UNI Year End Review 2018

Hello everyone and welcome back to the Under Night In-Birth Year End Review! 2018 has been quite the year, hasn't it? In early February, North America received a localized version of the Late[st] version.. but the action had already jumped off a month prior at Frosty Faustings X in Illinois. After last year's harrowing sets at CEOtaku 2017, many eyes were on the potential rematch between Squish and Infinity. The tournament saw a diverse Top 8 with only one repeat character in Hyde and where Mika made her first and only Top 8 Major appearance through BOLTSTRYKE from Georgia. To no one's surprise, it was Squish and Infinity who met in Winner's Finals and unlike their previous meeting at CEOtaku 2017, it was Infinity who took their tightly contested first set 3 to 1. Squish would make quick work of JDR in Loser's Finals before returning and storming through two straight sets 3-1, 3-1 to take the first major of the year.

Frosty Faustings X | Winner: Squish (USA) - Akatsuki

VOD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJwVzw5cyp0&list=PL9h4zqks3pogjs3Q_JCxLLAkZ94YYPmGz

Anime Ascension 2018 brought seventy-two hopefuls through UC Irvine in order to see who could take the crown home. Fresh off of his win at Frosty Faustings, it was a safe estimation that Squish would tear through the bracket once more in order to claim his second crown in two attempts. In practice, it seemed just as certain. The Arizona native didn't take a single loss from his first set of the tournament all the way through to Winner's Side Grand Finals, ripping through Kyros, Jasepi, Clim and Lolimaiko in dominating fashion. Meanwhile, Lolimaiko went on through a small revenge tour avenging his CEOtaku loss to Trill in Winner's Semis, eliminating him in 3 games to line up his second shot at Squish. Maiko would clear through Squish's first set 3-1 before very quickly falling down to an 0-2 hole in the second set. What followed was a scrappy fight that saw the two players trade blows until the waning seconds of the fifth game's final round. When the smoke cleared, it was Lolimaiko who was the victor... a crazy ending for someone who had committed to attendance just two weeks before the event.

Anime Ascension 2018 | Winner: Lolimaiko (USA) - Vatista

VOD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgKmuWy8gek

A return to the greater Chicago area lead us to Combo Breaker in May during my own birthday weekend, where an amazing present was waiting--- the largest UNI tournament in the history of the current version of the game. 174 entrants with some of the strongest talent that North America could offer. This tournament was not without its own fair share of surprises. Arguable tournament favorite Tari stumbled in pools to Illinois local, RoyalHeartv2 before falling to Redblade's red-hot Wagner before Top 8. The netplay talent J3 streaked his own way to Winner's Semis with his Linne and Phonon, in order to face off against Clim. Everyone's favorite moderator DrunkSuikaIbuki tore his way all the way through to Winner's Finals to meet Clim in order to play a Vancouver Street Battle classic on a larger stage, though ultimately falling to J3 in Loser's Finals for third. In spite of J3's best efforts, it was Clim's Phonon that won the day, staying in Winners through the whole tournament.

Combo Breaker 2018 | Winner: Clim (CAN) - Merkava, Phonon

VOD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILDEjvsw7iA

The momentum that the game was riding carried through Orlando for Jebailey's Community Effort Orlando, where a 112 entrant turnout awaited Clim and other hopefuls. To combat the foreign invaders of Clim, Schoolbus, Jasepi and AyoItsDave, the southeastern community brought out their first line of defense. Jasepi was the one who slipped through initially to Winner's Finals, with contested wins over NorseFTX's Orie and J3's Linne. Clim's path to WF was blocked by Argenrost and his Waldstein with some of the best play seen over the course of the weekend in two games, though he couldn't hold his momentum through the Ohio transplant's Gordeau. On the other hand, Clim caught fire... running through AyoItsDave, J3, Argenrost and Jasepi two times without losing another game to take the tournament.

Community Effort Orlando 2018 | Winner: Clim (CAN) - Merkava, Phonon
VOD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1herUIltR7k

By this point, Evolution sat about two months away and a notable shift in the community could be felt. Through a large social media presence from fans, engaging resources and tournaments, the amount of players had seemed to rise dramatically. The success of the game in North America was a far cry from the uncertain look around the English release of the game which appeared to be overshadowed by the release of Dragonball Fighter Z. I wrote a little about the event before EVO here, but much like Combo Breaker, it ended up blowing the doors off my expectations. I'm still in awe about the 200+ entrant event.

However, what was even more amazing was the run made by Saikyo's Enkidu. A character that many players were willing to cast into the recycling bin was being piloted through some of North America's best players. After losing to Clim in her pool, Sai carried herself through a murderers row of opponents such as NorseFTX, Lolimaiko, Tari and Clim! Surprisingly, a peek through her path reveals Korean Wrestling Man of DBFZ fame as one of her initial opponents in Loser's Bracket. Nevertheless, it was Squish who stole the show after the Japanese Merkava, Heiho eliminated Saikyo at 3rd place. Two nail-bitingly close sets in Winner's Finals and the first set of Grand Finals with eventual BBTag winner Heiho were what lay between him and an EVO title, but Squish was not to be denied.

