Meet the Managers of the NPA and Player Registration
Sign ups have ended with 10 of the previous managers and 23 new users signing up to manage for this season of the National Pokémon Association. Only 6 spots were open and lots of thought was put into the managers chosen. It was tough to make the final calls, but these are the managers and teams that will be playing in this season.
Returning Managers
Zach, Fortree Brave Birds
Zach was the manager of the Brave Birds in the second season of the NPA. He has a large community presence, is a moderator on Nugget Bridge, and has organized many tournaments and kept track of their stats. He won three Regionals in 2013 and barely needed to attend US Nationals that year in order to clinch his Worlds invite. He is committed to victory and knows how to work hard to clutch out.
DrFidget, Goldenrod Gamblers
DrFidget has been a much-loved member of the community after being the only person to stream Worlds in 2010. He is also the organizer of The Lava Pool, a highly informative podcast about the Video Game Championships, usually featuring many powerful trainers sharing advice and strategy. In 2013, he placed 3rd and 7th at two different Regionals. The Gamblers finished 4-4 in NPA 2, and are hungry for an even better placing this season.
Ray, Hearthome Holy Spirits
The three-time World Champion Ray Rizzo. There is not enough space in this brief article to cover his Pokemon successes. In the first NPA, he managed the Cleveland Escavaliers, which finished seventh. Last season, he led the Holy Spirits to a 6-2 final record, losing in the Final Four to the Sunyshore Chargers. He is known for drafting star player DeagleBeagle every season. As always, expect the best.
PrettyLittleLiar, Sunyshore Chargers
PrettyLittleLiar experienced a brief stint as a player in the first NPA before returning as a manager in NPA 2, leading the Sunyshore Chargers to a 6-2 finish in the regular season and 2nd place overall. He has placed at Worlds himself, losing in the Top 4 in 2011 to eventual champion Ray Rizzo. He is an active poster, player, and threat.
Huy, Castelia Cones
Huy has had an incredibly strong presence in the online competitive Pokemon community since the early 2000s. He has also been mighty on the battlefield, with back-to-back Top 8 finishes at Worlds in 2009 and 2010. In the original NPA, the team he co-managed with Darnell Washington, the Chicago Afrobulls, reached the finals, losing to the Sacramento Slakings 2-3. His team, the Cones, went 4-4 last NPA season with a strong comeback at the end of the season. Expect big business from this manager.
Tan, Celestic Stars
Tan has been a member of the VGC community since 2012. The Stars have been known to flood the forum with not only their team spirit but also their good cheer. In NPA 2, he led the stars to a mediocre 4-4 finish. However, the Stars were the only team to take a week away from the Seafoam Islanders all tournament. If they can recreate that success, Tan’s Stars will definitely be a top tier team.
TalkingLion, Fuchsia Ninjas
TalkingLion returns to manage the Fuschia Ninjas, which made the Final Four in NPA 2 with a 4-4 record losing to eventual champions, the Seafoam Islanders. TalkingLion has been a member of the VGC community since 2011 with several high placings in offline tournaments in both the Senior division and the Masters division. He is active as a moderator on Pokemon Showdown and although one of the youngest managers, has shown he knows how to lead.
feathers, Fallarbor Flames
feathers returns to manage the Flames for NPA 3! The Flames finished 3-5 in NPA 2 with strong team players like Fish, gene, and PROFESSORLABCOAT. feathers is a powerful player herself, with an undefeated Swiss run at Oregon Regionals in 2013. She is one of the artists who regularly creates artwork for Nugget Bridge and also the only Canadian manager.
theamericandream38, Seafoam Islanders
theamericandream38 is the player who perhaps has had the most success in the NPA. In the first NPA, he played for the winning team, the Sacramento Slakings. In NPA 2, he led the Seafoam Islanders to a nearly undefeated victory. theamericandream38 and his Islanders are definitely the team to beat this season.
makiri, Mistralton Jets
Like Huy, makiri has been integral to the online Pokemon community for many years. He has had many first place Regional finishes and played in the World Championships. Last NPA season, he managed the Jets and in the eyes of many “won” the draft, emerging with an extremely powerful roster. Although the Jets had a mediocre performance in NPA 2, ending the season at 4-4, Makiri has led several teams in Pokemon tournaments to victory, as well as being a winning player on the Sacramento Slakings in the first NPA. You can never count him out!
