It was another big night for Tetris in September: TEN first time players made their debut in a night that featured 29 total competitors; the booze flowed like L-pieces and squares when the bar decided to set up shop literally INCHES away from the screen; and Paul G. made a push for the championship in what may be his final tournament.... EVER! If it sounds like drama, it must be Tetris.
In what would ultimatly be his fourth Tetris championship, Paul G put together a campaign of aggression and abuse that laid to waste such heavy hitters as Dewey Decimator, Joe Lightning and last month's champ Vinnie. After his final victory over a drunk Jesse Johnson, Paul G. announced his retirement, throwing his grand prize of fifty dollars into the air and putting the final button on a hall of fame Tetris career. A teary-eyed twelve-year-old in the audience whimpered, "Will he be back?" With Paul G, you never know....
2nd Place - Jesse Johnson
Drunk before the opening bell rang, Jesse Johnson stumbled to the couch and put together an impressive run that included lucky victories over Christopher, Jabberwalky, an angry Leslie Volkar and a dejected Vinnie. Jesse managed a victory against the undefeated Paul G. in the final round, but couldn't pull it together in the rubber match, and eventually passed out from an overdose of his Hep C medication.
3rd Place - Vinnie
Last month's champ was heard whispering at the beginning of the night, "I'm off my game." He was half right: he scored big wins over Leslie, Dan J. and Vaughn the Bartender, but two losses to Paul G. and Jesse Johnson proved he wasn't ready to go for the first ever repeat championship. Expect a big game in October.
4th Place - Amy
Where the hell did Amy come from? After a respectable showing in August, Amy came back in September with huge results: wins over Jeffrey, Hacksaw, Dan H. and Rookie of the Month Dane took her all the way to the final four, where she put down Joe Lightning like he was a first time novice. Amazing performance.
5th Place - Joe Lightning
A perennial Top 6 player, Joe Lightning did what he always does: WIN. Early victories over Colleen's Friend Matt, Mo Pancake, and Dan H. made him one of the four undefeated players in the winner's bracket. Then the meltdown began: his arch nemesis Paul G. sent him to the loser's side, and up-and-comer Amy blew him away in the elemination round. Joe has gotten close in recent months to winning it all - is that the closest he'll get?
6th Place - Leslie Volkar
A savy veteran and two-time champion, Leslie Volkar was a trendy pick to win it all in September. She proved strong with first round wins over Suzaster, Amy and Jesse Johnson, but a rematch against Jesse showed her weakness. Watch for her in October to make a come back.
Rookie of the Month - Dane
Dane is a powerhouse. Need proof? After a win over Agent Wells to start the night off, Dane went to the losers bracket with a close loss to veteran player Dan J. From there, with his back to the wall, Dane played like true champions do with wins over Kalashnakov, Suzaster and Nichole. A run away for Rookie of the Month, Dane proved he's capable of playing at the highest level.
Best Dressed - Dewey Decimator
He kept it simple, he kept it stylish, he kept it Tetris.
Most Improved Player - Amy
She played the tournament of her life in September, most notably her 19-13 elemination win Jeffrey that showed the multiple facets of her game. Will she add on to her success in October? Only time will tell.
1. Paul G.
In his alleged final tournament ever, Paul G. went out on top. But he's still tied with Vinnie in championships won - can he let that go?
2. Vinnie
Despite not winning it all in September, Vinnie is still the most dangerous and feared player in the game.
3. Joe Lightning
Is he underated? Overated? Meticulous? Too plotting? He's only one thing for sure: Joe Lightning.
4. Jesse Johnson
Wore so much Ax Deoderant Body Spray his t-shirt was soaked at the armpits.
5. Leslie Volkar
You can't argue with her two championship titles: she's damn good.
6. Amy
Earned her way into the Power Rankings with a big September - a big October will only get her closer to the top.
7. Dan J.
Had one of his best months yet in a career that grows more impressive with each tournament.
8. Jabberwalky
Took out Colleen's Friend Matt and Jason Gilligan, and is turning out to be one of the most consistant players in the game.
9. Dan H.
The savy veteran got his wins in September, and showed what it takes to be a long time force in the game.
10. Jeffrey
A top pick in many of the Tetris Fantasy Leagues, Jeffrey couldn't match his big August game in September.
11. Dane
September's ROM has scouts, coaches and GM's praying for an October appearance.
12. Suzaster
Broke into the power rankings with a decent September, including a big win over Steck. Her value is on the rise.
