I run out of ammo a lot. I picked it up then dropped it because I didn't want to break the rules. GG

According to ESEA, map order is actually this:
Game 1: cp_snakewater_final1
Game 2: cp_granary_pro_b10
Game 3: cp_metalworks_rc7

I just got in, I'll be playing it on stream in the next couple hours. Thought I was screwed at first like many others, but Blizzard clutched it for me in the end.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DYHZJN-jB8
The definitive version...

Across the board I'm just seeing people talk about this situation with pretty much no information, and while I should be used to it by now, It's getting pretty annoying so I'll shed some light on it.

From my perspective, this was simply an issue of miscommunication. As far as I know, we got involved with this tournament somehow through a casual conversation between clockwork and one of his many EU friends that was involved in the organization of this event. My understanding of it was that it was a tentative agreement and that clockwork never promised we would be there nor with any roster even remotely resembling our starting 6. He's not even the leader of the team, I am, and I was never approached/contacted by anyone organizing this to either be invited or to confirm any details whatsoever. Admittedly, I could have sought them out, but I was under the assumption that clockwork and everyone behind the scenes were on the same page and had it handled. The impression I got was that this was supposed to be a casual, "if it happens it happens," kind of tournament where we would just pugscrim and feel out some of the other teams while getting rick rolled due to our ping disadvantage. Because of that, and the seeming lack of pressure behind this whole thing, I honestly never really expected to play or at the very least place well in this tournament. If we played, blaze and I would have scouted while clockwork and ash would have played soldier. By no means a fair representation of our team and hardly warranting the disappointment and outrage I've been receiving. Then on top of this, last night it became clear that half the team would be tied up with either work or family obligations to tend to, and that this tournament was not going to get in the way of that. I think that's a pretty fair reason to drop out. It would have been pointless to play with 3+ ringers and 150+ ping. The tweet I made was meant to be tongue in cheek, referencing some of the roster issues that have plagued our team this season and turned into a bit of a running joke for me. Trust me, it's more frustrating for me than it is for you, but this time the reasons were pretty legitimate. I'd wager that if there were a NA TF2 tournament held for which the EU teams had little chance to win that they would probably not prioritize it either especially if they were forced to sacrifice work or time with loved ones for it.

Despite all this, I do appreciate the demonstration of faith put forth by ZOWIE and SweetStakes.TF for sponsoring this tournament, and that our forfeiting was by no means a conscious decision to disrespect them or the rest of the community. I caught part of the stream and there were some great matches so props to the teams that made it and pushed through their own roster issues to fight for that sleek ZOWIE gear and that generous SweetStakes.TF prize pool. It's always been my goal that my team could compete in every single tournament out there, but in the end thats just not realistic. We hope to have the opportunity to participate in future events supported by these outside organiziations because they truly do wonders for legitimizing this game we are so passionate about, and we do love putting on a show for the community and our fans. Of course this event has no bearing on our participation or preparations for i55 which we will not be taking lightly.

Ultimately it was my fault for not being more on top of this. I am the team leader so it's my responsibility to know if my team is playing or not. It's as simple as that. I treated this tournament kind of like I do my Highlander teams, where I just show up and hope everything is in place only to be surprised when we don't have our players. I won't be making that mistake again and I am sorry for all the headache that's been caused over this. I think that the proposed lines of communication tagg brought up would be a great step forward for us to coordinate things and avoid situations like this in the future.

Really happy with the responses so far, looks like there will be some great teams at this LAN. Event is just over a week away, so now is definitely the time to make sure your teams are lined up. Post if you're looking for players or looking for a team. Again, we will be able to throw together a team or two from the people who are teamless at the event, but some people might get screwed and be left without a team and that would be awful.

I'm hoping to be done by 10pm. Last time we finished around midnight, but only because of 3+ hours of delays due to technical problems. It is a long event, and delays do happen, but it should be much smoother this time. If you decide you're gonna grab a hotel, post here and you could probably find some people to split the room.

