When you think of large scale gaming tournaments, the first thing that pops up is usually EVO or Combo Breaker. But what about the smaller local ones?
In the California Bay Area, there is a tournament that happens once a month on a Friday night in San Francisco: King’s Cup. Since the most recent one was #43, that means there has been 43 tournaments hosted by Madhouse. Winners are there for the money prize and bragging rights, but everyone’s there to have a good game.
Some Behind-the-Scenes:
In order for the tournaments to happen, everything needs to be set up and running smoothly. A lot that goes into preparing these events. Everything from table and chair placement, to making sure every monitor, speaker, and game console is functioning properly on the right power outlets. At this capacity, it takes several HOURS!
And don’t forget the streamers too. These events contain live commentary and live streamed on Twitch. Streamers come in early to prepare, web cams and microphones are properly rigged to the height of the streamers, and the video footage is set up and tested rigorously to ensure that the actual moment of the event runs flawlessly.
Madhouse unpacked all the equipment the night before, and spent the whole next day preparing the entire place for the tournament. I arrived at 1pm to help out, and there was still so much to do before doors opened at 6!
It went from a giant room where you could hear your voice echo to a can of sardines in less than an hour after opening!
From Humble Beginnings:
This event started out as a very small local of people who just wanted bragging rights in the Bay Area. A handful of passionate players, with an even smaller handful of monitors. Below was the very first King’s Cup on August 17, 2016. That was practically an entire decade ago!
Photo by ArNoGsEel
What made this event so appealing was not only the size, but the very low cost of $5 entry fee, which helped fund the prize pool. And yes, you win money for being the champ!
And since this event was the finale tournament to King’s Cup, there was even a special gift to the champions! Literal rocks!
Image below: guest player Chris G showing off his prize for winning Street Fighter 4 tournament. “Never got a rock for winning LOL”
Will There Be More?
Although this is the last ‘King’s Cup’ tournament here in San Francisco’s The Foundry, it is definitely NOT the last tournament hosted by Bay Area Madhouse. In fact, Madhouse says with confidence that the end of King’s Cup just means it’s the beginning of a new tournament.
With this kind of support from all the locals and supporters, there’s no doubt about it!
Credits to:
King’s Cup #43 Tournament hosted by Bay Area Madhouse.
And don’t forget the two guys behind the the magic, DaddyTheCaptain and Chinahasowls
