This was one of the most fun I've had in a tournament ever and I'm glad we were able to win in the end. Not gonna lie, I spent quite a lot of time on preparations for this tournament and it feels real satisfying to know all of it payed off. I wouldn't have wanted to miss a single one of my teammates, the chemistry on this team was perfect and I loved talking, playing and teaming up with every one of you guys. To be honest, after the draft I was a little intimidated being chosen for a team where everyone had prior tournament success and major tour scene recognition under their belt - with the exception of myself. Originally, this was the reason for me wanting to do well in this tournament, proving to others as well as to myself that I can keep up. However, even though this attitude played a role in formulating an ambition for myself, as the tour progressed I noticed there was actually little reason to approach this tournament that way. The entirety of the Hoopas was getting along well from the start and the atmosphere in the team chat was nothing short of amazing to be part of. Therefore, instead of aiming to keep up with the others and doing well myself, I started reaching out to my teammates more and more, offering help at every opportunity that I figured I could help with. I wanted them to do well, because I wanted the team to win rather than achieving personal results. I'm glad I realized that early on, and I'm glad I could do well for the sake of my team.
col49 I had no idea you were planning on drafting me and I was, pleasantly, surprised when you did. Thank you for doing so and offering me the opportunity to be part of this great team. When it comes to this game, your insight on opponents capabilities and team building tendencies that can be exploited is unmatched and truly mind-blowing to me, I really am looking up to that.
Sacri' We've known each other for quite some time (I believe we even started around the same time on Smogon) and you never cease to amaze me when I watch you play, you really are something else. Thank you for being a great friend, and also for always being available for testing, I truly appreciate that!
Tony Helpful-kun indeed, you took over the manager role more than just a few times and you did so brilliantly, despite being busy with WCOP. Even though you didn't play that much you helped whenever and wherever you could, as well as being an amazing chat presence (your use of blobs is A++ btw).
Finchinator bop dash bw ru goat (I hope I did that right...)
Star I know you weren't too happy with playing ORAS, but holy crap you know how to play this game. You always had the teams back, were a lively chat presence (your squabbles with Finch we're always amusing), and clutched some very important wins. It was a pleasure!
dodmen Not to sound cheesy, but you're one of the few players I've always looked up to. I started out in UU about 2 years ago and ever since I can remember you always were and still are an incredible force to be reckoned with in that tier. However, you proved that UU isn't your only field of expertise, you picked SM RU up with great speed and success and I'm glad I was able to team up with you.
Mazar You're one of the people I know the longest on this site and it was fun teaming up with you again after POWC. I know you were somewhat concerned about your overall record in this tour, but let me be the one to say that you were always there when the team needed you, be it unexpectedly filling in for others, or playing some desperately needed test games with me, even when you were drunk.
Lycans I had heard a great deal about you before and what can I say, you certainly live up to the name you've made for yourself. You're mad good at this game, I'm especially impressed by your ability to judge the state of the game correctly and make predictions accordingly. SM or ORAS, it did not matter, you always showed results and competence regardless of the tier you played in.
Welli0u You were one of the teams SM staples, and despite facing some unfortunate match-ups in some games, you still managed to be an invaluable asset to the team and definitely impressed me with your capability as a player. I'm glad you appreciated and trusted the teams I provided you with every now and then, and I am looking forward to seeing more from you!
Void Like many members of this team, I did not know you before this tour but I'm glad I got to team up with you. Despite being busy with WCOP for quite some time, you managed to complete the BW RU core perfectly, and won important games when push came to shove, even closing out the finals for the team.
I'd love to team up with all of you again in future tournaments, and I wish you all the best in Slam & Snake!