While I haven’t played Vanilla/SSFIV as much as even the casual player, I have been watching Evo tournaments for a good 4 years. I’ve always been amazed how good these players can get, but never really was into playing SF myself. Now bar, that’s because I’m a huge KOF fan and I’ve attended small tournaments for KOF before (here in Jersey and when I studied overseas), I have a bit of bias towards KOF game mechanics. Not to mention that I don’t have next gen consoles, and the only way to play was in arcades or at friends’ places. But even that is hard when you’re broke.
When the Evo season calendar came up for this year, I spotted the East Coast Throwdown tournament, which is an hour away from where I live. I didn’t think anything of it, but I’ve always wanted to know how it feels to play in such a major tournament. And for some reason, this year has really opened my eyes to the greatness of participating in competitive gaming. I can’t really explain myself other than saying I’ve got this urge to try.
So here I am, noting to myself that there’s 3 months before the tournament comes in. That’s 3 months to chill and camp at friends’ houses and cram as much knowledge as I can about SSFIV. So far, after a few days of play, I’m decent but nowhere near as good as the ones I’ve been watching for years. But honestly, I believe I can get better, and what better way to try and improve than to play a big tournament?
But is it worth it to you guys? Like, should a guy who’s green as heck and only would have 3 months experience even bother going to a big tournament like ECT? My friends have told me that the entry fees and whatnot are pretty expensive, but I’m honestly thinking that opportunities like these don’t come often, and you’re going to have to sacrifice a few things (like cash) to gain something else (a possibly great experience you’ll never forget).
So what should I do? Should I wait next year? Or is it just suicide for me to throw myself into a major tournament?
The experience is worth the cost alone. Even if you go 0-2, I think most people will agree that it’s worth going to a tournament just for the experience of it, to meet people, to have fun, and to hopefully learn some things as well.
just go, there are a lot of ‘not so good players’ at tourneys. not everyone that attends them is ‘god’ mode. they’re not going to remember you going 0-2 unless you’re some big name.
I would go for it. Think about it as an adventure, not just you paying to play other people. Also, in my opinion, you only get better at tournament play by playing in tournaments.
I’m sure you’ll have fun win or lose. Just don’t go in thinking your going to lose. Make a small goal to accomplish, like winning a casual or something. That way you will come out on top no matter what.
I would go for it. Think about it as an adventure, not just you paying to play other people. Also, in my opinion, you only get better at tournament play by playing in tournaments.
I’m sure you’ll have fun win or lose. Just don’t go in thinking your going to lose. Make a small goal to accomplish, like winning a casual or something. That way you will come out on top no matter what.
I vote do it. I’m mostly just picking it up as well and me and my buddy are actually planning on going to evo this year. I may or may not enter but I’m definitely going to play casuals.
I’d take every opportunity to attend tournaments if I were you. Win or lose they are usually a good time. Plus even if you scrub out, you’ll get more respect than those who don’t try at all.
The first tournament I ever went to was West Coast Warzone I, back in SoCal, what, three years ago now? Back then Vanilla SF4 had only been out for a few months (on console, anyway, I’d never played it on arcade until it came out). I ended up having a great time, went 3-2 (your mileage may vary), and met a bunch of friends who I still hang out with now.
The amount of hype involved in large-scale tournaments, especially when you get to Grand Finals, is insane. There’s not much like it.