E for All: Where the Elite Meet to Let Others Eat

Pro gamers are usually respected for their elite skills, not necessarily their philanthropy. At this year’s E for All, legendary gamers TriForce, Jonathan “Fatal1ty” Wendel, Justin Wong, Billy Mitchell, Todd Rogers and Kubuu joined forces to help raise food for the Los Angeles Food Bank. The Five Gamers offered a Nintendo Wii signed by all five of them, simply by donating a canned good, one raffle ticket per can. Just in case attendees weren’t rocking some Split Pea in their back pockets, event organizer, Triforce, thankfully provided an assortment of canned goods that could be purchased and donated.

The next Mother Teresas

Additionally, confident players who have donated had the chance to challenge each of the champions in their respective games. For example, TriForce in Tetris DS, Justin Wong in Marvel vs. Capcom 2.

I had the honor of playing Justin Wong, a legend in the fighting game community, in three matches of Marvel vs. Capcom 2. Though he is famous for losing the “Epic Parry” match to Daigo Umehara, he also holds the glory of creating a one-man dynasty by being National Champion of Marvel vs. Capcom 2 for 4 consecutive years. Also, though he wasn’t champion, he pulled off this epic comeback with Cyclops at last year’s EVO tournament.

Me shortly before my shaming

After my donation was complete, I attempted to beat the high score in arcade mode in order to get a chance to play Justin. Unfortunately, though I beat the game, I failed to get the high score. I found out from another competitor (who placed 7th) that the high scores were probably achieved previously with a higher damage setting (and thus quicker rounds and more bonus points). Which might explain why people were having a hard time placing.

The Match: I came back to try again on Sunday and this time, Justin was gracious enough to let me play him in three matches. Needless to say, I got owned. Believe the hype. His Magneto was so suffocating, I could barely hit him. His Cyclops was just as impressive as in the video. This guy is a master. In a game where your team’s lineup is something that most players set in stone and practice till it’s perfect, he revealed to me that he wakes up and decides “Oh, I’m in a Magneto, Cable, Cyclops mood today.” Somehow, during my 3 rounds of being thoroughly sauteed, I managed to defeat his Magneto. Then he continued to smoke me. Still, given a “I defeated Justin Wong’s Magneto and all I got was this lousy T-shirt” shirt, I would wear it with pride.

Also, despite my complete and utter defeat, I felt like a winner inside since I made a food donation. And isn’t what’s inside what really counts?

Though not on the pre-event roster, the most popular player to challenge was definitely the League of Champions’ Smash Brothers representative, Lucario player, Kubuu. The highlight of the challenges was a skilled Peach cosplayer actually taking a stock away from the skilled Lucario. Most players were outright crushed. Fortunately, all the champions were very gracious about their victories and hearty handshakes were in high supply. Even though I was intimidated by his legendary status, Justin Wong was actually extremely nice and approachable and fun to chat with in between matches. As was Triforce, despite his intimidating Tetris Glove.

So what did we learn, class?

• Some Pro-gamers are actually super friendly.
• Donating makes me feel like sunshine inside
• I suck at Marvel vs. Capcom 2

Hurray for learning.