Evolution 2018 | Winner: Squish (USA) - Akatsuki

VOD(s): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQDBosYCGV0 | https://youtu.be/Nv0abYzt2A4?t=8500

Crowdfunding efforts also brought over top talent to the UNI scene this year. For CEOtaku, Sweden's virtuoso Hiari was brought over but many players from the European Union were brought over such as Tokazzz, DHD, Wokker and Crushing Eagle. CEOtaku also marked Clearlamp's first appearance on US soil where yet again the community would pass it's previous largest entrant mark with 273 entrants. In addition to that, I think that this was probably the most skill-dense tournament for UNI in the history of the game in NA. Players who ran deep in the previous year's event fell before top 16 and other large tournament winners also failed to reach top 8.

Nevertheless, when the dust cleared we had our 8 finalists: Squish, Clearlamp, Hiari, Crushing Eagle, Trill, Psykotik, Redblade and Tari. Clearlamp and Squish both made quick work of their respective opponents to set off a meeting of some of the best America and Japan had to offer in Winner's Finals. Meanwhile in Losers Eighths, Redblade bested Psykotik and Trill dispatched Tari before denying Hiari a meeting with his EU compatriot, defeating Eagle 3-2. In Winner's Finals, Clearlamp edged Squish in a close set to sit on the Winner's Side of Grand Finals. Trill smoothly navigated Hiari in Loser's Finals before getting edged out in turn by Squish in five games. Any sort of excitement that followed was promptly squashed by Lamp in three games to take the entire tournament.

CEOtaku 2018 | Winner: Clearlamp_o (JPN) - Byakuya

VOD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YQj94c3naE

This year's Canada Cup showcased some of Canada's top talent and familiar names like JCT, Icekin, Psykotik and Rikir. It also brought Jasepi, a familiar presence to Eastern Canada's smaller events. As Rikir avenged his UMAD loss to Icekin to advance to Winner's Finals, jasepi would wall off Psykotik to meet him there. This set up a rematch from Border City Brawl in Windsor where Rikir took the tournament from Winners. However, it was much of the same result... with Rikir moving to Grand Finals. In Loser's, it was Psykotik's turn to get revenge on Icekin though his run was thwarted again by jasepi and his Gordeau. Though much like Border City Brawl meeting earlier in the year, Rikir would arise as the winner, from Winners with a 3-1 ending.

Canada Cup 2018 | Winner: Rikir (CAN) - Enkidu

VOD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-eht9nr5IY

Before Canada Cup had completed, yet another crowdfunding effort would bring strong players from overseas for Atlanta's Climax of Night. Clearlamp would once again return to the US's alongside the legendary Eltnum, Senaru thanks to the effort spearheaded by MajinObama and OutlawVinegar. Though not crowdfunded over formally, another Japanese player would be heading towards Atlanta for the weekend. Tokyo native, Takashi would also be making his second appearance in the states after a vacation that lead him to New York earlier this year, where he formed a relationship with the Lunar Phase group and attended French Bread Showdown (aka Super TSB) in April.

The tournament itself boasted a staggering 143 players for its maiden voyage, a testament to the trust that the community had in it's organizing team lead by Shinobi. Though smaller in number, this tournament could also boast a large level of skill density with surprising events. It saw Evo Top-8 finalist KFL drown in pools, saw the likes of Jasepi, Argenrost, JDR and Trill fail to qualify for Top-8. It also saw Redblade tear through Clearlamp in Winner's Side Top 8 to meet... Takashi who pulled quite the upset over Senaru to meet him in Winner's Finals. In the lower bracket, SoCal transplant burgertime dispatched Infinity to advance and J3 edge out Atlanta native iThatGuy in a hotly contested set. However, both of their runs would be ended by Senaru and Clearlamp respectively. This meant that one of Senaru and Clearlamp would be eliminated from the tournament before Top 3!

Up to this point, the story of the tournament was probably New England's Redblade. In addition to dispatching a large part of the enemy's team in the 15v15 Exhibition, as well as his own, he had also who dropped but one game through the tournament portion, all the way to Grand Finals also dispatching Takashi and his Enkidu in a quick fashion. However, the trip through losers and a thin-margin survival through Senaru appeared to be the jump start that Clearlamp needed. Lamp's Byakuya tore through Takashi in a dominating fashion and did the same to Redblade in the first set of Grand Finals in three games. The second set was similar to the first, though Redblade was able to get on the board. Clearlamp would ultimately claim another victory in a US tournament, going two for two on the year.

Climax of Night | Winner: Clearlamp_o (JPN) - Byakuya

VOD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xcy-MBO6qg

As I come to wind down this part of the Year End Review, I have to confess that it was difficult to just narrow down speaking only about the events that received more than 64 entrants. All over the globe, there have been amazing events and the scene is as strong as I've ever seen it. This is in part to locals and regional events. I'd like to shout out a few of them: Michigan Masters, Texas Showdown, Winter Brawl, Norcal Regionals, Border City Brawl, Ultimate Montreal Airdashers Cup, NEC, NorCal Dogfight, Dual/Full Moon and many more. Additional shout-outs to events overseas like Destination Fight!, Bavaria Burst, VS Fighting, Over The World, Reincarnation of Paradise, KSB and more. Without events like this and the passionate people and players who run them, we wouldn't see nearly as much growth as we have.

