NEC 14 Injustice Wrapup and Props Thread

[YOMI MITYEAP]

You are misunderstanding me. I am not against someone deciding to stream a tournament. What I don't like is being forced to pay a fee to support it when I am at attendance for that tournament. If some guy wants to pay for it out of his own pocket, I am not going to stop him. As to the benefits/disadvantages of streaming, I don't think there is a statistical difference in attendance (positive or negative) because of it.

uhm, hasn't evo become bigger since it has been streamed? the ppl going there has increased every year, I'd know since I've went to evo 2011-2013 and the more coverage of it, the more ppl that have came. When tournaments weren't covered like they are now, I doubt they had as many entrants as they do now. Numbers have only been going up (for example, sf at evo has been increasing every year, it'll reach like 2500 for entrants if it stays at this rate). CrimsonShadow, you are definitely right, streams are important.

 

[chemist4hire]

uhm, hasn't evo become bigger since it has been streamed? the ppl going there has increased every year, I'd know since I've went to evo 2011-2013 and the more coverage of it, the more ppl that have came. When tournaments weren't covered like they are now, I doubt they had as many entrants as they do now. Numbers have only been going up (for example, sf at evo has been increasing every year, it'll reach like 2500 for entrants if it stays at this rate). CrimsonShadow, you are definitely right, streams are important.

While evo attendance had been increasing, I don't think you can contribute that solely to streaming. The more likely cause has been the boom in fighting games that have been released over the last 4 years. First you had SF4 and its update to super, then MvC3 and its update, the various anime fighters and the NRS games. I am assuming you went to evo 2011 for MK and have been going ever since for MK and possible injustice.

 

[GGA HAN]

I think a lot of people just add a 4g modem device to their current provider's cell phone bill -- which is a small extra monthly amount and then whatever overages you incur at majors.

Like I have Verizon, so if I was streaming I'd add a 4G LTE USB modem to the devices on my contract.

The other option (for Verizon) is to pay a $200 1-time fee for the modem, which lets you purchse coverage month-to-month as you need it instead of being on a contract.

But we could ask TenZeRo7 Sabin REDRUM GGA HAN and AK Pig Of The Hut for more details.

The arcade bought a verizon device that was pretty expensive (~200.00) but then let you activate it only for months you wanted to use it. I had issues with its coverage in a lot of places, however (who could forget the wi-fi debacle with P2W @ seasons beatings 2012?) I'm looking into getting a device like this soon, its pay as you go w/ no contracts and cheaper than the verizon device by a lot:

http://www.virginmobileusa.com/shop/mobile-broadband/broadband-2-go/sierra-overdrive-pro/features/

 

[YOMI MITYEAP]

While evo attendance had been increasing, I don't think you can contribute that solely to streaming. The more likely cause has been the boom in fighting games that have been released over the last 4 years. First you had SF4 and its update to super, then MvC3 and its update, the various anime fighters and the NRS games. I am assuming you went to evo 2011 for MK and have been going ever since for MK and possible injustice.

yes I had, and yeah you are correct about the new games being released. Overall, more ppl are aware of things that are actually adversited/covered (like when there is a championship game for a pro sport).

 

[Shock]

Let me explain something to you geniuses who think you have the cures to all the ailments of the scene.

Even if I had a 4G card, it doesn't necessarily mean it's going to work and get signal, or a signal good enough to stream with. I've been places, like oh, the Hyatt in Morristown, where I got zero verizon signal on a FREE provided 4G card from RedRum. Couldn't stream my event because not only did the internet that we paid for (and had refunded) not work, but the 4G didn't work. So maybe ATT would work? That means I need a 4G device contract on multiple carriers? Yes I know for the most part Verizon works, but at that event, the combined efforts of the hotel me, Kruty and Jaxel didn't get internet going.

We have had free 4G supplied to us through RedRum at a number of tournaments where it has worked, we've had wired internet, and sometimes that is garbage because you get 5 megs split across several streams.

My Internet options at this event were:

Option #1: Hotel "dedicated" line. They lied to us, it was shared and not enough bandwidth. Wireless hotel internet didn't even show up on my connections and my antennae is ridiculous. Fail.

