We haven't been too keen on keeping the calendars updated as of late, but they've recently been touched up to include our upcoming League Challenge and Prerelease! Details are on both the calendar to the right and Facebook events for both.
Keep up with our league either on this page or on our Facebook page!
Monday, April 4, 2016
Monday, February 1, 2016
CU Spring Open Tournament Season
*REGISTRATION TIMES HAVE CHANGED, GET HERE AT ONE*
February 7th - Tournament One - Expanded Format - Superbowl Sunday, anyone who dresses up in attire with the theme of one of the competing teams will get pack of my choice!
February 14th - Tournament Two - Expanded Format
February 20th - Go enjoy St. Louis Regionals!
February 27th - Tournament Three - Standard Format
March 6th - League Challenge Premier Event. More information can be found on the Pokemon website here.
March 13th - The Finals (Invite-only) - Standard Format
Unless otherwise noticed, these events will be held at Titan Games. If we run into space issues, we will let you know in the facebook event and hopefully on this post, and the tournament will be moved to the Illini Union basement. There will always be league play during these tournaments in case you just want to hang out and play some fun matches.
League play starts at one o' clock. Registration for these tournaments will be from 1:00 - 1:30 PM, and the tournaments will start at two. There will be an optional entry fee of five dollars for the tournaments that take place at Titan Games.
More details will be announced for The Finals as it gets closer, but you can earn one of six spots by competing in various tournaments from the tournament series.
I hope to see everyone there! Check out the CU Pokemon Facebook group for more details and updates.
February 7th - Tournament One - Expanded Format - Superbowl Sunday, anyone who dresses up in attire with the theme of one of the competing teams will get pack of my choice!
February 14th - Tournament Two - Expanded Format
February 20th - Go enjoy St. Louis Regionals!
February 27th - Tournament Three - Standard Format
March 6th - League Challenge Premier Event. More information can be found on the Pokemon website here.
March 13th - The Finals (Invite-only) - Standard Format
Unless otherwise noticed, these events will be held at Titan Games. If we run into space issues, we will let you know in the facebook event and hopefully on this post, and the tournament will be moved to the Illini Union basement. There will always be league play during these tournaments in case you just want to hang out and play some fun matches.
League play starts at one o' clock. Registration for these tournaments will be from 1:00 - 1:30 PM, and the tournaments will start at two. There will be an optional entry fee of five dollars for the tournaments that take place at Titan Games.
More details will be announced for The Finals as it gets closer, but you can earn one of six spots by competing in various tournaments from the tournament series.
I hope to see everyone there! Check out the CU Pokemon Facebook group for more details and updates.
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Announcing the next CU Open Tournament Season
November 1st - Tournament One - Expanded Format
November 8th - Tournament Two - Expanded Format
November 15th - Tournament Three - Standard Format
November 22nd - Tournament Four - Standard Format
November 29th- No tournament, Thanksgiving Weekend
December 13th - The Finals -
As of now, no conflicting events exist on the calendar of Titan Games. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, these tournaments will take place at Titan Games. We may run into space issues in which case we will meet in the basement of the Illini Union. Check the Facebook group often for updates. There will always be league play during these tournaments in case you just want to hang out and play some fun matches.
League play starts at one o clock. Registration for these tournaments will be from 2-2:30 PM, and the tournaments will start at three. There will be an optional entry fee of five dollars for the tournaments that take place at Titan Games, and more details will be announced for the finals as that gets closer.
Andrew Weiss and I will hopefully be able to commentate some live matches throughout the series.
Hope to see everyone there! Check the CU Pokemon Facebook group for more details and updates.
Thursday, September 3, 2015
"The Buford Manuever"- an Interview with Aaron Buford
Today I'm interviewing Aaron Buford. I met Aaron this year at Ft. Wayne Regionals, and he is part of the Pokemon community in Manito. Let's get to the interview!
---
Could you introduce yourself?
Aaron Buford, I am 20 years old. I'm from Manito, Illinois.
How long have you lived in Manito?
