Flipping Fun at the Pinsomniacs Pinball Piins & Pints July Tournament

Glitz, Glamour, and Pinball

On July 23rd, 2023, the spirited clang of metal balls against glass echoed through Tepey’s Taps & Tacos, Jacksonville’s pinball hub. The Pinsomniacs Pinball Piins & Pints July Tournament was in full swing, offering competitors the kind of fiery, flippity fun only a classic arcade game can deliver. Organized by the ever-passionate Nick Byrd, the event saw 18 pinball wizards locked in a heated battle, their eyes glittering with competitive spirit.

The Tantalizing Twilight Zone Duel

The real drama of the day unfolded on the iconic Twilight Zone machine by Bally, which dates back to 1993. As the round began, onlookers knew they were in for a treat. Shannon Stafford, holding a respectable IFPA rank of 73, took first place. Meanwhile, Tristan Stafford, Dan Cone, and Connor McClure chased close behind. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of watching expert players battle on a classic machine. And in this case, Shannon proved their expertise with a decisive victory.

And the Pinball Crown Goes To…

The overall leaderboard held few surprises. Shannon Stafford, fresh from their Twilight Zone win, secured the top spot. Tristan Stafford, Jokton Strealy (our out-of-towner from Valdosta, GA), and Dan Cone rounded off the top four. Given Shannon’s track record in the IFPA Florida Pinball standings, many saw this victory as yet another feather in their cap.

Machines that Captured Hearts

Beyond Twilight Zone, the venue boasted a captivating range of pinball machines, from the retro allure of Creature from the Black Lagoon to the pop culture-driven thrill of Foo Fighters (Pro). Whether you’re a purist who longs for the feel of a vintage machine or someone chasing the latest Stern release, there was something for everyone.

A Venue with a Vibe

The pulsating energy of the games was perfectly complemented by the laid-back vibe of Tepey’s Taps & Tacos. With tantalizing tacos on the menu and an array of delightful drinks, the venue added a zesty flavor to the competition. Their happy hour is, without a doubt, the stuff of legends!

Florida’s Pinball Elite

Speaking of legends, the current IFPA Florida Pinball Top 10 Standings paints a riveting picture of the state’s best players:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr PointsEvents PlayedWins
1Shannon StaffordOrange Park314.732015
2Eric StoneFort Myers299.52023
3Vince GelormineFort Lauderdale259.63206
4Sebastian Bobbio212.61207
5Dan CoyleSt. Petersburg195.15174
6Dr. Frank SposaroLakeland151.48206
7Adam GrayTemple Terrace132.88205
8David Miller FLTampa121.18201
9Brayden DerazzaLake Mary109.29203
10John MoschellaWinter Springs105.91201

In conclusion, the Pinsomniacs Pinball Piins & Pints July Tournament was an affair to remember. Combining the thrill of the game with the zest of Tepey’s, the day was a testimony to why pinball will forever remain an iconic pastime.

Stay flippin’ and stay tuned for more updates from the realm of pinball!

Dyno-Mite Action at the Aero Club / Dyno Bar Monthly Pinball Tournament!

Underneath a few teasing clouds and with a temperature hovering around a comfortable 72°F, the heart of San Diego at Dyno Bar (Aero Club) transformed into a battlefield of flipper knights. As the sun began its descent on July 11, 2023, at precisely 6:30 PM, 14 pinball aficionados converged for a 10-hour-long saga, replete with drama, strategy, and the sweet chime of victory.

Dyno Bar: The Pinnacle of Pinball

Dyno Bar, renowned as the ultimate hangout for pinball enthusiasts in San Diego, served as the grand arena. The succinct review? “By far the best place to go in San Diego for pinball and a few pints.” Mark Schulz, the chief orchestrator, ensured each round echoed with excitement.

The Machines That Held the Field

Every knight needs a steed, and every pinball player, a machine. The tournament showcased a diverse range: Deadpool (Pro) carried the humor, The Mandalorian (Pro) brought the force, Stranger Things (Pro) introduced a dimension of suspense, and James Bond 007 (60th Anniversary LE) added the thrill of espionage. However, it was the freshly released Foo Fighters (Pro) by Stern that was the talk of the town, given its debut earlier in March 2023.

The Godzilla Face-off: A Round to Remember

The fourth round, however, was where legends were truly made. The Godzilla (Pro) by Stern was the chosen battlefield. All eyes were on Derek Price, with an IFPA rank of 96, and he didn’t disappoint, stomping through the competition. Brian Heath, Adrian Skibine, and Gaizah Wagschal may not have emerged victoriously but garnered respect with their gameplay.

When The Dust Settled: The Champions

While Derek Price’s Godzilla triumph was notable, it wasn’t his only victory. He championed the tournament, with Mark Maleko Schulz 👾, the organizer himself, clinching the second spot. Michael Kostolnik and Mark Bandong, with their impressive IFPA ranks and experience, secured the third and fourth spots respectively.

The Golden State’s Pinball Powerhouses

A glance at the IFPA California Pinball Top 10 Standings provides a perspective on the bigger picture:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Tim HansenSunnyvale530.15
2Raymond AshbyLos Angeles518.06
3Gabe Da SilveiraOakland462.95
4Scott MaciasGlendora439.46
5Nic SteinDavis418.14
6Andrei MassenkoffSan Francisco415.04
7Escher Lefkoff411.53
8Keith ElwinCarlsbad409.63
9Johnny ModicaHacienda Heights362.92
10Leslie Ruckman361

From novices to the top brass, the Aero Club / Dyno Bar Monthly was a testament to the passionate pinball community in California. With flippers flipping and bells ringing, the realm of pinball is alive and kicking! Stay tuned for more such exhilarating tales.