Option #2: Joe Dawson - our tech guy, who didn't get a good signal on his phone in the venue and he has full unlimited 4G, and on top of that, summoning had a family emergency and was his ride so even if he did get a strong enough signal to stream with, he wouldn't have been able to stay. Option backup at time of pools: Fail.

Option #3: Pig of the Hut, whom I discussed this situation with weeks ago when he offered 4G assistance to me privately. So this was taken care of before the event, I told him we'd probably need because of the net BS that happens. He came through, but it was a bit late in the day due to his arrival after flight, this was not some surprise player who happened to have it. We can't hold up the brackets for the stream so honestly, tough shit. The event itself and the players there are more important than the stream and the stream monsters.

We were the first stream to break away from hotel internet dependence and use 4G when it was available, where Dawson supplied it at multiple events.

We had TWO 4G streams at NEC last year.

Bottom line, I can't afford multiple 4G carriers, I make zero money streaming and this is a constant cost. I can buy up equipment as I go that will remain as is. I provided almost all the equipment for this event too. Cry me rivers of blood. I try my best.

Thank you to everyone who came out, had a good time, and patted me on the back for making this event happen for NRS games.

Edit: Yes, streaming is an advertising tool with an inarguable benefit. I wouldn't do it if there was no benefit, but it also makes a percentage of on the fence players more likely to say "Eh, I'm just gonna sit this one out and watch at home."

 

[pherleece]

Let me explain something to you geniuses who think you have the cures to all the ailments of the scene.

Even if I had a 4G card, it doesn't necessarily mean it's going to work and get signal, or a signal good enough to stream with. I've been places, like oh, the Hyatt in Morristown, where I got zero verizon signal on a FREE provided 4G card from Red Rum. Couldn't stream my event because not only did the internet that we paid for (and had refunded) not work, but the 4G didn't work. So maybe ATT would work? That means I need a 4G device contract on multiple carriers? Yes I know for the most part Verizon works, but at that event, the combined efforts of the hotel me, Kruty and Jaxel didn't get internet going.

We have had free 4G supplied to us through Red Rum at a number of tournaments where it has worked, we've had wired internet, and sometimes that is garbage because you get 5 megs split across several streams.

My Internet options at this event were:

Option #1: Hotel "dedicated" line. They lied to us, it was shared and not enough bandwidth. Wireless hotel internet didn't even show up on my connections and my antennae is ridiculous. Fail.

Option #2: Joe Dawson - our tech guy, who didn't get a good signal on his phone in the venue and he has full unlimited 4G and on top of that, summoning had a family emergency and was his ride so even if he did get a strong enough signal to stream with, he wouldn't have been able to stay. Option backup at time of pools: Fail.

Option #3: Pig of the Hut, whom I discussed this situation with weeks ago when he offered 4G assistance to me privately. So this was taken care of before the event, I told him we'd probably need because of the net BS that happens. He came through, but it was a bit late in the day due to his arrival after flight, this was no surprise player who happened to have it. We can't hold up the brackets for the stream so honestly, tough shit. The event itself and the players there are more important than the stream and the stream monsters.

We were the first stream to break away from hotel internet dependence and use 4G when it was available, where Dawson supplied it at multiple events.

We had TWO 4G streams at NEC last year.

Bottom line, I can't afford multiple 4G carriers, I make zero money streaming and this is a constant cost. I can buy up equipment as I go that will remain as is. I provided almost all the equipment for this event too. Cry me rivers of blood. I try my best.

Thank you to everyone who came out, had a good time, and patted me on the back for making this event happen for NRS games.

Edit: Yes, streaming is advertising tool with an inarguable benefit, I wouldn't do it if there was no benefit, but it also makes a percentage of on the fence players more likely to say "Eh, I'm just gonna sit this one out and watch at home."

 

[Shock]

In ADDITION, at Summer Jam, we streamed Chaos Code all night, even when we had to leave, and I mean leave. Kazi had work at 7AM, he got home at 5AM, because they didn't have any way to stream their game. After Big E had to absolutely take the wireless router back we recorded and gave them the footage to be posted. Mind you, this was being used the day before by the anime room.