I've lived in Manito for about five years, but I lived the rest of my life in Pekin, Illinois. I lived in Manito for about three or four years, I was fifteen the first time around. I moved out when I was eighteen. We had to move into my grandparents' house because both my grandparents passed away and we had to watch over their house. We lived there for about six months and then we moved back to Manito and I like the house we have now!
Which do you prefer, Manito or Pekin?
Manito, by far
And why is that?
Pekin's sort of a big town. It's not huge, but I prefer smaller crowds for sure.
What's your relationship with Pokemon?
I started by playing Pokemon Yellow, that was the first game I ever played. I started when I was five years old, and I didn't understand it very much. I played it just to play it, but I started really getting into Pokemon when I was twelve years old. I got Pokemon Emerald for my birthday, and that's when it took off for me. But I didn't start playing the card game until I was about fifteen or sixteen years old, and I got really competitive in that. Allen and Cole and Evan: they're the ones who got me into it.
So what do you think of the Pokemon community in Manito? How big is it?
It's not very big. It's like three or four people.
So you just see those people all the time?
Yeah, me and Allen hang out more than anybody else, and I hang out with Cole and Evan sometimes too. I like the community, it's just a small group of friends who like to play Pokemon.
How much do you travel for Pokemon?
The longest I've ever traveled was six hours for Indiana Regionals, that was my first big tournament, I didn't do very well.
What deck did you play?
I'm not sure if it's very well-known but it's Plasma Eeveelutions with Deoxys. It didn't work out too well. I thought it was a fun deck, it didn't play out well, but I still had fun.
Do you intend to travel to more tournaments this year? What's your end goal for Pokemon? Are you just hanging out and having fun?
Well, I took a break from Pokemon a few months ago. I started collecting Amiibos. That was my thing for a while, but I'm almost done collecting them all, which means I'm going to come back to Pokemon eventually. Hopefully in a month or two because like I do miss playing Pokemon a lot.
How often do you intend to come down to our tournaments in Champaign/Urbana?
It depends on when Allen wants to go and it depends when I work, which might not be very often but I hope more often than usual.
What is your favorite Pokemon?
Shiny Raikou is my favorite but if it had to be a regular Pokemon it'd be Darkrai. Darkrai's by far my favorite Pokemon, I just like the way he looks. It's like a floating black clot, it's got powers and everything, it's just cool.
What is your favorite Pokemon card ever printed?
That's a tough one. It would have to be the very first card I ever pulled: Delta Species Charizard. It's the Electric/Metal one. I actually have that card hanging on my wall right now. That's the first ever Pokemon I ever got, and that was the first card I ever pulled, so definitely it'd have to be that.
What is your favorite deck you've ever played?
Eels, by far, I played Eels with Bouffalant. The first time I ever played that deck I got third place at a Battle Roads, so I was really ecstatic. That was my deck, I knew how to play it really well, so it was fun.
Which do you prefer: the video game or the trading card game?
It depends. When the video games come out, I prefer the video game at that time. I take a short break from the trading card game for a little bit. When the new sets of the trading card game come out, that's when I start getting back into the card game. I switch in between (the games), but I love both of them to death.
What do you think is the biggest difference between the video game and the trading card game?
I think the video game you have to have a lot more patience for, because you can't just buy special-trained Pokemon. You actually have to take time and do it, or maybe you can trade Pokemon towards someone to do it for you, I don't know, but definitely a lot more patience for the video game. I play the video game somewhat competitively, but the card game you can just go out and buy all the cards you want for a deck and test it out.
How much do you play online, do you play PTCGO?
I have not played PTCGO in probably about a year and a half. But I have like a ton of codes I haven't used. I don't really play much online anymore. I had a lot of bugs on my computer with it, that's the frustrating part, I just like basically just dropped it. I just play Pokemon with Allen or Cole, or anybody in Manito, and I don't play online much because I can't keep a computer system in good shape.
What do you do outside Pokemon?
