And amidst the intense pressure, raging heat, and electric atmosphere that was the Pokemon TCG National Championship 2009, a champion was named among the throngs of hopefuls.
May 24 was not a usual “Major Event” Sunday in Robinson’s Galleria–it was in a very different level. TCG Players from all over the country (namely players from Fairview, ATC and of course, Galleria) gathered to take a shot at becoming the Philippine National Champion. The Master’s Division (Masters) was the focal point of this event, it being competed in by players 15 and above. This division was home to intense strategies and heart-stopping combos that dominated the tables. There were 36 players in the Masters–a huge number compared to normal Major events.
The first match pairings were on at around 1:30 PM. As expected, most players used Team-Galactic-inspired decks and other famous ones like Machamp, Gengar, Dusknoir, Torterra, Kingdra and Rhyperior with some variations in individual lists. After a few coin flips and damage counters set on the table, intense friction pervaded the air. Headaches are common within matches in the Masters, especially when one is up against Sir Rhian Famaran (two-time TCG National Champion), former Ranger Ranie Romano (2007 TCG National Champion), Lawrence Gueco (2008 TCG National Champion) and Joshua Doctolero (2007 World Championship Competitor).
A Shot on the Juniors/Seniors Tables.
A shot on the Juniors/Seniors Table.
On the other hand, the Junior and Senior divisions were merged due to the number of participants. This was mainly because as players grow older, they eventually end up to the higher age division. Some of the last year’s Seniors are now Masters and therefore caused a decrease in the amount of players in the two divisions.
What is pleasant about the Junior and Senior divisions are the players per se. At a young age, players from the Lower Division (Juniors and Seniors) are developing their competitive nature in terms of play. In addition to that, their parents also watch, encourage, and support their children in their hobby.
Six PM–the elimination rounds closed and the Top 8 determined. Machamp and Galactic Decks dominated the Top 8. The Master’s Division ended with Lawrence Gueco being the 2009 TCG National Champion. He was last year’s champion and this is his second in a row! On the second spot was Joshua Doctolero and John Cris Joson came in third. The Champion and the Second Placer earned invites to the TCG World Championship to be held in the USA come August.
Congratulations to all the winners and we wish you luck on your way to the Worlds!