Hyde: Infinity (2), JDR

Linne: J3 (3), Hiari

Waldstein: Argenrost (2), brkrdave

Carmine: Schoolbus*

Orie: Psykotik (2), NorseFTX, SmartSteer

Gordeau: jasepi (3), hiari

Merkava: Clim (4), AyoitsDave (2), Heiho, burgertime, brkrdave

Vatista: Lolimaiko (2), DrunkSuikaIbuki

Seth: DARK FLAME MASTER, Psykotik

Yuzuriha: Tari (3)

Hilda: RoyalHeart (2), JCT

Chaos: Trill (2)

Nanase: NeoN, Icekin

Phonon: Clim (4), J3 (3), Voltic

Byakuya: Clearlamp (2), iThatGuy-_- (2), LPT, Never Block

Mika: BOLTSTRYKE

Enkidu: Saikyo, Takashi, Rikir

Wagner: Redblade (4), Crushing Eagle, Sometimes Fendo*

Eltnum: KFL, ScrawtVermillion, Senaru, Magnets

Akatsuki: Squish (4), ScrawtVermillion

*Sometimes Fendo and Schoolbus are the same person. This is an in-joke.

Extras:

With events like Over The World and Reincarnation of Paradise, the Under Night Scene in Japan has also brought teams events to the forefront. From last year's 2v2 at CEOtaku 2017, I had also wanted to share a bit of that with the North American scene. I was able to successfully run a 3v3 teams event at Frosty Faustings to start the year and also run at 4v4 event at CEOtaku 2018. They'll be listed here:

OVER THE WORLD -successively- 3v3

Frosty Faustings 3v3

CEOTaku 4v4

Reincarnation of Paradise 2v2 | 4v4

Additionally, I was able to capture footage of First-to-Five exhibitions from various points during the year. Combo Breaker and CEOtaku showcased revenge matches and interesting meetings from players from around the globe. I hope they interest you as much as they were enjoyable for me to record:

Combo Breaker Playlist

CEOtaku Playlist

Finally, I'll do something a bit different for the last two parts of this year's review. I want to highlight some of my favorite tournament sets from this year:

Lolimaiko (Vatista) vs Squish (Akatsuki), Grand Finals Set 2 - Anime Ascension

Timestamp: (1:59:32)

Reason: I mentioned it a bit before, but in spite of Squish's dominance throughout the weekend, Maiko quietly put together some of the best play I'd seen, culminating in an amazing set.

Magnets (Eltnum) vs JDR (Hyde), Top 8 Qualifier - Combo Breaker

Timestamp: (2:31:47)

Reason: I'll admit my heavy bias here, but knowing how much Magnets wanted to get better and the work that he put in made his entry into Top 8 that much sweeter.

Argenrost (Waldstein) vs Clim (Merkava), Winner's Semi-Finals - Community Effort Orlando

Timestamp: (0:22)

Reason: At this point, Clim was looking like the best player in North America as he tore through the brackets. But Argen had amazing reads and patience to knock him straight into losers.

Squish (Akatsuki) vs Heiho (Merkava), Grand Finals - Evolution 

Timestamp: (36:13)

Reason: One of the best in America, if not the best against the #3 Merkava in Japanese arcades. It was a matchup that thwarted him in the past, but Squish's composure held and he got himself an EVO.

Sometimes Fendo (Wagner) vs Hiari (Linne), Top 32 Winners - CEOtaku

Timestamp: (0:00)

Reason: When I saw this one get projected, I was excited. One of Fendo's main training partners was J3, an amazing Linne in his own right, so he was one of the players best poised to stop the EU tyrant.

Takashi (Enkidu) vs Senaru (Eltnum), Winner's Semi-Finals - Climax of Night

Timestamp: (12:00)

Reason: This was an extremely exciting set from two Tokyo-based players in Atlanta. Takashi is a good friend of mine, so I was really excited to pull the upset and put himself in Top 3.

Finally, I'll mention my favorite player to watch from this past year. Three players come to mind to me if I were to talk about the players in North America who moved and shook the scene this year. Squish, who won the first and at one point largest majors in America, Clim who owned the spring and early summer and:

Dramatik | Redblade (Wagner)

All the way from NEC last year, I had felt like Redblade had been rising as a threat and this year I can't recall a tournament that he attended where he didn't place within Top 8. As a sometimes sparring partner, oft times punching bag online, I've had ample opportunity to see how much he's grown as a player in this last year and so to see him improving his abilities against the top echelon of players in the world has been pretty inspiring. While he hasn't taken an event larger than 64 entrants this year, he's been very dominant elsewhere so I can't help but think that it's about time for him to. We'll see what 2019 holds for him.

But that's my opinion. What do you think? I'd like to hear your opinions as well. What are some of your favorite sets of the year? Who has been your player to watch this year? Who do you think is going to break out in 2019?

Special thanks to Chou (@ChouGokuOozaru) and Ryker (@GSRyker) for their assistance yet again in proofing and editing. Please give them a follow.

Reflection - Personal 2018 UNI Review

So, I've thought a bit here and there about how I wanted to structure this blog. I had all kinds of thoughts and tangents I wanted to go through when the idea was fresh in my mind, but it's hard when you sit down and start writing, isn't it?

I guess we'll start with Tournament Review -Again-:

Frosty Faustings X - 33rd/79

Anime Ascension '18 - 13th/72

Combo Breaker '18 - 17th/173

CEOtaku '18 - 25th/273

Climax of Night - 17th/143

With the exception of Frosty Faustings, I think that I've done pretty well for myself. I was honestly pretty upset with my placing there, but buried it in playing games, organizing the 3v3 event and through side-betting Top 8.

