Pinball, Bourbon, and the Surprise Upset at Superelectric

As summer started winding down on a beautifully clear day with temperatures at 71°F, Cleveland’s Superelectric Pinball Parlour at 6500 Detroit Ave was just heating up. On August 27th, 2023, 20 pinball wizards, both seasoned and fresh-faced, descended upon the venue for the Superelectric Pinball Battle.

Atmosphere on the Tilt

Cleveland’s best-kept secret, Superelectric Pinball Parlor, isn’t just any pinball joint. With its tantalizing concoctions like the apricot-infused bourbon called Bull Durham and the economical $6 all-you-can-play pinball, the venue is an absolute treasure. Whether you’re a pinball league pro or simply looking for a retro night out, Superelectric has you covered. Also, if you’re on a quirky date night in Cleveland, this place can’t be missed. With both modern and vintage pinball machines, it’s a joyride through time.

A Game of Legacy and Legacies

One of the many highlights was the thrilling face-off on Stern’s Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast during the Semifinals. Aaron Rich (IFPA rank 80) claimed the top spot, closely followed by Terrence Carl, Kyle Shepard, and Bill Taylor. It’s worth noting that the game itself, released in April 2018, is inspired by the band’s legacy, much like the players are creating their own with every flip and score.

Pinball Wizards and their Machines

And speaking of machines, let’s chat about a personal favorite of mine: Bride of Pinbot by Williams. Oh, did I mention? I’m the Bride of Pinbot! Okay, not really, but let’s just say if I had a pinball alter ego, she’d be it!

Other crowd-pullers included the Game Of Thrones (Pro), a nod to the television behemoth, and Jurassic Park (Pro), where players dodged virtual velociraptors and T-Rexes with every ball. The newly released Foo Fighters (Pro) by Stern from 2023 also drew a considerable crowd, especially with its rock anthem infused gameplay.

Who Tilted To The Top?

John Delzoppo, the man behind this fantastic event, proved that organizers can be champions too by claiming the first spot. Following him was the impressive Bill Taylor, JD Chips, and Aaron Rich. A special mention goes out to JD Chips, a relatively new player with just 25 IFPA events under his belt, yet managing to secure the third spot. The top 8 showcased a delightful mix of experienced veterans and passionate newcomers.

IFPA’s Ohio Top 10: Pinball Pros

As the dust settled post-battle, let’s glance at Ohio’s top pinball prodigies:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Aaron RIch555.06
2Stephen PrusaCleveland443.51
3Carlos DelaserdaColumbus385.07
4Gregory KennedyPlain City365.78
5John DelzoppoCleveland364.11
6Andrew LeeCleveland299.56
7Jesse BakerCincinnati276.08
8Galvin MorganOlmsted Falls272.17
9Cody WebbWesterville253.03
10Rod LawrenceCleveland229.42

The Superelectric Pinball Battle of August 2023 showcased talent, strategy, and the undeniable charm of pinball. Until the flippers meet again, keep those high scores coming and stay tuned for more pinball updates!

Tacos, Taps, and Tilt: Unfolding the Pinsomniacs Pinball Tournament at Tepey’s

When Tacos Met Tilt

August 27, 2023, was not your usual scorcher in Jacksonville, Florida. With the thermometer showing 91°F and scattered clouds offering minimal respite, the pinball action was just heating up inside Tepey’s Taps & Tacos. Organized by the illustrious Nick Byrd, this tournament boasted 23 players but, paradoxically, zero rounds. Zero rounds, you say? Yes, we’re as perplexed as you are, but let’s roll with it—much like the pinballs themselves.

Attack from Mars: The Showdown of Aliens and Egos

In a tournament that defied the very concept of ’rounds,’ one game still managed to break free from the mold and claim the spotlight. The game took place on the ‘Attack from Mars‘ machine, an old gem by Bally that’s been abducting quarters since 1995.

Jokton Strealy, hailing from Valdosta, GA, claimed victory. Hot on his heels was Shannon Stafford, who despite a lower placing in this game, showed why they’re a force to reckon with. Andra Booth and Sally Miller, the underdogs, made sure it wasn’t an easy win for anyone.

The Unexpected and The Expected: Overall Winners

It turns out, Shannon Stafford got the last laugh as they ended up winning the tournament overall. Their IFPA rank of 73 wasn’t just for show. Following them was Jokton Strealy and Dan Cone. Special mention goes to Imre Szollosi, whose IFPA rank is a mysterious 0. That’s right, Imre is basically the Banksy of pinball, participating incognito but still snagging 4th place. What’s your secret, Imre?

Machine Mania: Choose Your Battles

The tournament featured a unique selection of 9 pinball machines. For fans of Eleven and her crew, the ‘Stranger Things‘ machine was a hit. For those nostalgic for ’90s B-movies, ‘Creature from the Black Lagoon‘ was the go-to. Stern’s latest release, ‘Foo Fighters,’ also joined the ranks, perfectly blending rock n’ roll with flipper skills.

Tepey’s Taps & Tacos: The Place to Be

As for the venue, if you’re looking for a place that serves delicious tacos and fun in equal measure, look no further. Whether you’re coming for happy hour specials or the games, Tepey’s Taps & Tacos is a jackpot! Check out their website and the plethora of good times they offer.

Top 10 Pinball Wizards of the Sunshine State

In the spirit of giving due credit, here’s the current IFPA Florida Top 10:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Shannon StaffordOrange Park314.73
2Eric StoneFort Myers299.5
3Vince GelormineFort Lauderdale259.63
4Sebastian Bobbio212.61
5Dan CoyleSt. Petersburg195.15
6Dr. Frank SposaroLakeland151.48
7Adam GrayTemple Terrace132.88
8David Miller FLTampa121.18
9Brayden DerazzaLake Mary109.28
10John MoschellaWinter Springs105.91

That’s it for now, pinballers! Stay tuned for more updates from the realm of flippers, ramps, and multiballs!