The impact of FINAL ROUND tournaments over the years in the Fighting game community

Regional Matchmaking Atlantic South
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Family
Final Round has become a home away from home event. Every year that I have attended has been extremely fun and exciting. Meeting new people and seeing old faces it never fails at keeping you hype. But its the family style atmosphere that Larry gives to everyone that attends, thus that is the reason why EVERY year Final Round becomes bigger than what the previous year put out. EVERYONE, from Bobsmack to RoninChaos to Mrs. Shinblanka (no…thats not her name) has made sure that every person that person that attended, was treated with respect and kindness. So much so that I have notice that individual would return… and when they would return, they would return with guest. Thats how good it is.

Respect
Everyone is invited. When tallied up last year, more than 10 states were represented along with some Canadian reps as well. Its a mixing bowl of tournaments. Yet everyone is treated the same. No catering to ones needs. The rookie on the scene gets the same treatment as others do. From understanding the rule and regulations of Larry’s tournament to the refunds and payouts. There is a level of understanding and respect for every participant.

More than just a tournament
When you attend Final Round… there is more going on than just a regular SF/Tekken/Marvel…etc tournament. Its about 20-30 other things happening before or after. From organizing and preparing for the next day… to side tournaments within the hosting quarters that FR is located. Even outings (for those who drive) to local Atlanta hot spots and it fine eateries. Final Round has so much to offer other than just video games.

Future
I see Final Round becoming something bigger. When it had the ability to still hold its own against a nationally syndicated tournament and still retain the usual if not greater amount of participants… it means something. Final Round will get bigger. Big enough that it WILL need a new venue to host. It WILL need sponsors. It WILL need more hands to help push the tournament and keep the same “Final Round anticipation, feeling, and outcome” that its use to. As a staff member, southerner, friend, and SF player I honestly see nothing but bigger and better.

Koop

22

Final Round is by far my favorite non Evo major of the year. Outside of always being able to bring a million and 1 people for my favorite SF game…it’s just a real chill venue and is quite a different experience from what I’m used to where I live. I really like the old school atmosphere I feel when I enter the game room and there’s people still busting it up on the cabs even though console is becoming the new thing. Just gives you that sense of playing games back in the old days that you don’t get at too many other tourneys.

This tournament is definitely among the best as far as efficiency of running tourneys. The way they man handle that huge bracket for 3S is amazing. Ronin and all of the other guys work and yell their butts off to get things done. It’s just simply awesome to watch it go down. I say Final Round is here to stay and has been long overdue for sponsorship.

23

Wow. Final Round has finally gotten big enough to where sponsorship is a good/necessary idea. That says alot about the evolution and impact that the tournaments have had in the Southeast and in the community. Final Round XI will be my sixth trip to the ‘A’, but I can’t forget my first one…

Around 2000 I believe, I hosted a Arcade tournament in Savannah because I, like all people who are competitors in any sport, wanted to test my skill and meet new people with the same drive that I had. Unexpectedly, Larry and several other players from Atlanta, SC, and Alabama was willing to make that long 350+ round trip to compete. After Larry introduced himself to me, he told me about the upcoming Final Round 3 tournament and how he wanted to make it a yearly event for the Southeast. After hearing about such big tournaments like B3 and the ECC series, I vowed to attend FR3.

When that day finally came, I couldn’t believe the sheer amount of people who came out to support the tournament. Even more so, I couldn’t believe someone would be willing to open up their home to strangers they didn’t know, provide TV’s and game systems for people to play on, and even more so cook food for them(THANK YOU MONKEE). It was an amazing commitment and effort, but it was only the beginning.

Ever since then, the Final Round tournaments have only gotten bigger and better. From homes to hotel ballrooms; from small TV’s to wall projectors and arcade cabinets; from word of mouth to website and radio advertisements; from 30+ people for 3S on tourney day to 100+ preregistered a month and a half away from FR…It’s through passion and support from the scene that Larry, Kyah, Leigh, and the rest of the organizers do this every year. Plus, when you factor in the fact that they LOSE money throwing the tournaments when they could be using it in their daily lives, you can easily see the sacrifices made to make this happen.

The Final Round tournaments have attracted numerous players from as far away as New York, Texas, Californa, and even Canada, and people keep coming back because of the organization and the relaxed atmosphere. I’ve met many players and friends throughout the years, so it feel kinda like a family reunion everytime I play and compete.