I usually work, that's about it. I go frisbee golfing with Allen, that's one hobby I do. I usually go out and hang out with my other friends in Manito, play basketball, pretty much do whatever. Just hanging out with friends, that's what I like to do.
What would you do if Pokemon suddenly stopped exisiting?
I don't know. I don't know what I would do without Pokemon. Pokemon is the reason why I am who I am today. Pokemon is what brought me out, because I was always a very, very shy person growing up. When I got invited to that league in Manito, a long time ago, I kind of came out of my shell. I don't know what I would do without Pokemon. I play Smash Bros., that's mainly what I do at home, but that's just like taking the Pokemon out of Smash Bros. I couldn't imagine a world without Pokemon, I couldn't.
Any shoutouts?
Allen, Cole, Evan, Patterson, Keegan, everyone at this whole league. It's just fun coming down here, I just like doing that. So shoutout to everybody who I ever played with. I've made new friends, it's fun, it's a great experience.
---
---
Could you introduce yourself?
Aaron Buford, I am 20 years old. I'm from Manito, Illinois.
How long have you lived in Manito?
I've lived in Manito for about five years, but I lived the rest of my life in Pekin, Illinois. I lived in Manito for about three or four years, I was fifteen the first time around. I moved out when I was eighteen. We had to move into my grandparents' house because both my grandparents passed away and we had to watch over their house. We lived there for about six months and then we moved back to Manito and I like the house we have now!
Which do you prefer, Manito or Pekin?
Manito, by far
And why is that?
Pekin's sort of a big town. It's not huge, but I prefer smaller crowds for sure.
What's your relationship with Pokemon?
I started by playing Pokemon Yellow, that was the first game I ever played. I started when I was five years old, and I didn't understand it very much. I played it just to play it, but I started really getting into Pokemon when I was twelve years old. I got Pokemon Emerald for my birthday, and that's when it took off for me. But I didn't start playing the card game until I was about fifteen or sixteen years old, and I got really competitive in that. Allen and Cole and Evan: they're the ones who got me into it.
So what do you think of the Pokemon community in Manito? How big is it?
It's not very big. It's like three or four people.
So you just see those people all the time?
Yeah, me and Allen hang out more than anybody else, and I hang out with Cole and Evan sometimes too. I like the community, it's just a small group of friends who like to play Pokemon.
How much do you travel for Pokemon?
The longest I've ever traveled was six hours for Indiana Regionals, that was my first big tournament, I didn't do very well.
What deck did you play?
I'm not sure if it's very well-known but it's Plasma Eeveelutions with Deoxys. It didn't work out too well. I thought it was a fun deck, it didn't play out well, but I still had fun.
Do you intend to travel to more tournaments this year? What's your end goal for Pokemon? Are you just hanging out and having fun?
Well, I took a break from Pokemon a few months ago. I started collecting Amiibos. That was my thing for a while, but I'm almost done collecting them all, which means I'm going to come back to Pokemon eventually. Hopefully in a month or two because like I do miss playing Pokemon a lot.
How often do you intend to come down to our tournaments in Champaign/Urbana?
It depends on when Allen wants to go and it depends when I work, which might not be very often but I hope more often than usual.
What is your favorite Pokemon?
Shiny Raikou is my favorite but if it had to be a regular Pokemon it'd be Darkrai. Darkrai's by far my favorite Pokemon, I just like the way he looks. It's like a floating black clot, it's got powers and everything, it's just cool.
What is your favorite Pokemon card ever printed?
That's a tough one. It would have to be the very first card I ever pulled: Delta Species Charizard. It's the Electric/Metal one. I actually have that card hanging on my wall right now. That's the first ever Pokemon I ever got, and that was the first card I ever pulled, so definitely it'd have to be that.
What is your favorite deck you've ever played?
Eels, by far, I played Eels with Bouffalant. The first time I ever played that deck I got third place at a Battle Roads, so I was really ecstatic. That was my deck, I knew how to play it really well, so it was fun.
Which do you prefer: the video game or the trading card game?
