Tetris celebrated its one-year anniversity last night at Forest Room Five, and it did so with a bang. With a record number of competitors (51!), a fresh set of faces and a mandatory visit from the cops (someone was having too good of a time), Tetris graduated from infant to toddler.... in style!
It was a rematch of last month's title battle, but with opposite results. In what may have been the most exciting game in league history, Vinnie and Paul G. traded Tetris' and triples for 3 minutes until the now FOUR TIME CHAMPION pulled away for victory. Vinnie went undefeated in August, taking out juggernauts like Vicky, Jesse and the mysterious Rubano, and once again stands atop the Tetris League heap.
Vinnie (L) vs Jesse (R)
2nd Place - Paul G.
Even though he made it to the Finals, Paul G. seemed a step behind the entire night. He let Joe send him to the loser's bracket midway through the night, and even in victories he scored only in the teens and twenties (21-19 over Luke, 13-6 over Justin Bunker, 20-15 over Jeffrey). Paul is a power player, but August had different plans.
Jeffrey (L) vs Paul G (R)
3rd Place - Vicky Hoehn
After hovering around the middle of the power rankings all summer, Vicky Hoehn roared to life in August. No one was safe: 23-12 over Drewstroyer, 46-43 over Jeffrey, 47 - 45 over Joe. It took losses to Paul G. and Vinnie to take her out, but the damage had already been done. Don't call it a comeback? Oh, it's a comeback.
Joe (L) vs Vicky (R)
4th Place - Rubano
The most dominate performance by a rookie since the beginning of time. Rubano came in confident, and wins over Melanie (38-29), Heidi (20-14) and Sarah Wells (26-20) proved that he was a player to be feared.
5th Place - Sarah Wells
A loss to Dan V. (18-19, close!) sent her to the loser's bracket early, which gave Sarah Wells a chance to show what she can do under pressure. She won five in a row over some seasoned veterans (a greasy Jesse Johnson, Melanie, Justin Bunker), but couldn't handle a high stakes match against Rubano.
Jesse (L) vs Sarah Wells (R)
6th Place - Joe
This month's trendy choice to win it all in August, Joe gave us hope with an amazing early win over Paul G. However, the sudden emergence of Vicky sent him to rematch Paul in the loser's bracket, and that's where it ended. Another strong showing, but how long can we wait?
Joe (L) vs Paul G. (R)
Rookie of the Month - Rubano
All we knew about Rubano was that he'd be late and could we save a spot for him. Never did we imagine the league had itself a new perennial top six player. He proved himself against Tetris' best, and we're crossing our fingers that we see him in September.
Rookie of the Month Runner Up - Jess
Jess came in as part of Jeffrey's Team Tetris: a group of young up-and-comers groomed in Jeffrey's teachings of mind, focus and Tetris. However, Jess seperated herself from the pack with big wins over Nicole and Cassie L, and made it all the way to the Final 16.
Most Improved Player - Sam
Sam debuted in July with average numbers and textbook gameplay. But in September, she was anything but textbook. Using a unique style of classic stacking and cut-throat aggression, Sam battled through Jenny Avenger, The Postman, Drewstroyer and a gaggle of others to reach the Top 12. Pay attention people: this is greatness in the making.
1. Vinnie
Leads the league with 4 championship trophies, and his Lines Per Minute aren't too shabby either.
LPM: 14.2
2. Paul G
It's been rumored that Paul is delaying his eventual move out of Colorado until he passes Vinnie in most-championships. Will that time ever come?
LPM: 13.9
3. Joe
At one time was underrated, but now coaches are wondering if he'll ever live up to his potential.
LPM: 13
4. Sarah Wells
The most consistantly good female in Tetris, but Vicky is right behind her.
LPM: 11.5
5. Vicky Hoehn
This month, Vicky was on fire. Falls behind Sarah Wells in the Power Rankings only due to past performances.
LPM: 12.7
6. Rubano
Rookie of the Month Rubano made quite a splash. However, his LPM will have to improve in order to make a serious run at the title.
LPM: 8.2
7. Jeffrey
Crushed Dan V. (29-13), but couldn't get past Vicky or Paul G. Always a final 12 player, but how long will that last?
LPM: 12.2
8. Jesse Johnson
Constantly mumbling, "Where are the 17-year-old girls?" So creepy it's distracting.
LPM: 13.6
9. Leslie Volkar
This former champion has lost her step of late, but her reputation will always make her dangerous.
LPM: 12.4
10. Heidi
Another strong showing from this former Most Improved Player. Proved she was for real by squeaking by Suzaster (29-26).
LPM: 8.2
11. Sam Schmitz
The bright spot of an already successfull evening. Scouts, coaches and general managers alike are wondering how far she can take it.
LPM: 8.5
12. Jason
He's back in the Power Rankings after a less-than-stellar July. Knocked out Leslie Volkar (31-29), but couldn't handle Paul G.
LPM: 8.8
Luke
An international prospect who dominated Tetris Leagues in Europe, Luke has yet to make his impact on the American game.
