1. Don't be afraid to talk to people!
We don't bite! The whole point of these events is to get together and meet people that share the same love for the game. Talk to everyone! The staff, the other competitors, and Smogonauts that you may recognize from being e-famous. Everyone is there because they all share a similar passion for Pokemon, do not pass up an opportunity to get to know people because you are intimidated. Staff relations will help you be alot more comfortable with the scene and talking to other competitors will make your trip alot more worthwhile. As for Smogonauts, remember not to judge people based on their online personas. For example, on the internet Synre is a ruthless, cold-hearted dictator, but in real life he is just your average Glee-loving, huggable, soft-hearted manbear. Don't be afraid! He's harmless! Mostly. Also, you may know me but I may not know you. When you say hi, introduce yourself! Nothing is more annoying than having someone walk up to you and ask you "Hey are you _________?" and then walking away. (Be wary of the British though, their accents may make your heart melt.)
2. You can always sleep after the weekend is over.
Do not give into the temptation of a full nights sleep! This is your only chance to meet and hang out with so many Smogonauts in one place. Make the most of it. Late night Pokemon Stadium, TGI Fridays, and aimless wandering are what make these events so special. Who care's if you're a little tired in the morning? Just shake it off, down a Red Bull and continue enjoying your weekend filled Digital Pocket Monsters. (Word of advice, if you choose to indulge in Late Night Stadium, do NOT play with Ray Rizzo if it can be avoided. If it can't be avoided, remember: It's Always Magmar.)
3. Shower.
This can't be stressed enough. I don't care what you're doing. Shower. Everyday.
4. Be prepared!
The best Disney song. And some great advice. You want to get your Pokemon and stuff in line before you get to the event. You really don't want to be wasting all of the social time RNGing and EVing Pokemon at the event.
5. Be gracious in both victory and defeat.
I'm not saying you shouldn't be a little excited or a little disappointed when you win or lose, but remember that you're still playing against a person. There is no need to pretend to be an airplane and fly around the room when you win, and there is no need to flip a table when you lose. Shake your opponent's hand and wish them luck the rest of the way through. We don't want anyone's sour grapes to ruin another person's day. Be good sports! Remember the golden rule: If a player is found to be behaving in a way not befitting a Pokémon Trainer at any time, he or she may be disqualified from participating in all current and future competitions.
6. Take pictures and videos.
When it comes time to reflect upon your time at VGC you're going to want lots of pictures and videos to remember it by. When writing a VGC warstory, the cliche "A picture is worth a thousand words" couldn't be more true. If you look at Ninahaza's warstories, I don't think anyway actually reads the words, they just scroll through to look at pictures and watch the videos. Everyone loves them, so remember to take them!
7. Check out everything the event has to offer
While the tournament is the main draw to most VGC events, there are side events that you should check out as well! For the larger tournaments, there are League Play areas where you can get prizes for playing matches and organize small events. There are art stations and game stations and vendors that you might want to take a look at!
8. Don't take Pokemon too seriously!
When it comes down to it, we're all just playing a children's game. While there is some skill involved, more often than not, luck will get in the way and it's important to not let it ruin your weekend. Win or lose, never take for granted that TPCi has surrounded you with hundreds of people that love the little critters as much as you from all around the world and enjoy your time with them! It only comes around once a year, so make the most of it.
Thanks for reading, feel free to add any advice you want!
We don't bite! The whole point of these events is to get together and meet people that share the same love for the game. Talk to everyone! The staff, the other competitors, and Smogonauts that you may recognize from being e-famous. Everyone is there because they all share a similar passion for Pokemon, do not pass up an opportunity to get to know people because you are intimidated. Staff relations will help you be alot more comfortable with the scene and talking to other competitors will make your trip alot more worthwhile. As for Smogonauts, remember not to judge people based on their online personas. For example, on the internet Synre is a ruthless, cold-hearted dictator, but in real life he is just your average Glee-loving, huggable, soft-hearted manbear. Don't be afraid! He's harmless! Mostly. Also, you may know me but I may not know you. When you say hi, introduce yourself! Nothing is more annoying than having someone walk up to you and ask you "Hey are you _________?" and then walking away. (Be wary of the British though, their accents may make your heart melt.)
2. You can always sleep after the weekend is over.
Do not give into the temptation of a full nights sleep! This is your only chance to meet and hang out with so many Smogonauts in one place. Make the most of it. Late night Pokemon Stadium, TGI Fridays, and aimless wandering are what make these events so special. Who care's if you're a little tired in the morning? Just shake it off, down a Red Bull and continue enjoying your weekend filled Digital Pocket Monsters. (Word of advice, if you choose to indulge in Late Night Stadium, do NOT play with Ray Rizzo if it can be avoided. If it can't be avoided, remember: It's Always Magmar.)
3. Shower.
This can't be stressed enough. I don't care what you're doing. Shower. Everyday.
4. Be prepared!
The best Disney song. And some great advice. You want to get your Pokemon and stuff in line before you get to the event. You really don't want to be wasting all of the social time RNGing and EVing Pokemon at the event.
5. Be gracious in both victory and defeat.
I'm not saying you shouldn't be a little excited or a little disappointed when you win or lose, but remember that you're still playing against a person. There is no need to pretend to be an airplane and fly around the room when you win, and there is no need to flip a table when you lose. Shake your opponent's hand and wish them luck the rest of the way through. We don't want anyone's sour grapes to ruin another person's day. Be good sports! Remember the golden rule: If a player is found to be behaving in a way not befitting a Pokémon Trainer at any time, he or she may be disqualified from participating in all current and future competitions.
6. Take pictures and videos.
When it comes time to reflect upon your time at VGC you're going to want lots of pictures and videos to remember it by. When writing a VGC warstory, the cliche "A picture is worth a thousand words" couldn't be more true. If you look at Ninahaza's warstories, I don't think anyway actually reads the words, they just scroll through to look at pictures and watch the videos. Everyone loves them, so remember to take them!
7. Check out everything the event has to offer
While the tournament is the main draw to most VGC events, there are side events that you should check out as well! For the larger tournaments, there are League Play areas where you can get prizes for playing matches and organize small events. There are art stations and game stations and vendors that you might want to take a look at!
8. Don't take Pokemon too seriously!
When it comes down to it, we're all just playing a children's game. While there is some skill involved, more often than not, luck will get in the way and it's important to not let it ruin your weekend. Win or lose, never take for granted that TPCi has surrounded you with hundreds of people that love the little critters as much as you from all around the world and enjoy your time with them! It only comes around once a year, so make the most of it.
Thanks for reading, feel free to add any advice you want!
