Why We Need Small Events Like Cream City Convergence

This past weekend, the boys—Michael, Matthew, and I—went to Milwaukee for Cream City Convergence (which I’ll be calling C3 from now on). It was a good time, even though I have questions about the river there. When we initially decided to go, I was under the impression that C3 was basically a big local. Just one big friendly tournament for the love of the game. So much so that Michael decided to join the Street Fighter 6 bracket.

[Editor Note: I was sent to Losers by Brian_F on my second match and Daigo was in my Pools – Michael]

However, once the bracket was released, we saw some rather notable names. Problem-X, Daigo, Caba, Nephew, iDom, MenaRD, EndingWalker and more were all in the bracket, and we were confused. Why would these heavy hitters come all the way to Milwaukee just for a SF6 tournament? Especially people like Problem-X and Daigo, who live far across the world? It turns out C3 was a Capcom Pro Tour stop, and everyone had the same idea: farm the easy lobbies.

The Unexpected Presence of Big Names

Now, I don’t say that to imply there weren’t good players there outside of them. Though it can be hard to see the new talent when the heavy hitters basically filter out those who aren’t quite on their skill level. On the other hand, if those players can prove themselves against some of the best, then that’s their opportunity to really be seen. Especially if you’re a local player. It’s a lot easier than dumping a ton of money into going to a major and hoping not to go 0-2. Plus, for spectators, it’s cool to run into your favorite player at an event you never thought they’d attend. Who expected Daigo to be at C3 live-blogging his experience there?

Concerns About the Future of C3

All that said, I do have my concerns. A small tournament like this being a Capcom Cup spot is fine and all, but I worry about it becoming the beginning of C3 turning into one of those massive tournaments. I like C3 because I think smaller or mid-range tournaments are just as important as the giant esports majors. Smaller tournaments like C3 are crucial because they provide a platform for emerging talent to shine. These events are often where the next generation of top players make a name for themselves, away from the pressure and high stakes of major esports events. But if these smaller tournaments start attracting all the big names, where will these new players find their footing?

The Unique Charm of Smaller Tournaments

This was a nice small one-day tournament where smaller folks got to show off a little. There were artists who would be buried in the artist alley, a card shop, a shop that sold D20s and 3D-printed dragons, and other little things that would be lost in the shuffle otherwise. Hell, there was even a little basketball. Talking to other attendees, it was clear that many shared my concern. One local player mentioned how this was their first time competing, and they were both thrilled and intimidated to be playing against such big names.

Balancing Growth with Tradition

Now, as idealistic as that may seem, I’m not oblivious to the fact that tournaments cost money. I don’t know all the costs, but I know it isn’t cheap to run a tournament. Even one as small as C3 must’ve had a hefty price tag. So, I’m not saying that the TOs shouldn’t do what’s best and get the funding. I only hope it doesn’t turn into another esports stop. I think there’s a way to have a fair mix of both. If C3 is just a Capcom Cup stop, Tekken World Tour, or ArcRevo, then fine. But once it starts adding two or three major Tournament series to the event, it’ll lose that feeling that I think is important. Let’s take Frosty Faustings for example. We’ve been going for years, and we’ve seen it go from a humble little anime fighter tournament to becoming almost as big as Combo Breaker was. And I say “was” because Combo Breaker might as well be a mini-EVO these days.

The Future of C3 and Smaller Tournaments

Are tournaments like C3 just destined to become those esports majors? I don’t think so. I think there are those, like me, who like that local feel of tournaments like these, especially if you don’t have a regular local or can’t attend it for whatever reason. Have you ever attended a local tournament and been surprised by who showed up? How did it change your experience? Tournaments like these can be awesome in those scenarios. And the big majors can be just as cool. Some of the best times I’ve had at a tournament have been at those big majors. Hanging out with SMUG, seeing that the LTG persona is just that (seriously, it’s wild how different he is in person), playing SFV with Yipes at 4 a.m., and so on. I just want both to exist. I’d like to go to C3 in five years and not say, “I remember when this was smaller.” Time will tell, but in the meantime, if you didn’t go to C3 this year, check it out for next year. Make sure to check out the VODs too for C3. The Tekken 8 and Guilty Gear Strive tournaments were also pretty hype. Oh, and support your locals when you can.

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