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:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points | Events Played | Wins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shannon Stafford | Orange Park | 314.73 | 20 | 15 |
| 2 | Eric Stone | Fort Myers | 299.5 | 20 | 23 |
| 3 | Vince Gelormine | Fort Lauderdale | 259.63 | 20 | 6 |
| 4 | Sebastian Bobbio | 212.61 | 20 | 7 | |
| 5 | Dan Coyle | St. Petersburg | 195.15 | 17 | 4 |
| 6 | Dr. Frank Sposaro | Lakeland | 151.48 | 20 | 6 |
| 7 | Adam Gray | Temple Terrace | 132.88 | 20 | 5 |
| 8 | David Miller FL | Tampa | 121.18 | 20 | 1 |
| 9 | Brayden Derazza | Lake Mary | 109.29 | 20 | 3 |
| 10 | John Moschella | Winter Springs | 105.91 | 20 | 1 |
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!