With a backdrop of clear skies and the Florida humidity making 86°F feel like a scorching 98°F, pinball aficionados descended upon The Pinball Lounge in Oviedo, Florida. The clock marked 7 PM, and over the next 3 and a half hours, the deafening dings, lights, and competitive roars filled the air.

Embryon Extravaganza!

The real action crescendoed during Round 5 on the vintage Embryon by Bally, dating back to 1981. Garrett Smoke, despite his IFPA rank of 3417, defied all expectations by landing the top spot. Hot on his heels was the seasoned John Moschella from Winter Springs, Florida, followed by Justin Derazza and Nick Smith. As the ball rolled, plunged, and ricocheted, it wasn’t just a game. It was history meeting the present, both in terms of the players and the machine.

A Gallery of Gaming Greatness

The Lounge boasted 30 pinball machines, an impressive repertoire for the aficionado and the amateur alike. While each had its own charm, a few deserved a special mention:

• Cyclone by Williams: Taking players on a ride since 1988.
• Funhouse by Williams: Known for Rudy, the talking dummy head – don’t be startled!
• Guardians of the Galaxy (Premium) by Stern: A star-studded space saga dating back to 2017.
• Paragon by Bally: With a beastly allure since 1978.
• Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern: All the mysterious happenings of Hawkins town, right from 2019.

The Conquerors of The Lounge

While every player put forth a spirited fight, the leaderboard had its champions. Garrett Smoke smoked the competition, followed closely by Justin Derazza, and John Moschella. John Osborne rounded off the top four with some spectacular gameplay, despite his comparatively higher IFPA rank.

The Lounge Experience

For those unfamiliar with The Pinball Lounge’s allure, it’s not just about the games. A visitor’s testament speaks volumes: “Visiting Orlando and chanced upon this haven. Skipped the drinks, but the massive selection of pinball kept us engrossed for hours. A must-visit for every pinball enthusiast.”

Florida’s Flipper Fanatics

Let’s have a peek at where Florida’s finest pinball players stand:

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

With another tournament wrapped up, the world of pinball continues its eternal dance of lights, sounds, and silver balls. For fans, newbies, and everyone in between, stay flipped on for more updates from this enthralling realm!

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

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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!

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!