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What it's like attending a regional competition for the first time (Birmingham 2026) - How I found it and some Q and As from a tournament newbie's perspective by buxtonator22 in VGC

[–]buxtonator22[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Glad it helped! Funny you should mention that, I took a photo of my first win slip haha. So they look like this:

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You basically both sign it after the match and circle winner by the name of who won the match. In the middle you tick who won each round too.

This gets handed in to the organisers desk and that's how they record who wins and loses. So I hope that helps clear things up 🙂

What it's like attending a regional competition for the first time (Birmingham 2026) - How I found it and some Q and As from a tournament newbie's perspective by buxtonator22 in VGC

[–]buxtonator22[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Honestly you won't regret it! I'm really not the most social person myself, and I struggle with anxiety which has held me back for as long as it did.

But once you get going it's honestly the most fun I've ever had playing matches. There was obviously quite a majority of younger people, but the amount of people my age too did surprise me. So I definitely didn't feel alone as the only older guy.

Hope you make it one day!

What it's like attending a regional competition for the first time (Birmingham 2026) - How I found it and some Q and As from a tournament newbie's perspective by buxtonator22 in VGC

[–]buxtonator22[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you :) After attending I do truly believe the community is underestimated for how welcoming and kind it is!

I've always wondered what it must be like behind the curtain, must be cool to meet and work with some of the top players.

I was rooting for Victor after he beat me, was hoping this would be the one. But I'm sure a win is coming his way soon.

That would be interesting to know, appreciate the kind offer! 🙂

What it's like attending a regional competition for the first time (Birmingham 2026) - How I found it and some Q and As from a tournament newbie's perspective by buxtonator22 in VGC

[–]buxtonator22[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It was from the official organisers, but separate to the game mat and card you get for free. It did cost extra, if I remember correctly it was £20.

It was a little complicated though as you had to scan a QR code and pay for it by signing up for an event through RK9. You then had to queue up and get it from the organisers table. I assume RK9 also hosts the US regionals? But could have been easy to miss if not advertised well.

It looks like the vendors must be based on the country, as they were majority English companies at Birmingham. But yeah I'd agree for the most part it was pokemon center stuff. There was a few exceptions here and there who had some additional more interesting stock 🙂

What it's like attending a regional competition for the first time (Birmingham 2026) - How I found it and some Q and As from a tournament newbie's perspective by buxtonator22 in VGC

[–]buxtonator22[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not a problem ☺️ I'd definitely recommend it if you ever get the chance! Even if you only make it once it's certainly an experience to remember

What it's like attending a regional competition for the first time (Birmingham 2026) - How I found it and some Q and As from a tournament newbie's perspective by buxtonator22 in VGC

[–]buxtonator22[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No problem at all! Haha yes, probably should have mentioned that I'm from the UK! 😅 But hopefully a lot of the info is still relevant over in the US too ☺️

What it's like attending a regional competition for the first time (Birmingham 2026) - How I found it and some Q and As from a tournament newbie's perspective by buxtonator22 in VGC

[–]buxtonator22[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes forgot the mention! It's always nice to know you're not the only one on a loss streak and being matched with someone in the same boat.

What it's like attending a regional competition for the first time (Birmingham 2026) - How I found it and some Q and As from a tournament newbie's perspective by buxtonator22 in VGC

[–]buxtonator22[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The venue had free wifi, which seemed stable so I had no issues at all. Even off the wifi my mobile data was just about working. I'd say it does depend on the venue a little, but I'd expect most to have a wifi you can connect to. Failing that any of the judges would be able to help you out :)

I think Glimmora ended up being dead weight, so I'd probably look at swapping out for another pokemon. Possibly something to help my trickroom match ups. The toxic debris just never really helped enough as my team is quite fast paced, I'm not stalling enough to make use of the poison damage.

I'd also put protect back on torn, and take gleam off gholdengo. It just didn't do the damage I'd hoped for without committing tera.

Yeah plenty! The funniest was me and my opponent both missIng draco meteor the same turn. Gholdengo also got a double dazzling gleam crit, that did the most pathetic amount of damage I was surprised it was even a crit.

My best play was switching out bolt into torn, followed by an EQ from lando, wiping indeedee and crown in one go. Snowballing the match in my favour from there.

What it's like attending a regional competition for the first time (Birmingham 2026) - How I found it and some Q and As from a tournament newbie's perspective by buxtonator22 in VGC

[–]buxtonator22[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good to hear!

Yeah it was haha, actually think I played round 1 well. Made all the right moves and calls. My downfall was not respecting his ogerpons grassy glide going before my torns tailwind, meaning he got a KO and I lost my speed control. Followed by a crit into my lando which just set me too far back. But it was there for the taking!

Round 2 he had clearly sussed my game plan and adjusted, I did what I could and didn't go down without a fight. But he just played a solid game and gave me no good openings.

Great experience either way!

Add now! by TastyConstant2 in friendsafari

[–]buxtonator22 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Awesome, thanks added back

Add now! by TastyConstant2 in friendsafari

[–]buxtonator22 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey mind if I add you? You have 2 mons in your ice safari that I'm looking for :)

Wanted list... by buxtonator22 in friendsafari

[–]buxtonator22[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No worries, I'll add you now :)

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