Most players compete in Vs. System tournaments for a love of the game. The term “amateur” is applied, but that word carries connotations that aren’t accurate in the TCG sense—such players are often highly skilled, and they often win their share of glory (and cash). With 193 competitors playing for the title of Columbus $10K Champion, we have seen a lot of so-called amateurs in action, but we’ve also seen a few individuals that are in a league apart from the rest.
The foil to the amateur player is the professional—guys who literally make their rent by kicking massive butt at tournaments. They’re trendsetters and innovators. As players streamed into the Franklin Veteran Memorial Center, there were a number of such pros in the ranks. The player list for Columbus read like a miniature PC.
Gabe Walls is a professional card player who made his name in Magic and poker. One of the gaming world’s most easily recognized faces, he’s been a banner figure of the Vs. pro scene since his appearance at PC Indy. As one of the most recognizable TCG players of all time, it’s clear that he could be a threat at $10K Columbus.
Rob Leander is famous not only for being the top ranked Constructed Vs. player in the world, but also for being the only $10K champion thus far to give a repeat performance. For anyone who’s been hiding under a rock somewhere on Mars for the past month, he’s coming into $10K Columbus hot off his second $10K win, dominating both Wizard World Texas and New Jersey. His Titans build is likely the most copied deck of all time.
Wess Victory is one of the most unique, renowned, and recognizable Vs. players of all time. He is the WWE Raw Deal World CHampion, and has been a fixture of the pro Vs. community virtually since the game’s release. Victory is frequently one of the highest ranked Constructed players in the world.
Dave Spears, a.k.a. En-Kur of Team Realmworx, is one of the most pivotal members of the online Vs. community. With a huge amount of PC experience under his belt, he’s been on the cutting edge of Curve Sentinels and TNB Blitz—his community input and playing skill are two of the primary reasons those decks are recognizable archetypes.
Bam Bam, a.k.a. John Rich, is a winner of three PCQs, a top finisher in numerous $10Ks, and a veteran of both PCs. Bam Bam is a previous Babylon 5 World Champion and has several other notable TCG achievements under his belt. A great personality, a distinct look, and the best nickname ever have given him a platform from which to show his skills as an elite player.
With five of the most recognizable personas in Vs. System in attendance, the fuse of $10K Columbus has been lit since round 1. While some competitors seem bound for the Top 8 from the beginning, nothing is ever certain where lady luck is concerned. Pro players are pros because they’re good, but you never know when a new professional player will emerge from the crowd to take his or her place in the spotlight. A handful of professionals entered $10K Columbus. The question, though, is how many more will leave?