The first round of games kicked off at about 8:30 EST tonight with Luke taking on Shannon. The first game ended with Luke besting Shannon by a score of 225-140. Second round us under way now!
UPDATE: Luke eliminated Shannon with a 192-125.
With a few minutes to spare, Luke stepped over to give a little post match feedback.
WTI: Luke, how do you feel about that first round?
Luke: To tell you the truth, it's like the weight of the world is lifted off my shoulders.
WTI: Do you feel like you had something to prove going into the first match?
Luke: Yes. With my recent sponsorship I caught a lot of flack from the press and fans alike. I am happy to say that I feel like a million bucks, at least $45....
WTI: Finally, let me know your thoughts as you watch Jamie bowl right now.
Luke: He definitely lives up to the hype. He is the lumberjack. I look forward to seeing him in the finals. Thanks for you support, I gotta go keep my arm warm.
Just in:
Jamie "The Lumberjack" Hunter was almost felled by Chad!!! He pulled through, however, like usual and won in a best of 3!!
WTI: How do you feel coming out of that amazing match up?
Jamie: I want to give credit first to Chad, he had never played until tonight and he put up a heck of a fight. I'm glad to be into the next round, but honestly, I'm a little relieved. I guess in the end there is no comparison to experience. It's always been there for me.
WTI: We've done the brackets and your next round is with Luke Gaul. What do you think about that?
Jamie: I had never seen Luke bowl until tonight. I didn't expect his ball to be that crisp. I'm just going to come out and play my best game. I mean, c'mon, I'm "The Lumberjack".
BREAKING NEWS!!!
Just now Carrie "The Closer" Paisley bested Brice Payne in a 2-0 bout!! The community is reeling!! We were able to catch up with Brice after the surprising upset.
WTI: Brice, we saw the match. What are you thinking right now??
Brice: Personally, I blame it on the cobbler. I only saw 2 people not eating it, The Lumberjack and The Closer.
WTI: Interesting. What do you think it was about the cobbler?
Brice: Agent Orange. About a quarter to eight, I started getting real sleepy. I couldn't focus on anything, very disorienting. When Jamie said special recipe I thought he meant cinnamon or something. I see now the truth.
WTI: Lets switch it up. What about your recent sponsor? What do you think will happen?
Brice: I think I'll go to mopping the floors at the local bowling alley. I don't think this will fly. The Swedes are angry people.
WTI: Many people retain sponsorship even in losing. Don't you think your training partner Luke will do something on your behalf?
Brice: I would hope so, but not too many people know about the bad blood between the two of us. There was once a jealousy issue, I hope we squashed it but I guess we'll see.
WTI: Well thanks for your time Brice. Go walk it off pal.
Brice: I just hope between my wife and my partner we come out $60 in the green.
With the way the tournament was beginning to unfold, the live feeds ended here.
Saturday, July 28
Payne and Gaul Backed by Once Corporate Giant
In an move that nobody saw coming, Lanesharks announced today that they will back both Luke Gaul and Brice Payne. For those unfamiliar, Lanesharks is very big in the underground circuit of bowling. Spokesman Thomas Sorrenti announced shortly after 2:00 EST today that "The Sons of Thunder" will be financially backed by the notorious organization. The most shocking aspect of this arrangement is that both of these men will entering this weekend's tournament. We here at WTI have a few questions. How long has this been in the works? Why make this announcement with less than 24 hours to go before the games start? What happens if these two meet later in the series? Most importantly, who put this thing in motion? Sorrenti added "Maybe now, people will see what this game is really about. This is the premier way to raise consciousness and make Lanesharks the household name it should be."
A primer on Lanesharks; Founded in 2001 by "Swedish" Kale Ugul, this company started out providing sweatbands and wrist bands to anyone who would wear them. Within a year, one could not step foot into an alley without seeing the signature shark logo. As profits grew, so did egos. Before long they were providing shoes, balls, shirts, talcum powders, and anything else they could slap a shark picture on. The pinnacle came in 2004 when they opened a chain of bowling alleys along the Eastern seaboard. Laneshark's image became tarnished when then-president, Ric Yen-Baep, began to introduce a line of adult toys and products to be sold alongside all of their standard wares. Allegiances were divided among the company and Yen-Baep sold his shares to Ugul and moved to Honduras. Ugul has steadily built the company's image back up by supplying shirts and wrist protectors free of charge to pretty much anybody who wants them.
