On April 21, 2024, Tepey’s Taps & Tacos hosted the electrifying Pinsomniacs Pinball tournament. This event, curated by Nick Byrd and featured on the Pinsomniacs’ website, drew a focused group of 22 pinball enthusiasts. Competitors battled through 11 rigorous rounds, each playing one game per round. The stakes were high as only the top four scorers advanced to the nail-biting finals, consisting of three additional rounds. All the action unfolded over nearly five hours, beneath the partly cloudy skies of Jacksonville, with temperatures hovering around a warm 80°F.
Avengers Assemble for a Fierce Battle
A notable highlight was the third round, which featured the “Avengers: Infinity Quest (Pro)” by Stern. This game, released in September 2020, became the arena for an intense clash. Imre Szollosi led the pack, followed by Tank Koscinski, with Stacey Stafford and Shannon Stafford in close pursuit. The competitive spirit was palpable as each player leveraged their skills to vie for the top spot.
Triumph at Tepey’s
The tournament culminated with outstanding performances from the top competitors:
- Shannon Stafford – With an impressive IFPA rank of 133 and a veteran of 295 events, Shannon showcased top-tier skills to claim victory.
- Imre Szollosi – Ranked 2583, Imre’s performance across 45 IFPA events has shown a sharp ascent in competitive pinball, securing a well-earned second place.
- Stacey Stafford from Orange Park, Florida – Holding rank 1589 and participating in 219 events, Stacey demonstrated resilience and strategic finesse to finish third.
- Tank Koscinski – Despite being one of the lower-ranked players at 6732, Tank’s tenacity shone through, proving his potential in his 35th tournament.
A Gallery of Pinball Greats
The venue was decked with 11 unique pinball machines, each adding a different flavor to the tournament. Highlights included:
- Venom (Premium) by Stern, released in 2023, captivated players with its dynamic design and engaging features that bring the iconic comic book character to life.
- Jim Henson’s Labyrinth by Barrels of Fun, also from 2023, offered a magical quest through the Goblin King’s maze with intricate gameplay and detailed art.
- Elvis by Stern, a classic from 2004, rocked the venue with its nostalgic music and engaging playfield, paying homage to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
- The Walking Dead (Pro) by Stern, from 2014, thrilled players with its post-apocalyptic theme and intense survival-based gameplay.
- Avengers: Infinity Quest (Pro) by Stern, drew crowds with its superhero antics and complex missions that mirrored the epic tales from the Marvel Universe.
Vibrant Vibes at Tepeyolot Cerveceria
Tepeyolot Cerveceria, more than just a venue, provided a festive backdrop with its vibrant atmosphere and delicious cuisine. The pinball area, featuring a mix of classic and new machines, was a hit among guests. The spot offered great value with games priced at $1.00 each or $2.00 for three, except for the special Labyrinth pinball. The food, particularly the tacos and seasoned chips, received rave reviews, making it clear that Tepeyolot Cerveceria is a favorite for both dining and gaming.
A Successful Flip
Thanks to Nick Byrd for orchestrating this fantastic pinball event and to Tepeyolot Cerveceria for hosting us with exceptional service and ambiance. This tournament was a showcase of both pinball mastery and community spirit. Stay tuned for more exhilarating updates from the dynamic world of pinball across the nation!