I didn't even know that happened. I would expect you should be able to use some unzipping software.

Yeah I used them for years until I just broke them. I believe they are discontinued which makes them much more expensive (when I originally bought them they were like $80), but luckily were replaced by the ATH-AD700X, which should be basically the same headphones but with a bit of an updated design. I ended up getting a ATH-AD2000X just because I got a bit carried away, honestly I would probably been happy getting an ATH-AD700X, ATH-AD500X, ATH-AD900X, or ATH-AD1000X just as well. You have options with Audiotechnica based on your budget, and you should be receiving the same overall quality for whichever you choose.

After breaking my last pair of headphones (Audiotechnica ATH-AD700's) and my front audio port in a moving accident, I decided to upgrade some of my audio equipment as well. I am by no means an audiophile, and I'm sure I could have done a lot more research and saved myself some money, but I am happy with what I have now and I see it lasting me for 5+ more years.

My new gear:
Headphones: Audiotechnica ATH-AD2000X
Amp/DAC: JDS Labs O2 + ODAC RevB (You can also customize one on their website)

I am not a fan of pounding bass so this set up works perfectly for me. Music sounds pretty amazing, every detail is audible. Just after getting the AD2000X's, I was experiencing a light hiss in my headphones which was completely eliminated when run through the Amp/ODAC. I am also still using a USB soundcard for my ModMic 4.0 and it really helps to eliminate background noise. While I was waiting for my Amp to arrive I was also plugging my headphones into the USB soundcard and it honestly sounded pretty damn good besides the hissing, so that might just be the best place to start because its such a small investment and could potentially meet your needs.

As promised, the TF2 SoCal Series LAN is coming back for our second fun-filled event. We learned a lot from the first one and will be making this one run much more smoothly (I will personally be making sure that every single computer has TF2 ready to go this time, my bad boys!).
Photos from last time:https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.862352497163287.1073741830.167708776627666&type=1
Once again production will be handled on site by dashner, and there will be plenty of opportunities for everyone to make an appearance on stream for interviews, guest casting, and other silliness. Last time we also had many people show up without a team which resulted in the heartbreaking situation of a few people left in the dust with no teams. Please post below if you’re interested in playing but don’t have a full squad organized so that we can avoid that this time!

http://i.imgur.com/So8BSAS.jpg

What: TF2 SoCal Series LAN Tournament #2
Where: Oomba LAN Center
24155 Laguna Hills Mall
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
When: Saturday August 8th 2015 12PM noon PST
Stream: www.twitch.tv/b4nny with Production by Dashner
Price: $20, prepay PayPal gift/friend/family to b4nnytv@gmail.com, or pay at the door

This is NOT A BYOC. They have 32 high end PCs (with 144Hz monitors) that will be reserved specifically for tournament use. Just bring your keyboard, mouse, mousepad, headset, config, etc. if you prefer to use your own. Capacity is roughly 150 people, but the location is in the Laguna Hills mall so there should be plenty of room for spillover and plenty to do during any down time.

How to Register:
Nominate a team captain and have them fill out this Google Form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1LFA-9hmGKFTFQRw5ufyqozayIFq0f4Mp72tTSLe92wA/viewform
Have each player, or the captain send the entry fee of $20/player as a gift/friend/family payment through paypal to b4nnytv@gmail.com. You may also pay at the door for the event if necessary.

Event overview:
6v6 Double Elimination Bracket
Prize pot (Assuming 5 teams like last time, potential to change depending on attendance)
1st - $240
2nd - $140
3rd - $120

Format:
Double elimination, best of 3 format. First to 5, 30 minute halves. First maps will be set in the bracket, second map is picked by loser (after 2 map bans), third is a lottery if necessary. This hopefully guarantees everyone a fair amount of match time throughout the event. The bracket, with maps, will be populated once I start receiving signups.