At NEC, Alli-gator asked if we could stream her game Sunday because they didn't have any way to do it, but unfortunately this wasn't possible because the 4G wasn't ours.

Also I remember Bifuteki telling me he was struggling to get his stream going. Vic has loaned me his 4G, he did at TFC but they are limited on data and the cost is expensive to begin with, let alone when you go over. If you want to have a high quality stream on 4G, you're going to go over, unless you have Dawson. Dawson never goes over.

 

[G4S Claude VonStroke]

Let me explain something to you geniuses who think you have the cures to all the ailments of the scene.

Even if I had a 4G card, it doesn't necessarily mean it's going to work and get signal, or a signal good enough to stream with. I've been places, like oh, the Hyatt in Morristown, where I got zero verizon signal on a FREE provided 4G card from Red Rum. Couldn't stream my event because not only did the internet that we paid for (and had refunded) not work, but the 4G didn't work. So maybe ATT would work? That means I need a 4G device contract on multiple carriers? Yes I know for the most part Verizon works, but at that event, the combined efforts of the hotel me, Kruty and Jaxel didn't get internet going.

We have had free 4G supplied to us through Red Rum at a number of tournaments where it has worked, we've had wired internet, and sometimes that is garbage because you get 5 megs split across several streams.

My Internet options at this event were:

Option #1: Hotel "dedicated" line. They lied to us, it was shared and not enough bandwidth. Wireless hotel internet didn't even show up on my connections and my antennae is ridiculous. Fail.

Option #2: Joe Dawson - our tech guy, who didn't get a good signal on his phone in the venue and he has full unlimited 4G and on top of that, summoning had a family emergency and was his ride so even if he did get a strong enough signal to stream with, he wouldn't have been able to stay. Option backup at time of pools: Fail.

Option #3: Pig of the Hut, whom I discussed this situation with weeks ago when he offered 4G assistance to me privately. So this was taken care of before the event, I told him we'd probably need because of the net BS that happens. He came through, but it was a bit late in the day due to his arrival after flight, this was no surprise player who happened to have it. We can't hold up the brackets for the stream so honestly, tough shit. The event itself and the players there are more important than the stream and the stream monsters.

We were the first stream to break away from hotel internet dependence and use 4G when it was available, where Dawson supplied it at multiple events.

We had TWO 4G streams at NEC last year.

Bottom line, I can't afford multiple 4G carriers, I make zero money streaming and this is a constant cost. I can buy up equipment as I go that will remain as is. I provided almost all the equipment for this event too. Cry me rivers of blood. I try my best.

Thank you to everyone who came out, had a good time, and patted me on the back for making this event happen for NRS games.

Edit: Yes, streaming is advertising tool with an inarguable benefit, I wouldn't do it if there was no benefit, but it also makes a percentage of on the fence players more likely to say "Eh, I'm just gonna sit this one out and watch at home."

 

[SweetJohnnyCage]

CrimsonShadow were you even at the tournament? Do you not see all the shit Shock goes through? Come the fuck on dude. You clearly have no idea how this stuff works. Here's a prime example:

For TFC, we went down to the venue in March, and again in August. Tested the bandwidth both times, and we assured that the venue internet would be dedicated and not shared with the rest of the hotel. We expressed to them, in detail, exactly how much bandwidth we'd need and that it needs to be dedicated. Having ~15mb upload is PLENTY for 3-4 streams going at roughly 3mb/s. It's exactly what we did at ECT5 and it worked out just fine. This is what I told the TFC hotel we needed, and they told us we'd have it (it was even in our contract, that's how explicit I was). Fast forward to 9/13/2013 during setup. Internet is half the speed it should've been, and the network is being shared via free WiFi. Engineers are nowhere to be found and don't understand why this is a huge problem. 4G cards didn't work that well either because of lack of reception in the building (we were at the edge of the building as well, not like we were in the middle of an underground bomb shelter). So who's to blame? The TO? The streamer? The hotel? Hotel mainly, but TO's should always take the blame for everything that goes wrong at an event. TL;DR - Read the post and learn something.

