I'd actually like to talk a little now about something I might as well get out of the way now:
How I run tournaments.
I'm the Head Judge for the GenCon Mage Wars Arena Championship this year. I didn't plan on that happening but it did and I'm committed to doing an excellent job that exceeds expectations. I do indeed have experience running highly competitive events and organizing volunteers. I pride myself on professionalism at events and on promoting a fun, friendly atmosphere.
Here is what I promise as Head Judge and what I expect in return.
-I will be completely impartial and fair in all decisions. I've run a host of big events locally for years, though I'll admit never as big a Mage Wars event as this. I have run tournaments for other games larger than this. I've never been accused of bias and I'm certainly not starting at Gen Con.
-I will competently know the rules of Mage Wars. I already have a very strong grasp on the rules and I'm studying like a crack addict every little nuance that can come up. Nobody deserves to get crap rulings that cost them a shot at the biggest prize of them all.
-I will abide by all requests and regulations of Arcane Wonders. Make no mistake friends, I work for Arcane Wonders come Gen Con. They call the shots and I follow orders. I will in no way embarrass Arcane Wonders or any member of their staff, this includes my fellow volunteers. This also includes doing everything in my power to organize rounds effectively and smoothly.
-I will personally see that the other judges will adhere to all of these standards as well.
In return I expect all competitors to hold themselves to a high level of sportsmanship and fair play. I will not abide with cheating, smack talk, taunting, tantrums, or other displays of poor sportsmanship. We're at Gen Con, lets act like it. You don't spend cash on a con badge and travel all the way to friggin Indianapolis to cheat and win through anything other than skill. You enter to prove to yourself and everyone else that you're the real goods. I expect every Mage Warrior to fight every match to their utmost. The thing I think we're all most interested in seeing are some excellent matches against great players. Lets work together to have a good, fun event that promotes this game we love and strengthens bonds of friendship through gaming.
Finally to the 2015 Gen Con Champion, whoever you end up being:
I would like to play you with my Beast Master if time permits. I honestly just want to see how I'd do against the champ