by Will Gordon
Greetings Heroclix players and fans of the competitive clix scene. It’s time for Origins! For years, mid-June has seen Columbus, Ohio host some of the biggest events in Clix; Worlds, Nationals or both. It’s always a great time, featuring play at the highest level with the deepest field of devious meta players to be found anywhere in the world. This time around, it’s the U.S. National Championship at stake and the 300pt Modern Age format is in a very interesting place for this year’s tournament. With rotation just a couple of weeks out and a game changing new set that will become legal the day qualifying grinders begin, we may well be in for a wild ride.
Not much has changed with the player base since my last top 10 Power Rankings six weeks ago. However, this list is a tournament specific ranking reflecting the top 10 players who I believe are most likely to win this particular event. I don’t think anyone can be a true favorite against a field this deep, but if I were setting odds, these players would be the odds-on-favorites, in order. I would like to give a quick word of congratulations to the Powells, Daniel and Sam, on the birth of their first son. The duties of new parenthood will prevent them from attending Origins, so Daniel is not eligible for this ranking. **Update: Dan is making it to U.S. Nationals after all!**
- PJ Bolin
Speaking of parenthood, PJ will soon be joining the ranks as well. He will, however, be playing at Origins and obviously has to be considered one of the clear favorites. Already with a Canadian National Championship under his belt, I’m sure he’d love to add a U.S. title. If I had to put my money on one player at this year’s event, it would be PJ.
- Easton Brock
OK, insert your second place jokes here. I still think move-for-move, game-for-game, Easton is the best player in the world. His recent win at the ROC event in Alabama shows that he’s in good form and still knows how to close out a tournament. However, until he wins a National or World title, all of those runner-up finishes at big events will be part of his legacy, for better or worse.
- Isaac Arnold-Berkovitz
Last year’s champion will be back to defend his title. Big tournament tested, Isaac has understood all the nuances of heroclix and tournament play for years. Always a threat to win and as sure of a lock for a Top 8 as anyone in the field. No one would be surprised to see the Four Points wunderkind go back-to-back in Columbus.
- Tylor Spees
Speaking of champions, the reigning World Champion will be in attendance looking to add a National title to his resume. It’s been a quick rise for Tylor, but he has to be considered among the favorites at all the big events now. I assume the Whales will be back, but they’ve shown a hint of vulnerability lately. Maybe he mixes it up? Either way, it’ll be interesting to see how he fares now that he’s a known commodity.
- Matt Greichunos
Matty G. makes the top half of the list and justifiably so. I think just on the cusp of the Top 4 is where he’s at these days. Matt has played exceptionally well at the big events and always makes a good run; a breakthrough win may well be in the cards, sooner rather than later.
- Dustin Seeders
A former U.S. National Champion and current Texas State Champion, Dustin has always played well at Origins. The format sets up well for him, as he has a history of using new game elements to great effect. I fully expect him to be in the mix on Sunday, as he makes a run at becoming a two-time National champion (Singles).
- Lane Miller
I think this the highest I’ve ever had Lane on one of my lists, but he has consistently outperformed his spot in my rankings at the big events. A very consistent and savvy tournament player, it’s almost a certainty that he will be around in that Top 16, Top 8 range. Often getting even a round or two past that, but hasn’t been able to close the show. I expect another impressive finish, with a win a definite possibility.
- Tom Kerr
With several quality wins, highlighted by the ROC Canadian Cup, and a runner-up at the ROC World Cup, Tom has shown himself to be a player to watch. One of the most innovative team builders to come along in a while, I’ll be interested to see what he runs at Origins, considering the wide open nature of the modern format at this time. Expect something fun and outside of the box that piles up a bunch of wins.
- Steve DiCarlo
This could well be the time for Steve to make his mark on the big stage. His win at last year’s Majestix Open was a legitimate statement, as the format was designed to crown the best overall Heroclix player. Getting the win over the likes of PJ Bolin and Daniel Powell was an impressive feat. Backing it up with a U.S. National title would be validation and I expect a strong run.
- Nate White
Nate has been a really good player for a long time and well overdue for a spot on one of my lists. He was a top player when I discovered the scene in 2012. I think he was a bit resistant to some of the changes in the game that have occurred over the past few years, but when he embraces what’s available and builds accordingly, he can do so to wicked effect. An exceptional on-the-board player as well as a highly original team builder, he has had a good run online and at WKO events recently. Another player who I think is primed for the current nature of the Modern format, I think a top 4 finish and even an outright win, is a serious possibility.
So, those are my top 10 contenders to take home the big prize at Origins. I would like to mention a few other players that I think are in the mix:
Adam Friedman: #11 for the second straight list! A former national champion with a real shot.
Jay Major and Micah Love: I’m almost certain that one of these guys will get a Top 8 (or better) with Shredders, just not sure which one. They’ve been the two best out there shreddin’ it up.
Kaleb Redick: Coming in red hot, having won several recent events.
In addition, all the former U.S. National and World Champions who will be playing (George Massu, Paris Gordon, Scott Cramton) add spice to the mix and have proven that they’re capable of getting the job done. I’m also sure that there are players who have yet to make a mark in the big events that are anxious to make a name for themselves, as well. It should be a fun event, I’m looking forward to participating, watching these guys in action, and meeting and chatting with many of you. I hope I’ve given you some food for thought/debate with this list- until next time, keep clixing!
