Everything's Fiercer In Texas: A Spoiler Free Review of Texas Showdown 2016

[mikadolurker]

Texas Showdown 4/24/2016
“Y’all come down now ya’ hear?”

    Texas knows how to throw the fuck down. Holy. Shit. For anyone who missed it, Texas Showdown was this weekend and from pools to top eight, this was something that no one should have slept on. Kid Viper (JO), Faulty Defense (SI), JustKensou (CH), Oso (EL), mother fucking TastySteve (LE), Sylint (BE), Donavan (IN), SecreT (LE), and so many more people went in hard this weekend! Without a doubt one the top three scenes in the US at the moment, I honestly expected nothing less of this tournament but what I got was far more than anything I’d seen so far this year on home soil. That’s right, Texas Showdown just claimed the title of best American Xrd Tournament so far this year in my opinion. 

    Let’s start with the pools which were great for so many reasons that I can’t even begin to list them. From fashion to sheer brilliant plays, these bastards went at it so hard that the sheer tension of some of the sets was almost unbearable. With TastySteve, Zappa fan and commentator extraordinaire, partnered with  RaphTx holding down the local knowledge, the scene was set to be an epic clash in the Lone Star State. With sixty four players in total, the pools were an absolute bloodbath. Honestly, there were so many talented people who came out to compete that I have no doubt in my mind that given a year or two, Texas will be gunning for the title of “Best American Scene”. Possibly even elevating themselves to the level where they stand on shoulder to shoulder with the Japanese.  Unfortunately, the pools were cut short and I haven’t been able to find the recording anywhere which really sucks because so many great players and moments will be lost like TastySteve discovering the Texan player Strawberry’s overwhelming anime hair powers or our faithful commentators facing off in loser finals [RaphTx (AX) v. TastySteve(LE)] of their group. Don’t worry though, Alex Valle and Texas Showdown had us! In exchange for that, we get an amazing full three out of five top eight!

                                                       RaphTx (AX) v. AS|TastySteve (LE) (Photo by @ScottieYosh)

    What a top eight it was too! I’m still fucking hyped about it hours after the entire affair ended in an explosive finish! JustKensou’s Chipp was remarkable as usual showing that he is clearly the best in the US at wielding his ninja’s power. Oso, one of the premier Elphelts in the states, really brought it too! Without a doubt in my mind, this kid has the potential to inherit LostSoul’s will if he should ever give up his bride for another. FaultyDefense, again the best of his character in my opinion within our hemisphere, showed exactly why people fear Sin with immaculate execution and even a few new tricks! AND MOTHER FUCKING TASTYSTEVE! How is it that with all of his traveling, this man clearly proved that his Leo is just as sharp as his wit on the mic! If Zappa actually ever drops, people are going to be in some seriously fucking trouble. Sylint’s Bedman was looking sick enough to steamroll hundreds of people, this is one of those players who could easily become the models of his character. Speaking of which, Kid Viper seems to really be after that title with his Johnny! Could he have brought out his Elph and tried to shotgun his way to the top spot? Yep, but this man was aiming to build a new legacy and usher in a whole new era of godlike gambling sky pirates. SecreT was standing up for Illyria and their kings too!  His entire performance could be analyzed by all of you Leo mains because this man knows his shit! Last but not least though, Donavan’s I-no was about as wicked as that witch comes! Straight up bullying people in a style that really shows off his ability to use her in quite an impressive way!

                                                    TXrd|FaultyDefense (SI) v. TDG|Oso (EL)'s match from the beginning of Top 8.

    It was an affair that not only showed off the game, the US talent, but also what happens when we’re given a fair chance to shine! With a little less than eight thousand people in attendance today, I think that no one watching walked away the same. Too bad for me it was a bit too early to justify drinking but I have a feeling that the entire scene down there is making up for any liver damage I passed up on tonight.

Top 8 Twitch Link: https://www.twitch.tv/leveluplive/v/62558896 Starts at 5:39:24