Classic Tetris World Championship 2022 - 7 - The Third Day - Boom! Tetris for . . .

Today is Sunday October 16, the third and last day of the Classic Tetris World Championships. Due to length, I have split the third day into two parts. This part documents the Gold Bracket Top 8 and the Grand Finals.

Gold Top 8

• 1:00PM – Round 3 (4 matches) ~1.5hrs

• 2:30PM – Round 4 (2 matches) ~1.5hrs

• 4:00PM – Final (1 match) ~ 1hr

• 5:00PM – Finish

Gold Bracket Top 8

James Chen and Chris Tang tagging in as the commentators for CTWC Top 8, a role that they have performed together since 2017.

Sharky, having completed his commentary duties for Gold Bracket Top 16, transitioned to helping Adam Cornelius with managing the stream and other technical issues. Above, in the left corner, is Thor Aackerlund who won the Nintendo World Championship in 1990 and competed in the first CTWC in 2010.

Vince Clemente hanging out in the reserved section and enjoying the show.

Bidwell would ring the cowbell whenever both players score above a million points. With this Top 8, this cowbell saw a lot of action.

Fractal hugs Sidnev after sweeping ther 3-0. In the last game, Fractal didn't even realize he passed Sidnev in the last 10 seconds of the game. Chris Higgins and James Rexroad would capture the action from two different cine cameras, only emphasizing the growth of the CTWC from its humble 2010 beginnings.

Meanwhile, PixelAndy is leading by 2 games. In Game 1, PixelAndy is more efficient, leading in points despite scoring less cleared lines than Huff. Game 2's early game is difficult for Huff requiring clean up with inefficient burns (i.e. any lines clears that are not a Tetris or 4 line clear), leading to PixelAndy's win with an early lead.

A view of Huff and PixelAndy through the roaming camera manned by James Rexroad. PixelAndy wins 3-0. Right after Game 3's transition to Level 29, Huff has a series of missteps from which he cannot recover despite his relatively clear field.

The organizers had set up a mini-interview area between the two stages and used it while competitors came up to the stage. Kingsman (far right) is asking Fractal about his tournament accessories.

After Eric wins his first game against Hydrant, he darts off stage to grab his stuffed shark . . .

Which he promptly uses as a back cushion. In Game 3, Hydrant (right, in the hat) has a messy stack coming into Level 29 that hinders his ability to clear lines effectively and causes him to spiral out of control. Eric beats Hydrant 3-0. Chris Tang immediately quips that his biggest commentator regret is not seeing a match of Dog vs Hydrant.

With Gold Bracket Top 8, there is a lull in the action. Not to say it was boring. Rather, these players were so consistent that dansushi (right) and I take our time to watch and anticipate the upcoming action, rather than be reactive.

Allen is the last tapper in Top 8. But even as a tapper, he had a unique way of tapping by placing the controller on the table.

Right at the start of Game 1, some technical trouble prompted an equipment switch for Allen.

Above is the moment when Dog realizes that he won Game 3, sweeping Allen 3-0. While Games 1 and 2 were neck and neck, Game 3 is different with Allen ahead of Dog by 100,000 at Level 29 but unable to deal with the higher speeds with hypertapping. Dog would come back from behind with rolling, using a series of singles, doubles and triples to make up the difference.

Allen and Dog sharing a drink and conversation while waiting to be interviewed by Kingsman.

Right after Allen finished his interview, Draco (right) comes up to check on Allen, to congratulate Allen on his game and request his signature for his CTWC poster. Everyone knew each other in this community.

Gold Bracket Top 4

PixelAndy vs Fractal

Fractal setting up for his match against PixelAndy. His kit includes Cetaphil lotion for his right hand, sticky gel pad on his leg to anchor controller to his leg and relieve hand pain, and a second pair of shoes to step on for additional elevation.

Fractal's cheering squad, Lok and foiledthrice, sitting right next to the main stage. If you listen carefully, you can hear them faintly on the Twitch VODs.

The atmosphere is thick with a silent tension. Sure, there is lighthearted commentary from James and Chris, and the resulting laughter, but what strikes me are the bouts of silence . . . . as if the entire venue knows that this match between PixelAndy and Fractal would be monumental and that our entire focus should be on the screen lest we miss something.

And monumental, it is. In Game 1, Fractal roars out of the gate, scoring 27 consecutive Tetrises. A 13 piece drought and a slowly growing stack would force him to abandon the 28th Tetris. Fractal would quip, "It's in the lotion."