At the risk of alienating fans of Luke and Brice, this is not the same institution it was less than 3 short years ago. Congratulations are in order for both of these men for such an "accomplishment" so early in their Pro careers. We wish them luck and hope the future stays rosy.
A primer on Lanesharks; Founded in 2001 by "Swedish" Kale Ugul, this company started out providing sweatbands and wrist bands to anyone who would wear them. Within a year, one could not step foot into an alley without seeing the signature shark logo. As profits grew, so did egos. Before long they were providing shoes, balls, shirts, talcum powders, and anything else they could slap a shark picture on. The pinnacle came in 2004 when they opened a chain of bowling alleys along the Eastern seaboard. Laneshark's image became tarnished when then-president, Ric Yen-Baep, began to introduce a line of adult toys and products to be sold alongside all of their standard wares. Allegiances were divided among the company and Yen-Baep sold his shares to Ugul and moved to Honduras. Ugul has steadily built the company's image back up by supplying shirts and wrist protectors free of charge to pretty much anybody who wants them. At the risk of alienating fans of Luke and Brice, this is not the same institution it was less than 3 short years ago. Congratulations are in order for both of these men for such an "accomplishment" so early in their Pro careers. We wish them luck and hope the future stays rosy.
Friday, July 27
Weston/Webster: A Taste of What's to Come?
John Weston was in fact at Scott's house this evening and did some late prep work for the bowling tournament set for Saturday night. Not only did he train in front of Scott, but he also risked exposing his weaknesses to Scott's wife, Angel. After a few games of practice bowling, Scott and John went head-to-head to see just how this first round duel might pan out. Scott handily beat John in the first game, but John tightened things up a bit in the second series. This one came down to the last frame with John failing to pick up a much needed spare. By not hitting the spare in the 10th frame, he lost out on a 3rd ball and a chance to beat Scott. Webster bested Weston in the second game by a small, but sufficient, seven point margin. Will this happen on Saturday night? We asked Scott his thoughts after the two games.
"I don't know really. He was throwing some really good stuff there for 7 or 8 frames in that second game. It took everything I had to stave him off. I hope he throws his arm out sometime in the next day and a half. I know mine is going on ice for the next 36 hours or so."
Weston was not reeling from the losses. He used the opportunity to focus on what improvements he needed to make and had plenty of mental notes to go through on Friday and the final hours leading into Saturday.
"I definitely could do better, but I'm not ashamed of what I did tonight. Maybe I threw as good as I could, maybe I didn't. Scott will just have to wait to find out."
"I don't know really. He was throwing some really good stuff there for 7 or 8 frames in that second game. It took everything I had to stave him off. I hope he throws his arm out sometime in the next day and a half. I know mine is going on ice for the next 36 hours or so."
Weston was not reeling from the losses. He used the opportunity to focus on what improvements he needed to make and had plenty of mental notes to go through on Friday and the final hours leading into Saturday.
"I definitely could do better, but I'm not ashamed of what I did tonight. Maybe I threw as good as I could, maybe I didn't. Scott will just have to wait to find out."
Thursday, July 26
Luke Trains With Brice (EXCLUSIVE VIDEO)
WTI has gotten their hands on two videos showing Luke and Brice at the same location from what appears to be the same time frame. Why would these two get together to train? One can hear Luke saying "Boom goes the dynamite" in the background of Brice's video. We are trying to contact either party to find out. More on this story as it develops.
Scott Webster Trains All The Live Long Day
Here's exclusive video that was provided to us late this evening that shows Scott mowing his yard. Now typically, mowing the yard would not get anyone conditioned for a tournament simply by pushing a Brigs & Stratton around. If you look closely, you'll see him throwing his arm in a bowling like motion. That's right folks, Scott is taking this weekend's event so seriously that he will not put down the Wiimote!
Weston's Last Minute Training
John's hitting the Tony Little Gazelle up and rockin' the Wiimote at the same time! How one does this is beyond us. When asked about this strange method of preparation he simply told us "This is how I get my footwork and throwing arm aligned properly. Now get out of here."
