TMB - Hawaii 2003?

[Pokidad]

Last year I remember Jonathan, a couple of other American World 2002 Champs, several Japanese players, Belgium players, and I were being entertained at Tropical Mega Battle in Hawaii in August 2002. It was such a wonderful gift and opportunity given by TPC. Did TPC hold one this year? Is Nintendo planning to continue this wonderful "student exchange" program?

[Gh0st11]

I don't think anybody really knows except for possibly the Nintendo crew. They probably hardly even know what a TMB is.

[Tego]

Gh0st11: you shouldn't talk about the Nintendo crew like they were newbies who don't know a thing about the TCG. Actually, their OP team are a bunch of people who very well know what they're doing.

I'm quite sure they know perfectly well what a TMB is. The real question is whether their Japan division wants to hold a TMB this year or not.

[diamondz]

Last year I remember Jonathan, a couple of other American World 2002 Champs, several Japanese players, Belgium players, and I were being entertained at Tropical Mega Battle in Hawaii in August 2002. It was such a wonderful gift and opportunity given by TPC. Did TPC hold one this year? Is Nintendo planning to continue this wonderful "student exchange" program?

Nope, unfortunately this year there was no "Tropical Mega Battle" ... but I've already begun lobbying for one in the future (not that my being here in Hawaii had anything to do with the effort! :lol: ).

I'd think another TMB would be possible, especially since Nintendo/PUI has a total lock on both sides of the game now (TCG and GBA). And Hawaii =is= about as close to being half-way between the U.S. mainland and Japan as you can get without floating!

The TMB always was such good P.R., too ... you can always hope! :thumb:

[GoldenZnok170]

There were Belgian players on the TMB???
Dang, I wish I knew about that, back then.

(yeah I'm from belgium too)

[Tego]

Of course there were Belgians. Some of the world's best players are from Belgium. ;) Laetitia Delhausse, the Schosse family and Jefre Robert.

[DARKGeNGaR094]

Still strange that no one from Holland went, we're much better :D

[Gh0st11]

Tego--Don't flame an opinion.

[PokePop]

Tego--Don't flame an opinion.

I see nothing "flaming" about Tego's post at all.

[DARKGeNGaR094]

Gh0st means this:
Gh0st11: you shouldn't talk about the Nintendo crew like they were newbies who don't know a thing about the TCG. Actually, their OP team are a bunch of people who very well know what they're doing.
But that's still not 'flaming', if anything gh0st is flaming nintendo

[SteveP]

Ah, the memories... Shucks, no more TMBs. Too bad. They definately were wonderful events.

[ukpokemonpro]

Gh0st11: you shouldn't talk about the Nintendo crew like they were newbies who don't know a thing about the TCG. Actually, their OP team are a bunch of people who very well know what they're doing.

Sorry Tego I gotta say that I am with Gh0st11 here I see nothing this side of the atlantic that leads me to believe that..

their OP team are a bunch of people who very well know what they're doing.

Far from it indeed the lack of communication and unwillingness to work with the existing Op structure in the UK point to anything but blind ignorance and an unwillingness to consider any other alternatives to the track they have already decided to plunge us down. One that leaves the UK with no official support for Leagues and Op for 4 months... hardly the action of people who know what they are doing.

Add to this the now familiar unanswered communications and it's feeling like WotC time again!

[Marcello-Milord]

soory ukpokemonpro but I don't think it's the right place to discuss about this kind of problems.... Besides he fact that it's not only UK in trouble, but the whole Europe...

I love the TMB idea, and I hope that now that the game is all in charge of the same companies, they can hold a larger event open to more players, and with more fun than ever...
Looking forward for the 2004 TMB ^^

[Tego]

[Far from it indeed the lack of communication and unwillingness to work with the existing Op structure in the UK point to anything but blind ignorance and an unwillingness to consider any other alternatives to the track they have already decided to plunge us down. One that leaves the UK with no official support for Leagues and Op for 4 months... hardly the action of people who know what they are doing.

The reason why there aren't any people who know what they're doing in Europe is because OP hasn't started yet. And yes, it is a shame that it hasn't started yet in Europe. It's a shame that our OP starts many months after the USA got theirs. But when it starts, things will get better! Ukpokemonpro, just trust me on this: this fall, Europe WILL get OP! Let's just say I have inside sources who lead me to believe that Europe won't be in this situation forever.