And the Newcomers
benjitheGREAT, Goldenrod Rollouts
benjitheGREAT, while a relatively unknown player until the start of the 2011 season, has picked up considerably since, winning multiple Regionals in 2013 and 2014. He is replacing Smith as the manager of the Goldenrod Rollouts. Last season in the NPA, benjitheGREAT went 6-2 playing for the Stars and has shown he knows how a successful team runs in the league.
CT MikotoMisaka, Lavarre Pixies*
CT MikotoMisaka, although sometimes partaking in the oft-forgotten Trading Card Game section of official Pokemon tournaments, has been a longtime member of the online Pokemon community. He joins his Sacramento Slakings teammates makiri and theamericandream38 in the ranks of managers for NPA 3. He played for the Mossdeep Rockets in NPA 2, but otherwise has won every Pokemon team tournament he has participated in.
jio, Lilycove Cruisers*
Jio began his VGC career in 2011. Although he was unable to attend Regionals for the first year, he continues to be an active teambuilder and breeder for many high-level players. When he finally attended a Regional in 2012, he placed Top 8. He is one of the most powerful trainers active in the breeding scene.
Dubulous, Viridian Forest Hornets*
Dubs managed in the first NPA, but took a year off before returning to the scene. His team, the Golden State Wartortles, reached the Final Four before losing 3-2 to the eventual champions, the Sacramento Slaking. He has been a member of the competitive Pokémon community since around 2009.
Alaka, Olivine City Splashes*
Alaka is the second manager to return from the original NPA to manage in NPA 3 without managing last season. He led the Orlando Magikarp to a 5th place finish out of the 8 teams present, drafting a strong roster featuring current Regional champion mattj and first NPA 2 draft pick skarm. Alaka has shown intelligence in both managing and operating a team, and he will not disappoint this season.
Dim, Ever Grande Elite*
Dim has been an active user in the VGC community since 2010, and achieved success in the Senior division in 2012 by winning the World Championships. He didn’t stop there, with high finishes at Regionals, US Nationals, and especially at Worlds in 2013, barely losing in the last round to Cybertron who would go on to make Top 4. Dim continues to be a strong player in the 2014 season, and has clinched his Worlds invite.
Thank you again to everyone who took the time to sign up, sorry if you missed the cut.
*These are new teams and their logos are currently being worked on.
Player Sign-ups
To sign up as a player you must post the following in the comments thread:
Timezone:
Tell us about yourself:
Notable accomplishments (Optional):
Now, signing up won’t put you on a team by itself. The NPA draft will take place at some point after the 2014 Pokémon World Championships. The registrations will make up the pool of players that the managers will bid on. You can keep an eye out for managers doing try out sessions in this thread, but please keep in mind that spots are limited and not everyone will be drafted! We will be working to ensure the NPA is as entertaining for spectators as well as the participants themselves. Sign ups will last until August 17th! We look forward to seeing who will sign up this season to be drafted onto one of these 16 teams!
Related Posts
Nugget Bridge Update →
GS Cup Announced as Pokémon’s 2016 Ruleset →
2016 Pokémon World Championships Date & Location Surfaces →
Timezone: GMT -7 (I’m from Arizona. AZ doesn’t observe DST).
Tell us about yourself: The 2013-2014 VG season was my first year for competitive play. Did the whole fall, winter and spring regionals. Managed to decently well for my first year, earning my stipend to Nats of 2014. Aside from pokémon, I enjoy being outdoors, mostly playing tennis. Currently a junior at college.
