Silver Ball Fever in Sunny Jacksonville
September 10, 2023, Jacksonville, Florida: While a light rain tapped on the windows and temperatures rose to a steamy 89°F (feeling more like a tropical 98°F), the real heat was happening indoors. Video Game Rescue Arcade on Blanding Blvd was the place to be for every pinball enthusiast in town. Nick Byrd’s meticulously organized Pinsomniacs Pinball VGR Matchplay 9-10-23 tournament kicked off at high noon, promising a day full of flicks, tricks, and more than a few tilts.
Epic Deadpool Duel Steals the Spotlight
If you thought pinball was a quick game, think again. In what can only be described as an epic showdown, Round 2 saw competitors locking horns on the “Deadpool (Pro)” machine by Stern. Jokton Strealy, Shannon Stafford, Imre Szollosi, and Andrew Hopper played a jaw-dropping match that lasted a head-scratching 9807 minutes (That’s a joke, right? They’d be playing for almost a week!). When the dust settled, it was Jokton who emerged victorious, showcasing his skill and patience.
And the Winner is…
Shannon Stafford, with an impressive IFPA rank of 78, managed to clinch the top spot at the tournament, further establishing her dominance in the IFPA Florida Pinball rankings. Kudos also go out to Imre Szollosi (with a notable 20-point adjustment), Jokton Strealy, and Andrew Hopper who rounded out the top four.
Machines of the Moment
From classics like “Judge Dredd” by Bally to modern hits like “The Mandalorian (Pro)” by Stern, the tournament boasted a curated collection of 8 pinball machines. Whether you were in the mood for the goofy antics of “Austin Powers” or the action-packed gameplay of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles“, there was a pinball machine ready to challenge and entertain.
Gaming Nostalgia at Video Game Rescue
Beyond the pinball, the Video Game Rescue Arcade offered a delightful dive into gaming history. With a stunning array of new and classic games, as well as a treasure trove of accessories for systems like NES and Genesis, it’s a haven for any retro gamer. A shoutout to Maurice, Mark, and Casey for their assistance and the wide range of toys and posters that added charm to the venue. It’s no wonder that this location has garnered so much love, especially with the closure of its sister location.
Florida’s Finest Flipper Fanatics
The Florida pinball scene is alive and well, with players fiercely competing for those coveted Wppr Points. Here’s a snapshot of the top contenders:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shannon Stafford | Orange Park | 321.21 |
| 2 | Eric Stone | Fort Myers | 305.25 |
| 3 | Vince Gelormine | Fort Lauderdale | 262.96 |
| 4 | Sebastian Bobbio | 236.21 | |
| 5 | Dan Coyle | St. Petersburg | 195.15 |
| 6 | Dr. Frank Sposaro | Lakeland | 151.96 |
| 7 | Adam Gray | Temple Terrace | 142.14 |
| 8 | David Miller FL | Tampa | 133.26 |
| 9 | Brayden Derazza | Lake Mary | 109.63 |
| 10 | John Moschella | Winter Springs | 108.87 |
In conclusion, the Pinsomniacs Pinball VGR Matchplay 9-10-23 tournament was more than just a competition – it was a celebration of the timeless allure of pinball. So, here’s to the silver ball, the players, and the promise of more pinball adventures to come!
Until next time, keep those flippers flippin’ and stay tuned for more pinball updates!