[Gh0st11]

Bleh, Tego, what exactly are your inside sources? I see nothing of Nick15 in you.

[Tego]

Let's just say I know someone who works at Nintendo. I know him very well.

[Sensei]

Um guys,lets get this back on topic.Keep all opinions of what each other said to e-mail/pm`s.If I see anyone post anything other than about the TMB,I`ll be handing out some bans.

`Sensei

[Gh0st11]

Bleh, fine. I _do_ hope that there is a TMB. There just cool :) .

I've got a question--What do you have to win to get to a TMB? And, how many people participate usually?

[SD PokeMom]

The TMBs have been by invitation only; basically the highest ranked players in a certain age bracket (12 and under) got invites. There were 3 Americans, 3 Europeans and 6 Japanese players invited.

Dave Brooks, whose son Jonathan represented the USA last year wrote up a long report on the TMB, here: http://archivedboards.wizards.com/tcg-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=78;t=002715 .

'mom

[Tego]

If TPC get a substitute for the DCI going next year, they could invite player based on rankings again. Or they could always invite World Champions again... IF there will be any again, of course.

[Gh0st11]

I think they should base it on DCI rankings. It should definitely be World champion(s)(there's only one world, right?;))

--(Pokepop, sensei, whoever-my PM sending thing doesn't work. It always goes to Illegal Operation. If you could put my "private message" back up, that would be grapy. Thanks.

[Turbo Blastoise]

I think they should base it on DCI rankings. It should definitely be World champion(s)(there's only one world, right?;))

--(Pokepop, sensei, whoever-my PM sending thing doesn't work. It always goes to Illegal Operation. If you could put my "private message" back up, that would be grapy. Thanks.

They can't base it on DCI simply because of the fact that as of the end of this month, DCI for Pokemon doesn't exist anymore. So as a result, they'll have to go with whatever ranking system Nintendo comes up with.

[Tego]

There were two World Champions last year, in two different age groups. That's why I said World Champions. ;)

[Pokidad]

Prior invites to the TMB were based on WotC DCI ratings for players, I believe. It didn't matter if you won an STS tournament in 2000 or 2001. WotC had to use some criteria to send players to TMB. I was also under the impression that WotC was required to send US and European players to TMB for all three years. Again, I'm not sure how reliable this information is.

I'm sure if Nintendo/TPC host this special event for highly ranked players or winners of certain events (like Worlds 2002) in the future, they will implement some type of criteria system for selecting players 12 and under. If you read my post that PokeMom cited in her response, this is a wonderful prize given by TPC and WotC for these selected players.

[Sensei]

--(Pokepop, sensei, whoever-my PM sending thing doesn't work. It always goes to Illegal Operation. If you could put my "private message" back up, that would be grapy. Thanks

Hmm,should be working.I`ll check into it.

Now back to your regularly scheduled program.;)

`Sensei

[Michel]

TMB in Hawaii ... what a great souvenir Dave :p

A little bit more than 1 year after the event, we're still talking about night drafts, pools, Japanese food, bad decks played at the airport, ... :lol:

and like I said on my website : 2 Brooks + 2 Schosse + 2 Alfaro + 2 Delhausse = Team play ;)

Belgian players at the TMB ?

Kids : Jerome Schosse (winner), Laetitia Delhausse (third), Nick Alfaro (12th).

Adults (tournament run by TPC for the adults) : Michel Delhausse (third) - Jean Marc Schosse (4th) - Yolande Gilissen (5th) ... but Dave was maybe 4th ?

[Pokidad]

Hey Michel,

I thought we settle this one, you were third (I conceed), :p I was fourth, then Jean-Marc, Yolande....can't remember who took first. Only time I came in front of Jean-Marc in a tournament. :lol: Great memories. Jonathan still talks about the breakfast and the fun we had in Hawaii.

One thing for sure, there was a lot of great card playing talent at this event from all sides. Wish everyone from around the World could play together some day.

Steve. Too bad TPC didn't hold an event for the Japanese players this year and their families. Perhaps next year. :D

[Gh0st11]

Okay, DCI ranking, ranking system by Nintendo. Ya know what I mean.

