Thank you all for the wonderfully supportive comments.
The 3 game ticket is exactly what was used at PAPA for many many successful years.
It means that a single good, or bad game, has less bearing than 3 solid games, thus the better players will more likely qualify.
EXACTLY the same qualifying format as the only previous unlimited competition at a major UK show (Manchester Expo 2 years ago), which had only positive reviews and comments, some from people who seem quick to knock this.
The hope is that 'better' players will be more likely to play multiple games to push for the bye past the 1st round, and also get practice on the games they may face further down the line.
I really don't understand the comment about "my greed"
@Atlantis . (Or maybe this is just a personal attack because you didn't like the way the UK Final was ran last year and the confusion and delays caused by the format of the main comp?)
I am not taking a single penny from the comp. ALL ticket entries will go straight to the prize winners (with the exception of trophies, if I don't get a sponsor - but hopefully that will be sorted anyway. I haven't even approached anybody yet).
I have never taken any money from any show, never accepted payment for bringing machines to any show. I have once had my expenses for a 7.5 tonne truck when I brought 8 machines (and returned 12!), but that is it.
I will repeat, for the hard of stupid, ALL money from ticket entries gets paid out - simple as.
I don't think that can be said of previous competition organisers.
The competition will also not require anything like the commitment as last year, with regard to queueing or searching for your partner or waiting for a game to be free. All things taken into consideration before planning this format, from listening to peoples gripes from last year.
If people don't like the format of the competition, I can not force then to enter, but to say that you will not attend the show is slightly misguided following the complaints about the comp last year.
There will be any number of machines still on Free Play to play, likely including the most recent releases from all the main manufacturers, as well as unique boutique builds never seen before in this country. Seminars in the side rooms, as well as side comps all within easy reach of you hotel room, and a bar open most of the night.
So be honest, and dont blame a comp you have never seen the like of before in the UK as your reasoning for not coming.