So before you start going around saying "We need to step our game up", why don't you try streaming a major the size of NEC/ECT/TFC? Let me know how it goes. And next time, give a shoutout to Shock in your long list of shoutouts, considering the amount of work he's doing WHILE SUPERVISING THE TOURNAMENT ITSELF.

 

[CrimsonShadow]

CrimsonShadow were you even at the tournament? Do you not see all the shit Shock goes through? Come the fuck on dude. You clearly have no idea how this stuff works. Here's a prime example:

For TFC, we went down to the venue in March, and again in August. Tested the bandwidth both times, and we assured that the venue internet would be dedicated and not shared with the rest of the hotel. We expressed to them, in detail, exactly how much bandwidth we'd need and that it needs to be dedicated. Having ~15mb upload is PLENTY for 3-4 streams going at roughly 3mb/s. It's exactly what we did at ECT5 and it worked out just fine. This is what I told the TFC hotel we needed, and they told us we'd have it (it was even in our contract, that's how explicit I was). Fast forward to 9/13/2013 during setup. Internet is half the speed it should've been, and the network is being shared via free WiFi. Engineers are nowhere to be found and don't understand why this is a huge problem. 4G cards didn't work that well either because of lack of reception in the building (we were at the edge of the building as well, not like we were in the middle of an underground bomb shelter). So who's to blame? The TO? The streamer? The hotel? Hotel mainly, but TO's should always take the blame for everything that goes wrong at an event. TL;DR - Read the post and learn something.

So before you start going around saying "We need to step our game up", why don't you try streaming a major the size of NEC/ECT/TFC? Let me know how it goes. And next time, give a shoutout to Shock in your long list of shoutouts, considering the amount of work he's doing WHILE SUPERVISING THE TOURNAMENT ITSELF.

SJC I hear you; this isn't directed at Shock -- I have the utmost respect for him, because he's tackling a million different things on tournament day. I am aware of what was promised as well as the issues; but the point is this:

Rather than playing the blame game, I look at it this way: it's a known issue. It's not about who to blame or who's fault it was; it's that it's happened at so many tournaments in a row now that it should be clear, regardless of what's promised by the hotel, that as a 3rd or 4th stream you cannot rely exclusively on the venue internet at a major (or at least not in the EC hotels).

I'm not looking for someone to fry, I'm asking how we can solve this issue which comes up at every single EC major (and I'm offering to put my money where my mouth is and help). If this happened once, ok great, but 4 times in a row should indicate that there's cause to fix the problem.

And at both of the last two NorthEast majors, despite any "bomb shelter" conditions, which do and can happen, the stream *was* resurrected by a 4g card -- but it was hours later after half the pools had gone by, because a card had to be found last-minute. And in this case, the 4g card had to be supplied by a Top 16 competitor; and if he hadn't brought his, we'd probably have missed all or most of Saturday's matches.

So how many times in a row does it happen before we say "ok; how about we fix this ahead of time instead of IGAU getting the shaft for pools streaming at yet another major while every single other stream is up?"

 

[SweetJohnnyCage]

SJC I hear you; this isn't directed at Shock -- I have the utmost respect for him, because he's tackling a million different things on tournament day. I am aware of what was promised as well as the issues; but the point is this:

Rather than playing the blame game, I look at it this way: it's a known issue. It's not about who to blame or who's fault it was; it's that it's happened at so many tournaments in a row now that it should be clear, regardless of what's promised by the hotel, that as a 3rd or 4th stream you cannot rely exclusively on the venue internet at a major (or at least not in the EC hotels).

I'm not looking for someone to fry, I'm asking how we can solve this issue which comes up at every single EC major (and I'm offering to put my money where my mouth is and help). If this happened once, ok great, but 4 times in a row should indicate that there's cause to fix the problem.

And at both of the last two NorthEast majors, despite any "bomb shelter" conditions, which do and can happen, the stream *was* resurrected by a 4g card -- but it was hours later after half the pools had gone by. And in this case, the 4g card had to be supplied by a Top 16 competitor.

