Team Junky Spot hails from Daly City, California, and they’ve got a heavy roster! Check it out—Andrew Novoa, age 19; Oscar Castaneda, age 22; Keanson Ye, age 15; Wilson Yu, age 18; Michael Bueno, age 14; Chris Moosman, age 17; Raymond Ye, age 16; Bryant Kakachandra, Bryan "Lil B" Perez, Joseph Zeng, and Danny Huynh, age 21.

They’ve got a long string of credentials to go along with it:

Andrew Novoa is the founder of the team, and has Regional wins, Top 8’s, and four U.S. Nationals qualifications to recommend him. He’s ranked 9^th in California, and took 2^nd place at Shonen Jump Denver. Oscar Castaneda is a two-time U.S. Nationals qualifier, with a Regional win, 13^th place at Shonen Jump Long Beach, and is ranked 50^th in California. Keanson Ye has also qualified twice for U.S. Nationals, and has numerous Regional Top 8’s. He took 2^nd in Shonen Jump Los Angeles in 2005, Top 8 at Shonen Jump Denver, and is ranked 4^th in California. Raymond Ye has qualified twice for U.S. Nationals, and is proud to have defeated both Anthony Alvarado and Paul Levitin in Shonen Jump San Mateo. He’s ranked 37^th in California. Bryan "lil b" Perez also sports a double qualifier for U.S. Nationals, and he placed 9^th at 2006’s event. He took a Top 8 spot at Shonen Jump San Mateo, won a Regional, and is ranked 51^st in California.  Bryant Kakachandra qualified for U.S. Nationals in 2005, and won a Regional.  Michael Bueno has qualified twice for U.S. Nationals, took 2^nd in the Shonen Jump San Mateo, and is ranked 38^th in California. Chris Moosman has two Shonen Jump top 8’s—Denver and Seattle, and has qualified for U.S. Nationals for 2007. He’s also got multiple Regional Top 8’s, and was one of the most photographed participants at Shonen Jump Seattle. Wilson Yu is a Level 3 judge (not every team sports one of these!) and he’s got multiple Regional Top 8’s. He’s ranked 86^th in California.

9:10 Who’s At the Top Table—The Final Round!

Well, this is it. From such as this, the Top 8 are determined. Take a look . . .

Table 1—Janean A. Hawkins (8 wins) vs. Fili Luna (9 wins)

Table 2—Alex Hin (8 wins) vs. Justin Trias (8 wins)

Table 3—Jose Suarez (8 wins) vs. Chris Ware (8 wins)

Table 4—Sai Cha (8 wins) vs. Theerasak Poonsombat (8 wins)

Table 5—Richard Haynes (8 wins) vs. Omar Marinez-Pazos (8 wins)

Table 6—Joseph Ferraro (8 wins) vs. Jae Kim (8 wins)

Table 7—Fred Starks (7 wins) vs. Jason Zigander (7 wins)

Table 8—Michael Cawit (7 wins) vs. Chase Foster-Kyser (7 wins)

Ok, only one more round to go.  We can do this! We can do this!!!

Table 1—Fili Luna (8 wins) vs. Justin Trias (8 wins).

Table 2—Kirk Leonhardt (7 wins) vs. Jose Suarez (7 wins).

Table 3—Sai Cha (7 wins) vs. Matt Laurents (7 wins).

Table 4—Mario Cordova (7 wins) vs. Chris Ware (7 wins).

Table 5—Edgar Flores (7 wins) vs. Richard Haynes (7 wins).

Table 6—Billy Ho (7 wins) vs. Theerasak Poonsombat (7 wins).

Table 7—Jake Balsiger (7 wins) vs. Alex Hin (7 wins).

Table 8—Janean A. Hawkins (7 wins) vs. Andrew Novoa (7 wins).

 

7:50 Emon Ghaneian On The Lam?

Rumor is flying around the event today that Emon Ghaneian has infiltrated a nearby event and absconded with a pizza. I have been unable to confirm this report, but goodness knows enough people keep sticking their heads through the curtain to tell me about it. If true, it was definitely a bold move on Emon’s part, since it’s unlikely that he’d be mistaken for anyone else.

Or is that the key to the entire mystery? That well-known hair and eye-catching green jacket could be assumed by just about anyone, and if an impostor moved fast enough, he would probably deceive all but the most observant of gamers. The perfect disguise!

I think further investigation is in order.

7:40 How Can I Get A Team Profile!?!?

