Well, this was officially a bloody awesome event. Many thanks to amie, Graeme and all involved. The atmosphere was quite unlike anything I'd ever experienced a a co-event before- and I've been to more than a couple in my time. Definite highlights of the night were meeting all the new faces- especially Adam and Ed who are just as cool in real life as they are on apterous. Giles, David BB and heather & phyl were pleasures to speak to as well. Phyl's rap is definitely something I don't think I'll ever forget.
As far as the games go, it was almost certainly the tensest co-event I can remember. Personal highlights for me include beating Adam on a crucial when he was unbeaten and then immediately adjudicating the record-breaking Adam/James game. The use of a full finals stage (quarters, semis and a grand final) was a stroke of genius- it's just a shame time constraints would prevent it at other events such as COLIN. The grand final itself was as amazing as you'd expect it to be- click
here to watch the deciding round as it took place.
Special mention must also go to the goodie bags which were amazing in the quality and quantity of the stuff inside. Future tournament organisers- myself definitely included- have a lot to live up to with future events.
Also, a quick apology if I came across as a little withdrawn and/or rude at the start of the, um, day? Crowds are a huge phobia of mine and it does take me a while to settle down in large, noisy crowds, even when I know I'm amongst friends.
Amie says she doesn't want to run another coblivilon, which is a damn shame as the whole thing was as smooth as silk, especially for a first-time organiser and an untested tournament type. The two raccoon-powered Co:Lons were my two favourite co events of all time and coblivilon has made it a joint top three, so hopefully we'll be back in the nation's capital soon.
In the meantime, I alluded to it plenty enough during this posting but didn't get the chance to formally announce it at the event. Don't worry, a formal announcement will be made this week concerning January 2013.
