The issue I have with people knocking the World Championship is that it is a pointless argument. This is a game. No matter where or when it is held, people will complain about it not being a "true" World Championship because X cannot attend due to Y and Z. Luckily, FFG and it's partners seem to support a wide variety of National tournaments around the world.

Well, are the complaints wrong? Is there any rebuttal that says "Yes, these are absolutely the best players in the world"?

Any competition will filter the best of its attendees. You can make no other claims than that, no matter what you happen to call it. And that's perfectly fine, honestly.

The problem I have with statements like Silver leader made is that it conflates an excess of money and/or ability to travel with a requirement to be the best X-wing player out there. That's not only rather disgustingly biased to one's financial status, it's also downright insulting to those who live farther away from the event. Players in Spain, the UK, Australia - everywhere - have just as much "effort and determination" as anyone who made the event.

The reality is that FFG's not going to fund travel for regional winners (although some have in the past, such as Decipher in the early days of the SWCCG). I think people are fine with that. But at least be honest about what the event is, and what winning it means. The winner of an event called the World Championships gets to call himself the World Champion, but it doesn't necessarily mean that he's the best player in the world. That doesn't take anything away from his win or the accomplishment of winning in what is an astoundingly talented field. Pretending that anyone who couldn't make the trip couldn't have won it is just insulting.

Edit: Put another way, if FFG were to hold the event in Barcelona next year, and Sydney the year after that, and Tokyo the year after that, do you think the Top 8 would be consistent? That all of the "effort and dedication"-loaded top performers from this year would make each of those events? Somehow, I doubt it.

Skill is skill, and there were the regional winners from European regions that FF had flown out (is how i interpreted what they said) But if you want the title "world champion" that tournament isn't going to come to you, you have to go to it. it just depends if you want to make the pilgrimage to get it.

I know i didn't have to go far but me and my friends made the 9 hour road trip to FF to attempt to get that title, and one of us made top 16, and the whole thing was worth every cent.

If you don't want to invest in trying to be "world champion" then that's fine, or hell maybe Litko or some other group might sponsor you. But in the end:

A: its a game

B: it's a title

C: title does not dictate level of skill

and D: if you want to play in the big leagues, you got to have the time and the money, and if you think your skill is good enough to pay for the investment then by all means, see you at FF in November

i tried to play in the nether region.......but just got slapped

Those dice and stuff look cool and all, but it's really not enough for me to get myself into the States (Canadian here) and enter. I love, LOVE this game, but I'm here to have fun, not collect bragging rights. That said, maybe in the future, but I can't really justify the cost with the fun factor of competition.

Really want those dice... now to find some skill....

After rereading this thread and thinking a bit more, I'd like to add some additional thoughts:

1. The Regionals are setup to limit the best of the best. While this is good and logical, not everyone's resources (time, money, etc.) are the same. This means that not everyone starts on the same footing. Sound fair?

2. Limiting each region to a maximum of two Regionals also limits the number of participants to 128 people per region. I would like to see more people playing X-Wing and by limiting the number can prevent growth of this game.

Here's my thoughts on setting up for a better Regional:

1. Conduct mass store championships to generate awareness and competition.

2. At the conclusion of the store championships, each state holds a state championship.

3. At the conclusion of the state championships, each region holds its Regional championship.

A state championship is probably easier for most people to attend than a Regional tournament. Also, move most if not all the swag to this level. This makes it a bit more affordable for those wanting to participate. For those who want the complete challenge and title (**** the monetary expense) can go to the Regional, Nationals, and Worlds.

Thoughts?

Looking at how FFG's competitive play is evolving, I wouldn't be surprised if another tier, like States is added next year.

I don't a complaint in the way that FFG is doing regionals this year. I know that if the regional is more than 8 hours from where I live, it will be tough to go due to money. Now, that doesn't mean I won't go. It will just add to the difficulty of going. I like this idea, as last year the amount of regional champs really watered down the second round of the tournament and actually watered down the tournament to some degree. I believe there was 33 but I could be wrong. In the end, this will be a fun event this year. I like the prizes. I also like the fun that will be had.

i would like to see state level tourn, then regional then worlds. reduces all the Byes and promotes players getting to know one another on a closer scale

Looking at the regions is it even possible for more than 8hrs travel? I'm in Canada, and if there is no Toronto Regional I can't imagine any where in the 2 closest US regions taking more than 8hrs to get to. If Your in one of these regions I would say your looking at 4-5 hrs max travel. (Still significant).

One side of Texas to the other is roughly 12 hours..driving ;-)

im not driving more than an hour or so, so you guys can knock yourselves out.

I like playing this game but local stuff is cool for me