This 1950s drive-in horror classic comes to life with retro charm and some of the best ramps in pinball history. The iconic “Snack Bar” shots and the frantic search for the Creature kept players on their toes, while multiball modes ramped up the pressure.

Rising Above the Competition: Tournament Winners

With 28 competitors in the mix, this wasn’t just a casual night of flipper fun—it was a battle of skill, endurance, and maybe a little bit of strategic nudging. Emerging victorious was Brayden DeRazza, a player who’s no stranger to high-level play. Ranked 37th in Florida, DeRazza has proven time and again that they can hang with the best, and this tournament was no exception. With a sharp eye for jackpot shots and a knack for stacking multiballs at just the right moment, they walked away with the top prize, adding yet another strong finish to their growing list of achievements.

In second place, Mike Zink brought their experience from over 140 IFPA events to the table, showing just how valuable tournament resilience can be. They may not have clinched the win, but their consistent performance kept them in the fight until the very last ball. Joe Todd, finishing in third, might not have the tournament resume of the other top finishers, but his steady play and ability to capitalize on key moments proved that IFPA rank isn’t everything. He fought his way past higher-ranked players to earn a well-deserved spot on the podium.

Rounding out the top four was Ken MacMillan, who brought both experience and adaptability to the competition. With 60 events under his belt, he knows how to handle the pressure of tournament play, but this time, he had to settle for fourth. Even so, making it into the final rankings in a field of strong players is no small feat. With so many tight matchups and game-deciding moments, every finalist earned their spot in this hard-fought battle.

Florida’s IFPA Top 10: Who’s Leading the Charge?

Closing: A Rocking Night at The Pinball Lounge

The Bonanza tournament at The Pinball Lounge delivered intense matchups, thrilling multiballs, and a hard-fought victory for Brayden DeRazza. With 28 players in the mix, every round counted, and DeRazza’s consistency proved unbeatable. A huge shout-out to Kurt van Zyl for running another fantastic event and to The Pinball Lounge for providing the perfect battleground for silverball combat.

Think you’ve got what it takes to make the next leaderboard? Stay tuned for the latest pinball news and follow-ups—because the next big tournament might just be yours to win!