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Smogon Premier League XVII - Commencement Thread

KOvry.png
 
I wanted to give my thoughts on a small few prospective players in the ORAS OU pool. The pool is always stacked with powerful usernames, so I will concern myself only with players who may potentially not be guaranteed a slot this season, no matter if the odds of them going undrafted are 1% or 99%. I may edit or repost with new additions as merit and time allows.

Starting with players who have already played in SPL:

lighthouses
I have had the misfortune of having to play against lighthouses so many times over the past year that I think I'll crash out if I get paired up with this guy again. All this time, he's been a solid player with lots of creative builds. I got to witness this firsthand when we teamed up for ORASPL; lighthouses is a total machine when it comes to building teams and testing to find the right angle to take on his opponents, and brings a strong in-game as well. He's up-to-date with the metagame, and is currently seeing his efforts in the ORAS Circuit bear fruit as he fights in finals for the ribbon. I consider him a Tier 1 builder in ORAS OU right now. Above all, he's someone who enjoys playing Pokemon. Good buy.

BluBirD
I don't have much to say about BluBirD that isn't already known, but this guy has probably been one of my favourite builders in ORAS OU for the longest time. Any time I have a chat with him, I'm always blessed to lay my eyes on some new technology that should probably be illegal. He keeps himself engaged with the tier and has widened his repertoire of team-styles since last season. I think he has high ceiling, which was best demonstrated in his SPL XVI W1 game, which is still a great watch. He may still need to get his greed instincts in check though. Either way, he's another Tier 1 builder in ORAS OU and I believe he would be an asset to any team.

Savouras
An undeniably talented player, if a tad abrasive to some. The coach not being drafted last year seemed like a pretty big snub, but he's continued to play a strong game all year, with a unique approach to building and a penchant for churning out enjoyable content on his Youtube channel. A very consistent performer in the ORAS OU Invitational two years in a row now as well. Perhaps we could get some live SPL content this season too.

Now, onto a few "newer" faces:

Destro16

I'm not glazing you again buddy. Please read my final RoAPL XI post for my experience with Destro16. Since then, he's only improved, with great results in WCOP and the ORAS OU Invitational, decisively taking down many strong players. Worthwhile sleeper pick for the eagle-eyed manager.

Tenebricite
I think Tenebricite has had a really great year across all generations. Making playoffs of both Classic and Masters is no easy feat. While many might know him more as a solid SM player, he's always been strong in ORAS OU, with his most recent ORAS OU Invitational results demonstrating this clearly. He's got a good sense for prep as well, and has a bonus clutch factor (Teamballo II - Kyoto Kingambits will remember). His WCOP debut was sort of marred by a death pool, so I think his sheet record is unrepresentative of his abilities. A potential draft that provides great value in quite a few tiers. Also makes Youtube content.

kingofking
The second big snub of last year. Howtow1n's still got it though, with a big individual win in this year's ORAS Summer SSNL and a presence wherever there's ORAS. Pretty good sustained performance year-over-year in my opinion, and playing against him is always bothersome. I know for sure that some SPL XVI teams were probably kicking themselves by the end for not grabbing a player like Howtow1n, so perhaps the same mistake will be avoided this season.

BENCHRIDER
The savior of ORAS OU Invitational and a sort of unconventional wildcard pick. While most would be more familiar with Hacker's escapades in the lower tiers, I happened to like their play during ORASPL and Masters as well. Would be interested in seeing if that might continue. Not sure about this new name though.

There are a fair few other underrated-yet-capable players who I could comment on, such as awyp, Hyssou, Xurkiyee, etc., assuming they all sign up. For brevity however, I would just recommend those interested to check out the ORAS OU Invitational IV (and upper-bracket of Play-Ins) and 2025 ORAS OU Circuit Championship participants, which, for the most part, accurately captures the most performant and/or dedicated players this year. Obviously, these specific tournaments are more of a snapshot of the players as opposed to the end-all-be-all, but I have not yet found a better indicator of presence in the pool.

Lots of good options for those willing to look. To all SPL hopefuls this season, glhf!
 