So how many times in a row does it happen before we say "ok; how about we fix this ahead of time instead of IGAU getting the shaft for pools streaming at yet another major while every single other stream is up?"

Being prepared is one thing, but these things cost money. If a streamer like Shock were making good guap off a stream, ~$500 each event, making enough to cover all of his other equipment costs, gas, food, etc, then yea I would say he should have a 4G card. But again, a streamer isn't brought into an event for their internet. That's the TO's responsibility, so you can't say "we should be prepared" when that preparation costs serious money. It's a blanket statement that's unfair to the streamer. The guy has been around for over a decade in this community, he clearly knows what's expected of him, and ALWAYS goes above and beyond. Sorry you're missing pool matches, but the show has to go on before the stream does.

 

[CrimsonShadow]

Being prepared is one thing, but these things cost money. If a streamer like Shock were making good guap off a stream, ~$500 each event, making enough to cover all of his other equipment costs, gas, food, etc, then yea I would say he should have a 4G card. But again, a streamer isn't brought into an event for their internet. That's the TO's responsibility, so you can't say "we should be prepared" when that preparation costs serious money. It's a blanket statement that's unfair to the streamer. The guy has been around for over a decade in this community, he clearly knows what's expected of him, and ALWAYS goes above and beyond. Sorry you're missing pool matches, but the show has to go on before the stream does.

This is true as well -- but I'm willing to put a significant amount of money towards it; and if we needed to raise additional funds before a big tournament like this one, we can definitely get it done.

So it's not so much about the money; I feel like we're all in this together and I'm willing to help. I wouldn't even bring it up if I wasn't willing to contribute. But in order to have that happen, we have to acknowledge that the issue comes a lot and make sure we get the solution together ahead of time.

I understand that the tournament itself takes priority -- and again, this is more directed at the entire community than Shock. Shock already has enough to worry about. But I feel like this is a fixable issue and I'm willing to help towards fixing it.

 

[SweetJohnnyCage]

This is true as well -- but I'm willing to put a significant amount of money towards it; and if we needed to raise additional funds before a big tournament like this one, we can definitely get it done.

So it's not so much about the money; I feel like we're all in this together and I'm willing to help. I wouldn't even bring it up if I wasn't willing to contribute. But in order to have that happen, we have to acknowledge that the issue comes up ahead of time, and make sure we get the solution together ahead of time.

I understand that the tournament itself takes priority -- and again, this is more directed at the entire community than Shock. Shock already has enough to worry about. But I feel like this is a fixable issue and I'm willing to help towards fixing it.

Would you be upset if you paid for the 4G and still didn't get a stream because the card got no signal?

 

[CrimsonShadow]

Would you be upset if you paid for the 4G and still didn't get a stream because the card got no signal?

I wouldn't; because at least we did the absolute best we could do, had a backup in place ready to go at the broadcast start time, and there was simply nothing else that could be done.

That happens, and it's an unfortunate part of running things. So I'd be willing to take the L to make sure that we at least made our best possible attempt at having a backup.

I'd be disappointed, sure, mostly because of missing the matches; but that's life .

 

[SweetJohnnyCage]

I wouldn't; because at least we did the absolute best we could do, had a backup in place ready to go at the broadcast start time, and there was simply nothing else that could be done.

That happens, and it's an unfortunate part of running things. So I'd be willing to take the L to make sure that we at least made our best possible attempt at having a backup.

I'd be disappointed, sure, mostly because of missing the matches; but that's life .

Well, actions speak louder than words and I'm sure Shock has a PayPal account that would love a contribution:

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneOverviewByDevice&cmp=KNC-58100000008764758&{ifmobile:ds_dest_url=https://m.verizonwireless.com/Shop/Devices/catalog/4G_USB_Modems?cmp=KNC-58100000008764758}&&deviceCategoryId=15

 

[SwiftTomHanks]

I don't see why the stream should be such a huge issue. How about address the people who actually support the scene and go to these events first? Go to events so you can actually see the amount of work put into the stream so people who don't even support the scene can get enjoyment from us. Layout seriously needs an overhaul, I dq'ed myself early to go back and hang out with buds since watching matches was impossible for anyone who isn't a giant like Pig or Brady. Once again shit ran super slow as I saw some bracket runners stop to do commentary. Commentary isn't a staff duty god damnit! Pool 8 blues.