Map Pool:
Cp_badlands
Cp_Snakewater_final1
Cp_process_final
Cp_gullywash_final1
Cp_metalworks_rc7
Cp_Sunshine_rc8
Cp_logjam_b20
koth_viaduct_pro7
You can bring the maps or download them at the event, so don’t worry about that.

Whitelist:
ESEA S19 (http://whitelist.tf/esea_6v6_s19)

Oomba Inc. is a digital tournament management software company based in Irvine who have just recently opened up a Tournament Center location in Laguna Hills, and are looking to hold a number of branded eSports and FGC events there. They have decided to make TF2 a part of their eSports ventures so lets show them some love!

Relevant Links:
https://www.oomba.com
https://www.facebook.com/oomba
https://twitter.com/Oomba

I will be updating this thread with more information as the event approaches. Please post if you are interested in attending so we can get a rough estimate of participation. I am really hoping we can get enough for 4 teams for the bracket, but the more the merrier. Also please leave any questions or concerns below and I’ll try my best to answer them. Thanks guys!

First of all, I’d like to congratulate both Ascent and TLR for reaching their fundraiser goals, and to thank everyone in the community for making it happen. If you haven't heard, the production crew is also running a fundraiser that you should all go check out as well. With all this coming together, i55 is quickly shaping up to be the best TF2 LAN tournament we’ve ever seen.

Until recently, we too believed that we had met our fundraiser goal. However, after recent developments it has come to our attention that over $1300 donated to our i55 fundraiser is going to be refunded. At this point, it’s no secret that the funds in question were donated by MedRed, who, after we picked up ash as our pocket, is no longer comfortable supporting our team due to ash’s repeated immature and offensive comments made on stream. The refund is understandable, justified, and I give you all my word that it will be done. I’d also like to apologize to everyone and anyone who has been hurt by any hateful comments made by myself and the rest of the team. As the team leader I will be taking full responsibility for this situation, the aftermath, and the search for a solution. I promise that from now on we will strive to maintain professional conduct without losing the personality of the team that many of you guys have come to know and love.

Obviously this is coming very late in the game, and we admittedly have known about it for a few days, but we decided to wait until the other donation drives were finished as to not distract from them getting paid up as well. Now that that’s happened, we will be starting another fundraiser in order to try to get ourselves back up to the initial $6000 goal. We will no longer be promoting the IndieGoGo campaign, but until the campaign actually closes on July 1st, you can still donate there and claim the perks associated.

Donate through PayPal here: https://imraising.tv/u/b4nny
Donate Mann Co Keys here: https://scrap.tf/fundraiser/i55froyo
Donate money through PayPal or Mann Co Keys through Scrap.TF to claim some cool perks listed below. You may claim all the perks under your final donation amount.

$2.50 or 1 Key
"Wait there are other games besides TF2?" - Receive an entry into a raffle for a random Steam game.

$5.00 or 2 Keys
"OMG clockwork touched my scattergun!" - Weapon signing from a Froyotech member of your choice. (Item and gift wrap must be provided)

$7.50 or 3 Keys
"So we're here with lansky..." - Shoutout and thanks in an upcoming team video covering the i55 event through the eyes of the Froyotech team members.

$25 or 10 Keys
"I dominated shade" - Play a scrim against Froyotech! Face off against the best team in the world for a fun learning experience for the whole family.

$37.50 or 15 Keys
"Am I ready for invite?" - Demo review from a Froyotech member of your choice. Analysis from the best and most experienced players in the competitive scene.

$100 or 40 Keys
"I will never wash this shirt" - Froyotech t-shirt signed by the whole team in the size of your choice.
(US and EU Only.)