It depends. When the video games come out, I prefer the video game at that time. I take a short break from the trading card game for a little bit. When the new sets of the trading card game come out, that's when I start getting back into the card game. I switch in between (the games), but I love both of them to death.
What do you think is the biggest difference between the video game and the trading card game?
I think the video game you have to have a lot more patience for, because you can't just buy special-trained Pokemon. You actually have to take time and do it, or maybe you can trade Pokemon towards someone to do it for you, I don't know, but definitely a lot more patience for the video game. I play the video game somewhat competitively, but the card game you can just go out and buy all the cards you want for a deck and test it out.
How much do you play online, do you play PTCGO?
I have not played PTCGO in probably about a year and a half. But I have like a ton of codes I haven't used. I don't really play much online anymore. I had a lot of bugs on my computer with it, that's the frustrating part, I just like basically just dropped it. I just play Pokemon with Allen or Cole, or anybody in Manito, and I don't play online much because I can't keep a computer system in good shape.
What do you do outside Pokemon?
I usually work, that's about it. I go frisbee golfing with Allen, that's one hobby I do. I usually go out and hang out with my other friends in Manito, play basketball, pretty much do whatever. Just hanging out with friends, that's what I like to do.
What would you do if Pokemon suddenly stopped exisiting?
I don't know. I don't know what I would do without Pokemon. Pokemon is the reason why I am who I am today. Pokemon is what brought me out, because I was always a very, very shy person growing up. When I got invited to that league in Manito, a long time ago, I kind of came out of my shell. I don't know what I would do without Pokemon. I play Smash Bros., that's mainly what I do at home, but that's just like taking the Pokemon out of Smash Bros. I couldn't imagine a world without Pokemon, I couldn't.
Any shoutouts?
Allen, Cole, Evan, Patterson, Keegan, everyone at this whole league. It's just fun coming down here, I just like doing that. So shoutout to everybody who I ever played with. I've made new friends, it's fun, it's a great experience.
---
Thanks for the interview Aaron!
"League Owner"- An Interview with Sam Peters
Sam Peters has been in charge of the Champaign Pokemon League for over a year now, and he keeps things running whether it is a weekly tournament or just friendly league play.
Here is the interview!
---
Your brother plays Pokemon too, the VGC. What effect does that have on you?
What is your favorite card of all time?
Here is the interview!
---
 |
| Sam and his brother |
Could you introduce yourself?
My name is Sam Peters. I'm 23, and I'm actually a native of Champaign/Urbana.
Can you tell us about your history with the game? How long have you been playing?
I started playing this game when my older sister got me into it when the cards first came to the states. I quit for a while, then I picked it back up again in the Diamond & Pearl era.
Which do you prefer: the Pokemon video games or the trading card game? Why?
I prefer to play VGC on a competitive basis but other then that I don't really dislike either one. The TCG is a lot more strategy-based and requires practice and effort whereas VGC is more casual to play and I think it is more fun.
How much have you traveled for Pokemon? When you travel, do you play VCG or TCG?
I have done a lot of traveling over the last four years for events, never too far, and mostly to judge. When I do play I tend to play VGC if that's an option, but if not I will play TCG. I have traveled to Ft. Wayne two times, Madison three times, St Louis once (all for judging), Chicago twice (once for judging and once to play), as well as playing at the last two National Championships in Indianapolis. I have not really ever tried to get my Worlds Invite. I mostly just judge and help my brother do better.
Yes, my brother also plays the VGC. That fact makes me see the VGC side of the whole Pokemon thing better than most. It also drives me to help kids get better at the game.
What prompted you to take responsibility of the C-U league? What motivates you to keep doing it?
I took the initiative to run things here in town when our former organizer kinda left us. I really enjoy running events and helping kids have fun and enjoy something I also enjoy. My motivation to keep things going is all of the players that count on me for events every week and their weekly dose of Pokemon fun!
What was your favorite generation from the games?
My favorite generation would have to be third generation. Emerald version was the first one of the games I really got into. I put over 300 hours into that little cartridge and I don't regret it at all.
Are there any big matches or games from your career that stick out to you?
