Posts from Club championship of the CIS countries.

Friends, I propose a project to overcome the schism in our Heroes community. Conflicts have recently flared up on the Portal and on our World forums regarding how Vitalik plays, how Hardcore plays, etc.

In the past, there were club championships where it immediately became clear what level a player was at. Moscow, Minsk, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Krasnodar, Michurinsk held fairly large club tournaments. For example, how can I doubt the victories of Stinger, Lord Dima, or Andre if I personally witnessed their exceptional gameplay? I saw Vitalik; he was a strong player, but not top-tier. But 4 years have passed since our last meeting, and during that time, he could have become a powerful player. And how many strong players emerged after the end of the club tournaments who had never played in clubs before? Therefore, all assumptions, even the most convincing ones, are just assumptions until people see a player's real skill. Therefore, I suggest holding a championship for the former post-Soviet space in HoMM3.
The last such championship was in 2004 in Krasnodar, with 50 participants, and Andre from Moscow won, becoming the last legitimate champion; afterwards, things got more complicated. It is impossible and unnecessary to repeat such a championship. It is very difficult to gather so many people together, to bring 30-50 computers to one place, and to play for a long time. The Krasnodar tournament was played using an Olympic system, single elimination, and it still took 5 days, with awards being presented.
Therefore, in our case, regional qualifiers and then a final stage are possible.
It is quite easy to organize the championship, IMHO it will be interesting, but we need an initiative group. The project looks something like this…

Organizers, players, qualifying rounds.
1. St. Petersburg. Possible organizers of the qualifier: Horn, Sil, Wicc; there are many candidates, the city is strong. Game version – clearly TE (Towns Expansion).
Highly desirable participants (the core of the tournament) – Kobra, Lord Dim, Alex the Great, Mike, Expert, Kral, Wicc, Term, Napalm, Vietnam, ewgeniy, Matrosoff, and many others. Let's say about 20 people can easily participate. There are many clubs in St. Petersburg, local players can afford not to rush the games but play, say, once a week.
Possible problems – they start without any problems, but sometimes they have difficulties completing the tournament. Number of places awarded to the final – from 1 to 4, if the strongest team gathers, then, of course, a maximum of 4.

2. Moscow. Possible organizers of the qualifier – Pit for LM, Stinger, DVStranger. Game version – probably SoD (Shadow of Death).
The same as in St. Petersburg, even now the strongest team can be assembled – Andre, Bishop, Mega nec, Joker, Marcon… an excellent opportunity for Vitalik to prove his level of play and put an end to the disputes. In principle, 10-15 people can gather. The same applies here; the number of places awarded to the final is 1-4, depending on the composition; with a decent composition, there will definitely be 4 places.
Possible problems – the organizer. Since Chaos left Moscow, there have been big problems with this. Stinger and DVStranger are excellent players, but they have never acted as organizers. Pit is a brilliant organizer, but will he cope with a club tournament without experience?

3. Minsk – Possible organizers of the qualifier – Roland, Balamut, DCVasia. Game version – TE-lite?
Many players, besides those named, Paladin, Hardcore, Felix, etc. The same thing, let's say from 1 to 4 places, depending on the strength of the qualifier. The tournament can last 3-4 days or be a long tournament – this is an advantage of a large city.
Problems – fewer than others; in Minsk, they gather annually, and enough locals come. And there are organizers.
4. Kyiv (Ukraine) – possible organizers – Sem 56, Neoandy. Game version – probably SoD.
There is no point in listing the players from Ukraine; there are many of them both on our forum and on the Portal. There are fewer players in Kyiv than in the three capitals mentioned above, however, taking into account guests, a very strong team can be assembled. Number of places awarded – also from 1 to 4, depending on the composition.
Problems – a strong organizer is needed; the issue of accommodating visiting guests needs to be resolved. A long tournament involving guests is not acceptable; it must be played over 3 days.

5. Yekaterinburg (Urals and Siberia) – a large region, tournaments are held regularly, but I don’t know the situation well; I only knew Vex, a good organizer, but he doesn't play anymore. Nevertheless, I heard that there was a good Heroes league there, and with the participation of guests, the tournament could turn out to be strong.
Problems – huge distances that guests will have to overcome. And again, accommodation; I am not sure if the local community has enough experience in this matter. The maximum number of places for the final is from 1 to 3.