Tenebricite
I think Tenebricite has had a really great year across all generations. Making playoffs of both Classic and Masters is no easy feat. While many might know him more as a solid SM player, he's always been strong in ORAS OU, with his most recent ORAS OU Invitational results demonstrating this clearly. He's got a good sense for prep as well, and has a bonus clutch factor (Teamballo II - Kyoto Kingambits will remember). His WCOP debut was sort of marred by a death pool, so I think his sheet record is unrepresentative of his abilities. A potential draft that provides great value in quite a few tiers. Also makes Youtube content.

vouch for everything said here, tenebricite is one of my oldest friends on this site and certifiably goated
 
Today I am announcing my free agency and decision to play in my first SPL ever.

The game is way too easy. Life is way too easy. I got money, clout, bitches, supercars, and wiping these scrubs in SPL is just another way to assert my GOAT-ness and conquer the world. It is innate, effortless like breathing bro.

I will playing BW to wash every single oldhead who dared disrespect me when I tried to save Cloyster from these stall spamming old gen pussies. GaryTheGengar pull up. You are next on the list of noobs that need to be put in their place

My name is Vertical Triple X and I'm the BW fucking GOAT
This game is too easy but u ducking to the weakest tier w the weakest pool? Why not come to a tier w real competition n actual skill like ORAS
 
Today I am announcing my free agency and decision to play in my first SPL ever.

The game is way too easy. Life is way too easy. I got money, clout, bitches, supercars, and wiping these scrubs in SPL is just another way to assert my GOAT-ness and conquer the world. It is innate, effortless like breathing bro.

I will playing BW to wash every single oldhead who dared disrespect me when I tried to save Cloyster from these stall spamming old gen pussies. GaryTheGengar pull up. You are next on the list of noobs that need to be put in their place

My name is Vertical Triple X and I'm the BW fucking GOAT
Stall isnt even good in bw cloyster was worse to face if you were using offense if anything since 1 shell smash could prob one shot everything unless you optimize stuff , compared to stall where it usually could still handle after 1 shell smash .goodlord you failed to save cloyster a true goat is more humble . No one is washed regardless of numbers from sheets . With that being said if i dont end up being drafted by any team i dont mind helping any team for free
 
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The BW pool is due a major mixup this year. The last few years I don't think the drafted BW players have been reflective of who the actual top 10 players in the tier are. Without naming names, there's a few underperforming older players who make it in year after year, coasting on past reputation. We're due a refresh.

And I'm saying that as a 2009 join-dater. The new generation are just really fucking good. Stop default picking the oldies.

The players below have all been building and performing at a high level in BW OU, year-round, for several years at this point and would be major snubs if they didn't get picked. I truly believe they are better picks this year than many of the SPL "household names".

Brine
As much as it pains me to say it, Brine is very very good at BW OU. Was drafted as team support for Rewer last year and basically masterminded that BW slot, with many of his innovations impacting the wider meta too. Then built for his entire team in BW WCoP and carried to finals. Fresh off the back of top 3 in invitational with minimal effort. This year is the year of Brine and he needs to make it in.

harshest
He's been snubbed out of a starting slot for like 3 years btw. Finally got drafted as support last year. I've heard he might make it in already based on the strength of his DPP showing currently, but he's also comfortably a top 10 pick in BW OU, if thats where he wants to play.

Cow
Cow was borderline last year, felt like it was pretty tight between him and Meessm (RIP) for that final starting slot, so was gutted when he didn't even get picked as a sub. He's come on leaps and bounds from there though, farming every team tour under the sun in every tier you could name. He's a big name in BW OU with the potential to team support and build and test in basically everything else. He needs to be in this year.
 
The BW pool is due a major mixup this year. The last few years I don't think the drafted BW players have been reflective of who the actual top 10 players in the tier are. Without naming names, there's a few underperforming older players who make it in year after year, coasting on past reputation. We're due a refresh.

