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!