by David Newmark
To me, Heroclix is more than just a game. It’s a community – unlike any I’ve been a part of thus far. I’ve never met a more mature, helpful, and positive gaming presence as I have with Heroclix. I’ve made several friends in person and online (whom I hope to meet at Origins) who are some of the best and most kind-hearted people I know. I’ve been taken advantage of heavily in the past, and the Heroclix community has breathed some fresh life into my passion for helping others and opening up.
So, what is this article all about? I have decided to host and plan a small tournament/event during Origins Game Fair 2019. The “Newmark’s Thanos Cup Invitational” is what the event has been named. Why Thanos? Well, the winner will receive the new Ultra Chase Thanos with Ego Gem – from the newest set (ABPI). Along with that, there are SEVERAL other big prizes in the pot that the competitors don’t even know about yet! To top it off, it’s being held at a small, private venue fit for 30 people which is professionally catered with a full dinner buffet and drink station.
The tournament is a 3-Round-Swiss style with a Top 4 cut. Players have to build a 400 point team consisting of C/U/Rs only and a maximum of 1 Super Rare. No other game elements besides standard objects are allowed. The tournament is held completely after hours and does not interfere with any official WizKids events. This tournament was not meant to be a “Bring your wallet” style of play. Many of the people not in the top cut will also be winning prizes, some of which may surprise the guests.
To my surprise, the event was completely full within about 2 hours. Fast forward a week and a half later, there is a 20-person waiting list in case players drop.
The entry was entirely free. This event is 100% self-funded, and I have asked absolutely nothing in return. My head judge Jay Solomon has taken to kindness and set up a voluntary charity contribution on my behalf to the Arnold Palmer Orlando Children’s Hospital. A heart-warming idea.
So, why do this? The decision was an easy one for me. I love this community, and I understand some of the hardships and roadblocks people will incur this week for Origins. I also have known what it’s like to want something you can’t have or don’t have. Many people have had to make monetary and work sacrifices just to be able to travel to Columbus, while others might be overwhelmed by the expenses of a brand-new set, travel, food, etc. I’m fortunate enough to buy what I want – and I know the happy, giddy feeling I get when acquiring a rare piece that I can’t wait to play. So, why not spread that love to as many people as possible? While there will be 28 people in attendance and only 1 will win Thanos, there are plenty of other desirable prizes to make everyone happy. Plus, a free dinner never hurt anybody! I just hope that by creating this pool of generosity that others with the means to do so will follow suit and give what they can to a community that has treated us so well.
If you have the means to, and you can spend the money to make 30 people happy on an already exciting week to come, why wouldn’t you?
I plan on making this a yearly event, and hopefully it will illustrate how appreciative I am of this community and how accepted I have felt by asking questions to understand difficult game elements and receiving friendly answers.
