Believe it or not, the vast majority of people at tournaments are super friendly and will help you out. I've been going to tournaments for well over a decade and never once have I ever been mocked for getting my ass handed to me. It doesn't matter if you suck. Plenty of people who attend tournaments aren't great (or even good) players. You go to have fun, play some games, see where you stand, and more importantly, to interact with other people who share your hobby.
I haven't been seriously competitive in any fighting game for about 7 years now, but the friends that I made over the years through fighting games have become some of the best friends I have. The friendships have long outlasted the games, or my competitive career.