Reports

Published on September 12th, 2014 | by riopaser

29

The Mushroom Dancer: A Senior Division 3rd Place Report from Worlds

Hi Nugget Bridge, I’m Eric Rios aka riopaser, a competitive Pokémon player since 2013. This is the team I used at the 2014 Pokémon World Championships  in the Senior division. With this team I went very far at Worlds, coming third in Swiss with a 5-1 record and reaching the top 4 losing to eventual champion Nikolai Zielinski — who I actually was able to defeat in Swiss!

I’d already put some thought into a team a few weeks before Worlds, but it just didn’t fit me so I changed quite a bit. Originally, it looked like this:

However, I saw that the metagame had progressed and I wanted to make a few changed. Those eventually became a lot of changes and I arrived at this:

The Team

Amoonguss (M) @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 108 Def / 148 SpD
Sassy Nature
– Spore
– Sludge Bomb
– Protect
– Rage Powder

• 252+ SpA Choice Specs Hydreigon Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 148+ SpD Amoonguss: 186-220 (84.1 – 99.5%) — guaranteed 2HKO
• -1 252+ Atk Life Orb Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 108 Def Amoonguss: 166-198 (75.1 – 89.5%) — guaranteed 2HKO
• 252+ Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Return vs. 252 HP / 108 Def Amoonguss: 162-190 (73.3 – 85.9%) — guaranteed 2HKO
• 252+ SpA Ludicolo Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 148+ SpD Amoonguss: 82-98 (37.1 – 44.3%) — guaranteed 3HKO
• 252+ SpA Gardevoir Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 108 Def Amoonguss: 168-200 (76 – 90.4%) — guaranteed 2HKO
• 252+ SpA Gardevoir Psychic vs. 252 HP / 148+ SpD Amoonguss: 152-182 (68.7 – 82.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO

Rotom-Heat @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 100 Def / 4 SpA / 140 SpD / 12 Spe
Calm Nature
– Will-O-Wisp
– Overheat
– Protect
– Volt Switch

• 252+ SpA Gardevoir Psychic vs. 252 HP / 140+ SpD Rotom-H: 63-75 (40.1 – 47.7%) — guaranteed 3HKO
• 252+ SpA Choice Specs Hydreigon Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 140+ SpD Rotom-H: 135-159 (85.9 – 101.2%) — 6.3% chance to OHKO
• 252+ SpA Choice Specs Hydreigon Dark Pulse vs. 252 HP / 140+ SpD Rotom-H: 84-99 (53.5 – 63%) — guaranteed 2HKO + Sitrus Berry = 3HKO
• 252 Atk Garchomp (Jolly) Rock Slide vs. 252 HP / 100 Def Rotom-H: 56-66 (35.6 – 42%) — guaranteed 3HKO
• 252+ Atk Gyarados Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 100 Def Rotom-H: 126-150 (80.2 – 95.5%) — guaranteed 2HKO
• 4 SpA Rotom-H Overheat vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Amoonguss: 128-152 (57.9 – 68.7%) — guaranteed 2HKO= Always 2HKO
• 252 Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Return vs. 252 HP / 100 Def Rotom-H: 109-130 (69.4 – 82.8%) — guaranteed 2HKO + Sitrus Berry (69.4%-25%= 44.4% & 82.8%-25%= 57.8%)
• 216+ SpA Rotom-W Hydro Pump vs. 252 HP / 140+ SpD Rotom-H: 132-156 (84 – 99.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO

Salamence (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 4 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 244 Spe
Modest Nature
– Swagger
– Draco Meteor
– Flamethrower
– Protect

• Salamence with 244 EVs in Speed beats Specs Modest Hydreigon with 252 EVs in speed
• 252+ SpA Life Orb Salamence Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Mega Mawile: 138-164 (87.8 – 104.4%) — 25% chance to OHKO
• 252+ SpA Life Orb Salamence Draco Meteor vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Kangaskhan: 142-168 (78.4 – 92.8%) — guaranteed 2HKO
• 252+ SpA Life Orb Salamence Draco Meteor vs. 12 HP / 36 SpD Garchomp: 307-367 (165.9 – 198.3%) — guaranteed OHKO
• 252+ SpA Life Orb Salamence Draco Meteor vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Hydreigon: 307-367 (182.7 – 218.4%) — guaranteed OHKO
• -1 252+ Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Return vs. 4 HP / 4 Def Salamence: 112-132 (65.4 – 77.1%) — guaranteed 2HKO
• -1 252 Atk Garchomp Dragon Claw vs. 4 HP / 4 Def Salamence: 110-132 (64.3 – 77.1%) — guaranteed 2HKO

Blastoise (M) @ Blastoisinite
Ability: Rain Dish
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
– Water Spout
– Ice Beam
– Protect
– Aura Sphere