Secret Location of Weston's Last Minute Training Revealed!
In an unprecedented move, two entrants into this weekend's Wii Invitational will be training along side each other. Not only will these two take part in the tournament, they will face each other i the first round! WTI can now confirm that John Weston will be training Thursday July 26th at Scott Webster's house. What does this mean? Who benefits most from this move? One can only assume that each party is trying to gain an advantage on the other. We spoke to Scott over the phone this morning to get his thoughts."I'm gonna spend half my time training and the other half watching him", said Mr. Webster. "I'm not going to open my doors up to just anybody. There's always a reason for my actions. Always."
It's been rumored that John was the person who orchestrated this from the beginning, but with Scott's comments today, we are beginning to have our doubts.
"John's a friend, sure, but he's my sworn enemy come Saturday night. Yeah, we'll probably share some coffee and technique tonight, but rest assured, I am not gonna teach him everything I know."
WTI has dispatched a camera crew to his training facility to see what can be captured. More on this as it develops.
Wednesday, July 25
Second Invitational Tournament Announced
Although the first Invitational Tournament is still a few days away, plans have already been announced for its follow-up. The second showdown, “Retribution” will be a boxing format championship. WTI is presenting this event and is now able to lay out the ground rules. Although no official date has been given, the first of September has been tossed around. Invitations will be sent out once the final date has been confirmed.
Pressure Mounts on Eve of Tournament
With roughly 100 hours to go before the inaugural Wii Bowling Invitational Tournament, many of the competitors are beginning to crack under their self-imposed strains. As of press time, most combatants have gone into a last minute fury to make sure they are ready for grueling evening that awaits them. So what are the players doing? Some have taken to all night sessions of bowling and still others have started to use the training feature built into Wii Sports. “It helps with his spare game. We’re hoping he gets into a lot of situations where he only needs to pick up one or two pins.” claims an anonymous source close to the Webster camp.
“Do I want to knock ten down each time I pick up the ball? Of course, who wouldn’t? I’m just praying I don’t end up with the dread 7-10 split. I think I might have a 15-20% success rate at that. It’s the bane of my existence, that thing.”
Spares are not what Scott, nor does any other competitor want to end up with if they have their way. The final rounds of the championship will rely heavily on strikes. That first ball thrown each frame is really what will determine the outcome of the game. At this level of play, it’s almost guaranteed that most players will be fairly decent at picking up a spare. More importantly, does Scott have what it takes to knock them all down without having to depend on the second ball? That will be decided Saturday night.
So what are some of the others doing? In typical Jamie Hunter fashion, he's taken to more mind games, sending text messages to other entrants. A message obtained by WTI read "From now on, I will be known as The Lumberjack because I knock down trees for a living." Bold statements by an even bolder player. Will this have an effect on the other players?
Judging by John Weston's reaction, the answer is a resounding 'probably'.
"Man that guy is crazy! He's starting to really get under my skin with his pompous arrogance. It's bad enough that I am running out of time, but now on top of things, I have him baiting me with stuff like this."
One person who WTI has been waiting to hear from is Trevor Paisley. We're most interested in what his state of mind is as he approaches such a high profile tournament. One ventures to guess that he has to be getting fed up with all of the 'hooplah' around this. We can confirm that he has taken a vacation from work this week. Does it have anything to do with this weekend? Calls made to his training facility were not returned.
Monday, July 23
John Weston Sheds Some Light
WTI was able to sit down with John Weston this week and glean some very interesting facts from him including his training rituals for high profile tournaments. Below is the fourth of our ongoing investigative reports into the lives of Wii championship tournament competitors.
WTI: John, thank you for stopping by today. Let’s just get this out of the way since everyone is dying to know. Why were you so adamant about participating in this particular event? You essentially demanded an invitation. Why?
JW: “Well, I’m been in leagues of this type for days now. I’m not noob as you can see by my credentials. I think one thing that it is an honor and privilege to be able to play aside the famed Jamie “Pro Baller” Hunter, the training video is a little intimidating, but I’ll try to hold my own. Scott Webster and Luke Gaul will be difficult contenders. I’ve seen the style of Trevor “Ball Crusher”
WTI: It is quite a field of players to be sure. How do you think you’ll do this weekend? Your first round series is against Scott Webster.
