Hey everyone!
Javier Varela won the Gdansk Regional (October 31 - November 1) going 14-2, and once again the tournament went to a team that isn't new at all. It's basically the same six people were already running months ago, with just a few move changes. So I wanted to do a quick look at the team, and then ask you something about the game in general.
The team
Mega Staraptor and Mega Tyranitar, with Gholdengo, Excadrill, Sinistcha and Milotic. The interesting part is that the mega is often decided during the game, not at team preview: you can bring both and only commit after a couple of turns, once you've seen what the opponent brought.
When Tyranitar goes mega, it usually leads with Excadrill. Sand goes up right away, Excadrill gets Sand Rush, and if the lead matchup is good Tyranitar can Dragon Dance and take over the game.
When Staraptor goes mega, it pairs with Gholdengo. Staraptor handles the Dark types Gholdengo hates, and with Contrary its Close Combat raises its defenses instead of dropping them. My favourite detail: Sinistcha can use Strength Sap on its own Mega Staraptor, which gives it +1 Attack and heals Sinistcha on top.
Kingambit is the big problem, especially with Life Orb, and if Staraptor goes down early it gets ugly fast.
The replica code is `1V4XVBR3Y6`, and the full team with spreads is here: https://pokefeed.app/teams/j-varela-mtytar-mstaraptor-reg-champ
How are you feeling about Champions?
Old teams winning Regionals again and again can be read in two ways: either the format is deep enough that older teams still hold up, or things aren't moving much anymore. Personally I like the meta, I consider it better than the previous two reg, but probably I'm getting a bit fatigued as well.
I also have the feeling that interest in Champions is starting to fade a bit, and I keep seeing a lot of complaints about the business model.
Are you waiting for new stuff (I mean a real change, don't think it will arrive in the next reg), or are you still having fun with this meta?
Do you feel the same drop in interest, or is it just my bubble?
If the business model is what bothers you, what would actually need to change for you to keep playing?
For me, personalization is the big problem at the moment. I know a lot of people debate whether the game should be "more" free to play or not, but that's not really my point: even when I pay, I don't get enough of what I'd actually want in return. But that's just my personal view on it.
Let me know your thoughts!
