Pinsomniacs Pinball John Wick Launch Party: A Battle to Remember

The John Wick Launch Party at Tepey’s Taps & Tacos was an unforgettable event, bringing together 21 dedicated pinball enthusiasts for an intense 11-round showdown. The tournament, held on June 23, 2024, kicked off at noon and lasted for approximately four hours. With the temperature soaring to 92°F (feeling more like 103°F), it was a heated competition in more ways than one.

A Venue Full of Flavor

Tepeyolot Cerveceria, located at 2130 Kings Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207, served as the perfect backdrop for this thrilling tournament. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional food, the venue did not disappoint. The salsa was a hit, and so were their finest brews. The overall experience was delightful, and we look forward to returning. Check out more about this fantastic spot here.

Twilight Zone: A Standout Match

In Round 10, players faced off on the classic Twilight Zone pinball machine by Bally, released in May 1993. The game’s eerie theme set the stage for an epic battle, where Jokton Strealy emerged victorious. His strategic play and precise shots earned him the top spot, leaving competitors in awe of his skills. Jokton, hailing from Valdosta, GA, currently ranks 27th in the state, showcasing his prowess in the pinball realm.

Marvelous Machines

The tournament featured an impressive lineup of 14 pinball machines, each offering unique challenges and features:

• Elvis by Stern (2004): This machine captures the essence of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, complete with hit songs and a dancing Elvis figurine.
• Ghostbusters (Pro) by Stern (2016): With its ghostly graphics and proton pack action, players felt like they were part of the iconic film.
• Avengers: Infinity Quest (Pro) by Stern (2020): Featuring Marvel superheroes, this game combined thrilling gameplay with stunning visuals.
• Spider-Man (Vault Edition) by Stern (2016): Spidey’s adventures come to life with vibrant artwork and fast-paced action.
• Jim Henson’s Labyrinth by Barrels of Fun (2023): This recent release delighted players with its whimsical design and intricate gameplay.
• Venom (Premium) by Stern (2023): Venom’s dark theme and dynamic playfield captivated all who played.
• The Walking Dead (Pro) by Stern (2014): Zombie enthusiasts enjoyed the gritty, immersive experience of this machine.
• Attack from Mars by Bally (1995): A beloved classic, this game’s alien invasion theme and fun mechanics were crowd favorites.
• Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium) by Stern (2019): Elvira’s spooky charm and engaging play kept players on their toes.

Celebrating the Champions

A big congratulations to the top performers of the tournament:

• Chris Henry from Florida, with a state rank of 23rd and an impressive 225 IFPA events under his belt, took the top spot. His dedication and skill were evident throughout the competition.
• Imre Szollosi, holding the 16th state rank and participating in 50 IFPA events, secured second place with his consistent high-level play.
• Brody Byrd, with only 7 IFPA events and a significant 20-point adjustment, made a remarkable leap to third place.
• Dan Cone, state-ranked 91st and a veteran of 31 IFPA events, rounded out the top four with a strong performance.

IFPA Florida Pinball Top 10 Standings

Hats Off to the Organizer

Kudos to Nick Byrd for organizing such an exceptional tournament and to Tepey’s Taps & Tacos for hosting us in their fantastic venue. The combination of great food, drinks, and thrilling pinball action made this event truly special. Don’t miss out on future pinball tournament news and highlights! For more upcoming events, visit Pinsomniacs Pinball.

See you next time, and may your flippers always be quick!