I truly think that the fighting game scene in the Southeast would be all but dead if it wasn’t for Final Round, and I don’t think I’m the only one that feels that way. However with the tournaments increasing in size and scope each year, it going to be near impossible to keep it going with support or sponsorship. It’s rare that people would sacrifice so much selflessly to do something positive for the community. Don’t let Final Round die.

-ShinkuuR(EMS)

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Thanks for the kind words everyone. Tell other people you know that attend FR to post in here. I have a meeting with a hopeful sponser on next friday.

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My first FR was 4 (I think…it was the one where Justin took the box to my Green Goblin and used it as a writing table…lol), and I heard about it strictly from word of mouth at the time. Glad I did - we had been looking for something a little closer than ECC, b/c that 14 hour drive 3 years in a row was a BITCH :lol:

It was a natural progression - those of you that know me personally know that I had been running tournaments in Upstate SC/Northeast GA since around '94, and what Larry was doing was totally in touch with what I was trying to accomplish. He had the resources and the manpower that I didn’t have, and he was kind enough to let me take over a large part of the organization of FR.

So I became a “full-time employee,” if you will, of Final Round starting at FR6, and I have to say that being involved with this has been a huge highlight in my life. It has had it’s ups (like placing really high in Alpha 3 several years in a row because everyone usually drops out (lol) and, of course, “Breakfast with Koop”) and it also has it’s downs (running the 3rd Strike bracket last year…BY MYSELF?@!!!). But besides all that, even though I don’t play these games as “hardcore” as I used to (Guitar Hero and M:TG FTW), I realized long ago that it isn’t the games that attracts me to the event every year - it’s the people. It’s the only time I get to see a lot of you in person (especially now that I’m “in transit” back and forth between the South and the Midwest), and that’s what it is all about to me. As long as my friends (because that’s what I consider all of you guys) are having a good time, that’s what matters most of all.

Oh, and please be sure to THANK your organizers this year :slight_smile: It’s generally a thankless job, and we don’t get paid, and there’s always about 15 or so of us involved. People have been very kind to me in the past, so this isn’t really about me, or even Larry, it’s everyone else that’s involved - Leigh, Scott, Charles, Drew, Shonda, everyone. If you’re having a good time, walk up to an staff member and tell them so. They will surely appreciate it.

Finally,

ACT LIKE YOU KNOW

…how to behave in a public setting :slight_smile: Let’s continue the great track record that Final Round has - everyone seems to get along really well and there is little incident, and not many public gatherings like this can make that claim. So let’s keep up the good work so that we can continue to do this year after year!

See you guys at FR!

~Kyah

P.S. My room is off limits this year :slight_smile:

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my first final round was 7. it was great. we had fun. we did lots of stuff. we ate food. truly the only thing i remember was nasty fish and chicken feet. ugh. haha that was 8… i don’t remember what happened at 7. apparently it was fun b/c i’m still going to them. thanks for the southern hospitality and the sweet tea.

27

The first ever major I went to was FR 8. I say major even though many would say FR wasn’t at the time but FR 8 was special. A lot of old school Cali came out, Texas was there, some mid west people and east cost. Shit, back in the days when people had one name instead all these new changed names they’ve made.

At FR 8 I was able to actually see what high level play really was. Games where played on cab and a few consoles. It, even for a brief moment, allowed me to experience an old school tournament feel. Being called up to the cab, facing the opponent and wanting to do your best while your friends tried to help you on the side or make fun of your mistakes. Driving up from

I haven’t gone to too many tournaments and I haven’t been in the scene for as long as others but FR hooked me. Since 8, I’ve been going ever year. Florida with some of the best players we have to offer from our state has been great fun. Arriving and being welcomed, even though you’ve only met once a year, has always made me think of the ATL and FR.

I’m no longer as die hard about gaming as I once thought or wanted to be but I’ll always go to FR until I physically can’t. There’s always fun time and good memories at FR. Not to mention the game play that goes on. In fact, the game play isn’t even the biggest reason to why I like to go. Hanging out and meeting people make the experience worth while.

I’d just like to thank you Larry for always remembering me even though we never really talked or even played together (which should be changed - some 3S or alpha would be nice) and for FR of course. I know you put a lot of time into it. And I hope you can get sponsored. I remember hearing some talk about FR 8 being the last FR and paying homage to Mummy - B. Don’t know if that was ever true but I was glad it wasn’t.