This year(or next, whatever), I hope they hold atleast 1 tournament for every state. Then, for every 500,000 people or so, they can have another one for that state. That way, Wyoming would get 1, Arizona would get 3, New York would get 2841579(;)), etc, etc. They should base that on population, and then the top 1(2?) winner(s) from every tournament would go to some sort of an STS or Worlds, or something. If Nintendo could afford that sort of thing.

BTW, I got the 500,000 people thing from the vote system that we have here in the U.S.

(Sensei, I think the problem has to do with meh browser. I'm starting to use Internet Explorer instead of NetScape now. Thanks anyways).

[Michel]

The winner was a player from Japan who won against me in the semi final (Slowking deck).

Great memories indeed, ... but unfortunately Pokemon is nothing more for us. It will be different when we'll know what will happen in Europe, but when ?

Anyway, nobody will take us what we've had, and souvenirs like New York, San Diego, Seattle or Hawaii are in our hearts for a very long time.
Thanks again to Wizards for that, and all the other great moments we've had thanks to them !

[Gh0st11]

There is absolutely NOTHING in Belgium?

[GoldenZnok170]

There's nothing in the eastern part of belgium, where I live. There have never been any pokemon TCG tournaments here and I doubt the new nintendo system will change that.
There are battlezone and stuff in the 'big' cities in belgium (brussels, antwerp and a few others) but that's at least an hour drive from where I live. The EX tournaments will probably be there too in a few months.

[Gh0st11]

Jeez, that's too bad. But you guys still have the tournaments, atleast. An hour's drive might still be worth it if there is a large-scale tournament there.

[GoldenZnok170]

An hour's drive might still be worth it if there is a large-scale tournament there.
I agree with you...but my parents don't. So I'm kinda stuck here. But at least I have some friends who play the game too.

[Michel]

Belgium ... let's be clear ...

Wizards situation :
a lot of leagues like in Antwerp, Gent, Aalst, Brussels, Charleroi, Vise, Aarschot, Ekeren, Dendermonde, ...

and a lot of tournaments too as each league was running tournaments.

Everything was of course not perfect, but the Gymleaders and TO's have done a wonderful job.

Situation now ... Wizards is almost gone and we haven't got any information from Nintendo. Yup, Belgium is a Pokemon desert, but I hope it will change again when Nintendo will start OP in Europe.

GoldenZnok, I don't know where you're from, and I'd really appreciate to receive an email from you (French, Dutch or English). I'm always interested in the opinion and ideas of players from our country.

BTW, we have some players who're not that bad ... the Schosse family (Jean Marc winner of the STS in San Diego 15+, Jerome with a second place at the STS in NY 10- and 2 other participations at the STS + 1st place at the TMB 2002 and Gilles with 3 participations at the STS), the Delhausse family (Laetitia winner of qualifiers in Holland, England, Spain, top 3 in Holland, Italy and Spain, 2 participations at the STS and 1 Worlds, 3d at the TMB 2002).
We also have excellent players who have been to the STS or Worlds (Robert, Alfaro, ...) and other who haven't got the opportunity to play in big events.

In addition to that, we have some good TO's and judges.

I wouldn't say that 'there is nothing in Belgium' ... I would say that we're all waiting for Nintendo ;)

My friend Bart, TO from Antwerp, has run a tournament at the seaside in August. Approx 20 new players were present, and many other kids (and parents) have asked for information about the game, leagues and tournaments.
There is a future for Pokemon in Belgium ... if Nintendo doesn't wait too long to start OP and if the people who will be responsible of OP in our country do it in a professional way like Wizards Europe did.

It's not always easy to push a game forward, but it's really easy to kill it if your OP is not excellent.


Sorry Dave, I'm far from Hawaii and the TMB with this post ... but the first step to the TMB has been in our local shop ;)

[Gh0st11]

Okay, now my turn to complain ;).
I live in Wyoming, and to tell you the truth, there is nothing for HOURS around. There is hardly anything in the whole state. There might be a small person tournament every once in a while(like 4 people) in Casper, but other than that, there's nothing. (BTW, only one parent agrees with my hobby of Pokemon. They'll be the one to drive me to Cheyenne or whatnot for a tournament). So, Belgium players, it's not that bad for you, atleast you have SOMETHING...