I've gotten out of pools I think in all but two events this year, Frosty Faustings X and Michigan Masters 2018. It's a bit funny to realize that some of the worst performances I've done have been in my own region... but there it is, lol.

Even so, I believe that I've solidified myself among the top players in the Midwest at this point. I'm kind of petty and do mentally keep a rough estimate of my record against various opponents. It's probably not the best practice, but it does serve as a motivating factor for me. I'm not particularly vocal about it, nor will I be in the future but I like avenging my losses and will strive to do so in 2019 as well.

-~-

Changing gears just a little bit, I have to recognize my sponsor Sugoi Factory. It's hard to put into words how thankful I am to Zankoku and the team for their support throughout the year. So many of the things that I've been able to do has been because of their assistance.

Because of them, I have also been able to help support the community in more tangible ways. I believe in paying forward some of the things that I've been able to receive, so that has been an additional motivator.

Being able to record sets for people, organize exhibitions and teams events, help donate towards community interests like players to various events this year is in no small part possible because of them. It doesn't really cost me anything but energy to help TO events, so I am happy to do it to help out as well.

I would also like to thank Monta and the LP group for the Matcherino fund organization to get me a flight to New York for Super TSB as well as the people who donated in order to get me there. Bradford, Dave, Monta, Colten, Joe, Tanner, Ramses and Jen. Truly, thank you.

-~-

It's honestly been an roller-coaster experience, being sponsored for UNI. The fact of the matter is that there are a very small number of us that have the blessing to get paid some amount(s) to play this game.

I know that sponsorship isn't totally a meritocracy, but I had worried in the past if it was, like... alright for me to be sponsored (lol). There were and still are stronger players than me out there, who honestly should be sponsored. Small and large setbacks in play had often reminded me of this, though I feel it a lot less now than I did then.

I don't know if it's because I've gotten strong enough that I feel like it merits less worry, if it's because I've done enough for the community to justify it, or if I find it to be of less importance to worry about. Maybe it's all three, for all I know. Either way, it's something I think that has been lifted from me by this point this year. It's pretty liberating feeling that I can focus on improving in 2019 and reaching the goals that I've set for myself.

As I mentioned in one of my tweets, before this year, my goal was to break into Top-32s for this game and safely get out of pools. I largely feel like I've improved enough to accomplish that more often than not. Playing throughout the year has given me enough experience and motivation to continue to refine my play and I think I have roadmaps to continue to push Akatsuki further than I have before. Where that ends up, I'm not entirely sure but I'll keep riding with it as long as I can.

My achievement goals for this coming year are to:

- Secure myself in Top-16 placements at majors

- To Top-8 at a major

- Stand at the top of the Midwest region.

Otherwise, the goals that I have include:

- Continuing to help players feel welcome in the community.

- Be an ally to LGBTQ+ members of our community.

- Continue to record and upload footage (exhibitions and otherwise) from events I attend for players at home.

- Continue to raise the overall power level of the Midwest UNI community.

- Improve my Japanese and continue to foster good relationships with friends and rivals in Japan.

To the readers, thank you for reading up to this point and for your support as well. Please look forward to the Year End Review for 2018 in late December, early January.

Reflection - CEOtaku 2018

As I sit on the flight going back towards Columbus, I have a lot of emotions stirring up in my chest. Pride, contentment, relief and a small seed of mortification that I feel makes me almost want to cry. So, I guess I'll start to address them in order:

First of all, I would like to say how proud of the UNI community that I am. I firmly believe that we absolutely showed the fuck out and crushed this weekend by any metric imaginable. The community feels at this point relatively well organized, respectful (in person) and earnest. I sincerely hope that we continue along this trend.

I'm proud of the Midwest. Miller, Magnets, Silverhydra, Suna and I all got into Top 48. I know that everyone has been invigorated here and that we've all been working hard in order to represent well on these stages. There are equally as many--- and more that are on the cusp. I'd like to think that our region commands a bit more respect now than before. I'm proud to see people break out. Redblade, TTK, Dualseeker and Eagle all had phenomenal performances this weekend. 

I'm also proud of myself, I think I played in such a way that the me a few weeks from now would still give a passing grade. 

-~-

In many ways, I guess I'm content in one such role I have in the community. I've worn a bunch of hats, I think. Tournament Organizer, Community Leader, Akatsuki tech leader and so on. In this sense, I think I've found myself in a good place to transition. Many of you know that I've stepped down from a Moderation position over the summer in the UNI discord. I don't know how much that means or anything and I'd rather not elaborate in a space such as this as to why... but I think it's been good.

In that same spirit, I'm going to stop organizing teams events for the community going forward in 2019. I'll see what I need to/want to do for Climax in November, but that is the end. CEOtaku 2016, I ran 2v2 teams that hosted 7 teams for a 2v2, I believe. Frosty Faustings brought us 10 teams for a 3v3... and this years CEOtaku I can boast hosting 16 teams for a 4v4--- 64 total entrants. I was able to make things bigger and better every time and I'm thankful that things have gone as smoothly as they have. I'm thankful of everyone who has participated or has watched the uploads for these.

I'm split on whether or not I want to do the exhibition piece going forward. I'm leaning towards no, but I can't tell you definitively there yet. I believe that there's still a space for more North American footage to be showcased. I think I do want to continue to be a part of that. I'll still be as active as planned in the Midwest community, however.