JW: “I have to honest, that may be a little difficult. Though I’d rather face him in the beginning than in the championship. Once he has momentum going, it’s not easy to stop him. It’s kinda like the first fight of Piston Honda or Bald Bull. It’s still challenging, but not nearly as difficult as the second time you face off with them. The rest of it should be child’s play. If I have the first, I’ll have the championship!
WTI: Tell us what kind of conditioning and training you do in the final week leading into a showdown.
John: Well, I have 3 cases of Red Label “Ripped Fuel” before it was taken off the market. I’ve been taking 6 a day since I was accepted into the tournament. I eat greans 6 times a day, and I have drank 2 gallons of water. I drink strait espresso morning,
WTI: That is incredible! The prize money was announced earlier this morning. First place receives $45 with $15 going to the second place winner. Tell me, John, what would you do with the winnings should you place first or second? Anything special you’ve had your eyes on?
JW: I got to say, I need a SATA DVD-R w/ Light Scribe. I know that first place will cover it. I’ll be in some hard core practice this Thursday in an undisclosed location. If I get second, I’ll still be very happy to know I got that far!
WTI: Give the readers a feel for what your plans are for the day of the event. What are the final hours going to be like?
JW: I am going to get plenty of sleep the night before. I’m going to keep my arm away from any use on the day of the event. I can’t have any injuries on the big day. I’ll take the bandage off 2 hours before and start stretching. Drink some Gatorade with ripped fuel. Then, IT’S GO TIME!!!
WTI: A lot has been said about the way the way this weekend will unfold. Do you feel there is some advantage for Jamie going in? Obviously, with the home field advantage. What can you add in regards to how he organized the whole thing?
JW: Well, of course the home field. The 3 elimination rounds, the pumping he’s been doing. Dude’s been growing quick. I’m not saying anything, but he’s doing more than just working out. I think he’s been doing something that’s messing with his head. He couldn’t keep dates straight, messages came though unfinished. I’m hoping it keeps up though till the day. He will definitely be ready physically, but mentally we will see. Chemicals that help you build aren’t always good for your mind. No further comments on that subject please.
WTI: Are there any other sports for the Wii that you’d like to see played out in a series of matches?
JW; I think it’d be a smaller amount of people, but golf would be fun. And boxing would be great, but would take much more training. They would both be very fun!
WTI: Are you afraid to face anyone this weekend? Are you looking forward to playing against anyone particular?
JW: I do fear my first opponent, Scott Webster. It’s like Mario fighting himself. We’re so much alike, we even look alike! I’d like to go against Brice Payne. I haven’t heard much about the Irish Kid, I’m excited to see what he has behind him.
WTI: One final question as I see your agent over there calling for you. Where do you see yourself ending up realistically in this series?
JW: I feel I’ll hit at least 3rd. I know I’m not pro, but I think I have what it takes. Thanks, and let the best Weston win.
WTI: I know Scott’s taken quite a bit of time off from bowling to play Super Paper Mario so that may work to your advantage. He is in a stealth training mode this week to get his skill levels back up. We’d like to thank you for stopping by the booth this afternoon. It’s always a pleasure to speak with you and we wish you luck this weekend.
Heavily Favored Hunter Stops by For Some Straight Talk
In part three of our series of Pre Tournament interviews, we were blessed with the opportunity to have a few moments with the heavily favored Jamie Hunter. We wanted to find out some more about what goes on when the cameras are not rolling and what drives him so hard to compete.
WTI: Mr. Hunter, it’s a privilege to be able to sit with you here today and hear what you have to say. I’d like to ask a few questions if that’s okay. You’re much more intimidating in person that we imagined. I can’t seem to put my finger on what it is. As I sit across from you, I am reminded of what it was like to line up opposite of Mike Singletary. I guess my first question is this; Why are you so intense?
Jamie: "You know for a long time I have been burdened with the weight of my people on my shoulders. When we were promised reparations like 3 acres and a mule, and we never got jack. Since then I took it upon myself to set things straight. My intensity reflects the frustration of a people who were lied to over and over again, so yeah. I guess I am pretty intense. You got a problem with that?"