6. Michurinsk (central Russia). Organizer – Nagan-4, who is happy to help. Players – definitely Michurinsk and Tambov – Mizrael, Skorp, Stas, Velan, Cannabis, Leha… quite a solid team. In the past, Old Oskol often came to us, and we generally know how to accommodate guests. It is a major railway hub, so getting here is no problem for anyone.
The issues of holding tournaments lasting 3 days with guests have been worked out down to the smallest detail.
Problems – gathering a comparable team with other qualifiers; if successful, from 1 to 3 places.

Perhaps I have named all the possible locations for potential qualifiers; it is quite possible that most of the best players will participate. Up to 20 people go to the final – winners of the qualifying rounds. More than that is unlikely; there will be difficulties with accommodation and computers, and the tournament time will increase sharply.
Proposed game scheme in qualifiers with guests and the final stage – 5 rounds in 3 days, without excessive drinking and poker, just playing.

Prize fund. I think if participants contribute 1000 rubles each, it won't be bad, although you can do without it.
Sponsors. Still, under the auspices of three resources and with the participation of most of the best HoMM3 players, the brand may work when a substantial sponsor is attracted.
Timing. Once we organize everything, there is no point in delaying. We could even do it in September: someone takes Friday off from work, arrives on Thursday, plays, leaves home on Sunday evening. Yes, it’s tough, straight from one event to another, unshaven at work on Monday, but happy.
First – an organizing committee is needed, consisting specifically of people who are capable of holding qualifiers. I will negotiate with them. I am counting on AK's help.

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PS. To date, it is planned to hold qualifiers in 6 cities.

Michurinsk:
/topic/6290/

Kyiv:
http://heroesportal.net/tavern/?id=275946&pagenum=1

Novosibirsk:
http://forum.heroesleague.ru/viewtopic.php?t=20575

Moscow:
http://www.forum.heroes.by/viewtopic.php?t=794&sid=67a123f797812e5a6cb46e2c9c99132e

St. Petersburg:
http://www.forum.heroes.by/viewtopic.php?t=793&sid=67a123f797812e5a6cb46e2c9c99132e

Yekaterinburg:
http://1fall.com/forum/index.php?topic=1850.0

I would play in Moscow or Michurinsk.

We would really like to have the following players participate (they are the core of the tournament): Kobra, Lord Dim, Alex the Great, Mike, Expert, Kral, Wicc, Term, Napalm, Vietnam, ewgeniy, Matrosoff, and many others.

I will definitely participate, but why is my nickname listed among the others? I'm confused...

I would play in Moscow or Michurinsk.

Choose. It will be interesting for us. And in Moscow, such prominent players might gather.

I will definitely participate, but why is my nickname among the others? I'm puzzled...

Zhenya, you know how much I and other players respect you for developing this resource.
For our World, you are probably the number one player from St. Petersburg.

Nagan, you listed many deceased players. Of course, it would be great to gather them all, but... I doubt it. :(

The idea of tournaments in clubs is interesting. However, I posted an announcement about such a tournament in Kyiv on the portal, and there is absolutely no interest. For Neo to travel 1000 km to Kyiv – I think it’s too much.

Regarding the Schism – well, I don’t know :) . Everything depends on Vitalik, but if he was already strong back then, and now there are no such rivals as he had before – then... the conclusion is obvious.

P.S. By the way, there are methods of cheating even in clubs, right in front of the judges ;)
But it’s a good idea. Thank you for suggesting it; you’re not in a perpetual slumber :)

Zhenya, you know how much I and other players respect you for developing this resource.
For our World, you are probably the number one player from St. Petersburg.

Among players from St. Petersburg, we can also add Uran, Dudzha, Dubrovin Pavel, Oelma... the list can go on forever...

Personally, I would gladly play in a club, but it's too far to travel...

5. Yekaterinburg (Urals and Siberia) – a large region, Tournaments are held quite regularly, but I don't know the situation there very well; I only knew Vex, a good organizer, but he doesn't play anymore. Nevertheless, I heard that there was a good Heroes league there, and with the participation of guests, the tournament could be strong.
The problems are the huge distances that guests will have to travel. And again, accommodation; I'm not sure if the local community has enough experience in this. The maximum number of places for the final is from 1 to 3.