I can’t wait for this year’s and every year it has gotten bigger. And this one seems to be really big. I hope all goes well. It’s gonna be good to see you, Bob and everyone else that goes.

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I have never even heard of Final Round before this thread, but i will check it out.
I am currently trying to rbuild the Philly arcade fighting scene. This FR business can help me out.

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the final round tournaments changed my life :sad:

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FRX was my first FR tournament and was and still is the greatest time I have had at a tourny.

As a relatively new tournament player (mainly 3s) FRX was my first major/large tourny (first tourny with over 60 in a game: 3s had like 120+!!!). I really felt like a small fish but the players, the organizers, and the absolute smooth and laid back atmosphere had me feeling right at home.

Traveling from Illinois is a helluva drive but BOY of BOY was it worth it (Mountain roads blew my MIND!!!). I couldnt have been more happy placing 13th in 3s last year with so many people and it really boosted my confidence in my gameplay.

Thanks for running what I consider to be the greatest tournament in America. Yep. You guys RULE!!!

FRXI CANT WAIT!!!

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FR was my first major, can’t remember if it was 8 or 9 I went to first. Going to it gave me a more positive outlook on games and the community and inspired me to get out and go to more, and definitely not miss FR any held it’s held. It’s in my part of the world, there’s a Waffle House next door that is a requirement for any tournament morning, and there’s no weird stuff like “scrapple” on the menu (that NEC diner lol).

FR is the soul of the south when you think fighting games.

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can’t wait to make it to FRXI, MD/VA is in the process of figuring that out right now actually…anyway, FRX was the first I ever went to, and it was definitely the highlight tourney of last year for me. I had heard alot of good things from friends about FR9, so I went ahead paid for that plane ticket. The organization is perfect; everything ran like clockwork. Even when things seemingly didn’t run on time(that massive 3S bracket not finishing on Sat.), FR staff does a great job of letting people know whats up. I definitely learned alot as well, I’ve never felt more pressure playing before. Its a positive, well run experience; I can’t recall anyone saying they had a bad time at FRX. If any tournament deserves sponsorship its Final Round.

ps, shoutouts to Larry for the ride from the metro:tup:

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It’s no secret, Final Round has turned into the biggest/baddest major in the US outside of EVO. The community, the people attending, the setting, the gaming, everything is top notch. Final Round is the only reason why the South East is here and it’s all thanks to that and Larry. Also not only the South East, but the this event brings everyone from the entire East coast, and tons further west to make it as good as it is. Keep up the good work Larry and I’ll see you all next month!!

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I gotta drop my two Lincoln’s about the impact of Final Round.

Larry and I go waaay back to ‘92 when SF2 World Warriors first hit the Challenges Arcade here in Georgia which was without doubt the game that started it all. Back in the heyday, it was nothing to spend an ENTIRE day in the arcade for the competition. Your rep was made by whuppin’ fools in your ‘home’ arcade and then the best from other arcades would come see this ‘best Guile in Georgia’ etc. But outside of poorly run arcade tournaments for tokens, there was no ‘major tournament’ to speak of. Thankfully Larry, Charles and the EMS crew had the first vision here in the A to foster the spirit of the strong comp we have always had here which gave birth to Final Round, and now it’s been going on 11 years strong with no signs of stopping. The level of competition that comes to FR has gone way beyond what my skill level has deteriorated to with any hopes of obtaining a Pimpnificent Cup, but that will never stop me from going to compete, support and take part of what has become a Southern Tradition. Many thanks to the whole crew who will put FRXI together this year and your hard work is always appreciated. Kudos!

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TOKENS FTW SHAWTY!! Those were the good old days sir. You really took me down memory lane with that post sir.:sweat::wgrin:

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:rofl: I still remember the days you ruled the big cabinet with Blanka, E. Honda, and “Stretches” before these characters became fashionable. Everybody tried to run up on you with their Ryus and Kens… and caught nuttin’ but Da Bullyfoot! Good times…:bgrin:

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Final Round was my first national and my first real step on a hardcore approach. I still rep EMS to this day cuz thats where my roots are.

I’m really looking forward to this years final round just so i get to visit with alot of my old friends and check in on the Og’s from years past.

