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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
2-3 L vs iThatGuy (Byakuya) $5
