This wasn't the finish that we had in mind, but I'm incredibly proud nonetheless. This was the most fun that I've had in a Pokemon tournament.
BP and I developed our draft plan the day after ZUPL V ended, and the goal was simple -- foster an engaging team culture made up of capable players. As corny as it is, we were confident that friendship would drive everyone to be heavily involved in prep, and I'm a firm believer that strong preparation leads to easy execution. We caught some breaks (and suffered at times too), but that #1 seed is a testament to the efforts from everyone on BLAZE. Thank you for all the time that you put into this season, and thank you for trusting us like we trusted you.
BP -- This partnerships works because, at the end of the day, we're just two dudes shooting the shit about a game that we enjoy. We both had a chip on our shoulder from last year, but I think we delivered in this tour. You know the rules though. End on a make...
sleid -- Nobody should have been surprised that we drafted you. You're our third manager after all. PUPL, ZUPL, and now Olympiad have proven that you and I work well together, and I knew that I could slot you anywhere because you'd put the time in to learn. I'm eager to see you manage ZUPL next.
BloodAce -- You might be the MVP of this season. You helped everywhere. You tested everything. You had the best record on the team. You're just easy to work with and you'll play anything. It was a pleasure to team with you.
LustfulLice -- This man is your favorite player's favorite player. BP insisted on finding him the best pilot to win with his ADV teams, so I knew that you were the man for the job. There's an aura of professionalism around your games that I just trust entirely. You're so much better than your record shows, and I think most people know that now too.
SaDiSTiCNarwhal -- We played the long con last year. As soon as RBY was confirmed for Olympiad, we knew that we wanted you back on the team. Plus, we hoped that you'd be cheap after we tossed you to the wolves in ORAS/SM last year. You destroyed folks from your phone in a pub bathroom, and I fully expected you to do it again in Finals. See you next year because you can't escape now.
fish anemometer -- Good players play good, so 12.5K just felt like such a steal. Unfortunately, we got Dedenne'd again in the Finals, but I appreciate your willingness to pick up SS ZU because I was so confident that you'd perform there. Your execution is incredibly strong, and a lot of players could benefit from your insight into the game. I respect you a lot, but don't tell anyone.
diegoyuhhi -- I am an unapologetic diego believer, and BP even more so. We both knew that you were the perfect fit for a team like this, and it also just seemed right to have you continue feeding fish teams. We drafted the best GSC in the pool and finished with the best GSC record. Coincidence?
missangelic -- You stepped up when we needed a new BWer, and I'd argue that you saved our season with crucial wins. BP and I knew from SU that the fit made sense. It's uplifting to be around you. I'm looking forward to seeing you in future tours too because you can clearly compete.
I want Atago to sit on me -- I thought you were a meme, but it turns out that BP's childhood neighbor still has some gas in the tank. Your willingness to step up in the early weeks was critical to our strong start, and I'm sorry that we tainted your perfect record with that BW game.
love chants -- I wish you had more run, but I still think 3K was an absolute steal. Play more Pokemon. Come home. The kids miss you.
innovamania -- I hope everything is well with you, and I also hope you lose all of your UU games.
Thank you to our resident support staff --
Shaneghoul,
MrSoup,
Charles A. Theist,
torkonpeter (GOAT), and
acluh1 -- as well as all of the other folks who joined us for Finals.
Congratulations to the Gatrs too.
TWiTT -- I had the pleasure of watching how you work during ZUPL Finals, and it was a huge influence on the way that we approached this tournament. You're one of the best to do it for a reason. Enjoy another victory.
Shoutout to the hosts and all of the other managers for a smooth tournament overall. Now, free the manager surveys because I want to sandbag BP.
