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:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shannon Stafford | Orange Park | 314.73 |
| 2 | Eric Stone | Fort Myers | 299.5 |
| 3 | Vince Gelormine | Fort Lauderdale | 259.63 |
| 4 | Sebastian Bobbio | 212.61 | |
| 5 | Dan Coyle | St. Petersburg | 195.15 |
| 6 | Dr. Frank Sposaro | Lakeland | 151.48 |
| 7 | Adam Gray | Temple Terrace | 132.88 |
| 8 | David Miller FL | Tampa | 121.18 |
| 9 | Brayden Derazza | Lake Mary | 109.28 |
| 10 | John Moschella | Winter Springs | 105.91 |
That’s it for now, pinballers! Stay tuned for more updates from the realm of flippers, ramps, and multiballs!