My biggest match was the match I had second round at this past nationals, where I played the number two player in the country: Aaron Zheng. And I only lost a little bit!
What is your favorite Pokemon?
Right now my favorite would have to be Mega Salamence since i played it at Nationals, but it's a toss-up between most of the dragons in third and fifth gen.
What is your favorite card of all time?
My favorite card ever would have to be Poliwrath from Base Set since it was my first holo rare card I ever got.
What types of decks do you like to create?
I usually build fun decks, but I also enjoy decks that do a lot of damage. That's why my current deck is Darkrai/Yveltal in Extended.
What types of decks do you like to create?
I usually build fun decks, but I also enjoy decks that do a lot of damage. That's why my current deck is Darkrai/Yveltal in Extended.
What is your favorite move combination that you’ve created?
My favorite move combination would have to be double Hyper Voice with each one being turned into a different type move by the Pokemon's ability.
Do you play on PTCGO or Showdown? How much?
I play PTCGO often and I play Showdown sometimes but mostly PTCGO. And I play almost every day now, I use it to test decks for tournaments.
What do you like to do outside of Pokemon? What are your hobbies?
Outside of Pokemon I play a lot of video games, and occasionally build things.
What kinds of things do you build?
I build wooden things and sometimes metal things, but I don't really have the tools for metalworking right now.
What kinds of things do you build?
I build wooden things and sometimes metal things, but I don't really have the tools for metalworking right now.
What would you do if Pokemon suddenly stopped existing?
If Pokemon were to end, I would probably just keep playing video games and maybe start playing a new card game. Who knows...
---
Thanks for the interview, Sam! Be sure to give Sam a wave next time you see him.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Tentative Open Tournament Schedule
Hey guys! Here is the tournament schedule:
Finals of Sootopolis Open: TBD upon approval of those in the finals.
Event Calendar:
Tuesday August 11th- Dry Run of Mossdeep Open (Expanded)
Sunday August 16th- Mossdeep Open #2 (Expanded)
Sunday August 23rd- Mossdeep Open #3 (no stream) (Expanded) Cancelled because of many conflicts
Sunday August 30th- Mossdeep Open #3 (Expanded)
Sunday September 6th- Finals of Mossdeep Open (XY-on) (not sanctioned) (tournament is invite-only, but everyone is welcome to come and play regular league play as always!)
Sunday September 13th- Regular, relaxing league play
Sunday, September 20th- Sootopolis Open #1 (XY-on)
Sunday, September 27th- Sootopolis Open #2 (XY-on)
Sunday, October 4th- Sootopolis Open #3 (Expanded)
Sunday, October 11th- No tournament, Lancaster Regionals (tentative)
Sunday, October 18th- No tournament, Ft. Wayne Regionals
Finals of Sootopolis Open: TBD upon approval of those in the finals.
Saturday, August 15, 2015
"Better Call Paul"- An Interview with Paul Nicholas
On to the interview!
--
Where are you from?
I'm from Thomasboro originally, but my family and I moved here to Champaign after 1st grade.
How old are you?
I just recently turned 22.
Can you tell us about your history with the game? When did you first start? When did you first get competitive?
In 2012, one of my high school friends (Colton Bagby) messaged me and asked if I still had my Pokemon cards, which of course I did! He then went on to explain how he wanted to get into playing pokemon competitively, and that's where he caught my interest. The thought of getting involved with something I love , and being able to compete with it was mind blowing! Not only that but, he mentioned there was a small tournament (a Battle Roads) in Rantoul that weekend! Granted when we showed up we had no experience, out of format cards, and what bugged Sam Peters the most.... no sleeves. But I'll never forget that day meeting the Krew®, and everyone else that helped Colton and I with getting started.
As far as actually buckling down and being competitive goes, The beginning of the 2015 Circuit is my first season to go for the gold.
Do you intend to try for a Worlds invite?
As of the beginning of this season, absolutely.
How many tournaments did you travel to this season?
