[Event] LG Cup Street Fighter IV HD US Qualifiers

With its recent exclusive release of Street Fighter IV, LG has been trying to publicize the game as muchas possible, even running a worldwide tournament for both the Android game and Xbox360 version of Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition ver. 2012. Before the world finals in South Korea, LG teamedup with Level|Up to run the US qualifiers this past weekend. We were there inall its competitive gaming, free food, and giveaway goodness.

Unlike most tournaments, the LG Cup started registration andcheck-in rather early at 8 AM, but didn’t formally start till 12:30 AM, an hourand a half after the original posted time. While this is par for the course inmost tournaments’ cases, it was disappointing to see players rushed out soearly in the morning just to wait almost five hours more, or even longer ifthey were in the second pool, to play. In the meantime, players were able toget in some casuals and practice for the tournament. Because the tournamentitself was free, many players like Sebastian "-5" Jennings, the player previously known asOneHandedTerror, and Derek “omni” Daniels who have stopped playing long beforeturned out as well, making for a reunion for some.

As the tournament got underway, things were rolling alongsmoothly with most gaming stations filled with the exception of some keymoments. However, as the tournament had started late, the second pool of thetournament had been changed from double elimination to single elimination.Obviously, it was a huge disappointment to many who attended who could havechosen to attended a tournament elsewhere instead or simply slept in. Consideringthat this was a free tournament with a trip to South Korea as the ultimateprize, there was a lot to be gained and little to be lost. In the end, though, spectatorswere still given an exciting tournament, with MCZ|MRN Joshua "Wolfkrone" Philpot facing offagainst EG. Ari "Floe" Weintraub in the grand finals. Though Floe shocked many with his premiereof Guy, Wolfkrone edged it out.  In theLG Nitro HD’s Street Fighter IV tournament,finals came down to MCZ|MRN Wolfkrone facing off against Victor "Victheslick" Denchartphan. Wolfkronemanaged to win this one as well, despite not having his signature Viper play.

There was fun to be had by attendees as well whether theywere competing or not. With free food and drinks provided, the most thatspectators could complain about was perhaps the lack of freeplay stations,which is par for the course in most tournaments. Before leaving, thanks toiam8bit, many left with extra shirts and posters as well. Overall, the LG Cup’sUS Qualifiers was a good opportunity for players to take a stab at going toKorea, enjoy some free pizza, drinks, and each other’s company.