MY GENCON, BY MARK ARMITAGE AGE TWENTY-FIVE AND THREE QUARTERS

And so it ends.

Another year, another GenCon. And this time, instead of playing, I’d be (mostly) judging. I can honestly say that this increased my enjoyment of the event tenfold. I’m not going to go into everything that happened over the con. Instead, here’s my highlights:

Just about everything, really.

Respect is due to the following people:

Ads, for doing all the hard work while I just wandered about around and shouted every now and then.

Ian Dutton and Gary Whittle, joint holders of the Spirit of Rokugan 2000 award.

Mike (Bad_Naga) Jones, holder of the Spirits of Rokugan award. Thanks for the vodka, mate!

Alex Pegler, the Unicorn Clan Prodigy. Nice to have you with us, Alex.

Keith Anderson, who is pretty much too cool for words. Hell, I had so much fun I’d work for free next year, mate. (Please note this is not a legally binding offer :-) )

Quinton Dalton, who on Saturday sacrificed a place in the last sixteen to aid a new player. Words can’t describe just how proud I am to call you a friend.

Joe Jackson, who humbled us all with his actions. I bow to you, Doshin of the Master of Fire.

All the Finnish players (Jimi, Henri, Petteri, Marko and Eero), whose skill was matched only by their honour. I look forward to seeing all of you next year, and I’ll work on my Finnish so I can actually say your surnames...

The Greek players: Michael, Iannos and especially Giorgis, for his lone cry of "Toturi!" which earned the biggest cheer of the weekend.

Mark Wootton, for making Midnight Madness a doddle to run and finally discovering that you CAN have fun at 1-5...

Tomas, Pavel and Vojta, for coming all the way over from the Czech Republic and smiling all through the convention.

Justin Walsh, aka The Man. What can I add to everything already said about you, mate? The best player in the world, period. You are indeed The Man.

Steve Horvath and Luke Peterschmidt, for coming here and instilling an incredible amount of optomism in everyone. I look forward to seeing you guys at the Gold Edition prerelease.

All of Clan Cymru, especially our wily trader Martin Provoost, who graciously conceded to me in the semi-final of the Master of Fire Invitational. I owe you big time, bro’.

The Liverpool crew, for as usual being top notch geezers.

All the Nottingham lads, for the same reason.

I’m forgetting people, I know, but everyone who turned up has my respect and admiration. A lot of you said thanks to Adam and myself, but we never really got the chance to thank all of you. It was a pleasure and an honour to help you all. It isn’t work when you’re helping friends, and the entire convention just flew past. Thanks one and all for making GenCon such a wonderful experience.

Now if I can just raise funds for Gaelcon...

With respect