I'll end this section with a call to action. I don't want to see Teams die. I don't want to see Exhibitions stop happening, either. But, I also don't want to see either be locked into private spaces if it can be helped. The community is still growing and these pieces are very important. I hope someone is willing to continue to carry the torch.

-~-

I'm relieved that everything went as smoothly as it did. I was worried, not about how the tournament would run. I trust Lukada, Jebailey and the team. They are some of the best to do it. I was worried about if I could really get everything done. School has been very rigorous. I've been travelling. Seasonal depression is creeping ever closer. I hoped that I wasn't going to wash out in pools and reset my confidence all over again.

I safely got out of pools. I was able to complete all but one (exhibition of Fendo vs Blaise) thing on my tournament organizing itinerary. And even then, I got to add Infinity vs Clearlamp so I did an *extra* exhibition. Our team placed 2nd in the teams event, I hit one of my goals of Top-32, and I won my exhibition against Eagle 5-3.

I'm continuing to show improvement and to get positive feedback about my level of play... and I am finally relieved to get some more clarity about how I can continue to move forward and get stronger.

-~-

Yet, I'm mortified. I want to get stronger. I don't want to lose. I want to be able to have the confidence to operate my gameplan against every potential player in the world. Against Infinity, I was never comfortable. I did some study and got some of the looks that I wanted... but I wasn't able to capitalize. Against Dualseeker, I started exactly the way I wanted... but I fizzled out and he halted my momentum. His adaptation was stronger than mine on that day.

Both of the players that I lost to in tournament were Top-16 finishers. Dualseeker was a game away from Top-8. Infinity was the previous event winner. They're both extremely talented players who I respect. But I can't shake the feeling that I didn't live up to my own expectations. I suppose this also extends itself to my 3-5 $25 MM Loss to Squish as well. These players are some of the best in the world. But, I want to be the best. 

My losses ate so much at me that I wanted to cry. I feel bad for the group I went to dinner with, because I'm sure I wasn't very good company at all. Thank you all for being there, though. You guys did lift my spirits a bit. Again, thank you so much.

-~-

Finally, I'll do some shoutouts. This blog post is a bit long already but we'll keep it going:

SUGOI Factory+ 

I'm glad that everyone was able to come out that were able to make it. I knw that tere were a few worries, but I hope you enjoyed yourselves.

Clario: It's always a pleasure to see you, we'll share 25th this time... but let's share higher and higher placements until both of us are at the top. 

Ryker: My DRB brother, it's always refreshing to see you and to be able to talk to you at length. You've always got a good spirit and energy that elevates everyone around you.

Raziek: My second brother, thank you for the gifts from Canada, I will thoroughly enjoy them! I'm always happy to see you and spend some time with you. I'll try to make it out to NS some time.

Dietz: I'm very glad to see you at so many events. I hope that you're able to find a balance that allows you to enjoy yourself more. You absolutely deserve it.

Ebonic Plague: We didn't get to talk too much and I'm sorry for snagging you for the picture during your busy time. You absolutely crushed it during Top 8. I look forward to seeing another time.

-~-

Akatsuki:

Squish: Congrats on another run. You gave it your all and I hope that some of my advice was useful to you. Take your time and examine what you want to do going forward. I'll say try not to feel too much pressure going forward from other things. Feel that pressure from me, I'll pass you up soon. I hope you're able to get picked up soon for monetary help.

FLCD: Thanks for the help and it was fun talking to you throughout the weekend. You're onto some good things, just need a bit more experience and comfort. These things come with time.

Scrawt: You may or may not know this, but I respect you and your Akatsuki a lot. I honestly think you are currently stronger--- and have a higher ceiling than I do, but I think you should do what you love. If it's not UNI, then don't force yourself. Take care. It was fun hanging out at McDonalds with you.

-~-

Closer friends + training partners:

TTK: I'm extremely proud of you and your performance this weekend. I might be annoying with my enthusiasm, but know that I'm in your corner. I look forward to your continued improvement.

Fendo: I know that you're not satisfied much like I am, but you have shown a lot of amazing things this weekend. I hope that you're able to appreciate more of the strength you've shown. Only have further to go from here.

Redblade: I've never seen someone so up and down throughout the weekend, but I know that is the level of investment that you have in your play and in the game. Enjoy this feeling and keep grinding.

Psykotik: Well done this weekend, man. I'm glad to see that you're continuing to carry to Orie torch, "sensei". I look forward to playing with you again.

NorseFTX: I hope that you're not too discouraged. You are strong. It may be that you don't have a lot of time to play because of work and school, but I think it's a testimate to how talented you are that you are still able to do so well.

NeoN: I think you're doing better at collecting yourself. I hope that you're able to ease up and stop being so hard on yourself. You are also very strong. Keep your mind open and keep grinding.

most: Congratulations on the Dissidia win and for a Top-32 finish as well in UNI. We didn't get to talk too much, but I'm glad you were able to make it.

JJ: I mentioned basically everything I wanted to say to you via twitter, but I hope to see you back and active as soon as you're able. Please don't be discouraged either. You're amazing and will only continue to show it.

Suika: Good work this weekend. Always a pleasure to see you and be around that energy of yours. You got me in teams this time, but I'll get you next time. Bet.

Burgertime: You're really awesome and it's always a pleasure seeing you around. Like I told you in the lobby, we'll be up there as well soon. Good work this weekend and see you at Climax.