WTI: No sir. How do you feel about the allegations that you are taking things a little too seriously? After all, isn’t it only a game?
Jamie: Man, Wii Sports is my life, so of course I take it seriously! My daddy taught me at a young age to come strong, or don’t come at all no matter what the task at hand is. Yeah, I was the kid in school doing lunges down the hall with my backpack and lunch box in between classes. Always trying to get that edge, you know?
WTI: I’m sure that you are more than aware of the attitudes of the participants. Many have threatened to boycott the events due to the way the scheduling was handled. An anonymous source told us that a few contestants are of the opinion that you have been training at 100% for weeks now and announced the last minute contest in order to give you an advantage. How do you respond?
Jamie: Sounds like sour grapes to me. Now I wont deny that I have upped my training regimen, but isn’t that what champions do? The object is to win this thing right? I’ve got a wife and kids to feed so I have to make and take any advantage that I can to bring home that prize. People are counting on me, and I’m sure those that are whinning about it would do the same thing! You know what I say? Just shut up and roll the rock! Shut up and roll the rock!
WTI: Let’s pretend for a moment that you are knocked out in the first round. The remaining contestants are in your house. What does a Jamie Hunter do then?
LG: Jamie: I’m not sure what you’re implying here, but I assure you this tournament will be conducted on the up and up. Now, in the unlikely event that I do lose in the first round would it be my fault if the conditions became very uncomfortable for the remaining participants? I mean we are playing in the middle of summer, right? So everyone should expect it to get pretty hot in there. I don’t have central air, and I can only use one fan at a time because of a faulty breaker in my electric system. Now if one of my kids happens to turn on all 4 of the fans at the same time and we lose power, the tournament would have to be called off. And I guess you’re saying it would be my fault, right? Gimme a break.
WTI: I would never imply anything along those lines. I was merely dealing in hypotheticals, sir. Moving on. I’d like to talk to you about the video that’s surfaced online recently. In it, you seem to be in a trance. Almost hell bent. What was going on there?
Jamie: That video was not supposed to be made public. That was during one of my intense work out sessions. In fact I didn’t even know I was being filmed. Now, I have to find out who leaked it and why. On the other hand if it intimidates some of my competitors, then so be it. Maybe they will wise up and drop out to save themselves from the humility of losing in front of all their friends. Either way it’s no sweat off my back. Remember the
WTI: What are your plans for the prize money should you walk away with first place? What do you do first?
Jamie: See that’s just it! For me it’s never been about the money. I do this for the love of delivering beat downs, and for the love of the game. Knocking down trees is what I do for a living, but I would also do it for free. But since I am betting paid I do have plans for the prize money. I am going to invest in another set of Wii-mote, and maybe a game pad for my old school stuff. If anything’s left over I will buy groceries for the wife and kids. Man, they come first in my life no doubt about it. John 3:14.
WTI: I can sense your dedication to them. Do you have any special preparations for an event like this Saturday’s? Do you have any superstitions or rituals heading into the homestretch?
Jamie: Other than not eating pork or bean pies 48 hours leading up to the event I am not superstitious at all. Prepare well, and your fate lies squarely in your own hands. I don’t need luck. Luck is for hopeful losers. I’m a winner. Superstitious? Yeah, right.
WTI: I’d like to play word association with you. Please respond in as few words as possible when I say the following things. Luke Gaul.
Jamie: Sadly-mistaken. Because he thinks he can actually win this thing.
WTI: Okay. Trevor Paisley
Under-achiever. He could be better than he is, but he lacks the dedication required to compete that this level. Sad really.
WTI: One more. Shannon Hunter.
Jamie: My Ace Boon Coon. My Boo Boo. My
WTI: Do you worry about facing her in the tournament? What happens if you do?
Jamie: You know I’ve often thought about that. In the end a win is a win though, so what else can I say. She would get her arse waxed just like everybody else. But at least it would be a little softer for after the tournament once everyone has gone………
WTI: Tell me a little bit about your daily regimen. What do you do in a typical day?
Jamie: In light of the tournament being right around the corner I’d rather not disclose my preparation strategy. I want to keep my competitive edge.
