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What I should know about going to a Major

Skkra

PSN: Skkra
What you plan on doing probably depends a lot on how much disposable income you have. Regardless, like @Espio mentioned, always bring more than you think you need. You never know.

For hotels: the tournament website will almost always have a link to the discounted group-rate rooms for the event. If not, you just call and mention the event and you should get the rate.

For travel: if a tournament isnt close, I always just fly. Whether or not you do this depends on your budget, so weigh your options and budget appropriately.

For food: if you have any food allergies or anything like that, you may want to consider at least bringing your own snacks. It can sometimes be hard to find gluten or dairy or nut free options to munch on. Worth noting for some.

Closing thought...
Evo is obviously the most amazing tournament of the year, and since you're only 18 you will probably save hundreds of dollars by not being able to buy booze at the bar. But any major is fun, and if you just introduce yourself to people, you never know! This community is pretty damn friendly overall. Several of my closest friends started out as acquaintances from fighting games, and the awesome friendships have long outlasted us giving a shit about being competitive. It's really all about meeting cool people who share your hobby and simply having fun playing.
 

MKB

Forum General Emeritus
If you are going to room with a random person off the Internet that you have never met, get a written agreement from them along with their contact information. That way if they no show and screw you over, you have recourse to get compensated for paying the whole stay in the hotel.
 

NB Semi Evil Ryu

Former Sub-Zero of the Midwest (2011 - 2015)
Indianapolis holds both a yearly regional called "Naptown Clutch" around October - November, as well as a monthly called "Godlike Saturdays" (takes place usually on the first Saturday of every month). That shouldn't be too much of a trip for you from Michigan.
 

Chaosphere

The Free Meter Police
What you should know about going to a major... or ANY tournament.... or ANY public place: take a damn shower and wear deodorant. Shout outs to argenrost
 

macro

Eezeepeezee
What you should know about going to a major... or ANY tournament.... or ANY public place: take a damn shower and wear deodorant. Shout outs to argenrost
That reminds me of how when ever I go to my locals, you can smell the nerd cave like a mile away: It's terrible!
 

9.95

Noob
A few things to know about going to a major:

1. Most people will be cool as hell and friendly as hell, you should be as well.

2. It's not the internet anymore. What you do in a real life situation next to another human being can have FAR different consequences than it will have from behind the safety of a keyboard and screen. (tl;dr, be respectful and show good sportsmanship)

3. Practice good hygiene. Shower, twice if necessary, throughout the day if you're sweating. Don't just bring deodorant; bring it in your bag to the tournament room so you can use it on the spot if you start noticing something smells a tad funky. You won't look like a moron putting it on in the middlle of the ballroom...you'll look like someone who cares about everyone else.


4. Bring this:

Just because you choose to practice good hygiene doesn't mean everyone else will. Use it, offer it to others, and keep yourself clean. Don't take a chance of getting sick or getting someone else sick.


5. DO NOT crowd the streamer or the bracket runners. They have a job to do and while they will likely be cool and accommodating, they are BUSY!

6. Bring extra cash. People have said this before me, and it's true. You NEVER know what will happen.

7. Keep an eye on your stuff. Sad to say it, but not everyone in this world or the FGC is on the up and up. Protect yourself and your belongings.

8. What you do at the tournament will likely wind up on here...for better or for worse. It goes with the territory.

9. If you have a problem... tell a TO or the Tournament Director(respectfully). Your problem CANNOT be solved by staying quiet.

10. Have fun... seriously...that's why you're going there.
 

9.95

Noob
Completely forgot to add:

Bring one or any combination of:
Binaca, Tic-Tacs, Listerine Stips, Mint Lifesavers, etc.

Lets face it, you're going to be in a place where the most commonly consumed foods will be pizza (garlic), fried foods (onions). You're going to be out of your room for long periods of time away from your nice toothbrush and fresh minty toothpaste. You will also be cheering, in close quarters with other people. It would be extremely considerate of you if you didn't smell like that sausage, peppers and onions slice you just ate.
 

