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

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

Glitz, Glamour, and Pinball

On July 23rd, 2023, the spirited clang of metal balls against glass echoed through Tepey’s Taps & Tacos, Jacksonville’s pinball hub. The Pinsomniacs Pinball Piins & Pints July Tournament was in full swing, offering competitors the kind of fiery, flippity fun only a classic arcade game can deliver. Organized by the ever-passionate Nick Byrd, the event saw 18 pinball wizards locked in a heated battle, their eyes glittering with competitive spirit.

The Tantalizing Twilight Zone Duel

The real drama of the day unfolded on the iconic Twilight Zone machine by Bally, which dates back to 1993. As the round began, onlookers knew they were in for a treat. Shannon Stafford, holding a respectable IFPA rank of 73, took first place. Meanwhile, Tristan Stafford, Dan Cone, and Connor McClure chased close behind. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of watching expert players battle on a classic machine. And in this case, Shannon proved their expertise with a decisive victory.

And the Pinball Crown Goes To…

The overall leaderboard held few surprises. Shannon Stafford, fresh from their Twilight Zone win, secured the top spot. Tristan Stafford, Jokton Strealy (our out-of-towner from Valdosta, GA), and Dan Cone rounded off the top four. Given Shannon’s track record in the IFPA Florida Pinball standings, many saw this victory as yet another feather in their cap.

Machines that Captured Hearts

Beyond Twilight Zone, the venue boasted a captivating range of pinball machines, from the retro allure of Creature from the Black Lagoon to the pop culture-driven thrill of Foo Fighters (Pro). Whether you’re a purist who longs for the feel of a vintage machine or someone chasing the latest Stern release, there was something for everyone.

A Venue with a Vibe

The pulsating energy of the games was perfectly complemented by the laid-back vibe of Tepey’s Taps & Tacos. With tantalizing tacos on the menu and an array of delightful drinks, the venue added a zesty flavor to the competition. Their happy hour is, without a doubt, the stuff of legends!

Florida’s Pinball Elite

Speaking of legends, the current IFPA Florida Pinball Top 10 Standings paints a riveting picture of the state’s best players:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points	Events Played	Wins
1	Shannon Stafford	Orange Park	314.73	20	15
2	Eric Stone	Fort Myers	299.5	20	23
3	Vince Gelormine	Fort Lauderdale	259.63	20	6
4	Sebastian Bobbio		212.61	20	7
5	Dan Coyle	St. Petersburg	195.15	17	4
6	Dr. Frank Sposaro	Lakeland	151.48	20	6
7	Adam Gray	Temple Terrace	132.88	20	5
8	David Miller FL	Tampa	121.18	20	1
9	Brayden Derazza	Lake Mary	109.29	20	3
10	John Moschella	Winter Springs	105.91	20	1

In conclusion, the Pinsomniacs Pinball Piins & Pints July Tournament was an affair to remember. Combining the thrill of the game with the zest of Tepey’s, the day was a testimony to why pinball will forever remain an iconic pastime.

Stay flippin’ and stay tuned for more updates from the realm of pinball!