Easy—contact me before the event (that means when the event has not started, days and days in advance of the event) and see if I can fit you in. Then send me the information that you want provided in the profile. The thing is, I don’t have time to actually sit down and interview teams during the Shonen Jump. Once I get your info and tell you it’s OK, all you have to do is show up at the event, team in tow, and get your picture done if you want a picture to go with your profile.

Just please don’t come up to me the day of the event and try and fit one in, cause I can guarantee you I won’t have time to do it. I’m a lot busier than I look, honestly.

7:30 Team Profile—Team Madness

Team Madness isn’t at all lacking in members—they’ve got a whopping twelve players on the roster! That would be Danny Collins (Team Leader), age 18; Johnathan Hernandez, age 23; Johnathan Navarro, Anthony S., age 13; Steve Aragon, age 17; Jose Beltran, age 18; Frank Sanchez, age 15; Jose Sanchez, age 17; Danny Valencia, age 18; Angel Ascensio, age 18; Kyle Norman, age 18; and Richard Haynes, age 16.

They’re proud of their personal accomplishments, which include multiple Regional Top 8's and invites to U.S. Nationals in 2006 and 2007 for Jonathan Hernandez, who is ranked 15^th in California, and multiple Regional Top 8's, a Top 8 finish at the Shonen Jump Los Angeles in 2005 and invites to U.S. Nationals in 2005 and 2006 for Jonathan Navarro, ranked 40^th in California.

Anthony’s also got his share of Regional Top 8's, and an invite to U.S. Nationals in 2006. Steve can boast the same. Frank Sanchez claims his share of Regional Top 8’s, and Jose Sanchez has one Regional Top 8 and earned his way to U.S. Nationals in 2006. Jose Beltran takes pride in his Regional Top 8, and Richard Haynes can say the same, with an invite to U.S. Nationals in 2007 to boot.

The team enjoys hanging out as a group, and they all share the same love for the game. They came together to form a team to benefit each other on a play level, combining their resources for rides to events, money and cards, and playtesting and advice. They’re certainly happy to be here today, and regardless of where the team finishes, they’ll have had a great event. As of yet unsponsored, they don’t let that hold them back.

7:15 Who’s At The Top Tables—Round 8

There’s only two, count em, two rounds left after this and then we can all go home . . . and type decklists. Well, at least we can go home. Let’s check out tables 1 through 8!

Table 1—Fili Luna (7 wins) vs. Chris Ware (7 wins).

Table 2—Mario Cordova (7 wins) vs. Justin Trias (7 wins).

Table 3—Elton Cho (6 wins) vs. Jae Kim (6 wins).

Table 4—Jake Balsinger (6 wins) vs. Steven Crow (6 wins).

Table 5—Richard Haynes (6 wins) vs. Vincent Paglia (6 wins).

Table 6—Sai Cha (6 wins) vs. Dung Nguyen (6 wins).

Table 7—Angel Flores (6 wins) vs. Edgar Flores (6 wins).

Table 8—Alex Hin (6 wins) vs. Jason Nguyen (6 wins).

Well, Kirk Leonhardt is at table 9, so he’s getting up there. Will Macro Cosmos carry him to a Top 8 spot? He’s got two rounds left to do it.

I got entangled in a thread on this topic in an online forum (forgetting my own firm belief that arguing on the internet is like arguing with a cat) and well, no one seemed to be interested in my input. (See: cat.) So, I have to wonder—if girls dislike TCGs so much—what these girls are doing at tables 14 and 30, respectively. Actually, I’ve seen quite a few women playing here today.

 

. . . and gee, what am I doing here!?

6:10 Who’s At The Top Tables—Round 7

Yaaaaawn . . . the day’s getting a bit long, huh? Well, these players are still going, so let’s check in and see who’s up top for this round.

Table 1—Tim Perry (6 wins) vs. Justin Trias (6 wins).

Table 2—Elton Cho (6 wins) vs. Mario Cordova (6 wins).

Table 3—Dung Nguyen (6 wins) vs. Chris Ware (6 wins).

Table 4—Billy Ho (6 wins) vs. Fili Luna (6 wins).

Table 5—Christopher Bolter (5 wins) vs. Vincent Paglia (5 wins).

Table 6—Angel Flores (5 wins) vs. Anthony Taylor (5 wins).

Table 7—Ruben Jimenez (5 wins) vs. David James Piercy (5 wins).

Table 8—Bobby Aguilera (5 wins) vs. Caleb Brotze (5 wins).

Some players to keep your eyes on as they creep up the ranks are Theerasak Poonsombat at table 12, and Matt Laurents at table 13. Some wins this round just might put them up into camera distance!

