kevincabarello

I'm gonna try and make this tournament again this year.

If you're in the CT area, I highly recommend this tournament. Last year was my first trip to the tournament (and Connecticut) ever and ARNCOEM ran a solid, professional tournament. The venue is spacious with great food. If you haven't been to this one, you should check it out!

Officially signed up, boys. What does last place get?

You know I'll be there and this year I will be MUCH more competitive in the mega man 2 race!

The FIRST challenge for RetroMania has been announced! We're throwing it back to the NES with TMNT II: THE ARCADE GAME!! The challenge for TMNT is this: High Score (10 min.) - stay tuned for more on RetroMania, your chance to vote on the next challenge on Twitter and Facebook, and Tundra Bowl weekend!

Matt Vogt says you should have a Mario Paint Tournament

I'm gonna try and make this tournament again this year.

If you're in the CT area, I highly recommend this tournament. Last year was my first trip to the tournament (and Connecticut) ever and ARNCOEM ran a solid, professional tournament. The venue is spacious with great food. If you haven't been to this one, you should check it out!

Great job, now I have to look at this thing everyday I go to work...wouldn’t be surprised if it gets vandalized sometime soon.

Sorry for the delay in my recap - I've been utterly exhausted following this year and oh yea, my family and I are currently selling our home (open house this Sunday 2pm - 4pm!) and moving to a newly purchased home. Just minor life events, that's all. 
 
Also, quick summary/recap of Tecmo Jam Cleveland 2018: 
 
We sold a total of 77 tickets for 2018, beating our 2017 numbers - which was great! We had a fantastic turnout both days and I appreciate the continued support in the community here and beyond. 
 
We actually oversold the TSB portion of the tournament, selling close to (or around) 68 - 69 TSB tickets (some ppl buy the joint two-day pass and others buying one-day pass) with day-of registrations, last minute purchases, etc. 
 
We had 16 stations playing TSB with Group Play starting a little late, around 12:30 - 12:45pm, following the national anthem and Tecmo Jam Cleveland 2018 hype video (to be posted to YouTube later once i've recovered). Group Play lasted about 3 - 3.5 hours (double elim), with players in groups of 8, so we did 8 groups of 8 (64 man total, b/c of some no shows and what not, per usual - even having over-sold it). Bronze was single elimination all the way through. Silver and Gold were single elim., I believe in the first 2 rounds and then we reseeded to double elim. with both final four groups. So, at a minimum all players were guaranteed at least 3 games, whether they lost all 3 of them or not, which was a nice change from 2017. Based on Group Play players were re-seeded into Bronze, Silver and Gold Brackets: 
 
BRONZE: https://challonge.com/tecmojamclevelandbronzeTSB
SILVER: https://challonge.com/tecmojamclevelandsilvertsb
SILVER FINAL FOUR: https://challonge.com/eduqzjk7
GOLD: https://challonge.com/tecmojamclevelandgoldtsb
GOLD FINAL FOUR: https://challonge.com/n9iyr3au
 
Players in Silver and Gold were then re-seeded in a Final Four, also attached above with links to Challonge. 
 
I did my best to log all the scores for posterity - thanks to everyone for communicating so well and getting me results to log real-time. 
 
I believe gameplay lasted all-in until about 8 - 9pm? Keep me honest if I'm off - it was a long day and I was beyond exhausted. Jordan Willis and Louis in the finals was incredible; and quite honestly, all finals match-ups, final fours, etc. were amazing. 
 
Troy did a great job on the microphone with Eric Kuhlman doing broadcasting on some of the top games, and I appreciated him making the trip out to be a part of this years' experience. 
 
NBA Jam TE was great the second day as well. We had exactly 24 competitors show-up so that made for great brackets. We did 6, four-man groups that were all double elim. Again, based on performance in group play, players were seeded in Gold, Silver and Bronze brackets respectively. So 8 Gold, 8 Silver, 8 Bronze. They can be found here as well: 
 
We just ran these through the entire-way as double elimination to get everyone more games. 
 