In Yekaterinburg, Tournaments are held regularly (previously 4 times a year, now 2 times a year). I have been the organizer for several years, with the support of the 1fall project. This allows us to hold the finals at computer sports festivals and other esports events. The tournaments are of a mixed type, held in clubs and online (the first day is a gathering for one game, then games are played at the players' discretion, often in a club or at home with two computers, and the final is in a club). We have connections with local clubs, so finding a club for the tournament is not a problem. Our tournament is currently in the group stage, with 15 players (including the aforementioned Vex, whom we managed to persuade to play; LeBron from Tyumen is also participating in the tournament, but online; however, if he makes it to the final, we are ready to welcome and accommodate him). The games are played on the TE version. Moreover, I am very pleased with the trend of improving the average skill level of the players; it is becoming increasingly difficult to win :).

List of our players:
01. Mee
02. asm
03. Yak
04. Alone
05. Mortifer
06. Ins
07. MERLIN
08. Deus
09. Fx
10. VEX
11. Xex
12. Newb1k
13. Bee
14. Lebron
15. Fb
Most of the players are known not only in our city but also on online resources such as Bay, Portal, and World. I think we can gather even more players for the selection for the Russian Championship.

Regarding the Urals/Siberia, we have experience in organizing, but the problem of distances will remain. It will be difficult to come to such a tournament from somewhere far away. There is also the problem of the length of the games, which takes from 4 to 10 hours... We can only hope for simultaneous turns, the development of which is also delayed due to time constraints, as summer is the vacation season. In general, I like the idea of such a Russian Championship with qualifying rounds, and I am ready to help in its organization.

A good idea, but utopian. These are no longer the times for heroes. But even if it is possible to hold qualifiers, which version should be used for the final? It would be like holding a qualifier for Russian checkers in one city, international checkers in another, and Brazilian checkers in a third. So, if qualifiers are to be played, everyone must use the same version. Obviously SoD, as it is the most popular.

The idea is interesting. I'm new to the resource, and I'm not a great player, but it would be interesting. I'm from Siberia, so Novosibirsk would be the ideal option for me, and I could also travel to Yekaterinburg. I'm a disciplined person, and I promise not to get too drunk. P.S. We just need strong organizers to handle accommodation for those traveling from other cities, etc. In principle, we could rent large apartments or cottages, or even better, a recreation center with a sauna. Most people have laptops now, so we wouldn't need to worry about clubs, and it would be cheaper to stay there.

A good idea, but utopian. These are no longer the times for heroes, not anymore. But even if it's possible to hold qualifiers, which version should be used for the final? It would be like holding Russian checkers qualifiers in one city, international ones in a second, and Brazilian ones in a third. So if qualifiers are to be played, everyone must use the same version. Obviously SoD, as it is the most popular.

Now here, Zhenya, you are wrong. :) In 2 cities already, TE is being played in full swing: St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg. In Michurinsk and Moscow, they are also well acquainted with TE (according to my information :D ). So, the SoD players are already in the minority! However, a compromise (in the form of a stripped-down TE) can always be found, if there is a desire.
One BUT: where should the final be held and who will take on the organizational expenses..?

the final should be held at an equidistant location from all participants – that would be Moscow. SOD or TE – consider the broader picture. It’s one thing when information about the tournament spreads within the community that plays on SOD, and another when it’s held at a “local TE” – the level of competition for a community that plays primarily on SOD will be different. Organizational expenses – if a person knows how to play Heroes and win, they’re not stupid. They should be able to earn enough money to cover the organizational fees. The entry fee should at least cover the club rental. In my opinion, prize money is unnecessary.

In general, I like the idea of holding a Russian championship with qualifying rounds and I am ready to help organize it.

Respect to Yekaterinburg, there are already two of us.

Good idea, but unrealistic. These are not the times for Heroes, not anymore. But even if we manage to hold qualifying rounds, which version should we play the final on? It's like holding qualifying rounds for Russian checkers in one city, international checkers in another, and Brazilian checkers in a third. So, if we hold qualifying rounds, everyone should play on the same version. Obviously, it should be SoD, as it is the most popular.