It was great to see a lot of awesome people I rarely get to see! From the egp guys to atl (missed getting to find personal hero, smargasm). I've just about had it with the physical space and hearing staff (specifically mike's bro) yell at people telling them they can't watch their friends play when they flew all the way from Cali, Chicago, Canada, or Georgia. That is fucked up and needs to stop.

 

[CrimsonShadow]

Well, actions speak louder than words and I'm sure Shock has a PayPal account that would love a contribution:

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneOverviewByDevice&cmp=KNC-58100000008764758&{ifmobile:ds_dest_url=https://m.verizonwireless.com/Shop/Devices/catalog/4G_USB_Modems?cmp=KNC-58100000008764758}&&deviceCategoryId=15

Ok, so a couple of questions: I know that Pig used Verizon this time and it seemed to work ok in the venue; also at Summer Jam, I believe it was a Verizon card that was eventually used (I could be wrong, my memory on that one is a bit fuzzy). Is Verizon our best shot at getting working LTE in Philly/NJ, or is there something else from experience that works better?

I already have VZW and I'm familiar with it so that's easy for me, but I figure it's worth checking before we do this.

And then we just need to figure out who will actually keep this and use it. If I make the up-front non-contract full payment for the device then it'd just be a month-to-month payment when it's tournament time, and we can def. raise some bread to help with that if needed.

 

[SweetJohnnyCage]

Ok, so a couple of questions: I know that Pig used Verizon this time and it seemed to work ok in the venue; also at Summer Jam, I believe it was a Verizon card that was eventually used (I could be wrong, my memory on that one is a bit fuzzy). Is Verizon our best shot at getting working LTE in Philly/NJ, or is there something else from experience that works better?

I already have VZW and I'm familiar with it so that's easy for me, but I figure it's worth checking before we do this.

And then we just need to figure out who will actually keep this and use it. If I make the up-front non-contract full payment for the device then it'd just be a month-to-month payment when it's tournament time, and we can def. raise some bread to help with that if needed.

I know that most streamers use Verizon (Spooby does, anyway, along with Clear in emergencies), and Pig used his 4G at Final Round as well. I'd say Verizon is a safe bet wherever people go in the country.

 

[Shock]

Quick note, again, I had 4 internet options for this event if you include hotel Wi-Fi which Bifuteki tried for a short time and it refused to even show up on my list of connections, and it took getting to plan D, PotH's 4G that I negotiated with him about before the tournament because I knew this would be an issue. And actually, if Summoning didn't have to leave wet could have used his too.

 

[CrimsonShadow]

Quick note, again, I had 4 internet options for this event if you include hotel Wi-Fi which Bifuteki tried for a short time and it refused to even show up on my list of connections, and it took getting to plan D, PotH's 4G that I negotiated with him about before the tournament because I knew this would be an issue. And actually, if Summoning didn't have to leave wet could have used his too.

So I called Verizon today and went through all of the numbers -- I'm willing to buy a 4g card so that you have your own to be covered in a "worst case scenario", activated only when you need it. I'll shoot you a PM now to discuss.

 

[Raisin Bran]

Unrelated to the stream stuff but

It being the first fighting game tournament that I ever attended/participated in, I gotta say I had a total blast, both getting my ass handed to me (thanks @DarthArma, Ca$h) and watching some hype-ass high level play! I was hesitant to attend and even more so to enter, but I'm totally glad that I did. Everyone was super chill and really the experience as a whole was massively positive for me. I'll definitely be going to more of these as they come around, and will hopefully do better, though 1-2 wasn't too too bad considering the amount of skill that entered in NEC.

Thanks guys!