BRONZE: https://challonge.com/tecmojamclevelandbronzenbajam
SILVER: https://challonge.com/tecmojamclevelandsilvernbajam
GOLD: https://challonge.com/tecmojamclevelandgoldnbajamte
 
Green Majic walked away victorious with some great games and hard-fought competition. This was great to see and an awesome addition from 2017 + it was just fun. 
 
NBA Jam play ended around 5pm(ish)? Again, keep me honest guys. Then the fun part began... I think I got home around 9pm Sunday night by the time cars were unloaded, I dropped off arcade cabinets at John's arcade, hit up a storage locker and more. I was utterly and completely pooped, and my back was just killing me too. 
 
Anyways, I think Tecmo Jam Cleveland 2018 was a great success and I owe a huge debt of thanks to a lot of the guys who have been Cleveland-faithful in helping me promote, setup, tear-down, etc. in the last 3 - 4 months and also on gameday. You guys are great - thanks. 
 
What I learned in 2018? 
Kudos to Chris Vogt, because he already read my mind and sent me an email re: 2019. I've felt like an ass for the last two years being really so close to Midwest Tecmo, knowing that they are both great tournaments - and truthfully I want to make the trip down as well, as I'm sure they want to come up. I've talked to so many ppl about this in regards and Chris and I are going to talk to figure this out for 2019. I 110% respect Chris' seniority and entitlement to the late July timeframe and I do want to move Tecmo Jam Cleveland 2019 out of mad respect for what they do as well and I am looking at options. 
 
In the spirit of full-transparency to the community, the timing has always been an issue for me as well for the following reason - my wedding anniversary is August 28, I had Hamilton tickets this year on August 25, I have a huge conference with work I am planning for multiple months which is the 2nd week in September every year at our software company, my wife, son and mother-in-law (yes 3 generations all have the exact same birthday - which is October 6), my dad's birthday is late October, plus planning for Halloween costumes, etc. with the boys around Halloween is a disaster, plus my other son's birthday is November 20 - so that is a mess too. So basically from August 20th+ through the end of the year (any year) my calendar is hosed because as soon as November 20 hits it's holiday season. Factor in the Cleveland weather which can kick-up any time with snow storms really early October - it could spell disaster - oh plus football season and MLB playoffs (if not world series again [hopeful]). So, long-story short. I'm trying to find something that works and I want the community to know I seriously am (as you can tell) looking into it and trying to come up with an alternative for 2019 because I do not want our two tourneys to be back-to-back weekends next year as it does nobody any good. 
 
At the end of the day that really leave me either pushing back a few more weeks in August, but not too close to our wedding anniversary date b/c I'm also dangerously close to the 10 year mark and I do not need a divorce and/or we usually take a wedding anniversary vacation around that time. 
 
I also want to work with Kevin Cabarello re: Tupa Bowl too, b/c again - mad respect to him and I don't want to conflict at all and give him the space/time he needs around scheduling (which is generally May). 
 
So really it comes down to either moving up in the June timeframe, but not close to Madison or anything else - maybe pushing to the 1st week of November in between Halloween and my second boy's birthday - i.e. 11/1 - 11/15 (but also knowing everyone will be in full NFL and college football mode, so I'm competing with that then too). Or moving entirely to the winter, but not competing with Tundra Bowl who I madly respect as well. 
 
I'd be open to suggest, comments, recommendations or more because I really want everyone to understand I know I am a relative newcomer to this community and I fully respect the boundaries and work that these Tecmo-lifers have been doing and they are owed mad street cred. So kudos to them and we'll figure it out in 2019 best we can. I just didn't want anyone also think I'm not trying, because I am beyond this and even more. 
 
Anyways, in summary - thanks for the support in 2018. I'm excited about 2019 - growing this thing even more. Growing Tecmo, growing Jam and maybe even adding more into the mix. Thanks for making the trip out. I hope you guys had a great time and I appreciate the support, knowledge transfer, collaboration, partnership, recommendations, suggestions and more. 
 