6:00 The Exhibit Hall Is Now Closed!

The exhibit hall is actually a cordoned-off section of the floor, so technically if one wished to, it would be very easy to enter even though it is “closed.” Look out for roaming security guards, though . . . and there’s not much to do there once all the booths are closed. You might as well not bother.

Incidentally, the Gen Con announcer guy has not yet lost his pep. He’s a very enthusiastic announcer and brings a lot of zip and dazzle to the day’s proceedings.

Ok, now we’re halfway done. Hopefully the rounds will continue to accelerate so we’re not up too terribly late . . . anyways, let’s see who’s moved into this round’s top spots, shall we?

Table 1—Hooman Farahbakush (5 wins) vs. Fili Luna (5 wins).

Table 2—Dale Bellido (5 wins) vs. Billy Ho (5 wins).

Table 3—Elton Cho (5 wins) vs. Joseph Ferraro (5 wins).

Table 4—Kevin Granados (5 wins) vs. Tim Perry (5 wins).

Table 5—Mario Cordova (5 wins) vs. David James Piercy (5 wins).

Table 6—Andrew Novoa (5 wins) vs. Vincent Paglia (5 wins).

Table 7—Edgar Flores (5 wins) vs. Dung Ngyuen (5 wins).

Table 8—Terrence Cheng (5 wins) vs. Chris Ware (5 wins).

4:45 No, I’m Doing It For Fun

So, I got the down comforter from the hotel and I’m wrapped up in it, typing away. Everyone who walks by me asks, “Are you cold or something?” I’ve run out of witty responses.  I guess I’ll tape a “Yes, I’m Cold” sign on my back.

4:10 Who’s At The Top Tables? Round 5

Haza! We’re halfway done with the event. Well, we are at the start of being halfway done. Anyway, let’s see where we’re at, up here at tables 1 through 8.

Table 1—Sergio Llamas (4 wins) vs. Osman Ortiz (4 wins).

Table 2—Bryan Reveles (4 wins) vs. Justin Trias (4 wins).

Table 3—Mario Cordova (4 wins) vs. Steven Crow (4 wins).

Table 4—Sam Delatraz (4 wins) vs. Andrew Novoa (4 wins).

Table 5—Kevin Granados (4 wins) vs. Jonathan Navarro (4 wins).

Table 6—Drew Lennie (4 wins) vs. Dung Nguyen (4 wins).

Table 7—Terrence Cheng (4 wins) vs. Christopher Welch (4 wins) [SBC Competitor].

Table 8 – Brian Cardenas (4 wins) vs. Elton Cho (4 wins).

 

3:30 Team Profile: Team Infinity

Team Infinity hails from Colorado, with six members. On the team are Sergio Zamorano, age 20; Daniel Zamorano, age 20; Roberto Cera, age 24; Lindsey Mantos, age 18; Nathan Burget, age 16; and Eben M. Wong Jr., age 40. Six team members might seem small compared to some other teams, but they’ve all got credentials to back them up. Sergio is ranked 2^nd in Colorado with multiple Regional Top 8’s, and invites to both 2006 and 2007 U.S. National Championships. Daniel is ranked 4^th in Colorado, and also has multiple Regional Top 8’s and invites to U.S Nationals in 2005, 2006, and 2007. Roberto is ranked 10^th in Colorado, and earned invites to U.S. Nationals from 2004-2006. Lindsey is ranked 13^th in Colorado, with plenty of Regional top 8’s and an impressive showing at the Denver Shonen Jump (3^rd place.)

Nathan is ranked first in Colorado, and his multiple Regional wins earned him invites to each U.S. Nationals since 2005. Eben is ranked 28^th, and has two Top 8 finishes at Regionals.

Robert Cera founded the team, with a different lineup than they sport today. Eventually, another team with Sergio and Daniel joined up with Robert’s (also bringing in Lindsey), to strengthen the team and improve their chances of getting sponsorship.

They hope to prove themselves the dominant team of the Midwest, and see a lot of great things coming in the future. Sergio, Daniel, Roberto, Nathan, and Eben are all in attendance today, so a good showing here will certainly further their goals.

We’re moving right along now, aren’t we?

Table 1—Jeff Vertrees (3 wins) vs. Daniel Zipper (3 wins).

Table 2—Rodolfo Fraire (3 wins) vs. Vincent Paglia (3 wins).

Table 3—Steven Crow (3 wins) vs. Joshua Nino (3 wins).

Table 4—Terrence Cheng (3 wins) vs. Eric Morrison (3 wins).