 

[CrimsonShadow]

Unrelated to the stream stuff but

It being the first fighting game tournament that I ever attended/participated in, I gotta say I had a total blast, both getting my ass handed to me (thanks Arma, Cash) and watching some hype-ass high level play! I was hesitant to attend and even more so to enter, but I'm totally glad that I did. Everyone was super chill and really the experience as a whole was massively positive for me. I'll definitely be going to more of these as they come around, and will hopefully do better, though 1-2 wasn't too too bad considering the amount of skill that entered in NEC.

Thanks guys!

Dude.. That stick...

 

[NurzBenny]

Waited hella long to do this, cuz it took me like 2 days to recover from this weekend. Still not even all the way unpacked, but man, NEC was metric shit tons of fun. It was the injustice tournament I think we'd all been waiting for, this is gonna be long winded and ridiculous, but whatever.

• First things first, shouts to my lil bro Frank, MF SLAYER

Some funny business happened with the brackets where I was originally supposed to be in the CD Jr, PimpimJim pool (yay ) and ended up getting moved again from my original Pool, 8 (Grr, 7L) and was given the choice of Pool 5 (Theo, KDZ, no thanks) or have Slayer as my first round opponent in pool 6. Hubris told me my week old manhunter would be able to give it to Slayer no problem, he only got 4th at evo, no biggie. WRONG. Quite easily my most sound tournament defeat ever, in any game. I couldn't even be mad, Slayer RTSD like nobodies business. As a superman player myself (cowardly scared to run the mirror) it was nothing but respect. Slayer plays with a vibrance and the kind of fun attitude that through osmosis makes playing the game really fucking fun, no matter the result. Watching him hit what had to have been no less than 5 dive punches in the corner on Fran (who's a sweetheart), one after the other, was crazy. Pop off was equally as bananas. Was a pleasure meeting the little spark plug and chopping it up with him all weekend. SCR he dies a sweet sweet death though.

• Next up, Sajam aka steeeeeeeve and SonicBoomBrad Two of the coolest most chill dudes around period, never mind at NEC or in our community. Brad might get chewed out on KTP a lot, which can be humorous as shit, but between the illest hawaiian shirt, hair and headphone combo I've ever seen, he's as good as gold in my book. He had a rough tournament (@HazeJupiter manhunter is no joke) and I could see it wear on him during saturday but it didn't stop him from being polite, asking questions, answering em and just being really cool in general. Equally as tough seeing Noobe, essentially strike the fear of god back in us with doomsday, and brad getting constantly asked questions about it. I know I would've probably flipped shit, but Brad took it all in stride. I hope his doomsday fucks shit up in the future.

Steve and I had to have talked about KI for easily 2 hours on Sunday. Learned a shit ton on sunday that I had no idea about it, and I tied with him for 9th. Would have been sick for us both to be in top 8, but shit happens. We'll see if my Orchid can get his Saber on XBL, real soon. Was a pleasure, and "why can't nightwing do that?" after Tyrant made us all believe anything was possible was top 5 funniest things I heard all weekend...and I had friends in Curleh Mustache lol See you guys at SCR. (someone scoop me from LAX )

• @RDK|Tyrant and EMPEROR_THEO and Krayzie you guys are as good as advertised. Watching the streams and watching Theo's superman and watching it in person and seeing the methodical nature of each approach is completely different. I had an "AHH HA" moment watching it this weekend and I totally get Pig and Dave's gigantic praise now. You are the best superman, free, proven now. I'm stealing everything. "Tyrant is tyrant" says so little and so much at the same time. Well deserved, and the comeback was . . . no words. "The Dream" fulfilled. As a Jax player, getting to talk to CD Jr, and you extensively within the course of one calendar month is like . . . idk some weird student teacher analogy. Krayzie, you're cat woman is beyond legit, and I couldn't argue with anyone calling you the best selina in the world.:16Bit And now you got your hatbox modded lol. Can't let you be best Orchid though. Pleasure meeting all y'all, and I hope you got your jacket back theo lol