WTI: We definitely understand. I have two more questions and then we’ll let you get back to your day. First, tell us how you came to be so involved in this tournament, almost taking over the entire event. Was this a deliberate move to gain as much advantage as possible?
Jamie: You know, everyone has been saying that. But you know what? It took someone of my stature in the sport to organize a tournament with this much prestige and purse! Everyone complaining about it needs to remember how far I have brought this sport, and realize that without me it would still be merely a recreation. Not the full fledged competition that we all enjoy today. Gimme a break!
WTI: And finally, there are only 5 days to go before the tournament finally arrives. What would you like to say to your detractors and critics before this weekend?
Jamie: Everyone that’s saying I’m on the juice doesn’t really know me. They don’t know how much respect I have for this sport that I helped foster and nourish. Why would I do something to tarnish it? The game is bigger than any one person, and it’s up to all of us to preserve the integrity. All I’ve got to say is when the lumber starts falling on Saturday I plan to be the last Mii standing! Everybody else can show up to get rolled up! Out.
WTI: Thank you for spending some quality time with us Mr. Hunter. Good luck this weekend.
It was at this time that Jamie Hunter got up, looked us dead in the eyes and sneered. On the way out the door, he punched a hole in the wall and growled. He could be heard laughing maniacally from two floors away as he entered the limousine to take him back to his compound.
Brackets Reveled for First Tournament
The first of what is sure to be many Wii tournaments is Saturday night. We've obtained an official copy of the match ups. Tell us what you think in the comments section. You can also vote in the poll at the top right!Luke vs. Shannon
Chad vs. Jamie
Brice vs. Carrie
Stephanie vs. Angel
Scott vs. John
Trevor vs. Kim
Jamie Hunter Training Video Exclusive
WTI has obtained the leaked training footage showing Jamie in an intense, focused trance. Apparently, the video was not meant to be seen by the general public. Hunter claims to not know there was even a camera present. We here at WTI are of the opinion that his camp deliberately sent the video to our offices knowing we'd show it. We feel it's another in the long line of mind games that Jamie has become synonymous with. The video is somewhat grainy and slightly inaudible. In it, one can hear a trainer yelling repeatedly "Don't quit till it burns, champ!"
The Phenom Speaks Out
In the second installment of our ongoing interviews, we sat down with Luke “The Phenom”
LG: “As far as me being least experienced, I don’t know about that. I mean, I’ve worked my way up in short week to pro circuit. I’m not being cocky, I just know what I am capable of.”
WTI: Go on.
LG: "Well even though I have just started wiiing (that's what its called in the circles I run in), I'm already a pro. That says something. I'm consistent in my game. The first time I picked up that controller there was a strange bond that was formed. Almost symbiotic. Anyway I just feel like this is my calling and a chapter in my life is going to close this weekend."
WTI: Mmm-hmm. So what are you doing these next few days going in to the tournament? How does Luke Gaul stay focused?
LG: "Lots of time with my son. It’s so awesome to see someone so carefree. He's never had to worry or stress about a tournament. It must be nice to have that peace. I'm also working on a new throw. I don't really want to go into any details. I have a great throw right now; this new one will be more of a backup if anything. Something to get me out of a bind. Like I said, I probably won't be using it. You never know though, there are rumors that this whole tourney is rigged anyway."
WTI: You are not the first person to come forward and allege this. So why compete in something that seems so unfair?
LG: Its really the love of the game. I don't know if you yourself love the Wii like most of us, I know myself and most of the contestants have made it part of our life, our very being, our mantra if you will. If we can't play the Wii why even live? I guess you hope that in the end good will triumph over evil. But best of 3 frames? Seriously. If its a timing issue why not start the tournament earlier? I don't know, don't get me on that soapbox. I'm just going to do my level best.
WTI: A lot of people who get involved in tournament or bracket style game play have told us that it’s easy to succumb to the pressures of an ever increasing level of gameplay. Do you think you are ready to step in and play with the likes of a Jamie Hunter or Scott Webster?