Angel: Thank you for the brunch and well done this weekend as well. Thank you for bringing your setup and recording station. I hope that you enjoyed yourself and got to learn a bunch for the next event. See you as well at Climax.

Cookie: Well done on the mic this weekend and on Top 16 in BBTag. I'm really happy that you've found a game that you really love and can channel yourself into. I'll see you next time.

Jasepi: It's always a pleasure catching up with you. Hopefully I'll get to see you in some more events. Good job this weekend. I'm always amazing that you're able to juggle so many games at once the way you do.

Silverhydra: I mentioned it on twitter, but I'm always excited to see you do well. It feels like you're hitting a good stride and you are one of the best rivals/training partners and friends I've had. See you at the next event.

Magnets: I can't believe that MagNUTS has already destroyed the 2019 UNI scene. You are one of the players on my radar as high potential. You've got an amazing work ethic, mindset and godlike execution. Keep at it.

Miller: You know what's up, I'm looking forward to seeing how much stronger you get. I think you have all the pieces you need, but the hardest part is getting it all together with consistency. I'm still trying it myself.

Jeyu: I feel like I can apply most of what I said to Miller to you, but I'll add this as well: You will skyrocket as you continue to have faith in your reads and gain experience. You're up there too.

Suna: I'm so proud you got into Top 48 as well! I've definitely noticed a noted improvement in the last few months and it is paying off. Keep at it.

Silmerion: It might not feel that way, but you are more than on your way as well. This time last year, I was in the same position you are at now. You have a more thorough process and better ideas than I did at the same point. I believe in you. Let's get it.

Argenrost: Congrats for your finish in FEXL. I'm sorry I ended up being too busy/having poor timing for eating in Orlando, truly. Thank you for teaming with me and carrying us in various spots. It's always a pleasure seeing you. I'm looking forward to seeing your Orie. I think she will fit you very well. I also hope to continue to see your Waldstein. Good luck!

AyoitsDave: Congratulations for your top 8 finish in FEXL. Thank you for playing it with me as well as playing UNI with me as well. Congrats on your Top 24 finish in UNI. Hopefully I'll get to see you more in the future.

ThatGuy: I hope you enjoyed those fuzzy peaches. Retire that Gordeau tbh. Quietly, you secured a 17th place. You are also a high potential player in my opinion. I’m glad that I overheard more than a few people praising your Byakuya. You absolutely have the most complete one in the US. I’ll be taking my 5 back in Atlanta though. 

Sketched: I’m glad that you were able to make it out and I hope that you were able to learn a lot. It is always a pleasure seeing you and I’m excited to see all of the Byakuya, excuse me—- the Byakuza leveling up. You’re all good guys. Be safe and I hope everything works out well back at home. Take care of yourself. 

Lambdadelta: We didn’t get to play at all, but I hope you have been able to confirm for yourself the talent that you have. I could tell when we played online that you have gotten much stronger. I think it’ll be worthwhile to show your face into the Byakuya channel. They’re all good, diligent people. Hopefully I’ll see you at another event soon. 

-~-

Others: 

Dualseeker: Congratulations! I'm very proud of you and I hope that you can gain more confidence from your play this weekend. You're among our best in this community and I hope we'll get to see you at more events. 

Tokazz: Congrats on the top-16 finish. I really enjoy your Hilda and had a blast learning more about the matchup in our games on Sunday morning. Have a safe flight back.

DHD: You've got one of the coolest and most creative Merkava's that I've every seen. I generally think that he's really dry, but you've won me over. Thank you so much for the games. 

Eagle: Like Magnets, you are a player that I have my eye on as far as high potential. It's weird to say that when you've hit top 8 as well though, huh? You're extremely talented and will only get stronger. Thank you for the games.

Spinach: Well done this weekend. Thank you for the games this weekend. I'm happy to see Carmine still on the map in 2017. I think there is still a place for this character and I think you are very strong. Thanks for the games.

OutlawVinegar: It was an absolute pleasure meeting you for the first time. I guess what I will say here is an extension of what I've said throughout the weekend. Thank you for your hard work, I hope that you continue to keep at it and that you can take more pride in your abilities and experience. You are talented and you have experience. You're also an amazing guy. I hope to talk to you more soon.

Clearlamp: It is the case that Japanese is very unskilled, but I'm thankful for your patience and your company throughout the weekend. I will continue to improve my studies in the hope to speak with you more fluently. Congratulations on your win, thank you for the games and I hope you have a safe flight back. It was a pleasure meeting you.

日本人は非常に熟練していませんが、週末を通して忍耐と会社に感謝しています。 あなたともっと話せるように、私は研究を改善し続けます。勝利をおめでとう、ゲームに感謝し、あなたが安全な飛行機を持っていることを願っています。喜ばせる会でした。

If I didn't mention you directly, it's probably because I'm so tired and my mind is out of it. Please don't take too much offense. I know I had a blast meeting and playing with everyone. Please look forward to the Exhibition uploads. 

Juushichi (Akatsuki) @ CEOtaku 2018

Singles (273 entrants):

T-25. Juushichi (Akatsuki)

Teams (16 Teams):

2nd. I Brought You Into This Bracket and I Can Take You Out Of It (Juushichi, Redblade, Argenrost, JJ)

Exhibitions:

5-3 W vs CrushingEagle (Wagner)

3-5 L vs Squish (Akatsuki) $25
2-3 L vs iThatGuy (Byakuya) $5

Until next time.