And I'm saying that as a 2009 join-dater. The new generation are just really fucking good. Stop default picking the oldies.
Screenshot 2025-12-16 at 9.35.18 AM.png

who exactly are the underperforming older players making it in year after year from coasting on past reputation? don't think that's fair to say for the mainstays who have grinded this tier in spl for years. if you look at last year (and other years show a similar pattern), spl bw mainstays like watashi, elodin, dice, sw, etc historically hold their own with good performances. the only mainstay who didn't do well last year was gary, who had an off year after carrying his spl team to a championship, having other successful runs after that, and winning bw cup twice.

suggesting new bw talent is fine but saying they should be picked bc the older playerbase is washed and coasting just isn't true and isn't in good taste. quite the contrary, it's hard to break into spl because older players have been so consistent over the years; but luckily there's always room for newcomers. it's just the lay of the land that breaking into a week 1 starting slot for old gens isn't that easy.

that harshest guy's dpp run was impressive. i assume they probably need team support in dpp but they played really well. if bw is their main i hope they get a chance to play it.

on the topic of dpp support though, i wanted to highlight george182. they've played dpp forever and have a lot of tier knowledge, and this year built some strong teams that ended up getting used in revival. this one in particular i found to be an impressive and unique build. if you draft a dpp starter who doesn't build, george would be a useful asset to support them.
 
I'm clearly not going to name individuals, Excal. Weird suggestion from the tournament host.

My point is simply - the BW SPL playerbase has been mostly the same guys for several years. I think its worth questioning whether that still represents the best BW players on the site. You are correct to bring up BW cup re: Gary - but how many of the other "core" SPL starters are featuring in the later rounds of BW cup, invitational, or circuit. How many of them even played or had good records in other BW-featuring team tours like BWPL/RoAPL/ADPL and so on. You will not find many of our established SPL playerbase on those lists.

There is a mentality currently where "oh X will get picked" regardless of whether they have even played the tier since last SPL. In BW especially its like there's 8 guys who get a guaranteed spot year after year. I only want to challenge that mentality and suggested 3 different players who aren't household names but are definitely top 10 BWers on current form.

But if you really thought this was so offensive to write up a reply then I look forward to your reaction to Shake's PR come January.
 
taking shake seriously in big 2025 seems like a self-inflicted issue.

anyway, im not sure if you actually talk to managers and inquire about their reasoning but i do find it weird to just assume they draft based on reputation instead of thinking deeply about who the best pick is. i myself certainly dont and make the time to watch every bw circuit/team tour replay in search of strong newcomers (i wanted harshest last year if my other options fell through and made them aware of that as well as rec'd them to other managers since i believed they deserved to be drafted) and many other managers do the same. if they decide that theyre not impressed with what they see then thats certainly a disagreement you can have but its certainly not a matter of just "picking based on rep".

its good to highlight newcomers but feels weird to do it in a way where you're bringing others down, especially when theyre longstanding members of the community and have done a lot of good for the tier.

for anyone trying to get drafted for either their first spl or as a starter, personality is just as important as skill and i think you need to demonstrate to managers that you're a level-headed person and will be a positive presence in the team server, and definitely dont shit talk (the passive aggressiveness in these posts is an issue too). if not then you better be as good as roro lol

feel free to hit me up since im always happy to talk / watch replays / give advice. have a nice week
 
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Hello, SPL...I recently had my 53rd birthday, and opened this old forum for the first time in years because my oldest kid's 19 now and wanted to play in this tournament. His screen name here is Nemosse, does anyone know him? Hey, kiddo! He's a good kid and worked hard all year, I promise, so won't someone draft him? Make this proud father's dreams come true?

I still remember the day my third child was born. It was the day of the last Pokemon game I ever watched, when I saw BLUNDER SANTANA and WhiteQueen go at it in the finals in 2015. Oh, what a doozie! I still think about that expertly-played Baton Pass Scolipede in the deciding game years later. Are either of them still around? An old pal of mine told me BLUNDER SANTANA just goes by "blunder" now, and has a successful TV show or something like that? That's great to hear, sport! Oh, how this old fart would love to see you two rematch in this tournament, because it was always my favourite one...

As your old man took a trip down memory lane, I made a list of my favourite players from when I was young. I used to watch so many of these games, just thrilling competition. Are any of them still around? It would be so great to see them come back to put on a show, to show all you young whippersnappers a thing or two! Let's see now...