Chaosphere

The Free Meter Police
Lets face it, you're going to be in a place where the most commonly consumed foods will be pizza (garlic), fried foods (onions). You're going to be out of your room for long periods of time away from your nice toothbrush and fresh minty toothpaste. You will also be cheering, in close quarters with other people. It would be extremely considerate of you if you didn't smell like that sausage, peppers and onions slice you just ate.
Or the whiskey and dr pepper you've been drinking on for the last 4 hours. I admit I'm guilty of this and vow to Lord Raiden to change my ways.
 

haketh

Noob
Yeah majors are a good way to get sick after, carry around Orange Juice, Hand Sanitizer, minimize hand contact *Do the fist bump, don't shake hands*, & always open a bathroom door with a paper towel to minimize germ contact.

Also if you're into TCGs & the like don't be afraid to bring em as another way to meet & game with people especially at a tournament like Combo Breaker.
 

Braindead

I want Kronika to step on my face
Damn I'm reading all those hygiene tips and imagining someone going into a quarantined room instead of a tourney!
 

JDM

Noob
Macro. Hit up me or gerald if you wanna start traveling. Are you in the mifgc discussion page?
 

Indecisive

We'll burn you all—that is your fate!
I would suggest depending on which major and the distance this should determine how you travel. If its close enough to drive then drive but the distance might be hard. If you do want to travel by car across states i would suggest traveling with friends to make the price easier and the trip more fun. If you have a local scene in your area talk to them about how they are getting to major and see if you can car pool with them. If you are in the middle of nowhere then consider plane, Bus or train. For hotel rooms if you have people you know or are going with people see if you can stay in their room. Usually people have a lot of people in their room. This helps to cut on costs. If you want to do it yourself then the sites usually give you links to how to get a room at the hotel and what promo code to us to get a discount if they are offering a discount.

Remember to set aside enough money to eat, drink, go out and get back home when going to an event. Everyone has fun there own way. Food can be expensive to cheap depending on where you eat and what you drink. Also if you have to get rides from other people then you sort of have to eat where they eat. The hotel usually has a food place there depending on the Major but it can be over priced. Bringing food is a good idea and drink as well. Time flies by quick so having some snacks will help to keep you refreshed.

Depending on what game you are going for im assuming NRS. Each game has its own section. So look for the game in the main ball room that you are playing. Also make sure to bring ID for when you go and get your badge so they know its you. If you need help just ask someone with a TO shirt on or a player. Most people are pretty chill. If someone is a dick when you ask them a question just shrug it off. When you find your area for you game day one assuming you go day one stat playing some casuals and get adjusted to the monitors and make sure you have the right controller/converter/equipment to play, Some players are nice enough to let you borrow if you forgot but its always nice to bring your own. When you start playing casuals start talking with the people. Or just start talking. If you follow the scene you may be able to spot some of the people. If you come with people from your own scene or your friends its a bit easier since you so not feel like you are alone in this.

When you do start talking with people just be chill. Start talking. Find out where the casuals are in someones hotel room. Also introduce yourself. Both your tag and your name. The one good thing about TYM is that it helps for people to know others by tag. When the actual tournament happens make sure you are on time to your pools or they will DQ you. If you are playing Multiple Games make sure the TOs running the games understand that you are playing more than one game. And they will understand. If you do not know who the TO is ask one of the players in the area.

A good suggestion would be go on food runs with the other players. You get to chill with them and get to know them a bit better. And you get to eat some of the food in the area. They can also suggest what you should get or try. From experience everyone in the NRS community has been very welcoming. It is somewhat nerve racking going to your first major or even local. But once you take everything in it is pretty amazing. Hopefully some of this helps.
 

Chaosphere

The Free Meter Police
Yeah majors are a good way to get sick after, carry around Orange Juice, Hand Sanitizer, minimize hand contact *Do the fist bump, don't shake hands*, & always open a bathroom door with a paper towel to minimize germ contact.

Also if you're into TCGs & the like don't be afraid to bring em as another way to meet & game with people especially at a tournament like Combo Breaker.
TCGs? wat is dat