• 252+ SpA Mega Blastoise Ice Beam vs. 12 HP / 36 SpD Garchomp: 252-300 (136.2 – 162.1%) — guaranteed OHKO
• 252+ SpA Mega Blastoise Water Spout (150 BP) vs. 252 HP / 140+ SpD Rotom-H: 164-194 (104.4 – 123.5%) — guaranteed OHKO
• 252+ SpA Choice Specs Hydreigon Dark Pulse vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Blastoise: 97-115 (62.5 – 74.1%) — guaranteed 2HKO
• 252+ SpA Mega Launcher Mega Blastoise Aura Sphere vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Hydreigon: 170-200 (101.1 – 119%) — guaranteed OHKO
• 252+ SpA Life Orb Salamence Draco Meteor vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Blastoise: 126-149 (81.2 – 96.1%) — guaranteed 2HKO

Aegislash (M) @ Lum Berry
Ability: Stance Change
EVs: 236 HP / 92 Atk / 84 Def / 76 SpA / 20 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
– Shadow Ball
– Sacred Sword
– Wide Guard
– King’s Shield

• 252+ SpA Choice Specs Hydreigon Dark Pulse vs. 236 HP / 20+ SpD Aegislash-Shield: 138-164 (83.6 – 99.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO
• 252 Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. 236 HP / 84 Def Aegislash-Shield: 84-102 (50.9 – 61.8%) — guaranteed 2HKO
• 252+ SpA Aegislash-Blade Shadow Ball vs. 236 HP / 20+ SpD Aegislash-Shield: 108-128 (65.4 – 77.5%) — guaranteed 2HKO

After Salamence uses Swagger on Aegislash:

• +2 92 Atk Aegislash-Blade Sacred Sword vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Hydreigon: 226-266 (134.5 – 158.3%) — guaranteed OHKO
• +2 92 Atk Aegislash-Blade Sacred Sword vs. 252 HP / 12 Def Scrafty: 180-214 (104.6 – 124.4%) — guaranteed OHKO
• +2 92 Atk Aegislash-Blade Sacred Sword vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mamoswine: 248-292 (133.3 – 156.9%) — guaranteed OHKO
• +2 92 Atk Aegislash-Blade Sacred Sword vs. 164 HP / 140+ Def Ludicolo (Assault Vest): 105-124 (59.6 – 70.4%) — guaranteed 2HKO
• +2 92 Atk Aegislash-Blade Sacred Sword vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Kangaskhan: 206-244 (113.8 – 134.8%) — guaranteed OHKO
• +2 92 Atk Aegislash-Blade Sacred Sword vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mega Kangaskhan: 206-244 (97.1 – 115%) — 87.5% chance to OHKO
• 76 SpA Aegislash-Blade Shadow Ball vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Gardevoir: 120-144 (83.3 – 100%) — 6.3% chance to OHKO

Tyranitar (M) @ Tyranitarite
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 180 HP / 12 Atk / 132 Def / 4 SpD / 180 Spe
Adamant Nature
– Dragon Dance
– Rock Slide
– Crunch
– Protect

• 252+ SpA Choice Specs Gardevoir Moonblast vs. 180 HP / 4 SpD Mega Tyranitar in Sand: 150-176 (75.7 – 88.8%) — guaranteed 2HKO
• +1 12+ Atk Mega Tyranitar Crunch vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Gardevoir: 162-192 (112.5 – 133.3%) — guaranteed OHKO
• 252 Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. 180 HP / 132 Def Mega Tyranitar: 84-98 (42.4 – 49.4%) — guaranteed 3HKO
• 252+ Atk Huge Power Mega Mawile Iron Head vs. 180 HP / 132 Def Mega Tyranitar: 168-198 (84.8 – 100%) — 6.3% chance to OHKO
• +1 12+ Atk Mega Tyranitar Crunch vs. 252 HP / 12 Def Rotom-W: 108-127 (68.7 – 80.8%) — guaranteed 2HKO after sandstorm damage

Lead Combinations

+

I this combination a lot as it allows Amoonguss to soak up attacks meant for Salamence with Rage Powder while Salamence hits the opponent hard. Salamence also helps Amoonguss take hits better with Intimidate.

+

This combination also gave me a lot of options. Rotom-Heat can help cover Salamence’s Ice-type weakness as it fires off strong attacks. Salamence helps my specially-defensive Rotom-Heat with Intimidate to help take hits on both sides of the spectrum.

+

Aegislash can resist physical attacks with better results, thanks to Salamence’s Intimidate. I can also use Salamence’s Swagger in conjunction with Aegislash, as its Lum Berry gives it a +2 in Attack ​​without confusion. A +2 Sacred Sword can then OHKO Mamoswine, Mega Kangaskhan, Bisharp, Scrafty, Hydreigon, and many more. It also grants a 2HKO to Rotom formed, Mega Mawile, Ludicolo, and others.

+

Thanks to Rage Powder, Mega Blastoise can get maximum damage output with Water Spout at 100% life. It also threatens opposing Fire types, which give Amoonguss trouble. Amoonguss also carries the Rocky Helmet, so that at the touch of a rival attack, the opponent’s Pokémon receives damage.

+

This is a very bulky combination. Rotom can Volt Switch out to Salamence with Intimidate, to reduce the damage of  physical attacks against Aegislash.