Table 5—Samuel Hsieh (3 wins) vs. Ryan Tortolano (3 wins).

Table 6—Christopher Bolter (3 wins) vs. David Monteresso (3 wins).

Table 7—Elton Cho (3 wins) vs. Jonathan Ibadlit (3 wins).

Table 8—Dale Bellido (3 wins) vs. Chase Foster-Kyser (3 wins).

Hey, Dale’s still up there, and Jonathan Ibadit is back! No SBC competitors yet, but give them time. There’s still several rounds to go.

3:00  Motivations By Metagame!

I’d just like to say this was entirely my idea. And yes. I’m making more.

All right, let’s see who we have . . .

Table 1—Johnathan Barragan (2 wins) vs. Chris Ware (2 wins).

Table 2—Zack Afandi (2 wins) vs. Jose Suarez (2 wins).

Table 3—Dale Bellido (2 wins) vs. Marco Salgado (2 wins).

Table 4—Chase Foster-Kyser (2 wins) vs. Dwayne Anthony Nunez.

Table 5—I have no idea. It’s missing on the pairings!

Table 6—Brian Cardenas (2 wins) vs. Chase Heiland.

Table 7—Michael Morales (2 wins) vs. Jesus Suarez (2 wins).

Table 8—Rey Campos (2 wins) vs. Cory Weinstein.

Well, it looks like Dale is hanging in there for a Round 3 appearance. I hear he’s playing his brother Lazaro’s deck today, but I can’t confirm that for certain.

1:20 Brrrr . . . Why’s It Always So Cold At These Events!?

I guess Seattle isn’t the only event to try the “freeze out” tech . . . the Anaheim Convention Center is practically refrigerating us. I think I’m going to need a blanket from the hotel room to keep going. I’m going to start carrying a thermometer to accurately report on (complain about) the interior temperature. This is sunny southern California (it says So Cal on my badge) . . . so why am I so cold??

1:10 Who’s At The Top Tables—Round 2!

All right, let’s start watching those tables. We’ve seen some determined players stick to these tables all day at some of the past Shonen Jump events, so it’s never too soon to check them out.

Table 1—Jonathan Ibadit (1 win) vs. Kevin Ngo (1 win)

Table 2—Michael Ocampo (1 win) vs. John James Watkinsfield (1 win)

Table 3—Kyle Kelley (1 win) vs. David Monterroso (1 win)

Table 4—Dale Bellido (1 win) vs. Bradley Starleaf (1 win)

Table 5—Steven Ma (1 win) vs. Rodolfo Panseri Silva (1 win)

Table 6—Joey Duque (1 win) vs. Joshua Nino (1 win)

Table 7—Devin Neve (1 win) vs. Lon Peterson (1 win)

Table 8—Elton Cho (1 win) vs. Shna Janyaprayot (1 win)

1:00 Access . . . DENIED!!

Today we’re not out in our customary public arena. We’re tucked behind some curtains in the judge’s area behind the stand, so it’s a little harder to get in touch with us . . . and the judge staff is making it even harder. Just now we heard a faint “Jason!” from behind the curtain, followed by a sharp “KRIS! Get away from there!” Head judge Jeff Yuschak poked his head around the curtain. “Did you need to talk to Mr. Kris Perovic?” Since we didn’t really, he was out of luck. Scolded like a naughty puppy!

12:40 I Don’t Know Who To Watch

It’s been a long time since we’ve had a Shonen Jump packed with this many high-profile players! For me, it’s a good chance to see people I haven’t seen for a while, but it also promises a lot of excitement and lots of tempting feature matches. We should have a full photo gallery today, so make sure you don’t miss any of that—lots of the players you may have missed at previous events are here today, and we’ll try to fit in as much coverage as we can.

For some reason everyone had it but me . . . but Lee went and did something to the router and now I can connect. OK! Here comes the blog and the Scrub Brush Challenge! Seriously whoever is out there laying some kind of hex on my internet at these things, knock it off.

11:15 We’ve Passed 600 And We’re Still Taking Names

The event was set to start at 11, but registration is still humming along. At last report, we had nearly 600 entrants and they’re still coming in. This is going to be a big one!

11:05 Look Out! Here Comes Ian’s Press Gang

If you’re a judge and you want to play, you’d better hide, because Ian Estrin is on the prowl. As registration creeps closer to the 600 mark, he’s searching out more staff. Simon Choy was the first to be caught up in his net . . . thanks for being a sport, Simon! Winston Lee and Josh Hansen were also snatched off the floor.