LG: “With Jamie, I don't know if you've seen the tapes, he, I think, has succumbed to that pressure. The man is a mad man, destroying him self and frankly the game as a whole. I don't like to see it. Scott Webster, however, that's a story all its own. He's a great player. The kind you want your son or daughter to grow up and aspire to be. He'll be a tough opponent, but win or lose it'll will be an honor to be on the same field as him”
WTI: I’ve noticed that you participate in a lot of charity events. This will be the first time you officially play for monetary incentive. The stakes are pretty high and have a rather large buy-in. At last check, the first prize winner gets $45 and the second takes home $15 as well. Why play for money this time?
LG: Well to tell you the truth the money is just a bonus. I honestly don't think about it. I'm a purist when it comes to gaming. I think it is part of my calling to show people what this game is all about. It’s not about the Jamie Hunters, the Trevor Paisleys, or even the John Westons. I think you'll see on Saturday that Scott Webster and I understand this game and that its the love of the game.
WTI: Critics of yours would say that your answer is a way of lowering expectations. Speaking of your critics, what can you lend to the debate that you don’t take the game seriously enough and that your presence alone Saturday night will affect the gameplay of others?
LG: “As I have said before, I am a purist, I live this game. If that makes others uncomfortable that's up to them. I hope they act different around me, I hope they realize what true gaming means.”
WTI: Switching gears a bit. Tell me how you plan to play
LG: “I don't know if you're married or not but I expect that the fact that
WTI: Tell us what you know about the other participants involved. Being so green, have you had a chance to see video of everyone else? Aside from the footage of Jamie training, have you seen anything from anyone else that would cause concern?
LG: “I've been training pretty regularly with Brice Payne. He's a good opponent. I think in a couple years he could take the circuit by storm. His wife, Kim, means well but I think she might just be cannon fodder. Brice could be a shining star though. I don't know much about
WTI: It’s been documented that more than a few of the contestants are upset with the scheduling and switching around of dates? Are you at all worried about your performance having only one week to prepare?
LG: “Not at all. I'm a little worried about not having the brackets until now but like I said, I live this game.”
WTI: Let’s assume the worst and you are eliminated by
LG: “I'll hang around to see who is crowned the victor. Its not about winning, its the love of the game.”
WTI: Any endorsement deals coming up?
LG: "At this point I'm not at liberty to discuss anything but keep in mind that I am the fastest person to become pro ever so with that carries lots of opportunities."
WTI: Two more questions, Luke and we'll let be on your way. First, what does your typical diet consist of with less than a week to such a high profile event?
LG: “Mostly snacks. Not too big of meals. An occasional beer. I don't like too over do it.”
WTI: And finally, do you have any special plans for the games? Any particular outfit or accessory you’ll be using that night?
LG: “Not quite sure yet. I have some ideas. You'll have to show up and see.
WTI: We will definitely be there. I want to thank you for your time today and wish you luck. Any last comments that you'd like to add, this is your forum.
LG: “I guess it would be, think back to you first experience with video games and all the emotions that came with it. That's what this game is all about. Thanks for your time.”
Inaugural Wii Championship Series Set
As most of I recently had a chance to sit down with one of this weekend’s contestants and ask him a few questions as he gets prepared both mentally and physically.
WTI: Good afternoon. Could you please state your name and give us a brief description of your background?
SW: “My name is Scott Webster. I live here locally with my beautiful wife, Angel and our wonderful son, Alexander. I’ve been playing Wii for just over two months now. My favorite Wii game so far is Super Paper Mario.”
WTI: How much time do you spend playing Wii Bowling?
SW: “To be honest, maybe a few hours here and there. Not as much as I should and definitely not as much as I will have needed to prepare fully for this weekend.”
WTI: How do you like your chances Saturday night?
SW: “For winning? Well, I’m not sure I deserve to be there with some of these other guys. I doubt I will win or even place second. My son really put things into perspective for me the other day. We just got our invitation last week and I was discussing with my wife how I didn’t know if I was going to be 100% for it. My son overheard us talking and could obviously see the concern in my tone. He pulled me aside and said “Dad, I just want you to do the best you can. I’m proud of you either way.”
WTI: Just a quick rundown of some names involved, I’m requisite to say you’ve got your hands full. Right off the top of my head I see Jamie Hunter, Trevor Paisley, and John Weston. Aren’t you nervous at all?
