Here are a few names:
Aaron Rodgers
Lebron James
Jordan Speith
Derek Jeter
Now here is another list:
Paul Heaver
Brad Miller
Dallas Parker
Aaron Bonar
When I started X wing I had no idea it was going to have this much of an impact on my life. I never go a single day without thinking about it. I'm hooked. But I asked myself the other day, why I was so into this game? Yes, it is super fun and enjoyable, but there was something more. This was my first year diving into the competitive scene. I have participated in the last 3 or 4 Gencon tournaments, but never made the effort to do store championships, regionals or even go to Worlds. But this year I took the plunge and participated in 3 store championships and the Independence MO regional (drove 5 hours both ways). Now I fully understand why my addiction to X Wing is so strong. I want to be X Wing Famous
The four names on the second list are (as far as I can tell) normal everyday good ole guys. Wife, kids, 9-5 job, mortgage, two car payments, and maybe a dog or a cat. Basically these guys are me. The only difference is when they show up to a tournament, everyone knows who they are! They are X Wing Famous.
The difference between list one and list two is obviously the money. But the fame (relatively) is the same. With the emergence of so many awesome podcasts, youtube videos, live streaming events, and more, the fame for those who win at X Wing is inescapable. And I have determined that I want that fame. The great thing about this game is that I can have it if I want it badly enough. Paul Heaver proved that with enough practice and preparation you can take a majority of the luck out of the game and win!
I can only guess that "fame" was not in anyone's mind when they decided to do an x wing podcast, but the game blew up so big and so fast that guys like Dee and Ryan from Mynock, Ed, Bob, Sean, Richard, Kris, and Chad from Nova, Tyson and Asa from Back to dials .... well maybe not so much Asa, The boys from Stay on Target and the Kessel Run, not to mention those crazy space pirates at Scum and Villainy. They are like our modern day "famous" sports casters and news anchors, commentators and analysts. They unknowingly or not have made it possible to be X Wing Famous! Thousands of people from all over the world listen to these shows and soak up every piece of advice they give and try to put it to good use.
X Wing is only getting bigger, and the competition is getting even better. I find it fascinating at the age of 30 something I can compete in a game that will maybe.... and its a long shot..... but one day call myself a World Champion of X Wing. I know to a majority of the population that means diddly, but to those who know the game and play the game it is a monumental achievement. So to all of those of you who have maybe wondered why you can't sleep at night because you made one mistake in the second round of the tournament you played in that day that might have cost you first place..... maybe you have the same drive and goal as I do.
To be X Wing Famous.