I’d like to make a bigger post but i think that showing up this year would be better than rambling.

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Please continue posting your thoughts on the impact of FR.

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What Final Round Means to L.O.D.:

Final Round started many many years ago for me.
I remember losing to Don Mac and his hated by many turtle style on CvS, I think he placed in the top three that year as well.

(I had this on VHS but I cannot seem to find it)

I was very upset with the loss, many people who knew nothing about me patted me on the back, offered me training outside of the tournament, exchanged numbers, even told me I did well despite my loss.

Final Round I met Justin a.k.a. Omega Battlecat, I miss this dude alot (no Homo) Why??
Because his desire to make everyone around him better was so extremely higher than the norm, whether we were at North Dekalb Mall or Underground, he was always willing to spread what ever Knowledge he had about a game, about strategy, player ability what ever.
I will never forget this man was like an hour and 45 minutes away (In terms of living) and came to one of our training spots on campbelton rd.
His exact words were “So you think you good in marval right? Im going to show you how to get better” and boy did he. 10 hours of non stop ass kicking, Doom Infinites, Cyclop come backs, and tons of Mother Fuckers and sons of bitches lol.
Boy could he curse like a sailer (Yea Pun intended)

Years gone by and through Final Round I met others like Brandon Simmons (Slayer x4) who I attended Georgia State with, Oliver (Orchi Sagat) Eric J (Dirty ass hell), Max (50 morecentz), Big Joe (Sorry ass Hell) Clint Lamar (EWDF) man I can’t even name all these cats but you get my point.

All those names and many more became my family, to show my appreciation for family I wrote a song “Test The Best” in honor of my new found friends and family, later inducted as an E.M.S. padewon learner and “BLAW” I was non-stop from there.

Over the years I have l have gone through many trials and tribulations.
The closest family to me are my friends.
When my daughter passed away I called Larry, I call him Elder not because of his age but because of his wisdom, he gets a bit bull headed himself at times but he is wise beyond his years, when I was homeless on two occasions Dirty ass Hell and Ronin Chaos had my back, and though things between Ronin and I are not resolved I still appreciate him taking in a guy who he only knew through the gaming world, it was high risk but I appreciate it none-the less.

I’am a bit long winded right now and I appologize but E.M.S. Crew, My branch of E.M.S. The Impact Players, Ace Xero etc I love you guys like brothers, cousins, plain out family.
I just got home from the hospital and having one of those near death experiences makes you look at things, people alot differently.

I’am glad to be alive and some what well, all hatred for some people aside I will be attending final round this year, and hope to re-start a new attendance streak, and hopefully a streak of winning for a change, to any new comers attending Final Round believe me it will change your life lol !!!

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My first FR was FR5. Back then, I had just met up with Trey, Justin, Oliver, Max, Larry, and a few others. For me, honestly, I have always been amazed by the Final Round Tournaments. I thought FR5 was huge. I think the only games that were played then were MvC2, CvS2, and alpha3?. But those games had huge turnouts and saw two of Purto Rico’s best players fly up to Atlanta to compete. I remember being addicted to marvel back then and watching and getting my ass kicked by these players taught me stuff about that game for years. Also back then, FR was open only to the Atlantic South Community. I remember after that, people from other communties really wanted to compete. Larry eventually opened the tournament to everyone in the fighting game community, and added games that were featured in other major tournamets around the country. I thnk it was final round 8 that saw the big heavyweights from NY (Jwong, Wigfall, Desmond), and others like Crow and Buktooth that came to compete. In my eyes then, FR had officially made it as a Major Tournament. At FRX last year, I was just completely taken back at 1. how large the tournament had grown, and 2. how organized it was. I really want to emphasize one thing. Event planning is not a cake walk!. It takes a lot of preparation and patience. To be able to plan and run an event like FR so smoothly is a very big accomplishment. I thnk the event definitely deserves sponsorhip. I left a very abridged history about the tourney, but I think my point should come across. I also want to note one thing, and anybody can correct me if I’m wrong. I believe that if it wasn’t for the FR tournaments, 3S would not be the major draw that it is around the US today. Back around FR5, No one played that game accept people in the Atlantic South. Now, it’s the biggest draw anywhere you go. I don’t really consider this a coinicedence. Hope this helps in getting sponsorship. back to work for me.