Jonathan Smith (ASA President): What were your expectations coming into the weekend of Nationals?
Patrick Sheridan (Colorado, Open Champion): I just wanted to see the newer Denver guys meet some of the older ASA guys, and to facilitate some new friendships being formed. For my own play, I hoped to get out of the group and if I was playing well with some good matchups, I thought it would be great to have a tight semi-final game and maybe make the final.
Peter Alegi (Michigan, Veterans Champion): I traveled to Denver with no competitive games under my belt since February 2020 due to the pandemic. When I left my house in Michigan at 5am on Friday, I just felt grateful to participate in a major tournament again. My expectations were to get my match rhythm back, focus on process more than outcome, and interact with people other than my family! I think everyone who was there agrees that Zach Walker, tournament organizer, and Tory Reed and Dexter Schiller, venue owners, exceeded expectations by putting on an absolutely phenomenal Nationals weekend.
Shaun Kidsley (Indiana, Mary Jane Champion): Make the quarter finals. But then the draw happened, I saw the level of players in my group and went in a corner to cry. Then I realized it’s probably the best group for me as all the games would be a test of my skill.
Jake Schoonmaker (California, Beginners Champion): I had a lot of nervous excitement for the weekend. I figured I’d have a good time no matter what the experience was like, and it far exceeded my expectations. I suppose I was expecting some fun games, a learning experience, and a lot of Subbuteo and I got all of that and then some!
JS: How do you feel you played during the Nationals weekend?
Sheridan: You know, I wouldn’t say this weekend was the best Subbuteo I’ve played in my life, but I was able to do what I needed to do to win, hold some good players to some low scoring matches, and power through. I guess you could say I played well because I feel like I executed the strategy to ramp up my play style throughout the event, saving myself from fatigue into later rounds. I was shooting decently (for me) and converting opportunities when I made them.
Alegi: I was satisfied with how I played during the weekend. Competing in both Vets and Open made for an intense Saturday. I ended up with five wins, one draw, and one loss. Overall, my attacking play was decent. Defensively, my blocking flicks could have been more consistent, but some sharp goalkeeping helped me in crucial moments.
Kidsley: Rough start but progressed as the games went on. Playing people that I lost 12-0 last time I played, to now holding out to 1-0 losses was a great feeling about my match progression.
Schoonmaker: I could’ve played better in quite a few matches, but I was super happy to take the W in the beginners’ tourney. Everything after that was a bonus. But I definitely could have played a bit better in quite a few games.
JS: What was your favorite moment during the weekend?
Sheridan: My favorite moment was walking into The Swindler with Lenny Friday night, seeing Akos on tap, and Lenny’s face as Dexter poured him significantly too much rum.
Alegi: My favorite moment was scoring the winner in sudden death against Paul Eyes in the Vets final on Sunday morning.
Kidsley: Seeing people actually playing again was number one. Then keeping my 100% record of a trophy for every national I have attended (Beginners last time, Mary Jane this time) would be number two.
Schoonmaker: 100% it was wrapping up the beginners’ journey and getting to my phone to see that the rest of the Central Coast Condors [Subbuteo club] had been watching the live stream! So stoked to get a win for the new club under the mentorship of Varant Kurkeyerian and for the rest of the gang back home!
JS: What advice would you give players who are considering attending Nationals 2022?
Sheridan: Playing Subbuteo with friends is always a blast. For me, playing competitive matches always adds to the fun, as long as most of my matches are friendlies. Nationals weekend is a way to meet friends from around the country with a shared hobby, and I think that’s the coolest part of Subbuteo.
Alegi: Do whatever it takes to make it to Nationals next year, regardless of where and when it takes place. It’s a fantastic event. The competition is high level and it’s always fun to hang out with the other U.S. players.
Kidsley: Book the flight and get out and enjoy. This was my second Nationals: the first one was an eye opener about the standard of play. But all the good players give so much great advice to all the new players. Also established players, book flights and get out and play! The competition is full of different skill levels, so come out and test your skills.
Schoonmaker: Stop any considerations and just go! It’s unforgettable, and a total blast. Worth it to the max degree for any Subbuteo player of any skill level!
