The First Stomping Ground is in the Books

After a very well deserved exhale, I can now sit back and focus upon what was, what is and what hopefully shall be.

The first Stomping Ground for the BattleGroundSanDiego Tournament Circuit took place this past Sunday, May 24th. If you have read this blog before, you know my thoughts and efforts regarding this first event. I won't bore you with a rehash of what can be found below. However, I can state that my resolve is as strong as ever to ensure that a quality tournament circuit is available for Southern California's TCG players.

On to the event...

We had four players take part in the inaugural event. I will admit that this number was disappointing only when I take into effect that I had 11 players pre-registered. Other than this small caviot, I thought the event was great. I was able to introduce myself, my goals and my vision for BattleGroundSanDiego and the tournament circuit.

In the end, we opted to change the format from a constructed format to a draft format with rares being chosen based upon final place. John Patchell, was declared the tournament victor.

Patch, as he is known by the others on the circuit, travelled down from Los Angeles to participate.

I had hoped for a little larger of a turnout, but no worries though as this only solidifies what it is I am trying to do. Create a tournament circuit that is of both high quality and consistency. One of the great positives that I took from the event was being able to meet 4 great individuals who I found were as dedicated on the combatant side of the event as I was on the organizer side. I had great conversations ranging from some great successes each of these individuals has had in putting on their own events to what it was they liked and disliked at others.

After a great draft event, each combatant was able to take home three prized cards for their collections and free booster packs as a thank you for making it to the event. Now looking forward, I am as excited as ever to plan my next event. I am reassured that I have made contact with four great individuals who can pass on the word of what the Tournament Circuit is and what we hope to make it.

I am planning on moving the next event to Orange County to capitalize on the great player base there and make it a bit easier for the folk from Los Angeles to make the trip. I have some great ideas for prize support and giveaways. My next goal after the finalizing of the location of our next event will be to update the Player Bios page of the website. It has drawn a bit of a buzz and it will offer a great bit of personality and individuality to the circuit.