The Great Encounters Prerelease was held on Saturday, Feb 2nd
At the North Suburban Womens Club

Registration opened at 11, and the tourney started at NOON

And what a crowd we had!!!

86 Total Players!

Head Judge Devin approves!

Wow!! We almost had to turn people away, as we just barely had enough product to accomodate everyone. Everyone was excited about the new set and couldn't wait! As usual, we had both, the Main Event and the Theme Deck Challenge. We had so many people that we had to eliminate our Art Corner table to use for the Theme Deck Challenge players.

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Great Encounters Prerelease
- Main Event -

We had a total of 72 players in the Main Event
25 Juniors, 23 Seniors, and 24 Masters. Pretty much an even mix across the board this time.
Lots of new players, 14 new POP IDs issued for this one!

Everyone opens their packs


Who let these guys in?? Kevin (in red) helped judge the Theme Deck Challenge


Wow, what'd that kid get??


Ooooh lookie! Someone pulled a Darkrai Lv X!!


They all look over the contents of their packs...


Joel and his kids, and Jerry and his son look over their new cards to see what they do.

Now let's see... what can I make out of this?


Here's a Palkia Lv X that someone got lucky enough to pull!


Epic match... Kaleb vs Dusty, both 'in character' for the day


The Juniors were having a lot of fun!


You pulled a WHAT?!!?

It's a Dialga Lv X

 


Jordan VH having a coke


Jordan C is way too serious...


Nate is definitely NOT too serious!


Ashley B - 1st Place for the Masters!


Andrew G got 1st for the Seniors


C'mon Clark, crack a smile! (he took 2nd in the Srs)


Kevin C was 1st in the Jrs


Brandon celebrated his 18th Birthday with us!


Dustin was 'all business' today in his suit...
he was 'in character' the whole day as 'Rafael Bandivino'


Randi was goofing around making 'dice art' on the copier

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Steven R of PokePress did a feature article on our event

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Great Encounters Prerelease
- Theme Deck Challenge -


The 14 players in the Theme Deck Challenge players got to choose between 3 different decks this time.


If you're an old timer to TIY's Leagues, you might see First Gym Leader Keith E playing in the Theme Deck Challenge. He thought he'd drop in and see how the new cards are.

 

And the winners for the Theme Deck Challenge..
1st Bruce C (below right)
2nd - Brennan R (above maroon jacket)
3rd - Sabrina G (above back right)
.

 

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Modified Side Event

Waiting for some pictures on this event which took place after the main event. We had 23 players but had to have a 'lessor' tourney than planned as we had to use some of the prizes to accomodate the extra players in the Main Event. They still had fun though, paying $2 for a shot at winning 3 packs, 2 packs, or 1 pack. And everyone got a POP pack for playing.

1st - Toby N
2nd - Jordan VH
3rd - Alex R

We also had a Theme Deck Side Event with 7 players
1st was Kevin M

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So after a long day, we judges get a little crazy... after everyone left, here's what happened...


"Alright, alright...I know it's late and everyone's gone, but I've got an idea...."


Ok, this is what we're gonna do...


Ok, got it? Are ya ready?


We can DO this!

 

Oh Ya!!

Man I can't believe I just did that...


Oh geez, clearly we ARE all insane!

Now, this was the last event we'll be holding at the Women's Club, due to a steep increase in their rental fees, so watch for details of our next event to be held right at TIY. Most likely we will split the Main Event and the Theme Deck Challenge into two separate events on different days. Again, we'll have a lot more details as the time approaches, so keep in touch. Feel free to email me if you ever have any questions.

Thanks again everyone! We're glad you had a good time!

 

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Are you still here?

Ok, it's over now... time to go home! That's all folks!
See you at States!