SW: "Am I nervous? No. Anxious maybe. I'm not sure anyone involved in this tournament really knows what to expect come Saturday night. I think the general consensus among the participants is that things are being skewed to accommodate the parties throwing the event. I just want to go out there and do the best I can. It's not about accolades for me. It's a privilege to be able to go out there and do what I do for a living."
WTI: What can you lend to the discussion around the alleged doping and performance enhancing chemicals that Jamie is rumored to be using?
SW: “I don’t really want to get into that too much. It’s not for me to decide or judge. I just want a level playing field for everyone out there. He’s probably going to walk away with it, but I’d like to see a few people make it hard for him. The guy is a natural beast. Have you seen the video out there floating around online? Holy crap!”
WTI: We had a copy sent to our office last week. There’s other raw footage out there that most of the public has yet to see. One scene involves him curling a Mini Cooper and yet another has him throwing kettle balls distances of over 130 yards. I venture to say that you and everyone else will need to do all you can to try to knock him off his game.
SW: “Yeah, no kidding. The worst part about this whole thing is that we’re on his field when we play this thing.”
WTI: Tell us a little bit about the way this tournament will unfold.
SW: “I can’t”
WTI: Are you not allowed to speak about it?
SW: “No. That’s not it. I would, but I don’t know much more than ‘Be here at this time and be ready to bowl.’ It’s not the best put together series I’ve been involved with. To me, it seems like it was put together haphazardly and last minute.”
WTI: Aren’t you one of the committee members who help organize it?
SW: “Yes and no. I was there when the idea was tossed around but that’s about it. I think other people started to push their weight around and really took over the whole thing. Please don’t get me wrong, I am not complaining. I think the next time this goes down, it will be a lot smoother.
WTI: What are you doing to get ready for Saturday?
SW: “What can I do? I don’t even know who I am going up against in the first round! I don’t have the time to sit around and watch tapes of everyone. Instead, I am focusing on myself for now. My regimen includes lifting stuff with my right arm and squeezing my finger and thumb when applicable. Typical stuff. I want to make sure the basic mechanics are there and hopefully muscle memory takes over and helps out.”
WTI: Are you in contact with other contestants as you ready for the games?
SW: “It’s kind of hard for me to stay away from some of them. I mean we’re talking about some of my best friends here. The relationships we’ve built over the years can’t just be put on hold.”
WTI: What do you plan to do if you win? What will you do with the purse?
SW: “I’d love to take my wife out to dinner and maybe see a movie. Then again, I don’t even know if the purse will be big enough. It goes back to being kept in the dark when it comes to this thing. I’d like to think that if I win it all, I’ll have enough to see a movie. We’ll see.”
WTI: Do you think it’s deliberate? Keeping the players guessing as the event nears?
SW: “I hope not.”
WTI: Are there mind games being played?
SW: “Always. I’ll let you know when I think they’re not being played. How’s that sound?”
WTI: Sounds like you’re used to seeing this.
SW: “I see it all the time. One or two guys figure out how they can get the upper edge on the competition and do everything they can to keep the other players from playing on the levels they are fully capable of.”
WTI: For instance?
SW: “Well, look at the situation now, Tony. We’ve got a guy who’s already on the juice. Now we’re going into his house for this. Literally. His house! Then, he doesn’t let us know who we’re up against at any level of the series. For all I know, if I don’t throw a strike the first frame, I could get eliminated. I have no idea what the rules are. You think I want to take my wife in there? This guy is doing everything he can to distance himself from the rest of us.”
WTI: I noticed you said he was on the juice. For someone who doesn’t want to judge other people, those are bold statements.
SW: “I didn’t mean that. Can you please not print that?
WTI: One more question and then I will give you the last word. Knowing what you do now, would you agree to do it all over again?
SW: “Yes, definitely. Any chance to play Wii, I’ll take it. Whether it’s new releases and cutting edge games or classic games of yore from the Virtual Console. I might sound a little agitated or on edge regarding this weekend, but it’s just because I am so passionate about it. The Wii is my life. I don’t know what I was doing for 30 years prior to getting mine. It was like a dark cloud lifted and the scales fell from my eyes. And now, given the opportunity to earn money from playing, who wouldn’t be chomping at the bit? I’d like to say hello to my friends and family members pulling for me and thank them for all of their undying support. Without them, I wouldn’t be sitting here with you today.”
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