Expectation - animEVO 2018

What a time to be alive for a player of this niche anime title. As I've begun to write this, I have to admit that I've been blown away. Around this time last year at AnimEVO 2017, UNIEL amassed a respectable 57 entrants, but many eyes were locked on the late[st] version's Japanese console release less than a week later. Japanese players in arcades had been playing for a few years up to this point and Exe: Late was feeling a bit stale, even among the most dedicated players in the West.

Over the course of this year tournament entrants and interest in the game has slowly but surely risen. Success in early majors in 2018 certainly helped propel the excitement brewing in the community, but an equally fervent fan base has garnered interest by lauding praises of its strong and and flexible system, in-depth tutorial and the welcoming player base. "Play UNIST" and other similar messages are not uncommon tweets to see popping up in the FGC twittersphere.  
Additionally, in the span of just three months, the Under Night community will have had 3 of it's largest events in the history of the game, in very different parts of the country. 173 entrants in Chicago at Combo Breaker 2018, 112 in Orlando at Community Effort Orlando (CEO) 2018 and now 210 rolling into Las Vegas for AnimEVO 2018.

Needless to say, the community for this game has certainly been growing as of late and this time we've even pulled entrants from Europe, Japan and South Korea! I'll try to document our growth with a little more depth in the Year in Review for 2018, so please look forward to that later down the road!

~ * ~ * ~

But, we'll move on to the event itself! This is what we know so far--- The organizers for the event from the animEVO staff are DJCream and Brett. They have teamed up with Aksys Games to run the tournament from their booth at EVO! It will be run on Friday, August 3rd starting at 10am PST. There will be four waves of pools followed by Top 24 and it will be streamed on Darkandark's Twitch Channel. Top 4 will be played on an official EVO side stream on Saturday, August 4th around 4pm PST on Twitch.tv/EVO2. Pictures provided by AceKingOffsuit.

• UNA1 and UNA2 (10am PST)
• UNB1 and UNB2 (12pm PST)
• UNC1 and UNC2 (2pm PST)
• UND1 and UND2 (4pm PST)
• Top 24 to Top 4 (6pm PST) 
• Top 4 (Saturday, August 4th @ 4pm PST)

The brackets have been put up on Smash.gg here.

Tournament Favorites

- Clim: It feels like it wouldn't be fair not to first mention the Merkava/Phonon from Western Canada, as he's fresh off of two big wins at Combo Breaker 2018 and CEO 2018. A powerhouse in multiple anime games and historically a threat in any event he enters, one has to wonder if he will extend his dominance over the US here as well. An interesting note for viewers at home, this will be his first interaction with the West Coast UNI field since Anime Ascension 2018 in April where he finished 5th, losing to Arizona's Squish and Northern California's Tari. Both of these players will be in the field of competitors this time around.

- Squish: It seems difficult to talk about the top levels of NA UNIST without mentioning Squish in the conversation. 2017 into early 2018 was marked by his amazing Akatsuki play as he traded tournament wins with the East Coast Hyde, Infinity at CEOtaku 2017 and Frosty Faustings X. The late winter didn't cool his momentum as he stormed through Winner's Side at Anime Ascension. Eventually, he was upset in Grand Finals from losers by NorCal's Lolimaiko to place 2nd. Work related issues held him from Combo Breaker and CEO, but he was recently flown out to spar with some of Europe's best. Seemingly refreshed, he's poised to make another strong run at EVO.

- Lolimaiko: The much beloved "old man" from Northern California who has fantastic control over one of the more technically intensive characters in the game: the charge motion, goth-lolita robot, Vatista. Alongside the two previous entrants, Maiko has been a threat in the West since the previous version of the game. Curiously, Lolimaiko ended up winning Anime Ascension after admitting that he did not have much time to practice after registering a mere two weeks away from the event. At that tournament, he managed to defeat a long time demon and navigate an odd match he ended up losing at CEOtaku 2017 against Trill's Chaos--- twice! With more recent practice, maybe he will be able to take his 2nd major in as many tries.

- Tari: The laid-back tyrant who stands at the top of what is almost certainly the strongest region in North America, Tari boasts mastery of another of the more difficult mechanical characters in UNI; the iaido swordswoman, Yuzuriha. This year has seen him able to travel a bit more than in the past; specifically to AA and CB 2018. At Anime Ascension, he was upset in Top 16 by the eventual winner Lolimaiko and lost a close 2-1 set to NA's premier Chaos, Trill. A clear favorite to win Combo Breaker, he took a surprising upset to Chicago Hilda RoyalHeart in pools before being dispatched by New England's Redblade to finish at a surprising 9th. Still, he boasts one of the last major set wins over a red-hot Clim. It would be wise to keep an eye on him in this tournament as well.

Reflection - SBR3

Quite a small amount of turn around time between the first post and a new one, hm?

I figure that I should write a bit of reflection about the tournament from last weekend. On the front end, I had some complicated feelings. I was excited coming being able to play some more UNI after Combo Breaker and it would be against strong competition. Magnets and Miller(2B) have been really making waves in majors and larger regionals, really feeling like they were hitting the next level. I didn't feel like I wasn't improving, but comparing their successes and my progress certainly was getting in my head, lol. Plus, Miller beat me last time we played, so I wanted to beat both of them.

