They say after you go to EVO for the first time, you'll want to come back every following year. It is no different for me. I had a great and unforgettable experience in Las Vegas that makes me anticipate next year already. There's something about being there to experience the event first hand that doesn't compare with watching at home. Nothing beats saying "I was there."
Of course, ultimately I was there to compete and I was a wreck when I sat down to play my first match. You can see my AE matches on my YouTube channel. To say I was nervous is a tremendous understatement. My gameplay was very sloppy and not very calculated. It was a feeling I hadn't felt in a while. Usually I don't get nervous at tournaments at all. In fact, I consider my consistent demeanor and calmness under pressure to be one of my strengths as a player. That all didn't seem to matter the moment I took my place beside my first opponent... and the second and the third. I never quite got it together fully. My exit was swift, almost painless. Even if I had any thoughts about the match while it was happening, it was over so quickly that they wouldn't have any place to go. Thus, another major passed me by without a sniff at qualifying out of my pool. There's always next time. At least, that's what I keep telling myself.
Still, I am resolved to qualify for semi-finals one day. It a realistic goal that I believe with the right work ethic, I can achieve for myself. Starting at the beginning of this week, I have practiced extensively daily. The goal: Top 8 at a major. Wish me luck.