gotei(13) hyorinmaru...I always felt bad, because you never got that trophy! Everyone else who made multiple finals back in the day picked one up, but I guess you left too soon. It's never too late.
Loki...talk about a legend of the game! You joined this website before I got married, and now I have three beautiful children and you have two trophies! All that's missing is that red trophy to complete the collection.
Eo Ut Mortus...when I left you hadn't played in a bit, and I never saw you get revenge for your last season. No one was better in those first two years of SPL. Come back to show them how it's done?
august...it looks like you have a fancy white trophy now? Good on you! That was a young prodigy back when I played, it would be great to see your career come full circle!
ToF...now we're going to more recent years, because I still remember that finals win against Malekith in 2012. That Calm Mind Blissey? Expertly played! Keep the flame lit for the old timers.
Delta 2777 and Bluewind...I loved that Smogon Tour 10 format, and that series was full of haymakers! If either of them come back, oh boy, you're all in for a treat.
Tamahome...you might already have this trophy, but nobody played Diamond and Pearl like you. A little bit of prep, a little bit of support, you can show those newfangled kids something impressive.
The Grand Babido...felt like you did well in every tournament back in the day. Kids these days and their work ethic, they don't understand the value of consistency like that.
WhiteQueen...oh, I remember that Official Smogon Tournament ten years ago. I bet you could come back and compete on the ladder nowadays, maybe you win a second red trophy in style?

Welp, that's the list, I think! Hopefully I didn't forget anyone, and hopefully I didn't list anyone who's gotten themselves wrapped up in trouble. I have to go make dinner for the family now, but hopefully I'll see some of the old guard in a few weeks. Remind the kids today to respect their elders!
 
This game is too easy but u ducking to the weakest tier w the weakest pool? Why not come to a tier w real competition n actual skill like ORAS
The audacity to think the BW GOAT and the SV GOAT cannot win in ORAS OU as well... I will be changing my sign-up now. There is even more HO in this tier and when I pull up with my lead Azelf 40 weeks in a row, the only thing you will see on that sheet y'all glaze is undefeated. See, this is the problem with the higher "competition n actual skill." These trash gen6 mainers will brag about their sheet ratings but I don't see any SPL trophy next to it? No one is going to log into a google doc every day to check if you are actually good bruh.

I don't get just rings. I get money too. I just had 5 checks hit my bank account this morning, each around $30k. Everything bro, everything, from the way I move to the supercars I collect to the noobs I wash, life is way too easy bruh. I am way too good bruh. And becoming the ORAS GOAT is only natural. In fact, I already am. They don't put the SPL trophy next to the cross because we already know Jesus is a SPL champion-- He owns this entire world and every material accomplishment. I am the same. I am a God.

Stall isnt even good in bw cloyster was worse to face if you were using offense if anything since 1 shell smash could prob one shot everything unless you optimize stuff , compared to stall where it usually could still handle after 1 shell smash .goodlord you failed to save cloyster a true goat is more humble . No one is washed regardless of numbers from sheets . With that being said if i dont end up being drafted by any team i dont mind helping any team for free
Who even are you bro? Some random RoAPL champion? Pretty sure they're going to take that tag off in a few months. Your skill expires like milk. Just because I couldn't save Cloyster doesn't mean I'm not the GOAT. Did Michael Jordan win 15/15 seasons? I still saved Walking Wake from ban happy idiots on the Smog Korean council. I got Shed Tail banned. I freed Darkrai by my lonesome like a g. I got sleep banned using reverse psychology. If I put my mind to something and truly want it, I will get it. That is my resolve. I didn't put my full resolve into Cloyster because the people who play this dogshit like you are pushing 50 and I had million dollar deals in Zimbabwe to close. You are an impotent fool.

On a sidenote, I will not be supporting SV OU. If you want me for ORAS OU so I can sweep these scrubs that's fine, but time is money and if you're a good manager you can make a 12 that can win without asking for the Thanksgiving leftovers of the SV FUCKING GOAT
 
The BW pool is due a major mixup this year. The last few years I don't think the drafted BW players have been reflective of who the actual top 10 players in the tier are. Without naming names, there's a few underperforming older players who make it in year after year, coasting on past reputation. We're due a refresh.

And I'm saying that as a 2009 join-dater. The new generation are just really fucking good. Stop default picking the oldies.
Insert Demian egg quote here

re: sign up
Just an fyi spl overlaps with my busy season at work, I can still get my games done (was able to play winter seasonal and win invit qualifiers 2x in a row). Only thing it means from a team perspective is: 1) I cant play outside of fri night and some of the weekend, and 2) I probably wouldnt be the best in a sub / support role. Please draft someone else if thats what you are looking for, theres a lot of enthusiastic new gsc talent who would really appreciate the chance.
 