[Tego]

One hour drive? That's nothing, it's perfectly normal! Most players have to drive (or travel by other ways) a half or a full hour to reach the nearest tournament. It doesn't have to be a Premier Event. I travel one hour and 10 minutes every week to get to tournaments in Oslo, and I think many others do.

[NoPoke]

Why do some of our USA cousins not get it???

At the moment it requires an INTERNATIONAL plane fare to take part in Nintendo's OP!

UK population is 57million: No GBA tournaments, No Sandstorm pre-release.

Europe population >USA! : Same answer! NOTHING NADA NIL

It is ALWAYS possible to find someone worse off than yourself. Or even a whole COUNTRY. eg no pokemon in France..

Don't take the topic off subject and don't lecture people about how you have it worse, or that they are lucky. My sympathies extend to all who find they are unable to engage in a hobby that they enjoy. I sincerely hope that things improve for you Ghost11.

but meanwhile.... back to dreaming of TMB, Hawaii, surf, sea , sand ........

[Prof|l0ne]

I hear that Nintendo OP will start in mid-September/October in the whole Europe along with the launch of localized versions of EX.

Now, it's not like I have insider sources or something like that, but the few people I know are quite well-connected and if they tell me something, it usually turns up it's true.

The news I'm waiting to hear about are Nintendo finally having a sure agreement with European distributors/translators, and shipping of the localized EX boxes. When you hear about these, know that the OP's coming...

[Michel]

Ghost11, you live in Wyoming and you complain ??? :confused:

OK, maybe not that easy if you play Pokemon, but you'll agree with me that you live in a wonderful state. :thumb:


If I'm right, there are about 50000 people in your town. Wouldn't it be possible to have a league there ?
I do agree that 200 miles to Cheyenne is quite far, maybe another reason to try to have a league close to your home ;)

Don't worry, like NoPoke said, if we want to play official Pokemon tournaments, we have to cross the Atlantic ocean now ... hope we'll find something closer very soon :lol:

A very long travel to Hawaii for a couple of days and a TMB is OK, but a trip from Europe to the USA for a local tournament is really too long for me :p

Dave, please stop Pokemon and Magic and do like Jean Marc and myself ... play YuGiOh.
We plan a trip to Hawaii next summer to play YGO with our friend Edo. The only thing we still need is someone to pay the trip :lol:

[ukpokemonpro]

Prof|l0ne,

I hear that Nintendo OP will start in mid-September/October in the whole Europe along with the launch of localized versions of EX.

Now, it's not like I have insider sources or something like that, but the few people I know are quite well-connected and if they tell me something, it usually turns up it's true.

The news I'm waiting to hear about are Nintendo finally having a sure agreement with European distributors/translators, and shipping of the localized EX boxes. When you hear about these, know that the OP's coming...

Ermm sorry but since you have nothing in your profile it is hard to get a handle on what you may or may not have heard. If you go by Nintendos website they will say OP in October if as we have done you speak with the UK distributors they will tell you OP after our meeting in October to decide how to deliver it... so expect OP in ... Novemeber maybe...

As for TMBs well they are real pie in the sky at the moment..

[Michel]

I think we're out of topic Ukpokemonpro ;)

October or November ? Before everything is really operational, we'll probably have to wait until december.
I don't know if it is the same in the UK, but I see in France and in Belgium that the Pokemon players are playing YGO now.
In addition to that, Konami has started OP in Belgium and France with Worlds qualifiers, regional tournaments, leagues, judges program, ...

There is a potential in Europe (players, TO's, judges, ...), we've already seen it. But once again, I'm afraid Nintendo will be too late to save the game in our countries. I'm not negative, I'm just looking at what happens around me. :rolleyes:

[ukpokemonpro]

Me offtopic?

Just off to start the state of the game outside continental USA thread then ;)

[Captain Obviousx1]

Hopefully the new rating system is put into place soon. I play at a small shop with little competition, so I could probably take most of my matches that I play and get a TMB invite or whatever. I've beaten people who have gone to previous TMBs a few years ago, so I think I can handle the competition...in fact I've beaten a 3rd place finisher a few times, who was in TMB 2-3 years ago I think.