Of course, jasepi had also registered. Given that he was in the area and I definitely wanted to play him again, I told him about the tournament. Nevertheless, I kinda felt my stomach drop when I saw him on the reg list. It's obvious that he's really strong and I wasn't sure if my win over him at Youma was a fluke or not, so I had a lot of doubts~. On the way up, Silmerion and I had a long talk about the stuff I just mentioned... and it really helped, lol.

I can't speak for everyone else, but I certainly have a lot of doubts about my play, my growth and a bunch of other things. I think that this is not uncommon for other players too.

But, moving on... got into Farmington Hills and kicked it with FGC and Smash players alike. It was pretty neat to be able to see familiar PM faces and kick it with the UNI players as well. About 30 minutes after arriving, I sat down with Magnets to play a First-to-Five. Honestly speaking, I felt like both of us played kind of sloppy. The games were full of drops and weird decision-making, but I ended up winning it 5-1. Admittedly, I was pretty surprised... but I've played against Eltnum a lot, so I'm generally comfortable with defending against the character.

There were a few more exhibitions before I got back on to play against Miller with my Orie. To some extent, I like this matchup more than Akatsuki vs Linne... but I specifically played Orie to prepare her at game speed for some games down the road at CEOtaku. I don't play her a ton these days and it probably showed early in the games as I dropped the route I'd been practicing a lot. Miller's movement also really scrambled me early and I wasn't sure if I was going to get folded down 1-2 at one point. Somehow or another, I pulled it out 5-3 and finished the night.

I didn't sleep very well and woke up at like 6:30 am, so I wasn't sure how I would do. I grabbed breakfast, hung around with the PM players a bit and then started warming up with UNI players in the morning. Thankfully UNI wasn't until like 5, so I ended up being able to take a nap. Boy did it help, too. Though, Akira almost beat me in Round 2 Winners. He took the first game pretty definitively and I had to fight back to take the next two. I was kinda shook.

The next round, I had to play Footwurk's Gordeau. I felt like it would be a really good test of things I mentally prepared for in case I ran into jasepi. His movement reminded me of some of the other EL Gordeau players I got to play back in the day, but I was thankfully able to pin him down and take two games somewhat cleanly.

Next up was Winner's Semis vs jasepi. This set... did not start well. I went for a stand shield for mortal slide, but he ran up and grd broke me with a low. I'll say in retrospect that the grd break got me to focus instead of playing to some sort of expectation, but honestly that would be bullshit lol. I lost the first game pretty definitively, but locked in to take the second one. the third was pretty back and forth. I can't explain how I felt my defense changed, but I held on to take it at the end.

I ran off to lose a PM doubles game before playing Magnets in WF. I actually watched the VOD from the previous night with breakfast, took a small amount of notes and adjusted my play a little. I felt good teching throws defensively and mashing on certain strings and so it built up confidence to make some of the daring plays from game 4. I won that 3-1 and moved on to GF.

After coming back from one last PM doubles game, which I unfortunately blew for our team, it was time for Grand Finals. jasepi had moved through Miller Linne in LSF and beat Magnets 3-1 in LF to see me for the rematch. I don't think I changed my approach up too much from WSF through the first couple games and though they were tense, interactions were tilting in my favor while up 2-1.

At this point, jasepi switched to using more 4B, to check my dashes in and to space me at ranges he felt more comfortable in. For the record, 4B is a standing version of his running B, 10 frame startup, -2 on block and tumbles on counter hit. A pretty strong button, and one of my favorite additions from EL to ST on any character. I wasn't quite comfortable engaging with this move and he used it to effect in game 4. Game Five was close like WSF's game 3, where I fought back from a deficit and finished by landing two throws I'm surprised that worked to take the tournament.

Overall, it was a fun time, being able to head out and hang with my friends in the Midwest at SBR3. The post-tournament dinner was delicious. The after hours suite was cool, drinks were had and I spent a bit of time in another friend's hotel room before turning in for the night. I'm glad I was able to go and look forward to continuing my progress at CEOtaku 2018.

Ideally, my next blog post will be a bit shorter...

Welcome to the Show

Greetings everyone!

This is the first post of hopefully many that I create for this blog. I would imagine almost all of you reading this has probably come from one of my social media accounts and are familiar, but to move forward with decorum:

My name is Juushichi. Currently, I am sponsored by Sugoi Factory for Under Night in-Birth Exe:Late[st]. I'm from the Midwest state of Ohio and main Akatsuki in both this latest version and the previous version, Exe: Late. By this point, I've had a bunch of different roles in this community. I've run tournaments, done commentary, supplied pot bonuses, run side events, helped fund players to events, created and moderated spaces of discussion for the game and many more things. "UNIST Enthusiast" probably puts it mildly...

Nevertheless, I figured that it wouldn't hurt to have additional place to ramble on about this game that I love so much. I'm still figuring out what exactly I'm going to do with this space, could be observations about my play, thoughts on where the community is going or hype building for upcoming events. I'm sure that I'll figure something out along the way. This is absolutely where I'm going to stage the 2018 Year in Review, however.

To wrap up, I thought about a basic tagline, but in the middle school spirit of Under Night I drafted a blog description that fit me as well. It's a bit embarrassing, so I hope that you, the reader, can forgive me or that you can laugh along with me. I hope that you are looking forward to more posts from me in the future.

See ya!