Real talk right there! I totally feel you. I was a SUPER fan of some of more talented KI competitors … before I got to realize how negative and unnecessarily pessimistic some of them can be … keyword some. At times, some can truly have an entitled bratty personality. And that really can make me care less about them aside from their incredible talents/abilities in KI. But … I realize that actions really do speak louder than words and for all the random b!tching at this and that, some clearly can’t stay away from KI and I find them playing it or always tuning in to KI related news. Sad and annoying at times, no doubt. Am I a huge fan of the some of the players nowadays? Absolutely not. I’ll be civil with them and I will definitely continue to respect their talents. It’s just now, I don’t necessarily care to befriend them. Kind of like seeing a beautiful person from afar only to realize that their personality is not as beautiful. You seek the common ground and find ways to peacefully coexist. That’s where I’m at with some of these competitors (definitely not all). I recognize their role and abilities and understand the value that they bring to KI spectators. And that’s a great value overall!
I’ve also observed is that these guys are really really competitive and really really passionate. Although some need to grow up and mature (evident in the way they sometimes treat others), at the end of the day, their love for KI shines through. And that is what I have in common with them. That is something I care to support. People who are willing to truly dig into KI’s amazing combat mechanics and let the game I’m most passionate about shine on another level… which will bring in new players and even more tech and exciting memories in KI. For example, at the KIWC last year, witnessing @XoPINKDIAMONDoX and gutter magic go at it, down to the wire, displaying the hi speed, intense and unreal psychological battle that KI offers fighting game fans, and actually being in the house feeling the shouts and roars of the crowd … priceless. These moments and experiences can happen in any KI tournament, but imagine, being there with fellow fans and KI players … IN A HUGE STADIUM FOR THE WORLD TO SEE!
This is our opportunity to come together as a community and support this game that, at the end of the day, we clearly all care about.
Also for me personally, I may not pocket this money from competing, I would be straight up lying if watching KI tourneys or playing KI has not been the most fun, exciting, and valuable form of entertainment for these past few years.
There is no question that I’ll be supporting one of the largest (if not the largest) offline tournaments given the opportunity - which we have in our hands over the course of 2 weeks!
If you have any love for KI, if KI has brought you any fun and hype experiences over the years, we need all hands on deck. Please find it in yourself to support. I was able to give $100.
If KI doesn’t make it, that money goes to a great cause. How can a KI lover really complain about that. It’s a win win! (But I really hope we are the 9th spot! :D)
Fight on!