Notable accomplishments (Optional):
-Phoenix October Regional 2013: 23rd place (4-3)
-Long Beach Winter Regional 2014: 17th place in flight B, 34th overall (7-2)
-Salt Lake City Spring Regional: 7th place (7-2). Lost to joej m in top cut.
– US Nationals 2014: Record was 5-4
Timezone: CET
About myself: Im 18 years old, and I’ve been playing pokemon for about 4 years and following the competetive scene and nugget bridge for about 2 years. Since I live in Hungary, there isnt any VGC events, and i cant afford to go to Germany for that (one day i will defenitaly save money for that thought), so I only participated in online competitions. I just want to try out myself and watch how good I can do, and maybe battle some of the players that are world class tier.
Achievements:
International Challenge May: 293rd
International Challenge June: 317th
Battle of legends: 112th
Timezone: GMT
Tell us about yourself: I have been playing pokemon since the early red and blue and always loved battling, I got into competitive in 2012 but did not attend any major tournaments until 2014 VGC Nationals where I finished 5-3 using Mega Pinsir and the infamous quick claw Amoongus. I like to create outrageous strategies without deviating too much from the standard and make RU pokemon somewhat viable.
Notable accomplishments: brought Mega Pinsir (knife) to a Khangaskhan ( gun) fight and won a few times at nationals.
Timezone: GMT
About me: I don’t know who I am…
I have been playing pokemonz since 2008, and got into VGC with a promise of a trip to Hawaii in 2010. I really like the competitive nature of pokemanz. In my spare time I am the amazing Duke Smith (look for the Slowking on Youtube) and I code as well. I like using original pokemanz, but I like winning more.
Notable accomplishments: Not being well-known enough to crack a joke here.
Placed 2nd in a London Gamerbase tournament
Came 22nd in the 2011 Spring (?) International Challenge
Got 28th in UK Nationals 2013 (my first year in Masters)
Would’ve won this year’s UK Nationals but didn’t go
Time Zone: UTC+09:30
A student at uni, played pokemon since 2000, only started competitve earlier this year haha. Accomplishments, well never been to a meet or event but on August 1 when i post this im currently number 1 ranked player from Australia in ranked doubles. Dont know is that means much.See how this goes lol, cheers
Timezone: GMT+8
Tell us about yourself: I’m a little over halfway there~! I’m a Pokemon player from Singapore who hopes to go to Worlds someday; although I only started playing VGC near the end of the 2013 season, apparently I’m somewhat decent at it.
Notable Accomplishments: Beat Zach with a Furret.
Timezone: UK GMT
Tell us about yourself: Played pokemon from R/B/Y days, got into vgc in 2010 and continued from there, l
Notable Accomplishments:
Timezone: CET (Central European Time)
Tell us about yourself: DPP OU Legend
Notable accomplishments (Optional):
-VGC Germany 2014 3th place
Timezone: CET
Tell us about yourself:
Polish lad, been playing since early ’13.
Notable accomplishments (Optional):
– Germany Nationals 2014 Top 8
– 23rd in Europe in CP 2014 (Worlds invitee)
– Luckily made this year’s invitational, lol
– Managed not to die after drinking a few sips of Baz’s signature cocktail consisting of Limoncello, champagne, beer and some other nasty stuff
Timezone: GMT+1 (UK Time)
Tell us about yourself: Senior Division player for the final year from England. I only started playing VGC this year, but been playing Pokémon since 2007 and competitively since 2010.
Notable accomplishments (Optional): Top 64 worldwide in both of the International Challenges (couldn’t attend Nats or any of the UK Battle Tours), and currently participating in the NPSCS (not like that it matters though, lol).
Timezone: duffy
Tell us about yourself: started as a Singles player, I got into VGC in 2014 and felt in love with it. I love playing balance and creating some unusual sets in my little pokemon-chamber.