Bonus perks:
$15 or 6 Keys
One Unusual Raffle Entry - Receive one entry into the Froyotech Unusual Raffle; a chance to win one of three fantastic unusual hats. Up for grabs are a Burning Flames Jumper's Jeepcap, a Haunted Ghosts Berliner's Bucket Helm, and a Nuts 'n Bolts Rimmed Raincatcher

$30 or 12 Keys
Two Unusual Raffle Entries - Receive two entries into the Froyotech Unusual Raffle; double your chances!

$45 or 18 Keys
Three Unusual Raffle Entries - Receive three entries into the Froyotech Unusual Raffle; if the stars align, win all three hats!

Upcoming events:
Showmatch: Froyotech vs [R]eason - Date TBD

As always, we will be streaming often leading up to i55:
www.twitch.tv/b4nny
www.twitch.tv/clckwrk
www.twitch.tv/duwatna
www.twitch.tv/shade
www.twitch.tv/blxze
www.twitch.tv/crtrcoolkid

Based on signups so far, it looks like we will be able to throw together about 6 teams. We can run two matches at a time, and we will try to keep matches going constantly to keep things moving. It's hard to predict when things will wrap up but I wouldn't be surprised if it goes until ~10pm to be honest. If the timing of things ends up being a problem I will definitely change the format for the next LAN, which if this goes well will be coming up sooner than later.

TF2 SoCal Series kicks off in one week! There are 3 teams signed up so far, but it looks like we should have enough people interested to make a couple more teams. Please post if you're still looking for a team/players, then send me your rosters ASAP.

We are just over a week away from the LAN, and I’ve got some important updates for you all.

As noted above, I’ve arranged to help get teamfortress.tv’s very talented dashner out to this event to run production so you won’t miss a second of it. Expect the same professional onsite coverage that dashner has helped standardize for TF2 events. Everything will be streamed live on my channel at www.twitch.tv/b4nny, so if you can’t make it in person, you better be on the stream!

Moving on, It is time to sign up your teams and prepay for the event! Please nominate a captain and send me a PM through teamfortress.tv with your 6 player rosters in the following format:

TF2 SoCal Series
Team Name:
Roster:
1 (Captain).
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Contact info (steam/email/etc):

Have each player, or the captain send the entry fee of $20/player as a gift/friend/family payment through paypal to b4nnytv@gmail.com. You may also pay at the door for the event if necessary.

Continuing, I have decided to cancel the MGE portion of the LAN, meaning the tournament bracket will be exclusively a 6v6 event. This decision was made in the interest of having everything run in a timely fashion. I’m going to keep things simple for this first event in the hopes that things will go off without a hitch. Their first PC LAN for CSGO last weekend ended at like 4AM and I will absolutely not let that happen to us. Side events may return in the future once I’ve gained more experience doing tournament organization.

I’ve also finalized the tournament details:

Format:
Double elimination, best of 3 format. First to 5, 30 minute halves. First maps will be set in the bracket, second map is picked by loser (after 2 map bans), third is a lottery if necessary. This hopefully guarantees everyone a fair amount of match time throughout the event. The bracket, with maps, will be populated once I start receiving signups.

Map Pool:
Cp_badlands
Cp_Snakewater_final1
Cp_granary
Cp_process_final
Cp_gullywash_final1
Cp_metalworks_rc7
Cp_Sunshine_rc7
koth_viaduct_pro6

You can bring the maps or download them at the event, so don’t worry about that.

Whitelist:
ESEA S18 (http://whitelist.tf/esea_6v6_s18)

If you have any further questions or concerns please post them here in the thread. Remember this is all about building something new and learning from mistakes so I appreciate your patience, but I truly believe we can turn this into something great.

Of course. It's open to everyone, and we are all pretty friendly so don't feel intimidated. If you're looking for a team for the event, maybe start by making it known in this thread, but I am thinking about creating a form to help with team organization. Also, you still have over a month to start getting familiar with competitive TF2 before this event happens!

The event will be streamed in some fashion. I'll update you guys.

If you're going to be making big changes you should probably release a test build or be prepared to do some quick updates in case something is majorly wrong.