LPM: 7
Justin Bunker
No other player yearns for the Power Rankings like Justin Bunker. When will his time come?
LPM: 10.7
Melanie
A loss to Sarah Wells proved she had work to do to regain her form of early '07. A dangerous player when she's in the zone.
LPM: 11.4
Sarah Polzin
We saw her playing the crowd in August, but not playing any Tetris. We're just happy to have her in the room.
LPM: 3.5
Drewstroyer
Used his second month in the league to demonstrate his power (winning over Cristy 26-24 and Hacksaw 24-18), and his weakness (getting demolished by MIP Sam Schmitz).
LPM: 9.5
Dan V.
Mading his first appearance since June 2007, Dan V. brought it and brought it hard. He made it to the Final 16, and is an inch away from the Power Rankings.
LPM: 7.2
Uncle J.
Played the wall in August, but September could be his month.
LPM: 4.4
Dan J.
Actually made it to the Top 12 with wins, and notched a good victory against Lindsay (24-14). If the Power Rankings went to 13, Dan J. would be in. VOTED BEST DRESSED!
LPM: 10.5
Amy
One of the highest scoring rookies of August. As ESPN.com said on Friday, "Put Amy on your radar."
LPM: 9.1
Matt D.
Making his first appearance since June, Matt D. looked a little rusty. Nevertheless, this player is capable of beating anybody.
LPM: 6.4
Jenny Avenger
It what may be her last tournament before she transfers to the ANTM Domestic League, Jenny played well with a win over Laura and a close out to Dan V. She will be missed.
LPM: 5.9
Matt T.
A player with a lot of potential. Can he put it together on the big screen?
LPM: 1.5
Billy
A strong rookie, Billy gave the crowd an exciting match against his mentor Melanie, inwhich he outscored her but still lost, 14-13.
LPM: 7.6
The Postman
Who is the Postman!?!? A name to be feared.
LPM: 4.3
Jess
A crowd favorite, Jess gave a perfomance that said, "Look out, competition!" The Tetris player of the future.
LPM: 7.1
Rasberry
Advisor to the very dangerous Jeffrey, Rasberry proved her chops by beating Emily 16 -13.
LPM: 5.3
Soup
Soup played decent in his rookie month, even scoring a win over Where-Are-They-Now-Candidate Mark Zunkle. A young player with a lot of upside.
LPM: 7
Laura
Mysteriously involved in one of the highest scoring games of the night, a 43-53 barn-burning loss to Cassi B. As one scout puts it, "Buying stock in this young player would be a VERY good investment."
LPM: 8.6
Cassi B.
Cassi B. gave a decent debut, and nearly led all rookies in scoring.
LPM: 9
Liquid Charge
Had the second best battle name amoung new players, behind only Hacksaw!
LPM: 6.3
Krissy!
This strong player has been MIA the last two months.
LPM: 10.6
Chris 9+
Had the third best battle name amoung new players. But zero wins.
LPM: 5
Cassi L.
Scored a win in her first time playing, but left early and forfeited a possible chance to make it to the Final 16.
LPM: 11
Chris B.
Took Mel to the limit with a 40-40 loss. A solid rookie, but still has a lot to prove.
LPM: 10.5
Cristy
Did the best she could in her debut, even giving Drewstroyer all he could handle in a 24-26 loss.
LPM: 5.8
Suzaster
In her second tournament, Suzaster proved she has the experience and the know-how to beat anybody. Look for her in the Final 16 next month.
LPM: 9.6
Crowd Favorite Maggie
One of the most exciting up-and-comer's in the game, but had to leave early before her win streak could contintue.
LPM: 8.3
Dewey Decimator
Possibly the most intriguing young player in Tetris. Using an unorthodox mix of styles, he put up big lines and big plays in two close losses. Will it add up to a win next month?
LPM: 11.8
Dan H.
A smart veteran with a tool box full of secret moves. But can he get past Dan V. and Dan J. to take back his name?
LPM: 10.5
Hacksaw
By far had the best name of any rookie.
LPM: 5.7
Melissa Tapp
A former top 3 player. When will she return to competition?
LPM: 8.9
Emily
A student of the great Tetris master Melanie, Emily came in with a lot to live up to. With close games against Liquid Charge and Rasberry, she now knows what it takes to win. A decent rookie performance.
LPM: 4.3
Lindsay
Back for the first time since April, Lindsay meant business. Beat a very dangerous Maggie 29-25.
LPM: 7.3
Jennifer S.
In a crowded field of rookies, she held her own. A raw talent with a taste for the game
LPM: 2
Nicole
In her second tournament, Nicole had a powerfull win over Matt D. (27-12). As CNN.com puts it, "Nicole is due for a big game. Get your money ready."
9.8
Jessica
Scored a win against Liquid Charge, but couldn't get past MIP Sam. Look for her next month!
LPM: 8.7
Day
Almost turned Day into Night with a 18 - 28 loss against Billy. I don't know what that means.
LPM: 8
Where-Are-They-Now-Candidate Mark Z.
Last known photgraph of the missing. Lost some friends when he beat fan favorite Dan H.