For this past season I went to 3 Regionals: Ft. Wayne, St. Louis, and Philly. I went to a few Premiere Challenges as well. Oh which reminds me, I played VGC for this past season, just to clarify. And the season before that, I played TCG. By the end of all the grinding to finish out the VCG season with a mere 34 championship points, I decided to play in TCG for the 2014 season Nationals, and I don't regret it one bit. It took me a couple seasons to figure out where my best interests lay, and TCG takes the cake!
How far do you travel for tournaments?
For the 2014 season, the main people I play with all decided that we were going to make a nice trip to Philadelphia Regionals! Minus the long and constant drive, it was well worth the awesome experience and memories.
Are there any big matches from your career that stick out to you?
Well there was that one time I beat Damien....
What are the main differences between the VGC and TCG?
Being a person who is familiar with both sides of the spectrum, the absolute biggest difference is the amount of time the rounds last. With VGC everything happens at once and both opponents pokemon attack within the turn, then when the dust settles you go about your next turn. Its more "You go, then I go" kind of thing with tcg. I've also noticed there is more preparation with VGC, considering you have a create your pokemon to play with. That doesn't go without saying TCG also takes a lot of preparation, just not as much in my opinion.
What decks do you think you’ll play this year in Standard and Expanded?
For standard it'll either be Mega Manectric or Straight Metal. And Expanded has so much to play with I'm
so unsure of what to use. I'm fine with Metal but I don't think Mega Manectric has the power to keep up.
What is your favorite card of all time?
Geez, there are so many to choose from! I'd have to stick with the secret rare Sigilyph from the Plasma
Freeze Set. Considering Sigilyph is my favorite Pokemon!!
What is your favorite deck of all time?
Keep in mind I've only played since 2012 right after the big basics came into play, I'd have to go with RayEels! So much acceleration and so much damage.
Who do you test with the most? How much do you play online?
I test with Damien a lot, he's a tough competitor and always has great ideas. Especially recently with me buckling down and getting serious.
Playing online is to slow, I like a faster play style personally.
What do you do outside of Pokemon?
I work a lot.
What would you do if Pokemon suddenly stopped existing?
...*chuckles*
Any shoutouts?
SHOUT OUT TO YA BOIZ COLE, DAMIEN, NICK, COLTON, BRANDON, NICK, DANIEL, BEN, AND SOGGY!!
Battle Roads- Before League Challenges, entry level tournaments were called Battle Roads. Instead of being year-round, they happened in the spring and the fall.
Standard vs. Expanded- The Standard format changes every year, and for the upcoming season will include every set released from the XY block, including the Kalos Starter Set. Feel free to ask a league member if a card is Standard-legal! The Expanded format consists of every set released since the base set of Black & White, but you don't need to worry about that unless you are traveling to a Regional tournament.
Freeze Set. Considering Sigilyph is my favorite Pokemon!!
What is your favorite deck of all time?
Keep in mind I've only played since 2012 right after the big basics came into play, I'd have to go with RayEels! So much acceleration and so much damage.
Who do you test with the most? How much do you play online?
I test with Damien a lot, he's a tough competitor and always has great ideas. Especially recently with me buckling down and getting serious.
Playing online is to slow, I like a faster play style personally.
What do you do outside of Pokemon?
I work a lot.
What would you do if Pokemon suddenly stopped existing?
...*chuckles*
Any shoutouts?
SHOUT OUT TO YA BOIZ COLE, DAMIEN, NICK, COLTON, BRANDON, NICK, DANIEL, BEN, AND SOGGY!!
 |
| "SEE YA NERDS" |
- --
- Thanks for the interview, Paul!
- ---
Battle Roads- Before League Challenges, entry level tournaments were called Battle Roads. Instead of being year-round, they happened in the spring and the fall.
Standard vs. Expanded- The Standard format changes every year, and for the upcoming season will include every set released from the XY block, including the Kalos Starter Set. Feel free to ask a league member if a card is Standard-legal! The Expanded format consists of every set released since the base set of Black & White, but you don't need to worry about that unless you are traveling to a Regional tournament.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)