But those 27 Tetrises aren't enough for Fractal to win Game 1. PixelAndy storms back from behind after Fractal tops out due to placing a long bar in the wrong spot. Even in loss, Fractal claps wholeheartedly for PixelAndy and gives him a fist bump.

Throughout Game 2, PixelAndy looks at his glove repeatedly, as if he could feel something was wrong with it. Above, PixelAndy looking at his glove after losing Game 2 to Fractal. Immediately after, PixelAndy hops out of his chair . . .

And heads towards his father in the audience, where he dons a new glove . . .

And a hoodie. Fractal would subsequently put on his hoodie as well.

Fractal hugging PixelAndy after beating him 3-1 and advancing to the Final. A long bar dependency and drought after transition to Level 29 would force PixelAndy into making several placement errors and topping out.

Audience reaction to Fractal's win but also to PixelAndy's effort. It was a stellar game on both sides.

Kingsman: We also saw that you took a moment to talk to yourself. Was there anything you were saying, a little prayer? Fractal: I was actually reciting the lyrics to the history of the Soviet Union arranged to the tune of Tetris.

For those who want to listen to the history of Soviet Union arranged to the tune of Tetris: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWTFG3J1CP8

For those who want to see the action: https://youtu.be/4_A2E86BQHY

Dog vs Eric

And then a switch to the commentators to fill some dead air while Dog and Eric come up to the stage. These two are consummate professionals aided by their chemistry and comfort around each other from years of working together.

Adam Cornelius signaling to Chris Tang and James Chen that they're ready to go and to announce the next match.

"Alright, and I think we have our match ready to go. #2 vs #3, Eric vs Dog. We're gonna count it down now, players ready? 3 . . . 2 . . . 1 . . . TETRIS!"

Chris Foryst updating the standings while also streaming the Eric vs Dog match at the same time.

Silence once again reigns in the venue as everyone observes these two battling it out.

Fractal, waiting in the back. Whoever won this game would be his opponent in the Finals. The overall strategy wouldn't change though. As he said earlier during his interview with Kingsman, he only had the one strategy, "Score higher."

Eric had already demonstrated his survivability throughout the tournament. Chris Tang succinctly summarizes Dog's challenge. "How do you beat someone who can live forever?

Of note in the above picture are the two Xs on the floor. These were used to mark where Kingsman and his interviewee should stand during post-match interviews.

Eric would sweep Dog 3-0. Dog tops out with an early lead in Games 1 and 2, only to see Eric slowly come back from behind. In Game 3's early game, Dog has to burn a bunch of lines, reducing his scoring efficiency and forcing him to play catch-up. Above, the moment when Dog tops out in Game 3 and Eric realizing that he has advanced to the Finals.

Only one more game left . . .

Dog's family including his father and his brother, PixelAndy, clapping at the end of the match.

Dog's poise and composure belies his years. If he was mad, he never let it show. All he has is praise for Eric's skills. Remember, Dog was 15 years old. If anything, he followed on in the CTWC champion template set by Jonas, and subsequently Joseph.

Dog, after conducting his post-match interview with Kingsman, walking back from the stage and to his father.

At some point, Fractal had maneuvered from the back of the venue into a front row seat. He reveals that he isn't feeling well. Perhaps a case of tournament nerves in the lead-up to the Final?

While not unusual to see competitors document their CTWC experience, Eric was one of the few who brought along a DSLR camera. He would use both his phone and his camera throughout the weekend.

For those who want to see the action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qu6cok71EJI

Quick Interlude before Grand Finals

Kingsman: So for those of you who might remember in 2019, there was an absolutely huge fan who was in the crowd, yelling Booms all day long . . . Who was your favourite player back then?

Anastasia: Ummmmm . . . Quaid.

Upon hearing that answer, the entire audience turns towards Quaid who raised his drink in salute.

Grand Finals

After three long days of Tetris, the field of 110 competitors had been whittled down to two.

Fractal vs Eric.

Who would come out on top?

Eric setting up for the Final. Fractal's stuffed penguin who he hugs before every match is also ready to do his duty.

James Chen: Let everybody in the venue hear this guys. Ready? 10 . . . 9 . . . 8 . . . 7 . . . 6 . . . 5 . . .4 . . . 3 . . .2 . . . 1 . . . TETRIS!

Fractal and Eric celebrating in excitement and disbelief as Fractal takes Game 1. Fractal tops out early with 1,539,100 but Eric was unable to complete the chasedown, ending the game with 1,516,660. And this is just Game 1.

The audience reacting and celebrating with Fractal and Eric at the end of Game 1.

Above, Game 2 shown through the display of the cine camera. Fractal's efficiency in Game 2 would reward him with a 180,000 lead but Fractal's attempt to build a stack at Level 36 speeds would lead to a placement mistake from which he couldn't recover.

