I had been looking forward to Brad’s visit to Toronto and this tournament for several weeks. I’m so new to the Beyblade world that I didn’t have anything to practice my shooting with yet, but I was becoming more interested in Burst, especially with the new colours that I was seeing in the random boosters! I didn’t think I would enter the tournament, but I really wanted to come out and support everyone.
The day before the tournament, I got sick! I was really nervous about attending, because it was going to be cold out and I didn’t know if I felt well enough to just be there, let alone try playing against the many talented, incredible players in Toronto (you guys are AMAZING). But because the community was so kind to me and my girl friends in August, I knew I had to push through attend the tournament no matter what.
I have to say, it’s incredible the steps this community will take to make its newbies feel welcome. I had decided that I likely wouldn’t enter the tournament, but everyone I spoke to encouraged me to. All of you reiterated, it doesn’t matter how you do. It doesn’t even matter if you have your own stuff to play with. The point is to have fun. Even though I don’t know which Beyblades counter which yet, and I haven’t practiced enough to develop a strong launch, I feel so genuinely supported by all of you. I don’t feel like competitors will laugh at me if I don’t do well. I feel like everyone is so enthusiastic about teaching me new things, and helping me get better.
So I entered. And with the help of Bey Brad and the most incredible coach ever, 1234beyblade (who was generous enough, by the way, to lend me more than one Beyblade and teach me about many awesome combinations), I miraculously came out of my round robin heat 6-0! I still can’t believe it. Winning by fluke or what, I know that it was you guys cheering me on -- for the girl you don’t really know very well -- that brought out such spirit in me when I played my matches. I don’t have much confidence on my own in this game; it’s you guys who give it to me.
…In the semifinals, I got totally smoked. Haha! But I noticed something: nobody I faced gloated when they beat me. Everyone was so friendly, and complimented me on things that I was doing well, making sure that I wouldn’t get discouraged, always shaking my hand after the match.
And when 1234beyblade won the tournament, I was so elated!! He’s really such a talented blader, so humble and dedicated not only to playing hard, but sharing his knowledge with other bladers. Of course I was completely shocked, and so touched when he gave me his first place stadium. I cried (SO EMBARRASSING) but not because I was sad. It was because he’s such a kind and thoughtful mentor, and seriously, I’ve never been part of a community like this before: where people who have only just met me would do such selfless things to make me feel included. 1234beyblade was even so humble when I asked him to sign the stadium that he gave me!
And when he suggested, “you should get everyone to sign it!” how could I say no to such a great idea? All of you come together to make the WBO so special, and I’m glad that this stadium will always be my memory of how you made this an exciting, and exceptional tournament not only for me, but for everyone who played.
Thanks so much to Zankye and family for sponsoring this awesome day! Thank you Kei, for organizing a great tournament, And of course, thank you Brad, for bringing me into this community and showing me how supportive and fun and online community has the potential to be. Brad gave me my first red string launcher yesterday, as well as the pink Valkyrie that I love so much! Finally, I have everything I need to start practicing at home.