+

Salamence’s Intimidate really helps Tyranitar withstand many -1 physical attacks, thanks in part to its EVs. This also makes a Dragon Dance difficult to stop, while Salamence also pressures the opponent with its great Special Attack stat.

The Tournament

With Nikolai Zielinski 🙂

This was my first year in Worlds and I was very nervous. I did not expect to get this far, but I had confidence in myself. I knew if I wanted to win badly enough, I could. I had a great time meeting many people at the tournament, including Paul Chua (Pwny Person), Zack (Technoz), Nicola Tomasini (Un Nabbo), Nikolai Z., Juan Trillo (Greenway) Melisa A. (Billasis), Aaron Zheng (Cybertron), Brendan Zheng (Babbytron), and Umberto Pallini (TerraKhaos). Hope to see you all next year!

Swiss Rounds

Round 1 vs Seung Heon Sah (KR)

Game 1 (Lost 0-2)

If I remember correctly, I lost because my opponent outpredicted me very well.

Game 2 (Won 4-3)

I played very well, and was very much in control during this battle. This fight was decided by one prediction: he predicted that I would target Mawile with Amoonguss’s Spore and switched it out for Ludicolo while I instead used Sludge Bomb, predicting the change.

Game 3 (Won 3-0)

I started very well, predicting everything from the beginning. The match was very tight until the last few turns.

1-0

Round 2 vs Fuko Nakamich (JP)

Game 1 (Won 4-0)

The fight was really on my side. I started very well and with a few predictions, I won quickly without difficulty.

Game 2 (Won 2-0)

In this fight, she made things a little more difficult for me to win than in the previous match. Afterwards, she gave me a keychain with her name on it. Good games!

2-0

Round 3 vs Keita Miyamoto (JP)

Game 1 (Lost 0-2)

Keita started out strongly this match. The battle was eventually won by a decisive avoid.

Game 2 (Won 1-0)

Here, I won because I played very well. In the last turn, with my Aegislash against his Mega Kangaskhan, I had to expend the PP of its Sucker Punch which let me win the battle.

Game 3 (Lost 0-3)

A very tight battle for both, which he won, thanks to very good prediction. I switched out my Aegislash for Tyranitar, while his Kangaskhan used Hammer Arm.

2-1

Round 4 vs Nikolai Zielinski (US)

Game 1 (Won 2-0)

A very close fight for both. In the end, I won by one prediction; she Protected her Garchomp, and I instead attacked her Gengar for the KO with Salamence.

Game 2 (Won 1-0)

I do not remember much of the fight, but I did manage to win!

(3-1)

Round 5 vs Jacob Waller (US)

Game 1 (Won 2-0)

This fight was very epic for me! I used Swagger on my Aegislash to bust up his Scrafty. This match was really in my favor from the start.

Game 2 (Won 1-0)

The second match caused me a lot of stress. My opponent played me very well at the beginning of the match, but in the end I went able win.

4-1

Round 6 vs Mark Mcquillen (UK)

Game 1 (Won 1-0)

This was a very tight battle and could go either way. I won thanks to a critical hit from Salamence’s Draco Meteor on his Rotom-H, although he did paralyze Salamence earlier with a Thunderbolt.

Game 2 (Lost 1-2)

In this battle, Mark wins thanks to some very good predictions. This was a fight in his favor from the start.

Game 3 (Won 2-0)

On the other hand, this fight was in my favor from the start. I won this tight match through a nice prediction.

5-1

The Top Cut

I ended up in the third seed after the final results were posted, which meant I would be competing in the Top Cut!

Top 8 vs JuYoung Hong (KR)

Game 1 (Won 2-1)

In this battle, I won because of sheer domination throughout the battle. I burned Zapdos with Will-O-Wisp to chip away at its health, and it was good game from there.

Game 2 (Lost 1-3)

In this fight, I lose because of a critical hit on my Mega Tyranitar from an Earthquake that it was EVd to survive. What hurt the most was that Tyranitar was sitting at +1 Attack and Speed after a successful Dragon Dance, but there is nothing you can do about critical hits.

Game 3 (Won 1-0)

This fight was really difficult. The opponent’s Garchomp avoided a Will-O-Wisp, but I still managed to win by a whisker.

Top 4 vs Nikolai Zielinski (US)

Game 1 (Lost 2-2)

This fight was too tight; he dominated from the start. We had actually played before, so Nikolai was familiar with and my whole team, including items and movements. He played me very well.

Game 2 (Lost 1-4)

I completely lost it after a long day. I played badly, and Nikolai played very well.

The Farewell

Thank you to everyone that supported me from Spain and other countries across the globe. Also, thanks to the following Spanish VGC players: Marta, who helped me in some parts of the team; Conti, for giving me the idea of ​​Lum Berry Aegislash; Sergio Marcos, for helping test out the team. Well people, thanks for reading my report and I hope to see you all next year at Worlds! Here are a couple final pictures from my trip.

The 3rd Place Trophy 🙂

Photo with Sekiam, Greenway, and me in Washington DC.

Another photo with Sekiam, Greenway, and me.

About the Author

riopaser

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