Eric's survivability hinged on clearing singles and doubles. While this wasn't efficient, it kept his stack low, allowing him to play safely and place pieces where needed with a larger amount of time. Above, the audience watches as Eric attempts to recover from a 180,000 point deficit.

Fractal reacts in sympathy as Eric maneuvers through a tricky situation on the field during the 180,000 point chase down. As soon as Eric handled the situation, Fractal instantly lightens up. The mutual respect that these two have for each other is immense.

Eric completes the chase-down, tying it up 1-1 and the resulting congratulatory fist bump. Both players take an infinitesimally small moment of reprieve as the Portland Retro Gaming Expo had officially closed and CTWC organizers had to determine next steps.

Game 3 would start with another count-down . . . and an unexpected change in lighting with the venue lights being turned on due to the Expo being officially closed.

As the Portland Retro Gaming Expo closed, even the expo staff would pop in from the side to see what was going on.

The two Tetris trophies, waiting to see who would claim first and second place.

The length of the games and the ensuing scoring frenzy were having their physical, if not mental, effects on both players. Eric would use DAS to give his hands a break and Fractal would have to lotion up one handed during play.

Chris Tang asking the important questions. "Who will win? Glove or lotion?"

Sharky and everyone else (including the normally unflappable Adam Cornelius) on the Main Stage celebrating the sheer insanity of the play being displayed, specifically the CTWC record for most points scored between two players.

More cowbell action from Bidwell as Fractal and Eric pass the 2,000,000 point threshold. Fractal finally tops out at Level 69 with 2,189,440 . . .

Leans back in his chair and waits for Eric . . .

And Eric comes back, winning Game 3. Eric is now up, 2-1.

The audience goes absolutely wild. The screams are deafening but the sheer joy from the audience stands out above all.

Eric dashes off to the washroom . . .

And Fractal lotions up one more time in preparation for the next match.

Countdown for Game 4. With Eric now one game away from winning the tournament, the hype from the crowd is at extreme levels.

At Level 29, Fractal misplaces a long bar on the left side. Recognizing that this was insurmountable, Fractal put his hands behind his head and waits. Adam and Sharky see this, don their headphones and prepare to cut to the cine camera.

With just a 800 point difference, the wait isn't long. Eric is crowned CTWC 2022 champion.

A long heartfelt hug.

And then a sign of relief as the adrenaline flows out of their systems.

One final picture to document the view.

Eric cheekily refusing to accept Fractal's penguin.

Marq and Jakub instantly grab Fractal to congratulate him on a tournament well played. This is the beauty of the Classic Tetris community. There is always unconditional support from someone, whether you win or lose.

Eric wearing a jacket while disconnecting his controller. Eric had played through the past two days of the tournament while sick and spent most of the night trying to recover. At the after party, he tried his best to find a quiet corner to lay down.

The final parting shot on the Classic Tetris stream.

For those who want to see the action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L_l4dj0KRA

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And with that, CTWC 2022 officially came to a close. Of course, there was still work to do. With the tournament ending later than predicted, the venue staff were eager to get everyone out of the hall so that they could break down everything.

As we packed stuff away into various piles, I wonder what was going through the minds of CTWC staff and organizers.

Is rolling the future? The simple answer is, yes. It has cemented itself as the technique du jour, just as how hypertapping established itself back in 2018. Eric and Fractal reached unforeseen heights getting as high as Level 72 but they also reached unprecedented game lengths. Imagine if everyone was rolling at their calibre and how that would impact the viewing experience.

Even now, 6 months after CTWC 2022, debate continues as to whether the rule set should change. Should there be a line cap? If yes, how should the line cap be implemented? At what level should it be implemented? Should play start at Level 19?

But even with all of these questions, the organizers should be happy that CTWC was vastly successful in proving that there is still a point to in-person events. People who joined the community during the COVID years and those of the younger generation who had never been to these events discovered what made CTWC special . . . Put simply, this tournament is a celebration of the community and everything it has accomplished in a short period of time.

I've tried my best to highlight the community but I've only scratched a little bit of the surface. There is so much more that the community has done to improve the collective Tetris experience including but not limited to TreyVision, Tetris Gym or the fundraising efforts done to improve Tetris accessibility for those living in hardship.

The crowning of the best Classic Tetris player in the world is exciting to watch but ultimately, secondary to the celebration.

At the time of writing, CTWC 2023 has not yet been confirmed. But when it is, I'll be sure to listen in for the inevitable "Boom! Tetris for . . ."