Tecmo Jam Tom 
 
*edited adding in handle/tags so ppl are aware of this post and not buried in the forums
 
@vogtcd11 @trojan1979 @kmolnar3298 @red98sethuthut @Woodshed @The Ultimate Weapon @mort1237 @kevincabarello
 
 

Had this banner waiting on me when I got home. I have a true lady of Tecmo.
I had so much fun this weekend and to win one of these was incredible. I was a little salty that they didn’t have a police escort for me as I rolled into my hometown with the trophy, but I think I might get a sign underneath the 2009 boys basketball state champions, so I’ve got that going for me. Big thanks to everyone involved, and the love from the Tecmo community after this was phenomenal. Something I’ll never forget. You guys are the best. Can’t wait to spend another day drinking and playing this game with you guys. It’ll never get old. 

I better go buy a toilet seat and shit on it

Hey Fellas,
 
I asked in advance if I could post this, but not sure if I got the right spot. Feel free to move or delete. It's all good.
 
WHAT: King of 94 III presented by Mikey McBryan and NHL94.com
WHEN: Sunday, October 28, 2018
WHERE: The Canadian Brewhouse at 1305-4755 McClelland Rd, Richmond, BC 
Buy-In: Special price of $49.94; guarantees 7 games.
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/king-of-94-iii-nhl-94-tournament-registration-47538592209
Rules: http://www.kingof94.ca/rules.html
Format: 6 game round robin, 3 or more round robin wins puts you into the king of 94 best of 3 elimination bracket, until final 8 where it converts to double elimination, winners side is still best of 3, and losers side is single elimination. For those that have 2 wins or less after the round robin, will be in a single elimination consolation bracket.
Prizes: TBD. Typically 1st, 2nd and 3rd place cash prizes on each console (Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo)
Live Stream: ‪https://www.twitch.tv/kingofnhl94
Website: http://www.kingof94.ca/king-of-94-iii.html
Tournament Stream Announcer: Arda Ocal of MSG Networks
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdhK3J2-cJ4
 
If you were thinking about attending but haven't, @kevincabarello would be a good person to ask. He came to Vegas and competed last year. **and seriously, im not sure if there's any out there who plays so well and enjoys so many retro sports games like Kevin.
 
Thanks!

Shit. Mort's Tecmo Level is OVER 9000!!!!!!!!

...at least I can take him in Ice Hockey.

I subscribe to the the Son Goku mentality of no cheap victories.  So I'm going to toss out you guys a proverbial sensu bean and give some observations I've made in my hardcore prep.
 
1. Certain plays are highly susceptible to the nose dive bomb.  Pro-form and I form up the middle plays.
2. A 6 ms qb is a dead duck.  A 13 ms qb is 50/50 on escaping a lurch.  25 ms and above should be close to unlurchable.
3.  The best DL for lurching are GB, Pitt, TB. The worst two are KC and chi.
4. Lurching take a bit of skill.  It's not automatic.  My best advice is to tap b right at the snap if you have a top level NT.
5.  The run and shoot runs really help to offset the lurch game.  To be honest there are few lurches in most of our practice.  It just leaves you too wide open.  Plus it's better saved as a surprise to lurch.
6.  Field position and defense will mean more.  Starting a drive on the 5 yard line in has a much higher chance of a safety.
7.  Wr at RB will be big in this format.  Jerry Rice, Rison and Hill can salt away wins in the 4th quarter as RB.  Also I'm pretty sure there are unlimited subs.  So that means if your in the red zone you might rotate a Jerry Rice to RB.
8.  The best games are going to be in tier 2 and tier 3.  I think tier 2 offers the most even matchups.  Avoid tier 5.  Everyone should play at least one tier one hou vs sf for the fun it offers.
9. The food at dmen tap is amazing.  Phil runs a great food truck and has an exciting menu.  The wings are amazing with a unique hot sauce.  I also highly recommend the cheese curds and the donner bowl.
10.  For those who don't get the DBZ reference some find me the clip of Goku giving Cell a sensu bean before fighting his son in a death match.