ORAS OU
please draft Always! he deserves it
Rfn is my thing, draft me in Oras and i'll give you first blood Every week.

trust ♠️♥️
I am signing for SPL
Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience and approach could fit your team’s needs. I am available for tryouts or further discussion at your convenience and can be reached at (777) 777-7777 or rollerkizzay@bing.gov.

Looking forward to doing my part in the pursuit of the red trophy.
My performance this year in team tours:

World Cup of Pokemon: 1-0

ADVPL: 5-2 (1-0 in Playoffs)

ADVTL: 3-4 (2-0 in Playoffs)

DPPWC: 2-1 (0-1 in Playoffs)

BWPL: 6-2 (2-0 in Playoffs, this tournament was won)

PUWC: 1-0

LCWC: 5-2 (1-0 in Playoffs)

Do with this information whatever you want.
Team Tour Performances this year

Roapl: 5-3 (in bo1 slot)

GSCPL: 3-4

I don't think I should likely be bought as a GSC starter, but with the lower number of GSC signups I think I'm a good option for a sub/prep help.
My DMs are open managers.



mourinho-zero-tituli.gif

 
Sm is in a really interesting spot rn. Some of the strongest SM players like Skype or Empo will probably not participate this year and overall the playerbase shifted a lot within the last years. There are also a few questionsmarks like other gen mainers who maybe want to step into SM this year (like Star or Zone) and also some great sm players who might step into other tiers like C0mp or Punny (?). So there´s maybe some space for interesting rookies who might deserve a spot. I´d like to introduce some of them, who might be under the radar for the managers.

Proftreez Probably one of the most influencial builders in recent years. Even though some teams are overcooked, or some squads which can be just piloted by hisself, his builds are overly great (founder of DMC base version). Especically in the current volatile meta, strong building skills are a great advantage. In addition Treez is also a strong player, as shown by a solid 6-2 SMPL record.

Kyo Some people call them "psychopath" and honestly I understand the reason. Kyo is a really "aggressive" player, who has still somehow consistency in their results. In addition, the builds are just crazy, probably too crazy sometimes, so maybe there should be some teammembers/manager who just stops them sometimes. But yeah overall really strong results: last year 8-1 OUPL, this year win of SM cup and finalist of Rising Stars. I think with the right teammates/managers Kyo can just be a beast.

Tenebricite As Always already said Tenebricite is a really solid fairy gen player, who can easily play in all masters tiers if needed, showed in a good top 16 Masters run (in my opinion he had the potential to win the whole thing, he made top 32 last year asw). In SM particularly, I think he is a great pilot who maybe needs more support than the other players in the list and is also a bit one sided, but paired with some good builders, he can surely perform, and also flex in other tiers, if needed.

Brandonlee1 Honestly I hate and love your overconfidence at the same time. When Brandon preps seriously, he is a really strong player. Over the past year, he has adapted his team choices a lot and made clear improvements. I think managers should watch Brandon´s replays and see how consistent his gameplay in general is. His masters out was really unfortunate and even if he doesn´t have the big results in the bigger sm team tours like SMPL or OUPL (just in Tours like Bangla PL) he has some individual results like winning the SM Winter Seasonal that confirms his ability as a player.

Fdmw One of the rising SM players. I think Kyrius made really big steps within this year. Especically his game planning improved a lot, shown in really good SMPL (5-1) and OUPL results (5-0). Moreover, Kyrius is a good builder, including a lot of interesting techs in his builds, which can be really helpful for SPL. I think the combination between being a really solid player and the building dedication can be a reason to perform well in SPL.

In general, I wanted to show good potential newcomers. Some great sm players like Chiharu, GeniusX and Tace should be drafted for sure. I am looking forward to the SPL and all the coverage. :)
 
I just quietly look forward to be draft like that:
B73AAD6CCEA324EF73F15F5B10177A71.jpg

When I try out to managers, managers like:
微信图片_20251217204651_29_6.png

When I tried out to all the managers but were all rejected,me like:
微信图片_20251217203653_27_6.jpg
one taught me love, one taught me patience, and one taught me pain, now I'm so amazing. Say I've loved and lost, but that's not what I see, so look what I got, look what u taught me~

Can I get draft pls? :blobwizard:And I am an active and solid player which can lay a solid foundation of strength for the team and provide all-round assistance, thank u next.
 
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