Good Evening, I am Ika, here applying to be the manager for the Iki Inkays. I understand that most of the slots are essentially predetermined, but that there are a few spots up for grabs every year in BSPL. I want to convince you why you should believe in and choose me and the Iki Inkays.
The History of the Iki Inkays:
The Inkays originated in the Battle Spot room on Pokemon Showdown as kind of a nickname for myself, partially because Ika sounds kind of like an Inkay, but also because of my prolific use of its evolution Malamar in the Battle Spot Singles scene when I was more of a memer. I’d be called Ika the Inkay generally by Bobochan and after I played in BSPL III, I had an ambition of managing the next year and bringing my own team to the heights that a competent manager like Kaori is able to. I was struggling for a name, but why not just use the Inkays became an idea. Ever since then, for about six months, the Iki Inkays has been memed about on and off on the Showdown chat when talking about BSPL. I am here to tell you though that it is no meme and a deadly serious goal of mine.
What does the Iki Inkays represent:
Iki town is the first town in the Alola region, representing the beginning of a new journey, a suitable location for a scrappy new team that is just starting in the league. Inkays are local to Iki town, being found in USUM next door on Route 1, therefore it makes perfect sense that the humble Inkay would be the mascot of Iki Town. Finally, Inkays evolve into the majestic pokemon Malamar and with its signature move Topsy Turvy, it has the ability to use the opponent’s strength against them, turning the tide of battle. See my use of Malamar against an evoboost team as an example of this:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7battlespotsingles-809055651
Why should you pick me as manager?
I’m a long-standing player that has been heavily involved within the community since the beginning of 2018. I’m knowledgeable about all three singles formats, especially GBU and USUM where most of the content over the last year posted publicly comes from me. Due to having some understanding of Japanese as well as a high drive to learn from the peak of BSS, I am well read of what happens at the top of the meta. Despite the meme of being part of the 3k core, I’ve reached quarter finals in USUM and semi finals in a GBU only tour and have beaten several prominent and respected players in the scene, whether it be in friendlies or tournament play. I’m probably one of very few players that has been top 5-10 in the scene at multiple singles formats at the same time rather than just being good at a singular format. This isn’t really about my individual play though, you do not have to be the best player to be the best manager and I think my talents are more suited to managing than playing.
I have knowledge of other scenes, having been in other team leagues and played smogon formats. With that comes knowing players that I can bring into the draft if needs be to bolster my team. If need be, I can use highly individually skilled players from other formats, backed by my knowledge base and willingness to spread that (I was voted as the most helpful player for example in the discord rooms survey) as a recipe for success. Whilst I do not know as much about doubles, I’d argue that other than Kaori, I probably know around as many doubles players as any other manager and have a solid gameplan when it comes to the draft.
In conclusion, I hope you give me a chance, I work tirelessly to promote the scene whether that be through analysis or tutoring or hosting tours or just hanging in battle spot rooms and I would bring that same energy to managing.
