I was looking through the threads, didn't see this topic and I wanted to build on the "Advice for first tournament" thread. Basically, I wanted to give my experiences to other players that are on the fence about tournaments.

I participated in my first store championship at The Guild House in Bellflower, CA this weekend and had a good time. At first, you feel a bit out of place as I didn't know anyone. I had a guy sit next to me while we waited for registration and we began talking about his list, my list, and some repaints he did. You begin to feel a little more at ease and I was lucky enough that other players I've played against in other stores showed up.

Fast forward to the first pairings and I was surprised that there were newer players than I who were competing. I talked to my opponent and he told me that his main goal was that he wanted to get better and he wanted to learn from the tournament. I probably learned just as much as he did that round.

Rounds varied in difficulty but mostly because I didn't know how to play against different builds (I must admit that my opponents flew well too). I finished 2-2-0 (wins-losses-mod wins). Lots of fun, met a lot of good pilots, and am definitely going to practice to fly better against those guys! I also wanted to thank the owners of the Guild House for running the tournament and the two TOs for doing their thing!

TL:DR

To players on the fence for tournament play,

We all start somewhere and it won't be as bad as you think. The X-wing community is super friendly but expect skilled players. Don't expect to finish in the Top 4 but hey, it could happen.

I experienced my first store championship yesterday. It was at a comic shop I visit frequently (Borderlands in Greenville, SC), but I've never really played any games there because of my work schedule. I decided to sign up and it was the biggest tournament they ever had for anything there. I think last year they had 26 or 28, and this year they were at 40 with several alternates on the wait list.

I was much like you as I didn't really know anybody as far as gaming, so I spent the early moments mostly talking with the staff at the store. The TO was very friendly and fun. Once the first round started the nerves finally settled down as the person I was playing and I got going and carried on a conversation while we played. I believe it was his first time as well, and according to Eric the TO, there was a lot of new people in this tournament.

I started getting more and more comfortable in my surroundings and everyone there was real friendly. I honestly didn't expect to do super great, but I had set a goal for myself to try and be above .500. Turns out I finished 4-1, and that 5th round win was enough to make sure I got the 4th spot to make the cut. I lost my semifinal match to the eventual store champion, so overall I was 4-2 and finished tied for 3rd.

I had absolutely no expectation to finish in the top 4 in this tournament, so I was pretty excited and my nerves came back, and my focus was a little messed up haha. But I still really enjoyed myself and stuck around for the final matchup.

The TO really urged that I come play more so I'm definitely going to try and get involved in the x-wing community a little more. It really is a friendly community that wants to help each other get better and have fun while we do it.