Notable accomplishments (Optional): Went to my first VGC-regional and finished 4-3, with a Wigglytuff-weak team, because I didn’t manage to breed my team over night 😡
Timezone: gmt+1 (germany)
Tell us about yourself: i started playing pokemon competitive in 2006 and got into vgc this year, after i got the taste of it by attending nats last year for the first time. Im 21 years old and in the 4th soon to be 5th semester of university.
Notable accomplishments (Optional): top4 nb major 2014
Timezone: US MST
Tell us About Yourself: I like anime, vidya gaymes, misspelling things and alcohol. Oh and anime.
Notable accomplishments: I once got 100% on “Scream, Aim, Fire” on Guitar Hero World Tour, so that’s cool.
When did you move to the east Gavin?
Yes, someone draft this guy. Hopefully on the same team I’m on (if I’m drafted, try outs here I come!)
Timezone: GMT+1/2 (summer time) (Germany)
Tell us about yourself: I am 19 years old, currently studying psychology, played all vgc formats since 2010
Notable accomplishments (Optional): Top8 German Nationals + 2nd French Nationals 2012, 19th Worlds 2012, 1st Germany VGC2014
Timezone:
Eastern Daylight Time
Tell us about yourself:
I’m fairly new to the VGC scene but not competitive gaming. Formerly competing in Madden with the some of the best players like Antoine Williams and former Madden Challenge Champion Eugene Williams, I managed to place top 16 in most of my tournaments with a 3rd place in the Indianapolis Regionals in 2006 and 2nd place in a Midwest Collegiate Challenge in 2008. With that in my past, I decided to give in to my love of Pokemon and have been following VGC for years. It wasn’t until the release of Pokemon X and Y that I decided to join in on the fun. As most competitors, I’m still learning and continuously trying to improve with Pokemon being the game I play all the time. I know there are a lot of people that I’m competing with for a spot but I believe I will make a great asset on any team.
Outside of Pokemon, I enjoy long walks on a beach, watching the sunset, romantic candlelit dinners…. In actuality, I’m a Quality Engineer for an automotive factory and between work and Pokemon, I don’t know what the sun looks like anymore 😛
Notable accomplishments (Optional):
2014 June International Challenge: 13th in the US. 16th in North America.
2014 Pokemon Nationals (Indianapolis, IN): 128th place. 5-4 record. (3 losses coming from Day 2 competitors)
Timezone: AEST
About me:
To those who don’t know me , I’m Luke or I usually go by the alias of Dog-For-Dinner on PS, I’m an Australian VGC player looking to develop with a team and enjoy working on pokemon with others .I have had a few ‘good’ finishes but still havent caught the dream.looking forward to the comp with or without me , and wish everyone best of luck.
Notable accomplishments:
3rd place Adelaide Regionals (masters ) (7-2)
Top 50 Australian Nationals (6-3)
Top 32 cut bisaboard spring open (6-2?)
Timezone: Indiana EST
Tell us about yourself: My name is Isaac , I go by the moniker Gary Locc. I was six when I got Blue for my birthday and have played on and off ever since. I played somewhat competitive in gens three and 4, though almost entirely online. I solicited matches on sites like Gamefaqs, Serebii, smogon, and the occasional Marriland in Gen4. Played in a number of of sites too that were popular in gen 4 (Xat chat anyone?)
Dropped off sometime between Silver and BW, then picked it all up at the VERY ass end of BW2’s lifespan, and running with XY since launch. I’ve been attempting to start a poketube channel (I’m so cool) under my username, but after some test uploads I can’t deal with the quality of the tripod/cam set up (Vid snob, comes from college and my console cards), so I’m ordering yet another cap card once their in stock from the only place I know that sells them stateside.
I’m fully addicted to coffee and gummy bears, the latter which I have not had since last year (13 months sober). I’m currently a grad school applier who picks up odd jobs on Craigslist and will probably work in a restaurant again after quitting my managerial position to pursue a life less awful.
I like long walks on the beach, classic literature, and tight legs and green eyes.