• And to everyone else I got a chance to talk with. Noobe you're doomsday > You went against a bud of mine first round and he still hasn't recovered. Get KI dude, we need to get in the lab now. AK Trepound380 hawk girl had us all frustrated, good shit man. You def came to play. Same thing, get them Xbone funds. FOREVER KING Good shit as always man. The runback with Jupiter was like the most tippity top player shit I've ever seen. Same shit, hop on this KI wave. AK Smarrgasm good shit top 16 or not. Thought my boy CT Dom had you, you come as advertised. That PS1 pad is atrocious. AK elitegoomba that wonder woman is scary, coulda saw you in top 8 easy. AK Reno_Racks The captain morgan flowed like that of a bountiful river and your hotel hospitality was 5 stars. rev0lver watched your match against Pig, and it was hella close. You're still lexcorps finest. Mr Aquaman is still aries nigga. We both snored in pigs room . . . shit was late man. astronout that win over KDZ was crazy. Respect

• Can't forget DarthArma and Mikemetroid pulling that double duty running, brackets and kicking ass in tourney. Don't kno how y'all do it, but it is appreciated. Thanks Arma for trying to get me in a nice comfy pool, it backfired horribly lol but thanks none the less. No love for Ray Riazy Huge shouts to Tom Brady The shining star of our community. A "walking cartoon character" is incredibly accurate, watching you eat a piece of pizza I rival with any episode of chapelle show in terms of sheer comedy. Defeating you in KI was easily my tournament highlight this weekend, and then you showing me some sick unblockable set ups, immediately afterwards was incredibly gracious of you, you certainly didn't have to do that. But I thanked you then, and I'm thanking you now. Sorry I couldn't get a chance to abuse it in top 8, there is always next time though. The Ft5 with theo was epic, I walked in the room at 4-2 and thought you were finished. Clutch is clutch. Respect Sir.

• To the winner GGA pimpimjim and third place Blind_Man nothing but respect. The first GGA stream I ever watched for injustice was Jim vs. a Grundy, in what looked like a fucking 8-2 matchup. Not much has changed. You played your ass off the entire weekend though with all your characters. Your match vs. Junior with Zatanna was epic. No offense to Deg, but you are the Zatanna of the world. And one of the lex's, shazams, hawk girls. We were supposed to play in pools, and I hope to never face you in any capacity at any game ever in life from here on out. GGA was represented very well, and while I felt the Chi-town presence missing, winning the whole tournament is one way to make up for it

Ducky, IS Raven. We all counted you out against Noobe, but you clutched it the fuck out. Respect, and I too shall stop sleeping on Raven. Your nose is fucking ridiculous, seriously get rhinoplasty.

• Big shootouts to guys like CD jr KDZ Fran Rico Suave They're just as much as part of this community as any of us. They were around all weekend, playing MM's, giving advice, asking questions, and participating in the shenanigans. They might get a bad wrap for reasons unknown *cough* skill gap *cough* but Injustice isn't quite injustice without em. For a guy who hates the game, Junior is still in the top 90th percentile of this ish.

And last but certainly not least, AK Pig Of The Hut where would any of us be without you. You were the MVP of the whole weekend. Pig is the straw the stirs this communities drink a lot of the time, and I don't think we could ask for a better "leader." As a tinkerer with Kenshi and Zod, it was nice to finally meet the cheapness in person lol. Zod did work, as did the 4g card. Top 8 Schmop 8, you're tops . . . Maxter is legendary as is his lobo.

Was an honor to sit between you too, despite the absolutely bored out of my mind look on my face lol 3 faces of fear right there. (I'm in the hat)NEC restored my faith in this game and this community. I'm glad to be apart of it. KI and Ultra will just have to co-habitate. Now I've gotta go level the fuck up.

 

[NurzBenny]

Shock G4S Claude VonStroke DevilSpy you guys get unlimited props as well. But that goes without question HazeJupiter you played like a dude who should been in top 3 never mind top 8 or 16 or whatever. I tried to LARP your manhunter in pools and failed. Leaving it to the professionals from now on

 

[Sajam]

Snip

Dude you're coming to SCR? That sounds awesome man, can't wait to see you there. It was great hanging out with you this weekend, and I had an awesome time chatting with you. I'm sad we never got to grind some games this weekend Also, you are probably the only dude who has a chance at beating Brad in a best hair competition.

I'll play games in KI anytime, let me know whenever you're down.