Yekaterinburg, St. Petersburg – most likely TE, Minsk – a lighter version of TE.
Moscow, Michurinsk, and probably Kyiv – most likely SoD.

These are the qualifying rounds. But the final should still be on SoD, in my opinion. Because if TE players know SoD, then SoD players probably don't know TE.
Although the TE-lite version seems to be well-established, which could be a solution.
But we don't need to go that far yet, let's start by holding qualifying rounds.

The idea is interesting, I'm new to the resource and I play mediocrely, but it would be interesting. I'm from Siberia, so Novosibirsk would be the ideal option for me, and I could also go to Yekaterinburg. I'm a disciplined guy, I promise not to get too drunk))).
P.S. We just need strong organizers, to arrange accommodation for out-of-town participants, etc. In principle, we can rent large apartments or cottages, even better – recreation centers))) with a sauna))), everyone has a laptop now, so we don't need to worry about clubs, and it will be cheaper to stay here.

We need to talk to the respected Mee directly.

And here, Zhenya, you are wrong. In two cities, St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg, they are already actively playing TE. In Michurinsk and Moscow, they are also familiar with TE (according to my information). So, the SoD players are already in the minority! However, a compromise (in the form of a simplified TE) can always be found, if there is a desire.
One BUT: where should we hold the final and who will take on the organizational expenses...?

Since I started this topic... If we hold qualifying rounds, we can also agree on the final. In the worst case, Michurinsk can host the final. We have a good club (2 rooms with 10 computers each), we played a match against Moscow there.
Organizational expenses, what are they? All expenses are travel for the participants, accommodation – the finalists pay for it themselves... in general, the club is quite cheap. All costs.

If all the players from the qualifying rounds chip in at least 1000, and given that about 100 people can gather, plus sponsorship... that's a good amount for the winners, tenfold the expenses. Plus the fame of the winners of such a tournament.

the final, in my opinion, should be held at an equidistant distance from everyone - that's Moscow.

It's expensive in Moscow. Everything is expensive. And mass tournaments with the participation of guests have never been held in Moscow. In St. Petersburg, Minsk, Krasnodar - yes, but not in Moscow.

Organizational expenses - if a person knows how to play Heroes and win, then he is not stupid. He should be able to earn money to cover the organizational fee.
The fee should at least cover the rent of the club. Prizes are, in my opinion, unnecessary.

Yes, these are all small amounts. The main thing is travel and accommodation. I will post approximate costs later, which may be incurred when traveling to Michurinsk.

First of all, it is worth asking who wants to and can come.

And for this, the exact dates and program of the event need to be announced.

Perhaps qualifiers will not even be necessary.

Regarding the version — the experience of recent years has shown that TE players are much more eager when it comes to club tournaments. Therefore, if any event does take place, most likely almost everyone there will be a TE player.

In any case, as the same experience shows, this issue is not particularly acute. For example, the last meetups in Kingisepp and Minsk were held on Lite and SoD respectively.

Moscow is expensive. Everything is expensive. And mass tournaments with guest participants have never been held in Moscow. In St. Petersburg, Minsk, and Krasnodar – yes, but not in Moscow.

But these are all small amounts. The main thing is travel and accommodation. I'll post approximate costs later, which may be incurred when traveling to Michurinsk.

I'm going to look at the map to see where this town is located...
Found it. Of course, I'd like to go there, but how? Is there a direct flight from Kyiv/Minsk/St. Petersburg? Or how long does it take by train?
Time is critical for me – losing half a day on the road is not good.
And what exactly is expensive in Moscow? The club? I think it's the same as in Kyiv. Food – well, if someone doesn't have money for restaurants, they can bring sausage from home :) Accommodation – there are very cheap hotels.

Although all this is secondary – first, you need to compile a list of those who want to participate, then divide them into cities for the qualifiers. And only then choose the time and place of the meeting.

Organizational expenses - if a person knows how to play Heroes and win, then they are not stupid. They should be able to earn enough money to cover the organizational fee.

Alexander, that's nonsense... based on what you wrote, it seems like you're saying that if a person has financial problems at the moment, then they are stupid?
Let's say I have that problem right now, but you're not immune to it either, are you? Besides, this is a great time to get kicked in the ass...
But on the topic - if there's enough money, I'll definitely come... I just don't really believe in a happy ending for this cool initiative.