I'm in! If I get the Mike Tyson's Punch Out cartridge, I consider the day a victory.

I'm in! If I get the Mike Tyson's Punch Out cartridge, I consider the day a victory.

Tecmo Super Bowl Hardcore Championship Belt (Winner will get to keep it):
 

Congratulations to the first ever champion of the Jersey Cup, Brian Rausse!
 

This was a very memorable weekend for me.  I get greeted at the airport by @mort1237 and @kevincabarello who treated me like royalty.  I responded by demanding a Waffle House visit, and my subjects happily obliged.  Armed security, drunk women, chefs cooking with cell phones in one hand, and an impending drug deal witnessed by Mort kicked off an amazing weekend.  All that was missing was a Hepatitis C infection.
 
We hit the Old North Arcade, where nearly everything is on free play, then went our separate ways as we all had a big day on Saturday. Nice selection of games, and of course I did some damage on the Mortal Kombat machines.
At the recommendation of Kevin, we locked down a prepaid ATT hot spot with a built in Ethernet port based on his connection quality off his phone.  In 9 hours of streaming Saturday, we didn't drop a single frame.
 
@Jim Socks 13, @Woodshed, Eric Kuhlman, The Retro Sports Gamer, Louis, Mort, and The Ultimate Weapon all made guest appearances on the color mic.  It was an absolute riot.  The afforementioned Jim Socks and Woodshed opened with their own version of "In the Ware Tonight", which I believe is available on the Retro Sports Gamer Channel on Youtube.  It's not to be missed.
 
The setups were a plenty, and Kevin balanced playing, organizing with tenacity.  Louis and Mort were a big help setting up early.  The staff was friendly, the food was delicious, and the overall event a 10/10 in my book.  Way to go Mort for your victory, Joemama winning the Silver bracket, and Kevin for running a kickass event!  Here's to next year!

Tupa Bowl IV Elite 8 Action and Da Champ!  Excellent Tournament run by @kevincabarello!

MORE RAFFLE PRIZES!

We have a Super Bowl XXV 32 oz glass mug!
We have two official Super Bowl XXV plastic cups featuring the Super Bowl, Giants, and Bills logos!
We have a Darrell Green 7-11 Big Gulp cup from 1991!
We have a Game Boy Coffee Mug that when you put hot liquid in it, Super Mario Land shows up on the side!
 
...and if you have drinks, you need something to put them on, so my lovely lady is making Pearler Bead Coasters of Tecmo Super Bowl Plays! Here's just a few of what she has made!

See you guys on the 19th!

 

MORE RAFFLE PRIZES!

We have a Super Bowl XXV 32 oz glass mug!
We have two official Super Bowl XXV plastic cups featuring the Super Bowl, Giants, and Bills logos!
We have a Darrell Green 7-11 Big Gulp cup from 1991!
We have a Game Boy Coffee Mug that when you put hot liquid in it, Super Mario Land shows up on the side!
 
...and if you have drinks, you need something to put them on, so my lovely lady is making Pearler Bead Coasters of Tecmo Super Bowl Plays! Here's just a few of what she has made!

See you guys on the 19th!

 

MORE RAFFLE PRIZES!
 
We are raffling off the LEGENDARY Nintendo Power Glove!
It works!
I played Tecmo with it!
I didn't win!
 
It can be yours, but you have to come to Tupa Bowl!

RAFFLE PRIZES!
 
A raffle drawing will happen mid-way through the tournament. Tickets can be purchased the day of the event. Here's a sneak peek at what we are raffling off so far!

Cleveland Browns Bernie Kosar Jersey
Autographed L.A. Rams Henry Ellard Jersey
 
Sign up today, the tournament is four weeks away!