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.
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.
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.