Notable accomplishments (Optional): Played in one Indiana premier event where I made the team the day before after googling competitions in the area by chance one bored Friday afternoon. It was Trick room team with Hyper Beam Gardy, Kecleon, and some other weird stuff that as one might think did middle of the pack.
I was also at nationals, seeing as how I live in Indy, and came with an equally half-ass team just to see the scene. For those who may remember me I had an Articuno, blonde hair, teal pants, and soulful blue eyes. Won my first round against the runner up, though it came down to Aegislash vs. my sucker punch only Kanga, and I had to stall for the last 5 minutes as we alternate protects and whiffs. Lost my second round on a Coinflip against Kyle morris (IIRC). He had a Red health chomp and a below 50% Kanga, I had a full hp kanga. I knew mine was bulky and he knew I was at least adamant. IF he goes return + D claw he beats me, and I know this. If he suckers I live. I sucker thinking hell return and I’ll take it from there, him going for the KO. He goes sucker, I get outsped, and I lose. It was a really good match though.
Next Match a Texas Girl named Briana makes a great prediction turn one and drinks my milkshake. Then I played a dude with a TR team form Minnesota and lost on back to back misses. So it goes. Knowing I’m out, I drop and go play in a pick up soccer game I was missing for nationals. No regrets!
I’ll be taking 2015 a bit more seriously and definitely be in Ft. Wayne for Fall regional in October.
Timezone: EST (Pennsylvania, US)
About me: I’ve been playing Pokemon since 2002 (Pokemon Yellow), and I haven’t stopped playing ever since. I started playing competitively in 2013, and its been one of the most fun things in my life ever since I started playing on Pokemon Showdown. My hobbies include: Watching Sports (Football, Basketball, Baseball), Playing Video Games, and Hanging out with friends. My 5 favorite foods in order are: Chicken, Pizza, Donuts, Steak, and Cookies. My top 3 favorite Pokemon in order are: Umbreon, Darkrai, Charizard.
Accomplishments: I just play Pokemon casually, and I haven’t played in a Tournament yet in VGC, but I will be attending the VGC LCQ so that will be my first competitive event. I’ve been playing TCG since 2007, and I’ve won a handful of tournaments in that.
Timezone: KST(UTC+9)
Tell us about yourself: I have played VGC since 2012. I qualified World twice.
Notable accomplishments : VGC2012 Korea Champion(Senior/Master) VGC2013 Korea Top8(Master) VGC2014 Korea Top4 (Master)
Timezone: EST (NYC)
About me: Well im new to competitive pokemon but not new to competitive gaming (Halo/other fps pc games). Would love to be more involved in the vgc community and it looks like this is a perfect opportunity to do so.
Accomplishments: I guess i have no true pokemon accomplishments yet, but I’m planning on going to lcq in a couple weeks.
Timezone: Usually EDT
About me: I’m the best. I don’t make my own teams. I don’t have stable internet. I travel a lot and can disappear for long stretches with little warning.
Accomplishments: I am a two-time Smogon Premiere League All-Star and the face of competitive VGC internationally.
Timezone: GMT-5
Tell us about yourself: I’m a Korean VGC player, and I’m living in the USA since last year. I built Korean 2013 nats junior and senior division winner’s team.
Notable accomplishments:
vgc2012 Korean nats senior division Top16
vgc2014 US Massachusetts regional senior division 14th places
Been going back and forth about whether I should play. Finally decided to toss my non-existent hat into the ring.
Timezone: EST
Tell us about yourself:
Oh! I’m so glad you asked. I am called by many names. I am Adib. I am honchkro13. I am Nugget Bridge’s Fullmetal Alchemist. I am one, I am all. And I am also…you.
I have dared to knock on the door of the NPA. Now, is the door open? You decide.
Notable accomplishments (Optional):
Does getting picked up from the Farm League by RAY RIZZO to step in for the almighty DEAGLE BEAGLE on the Holy Spirits last season count?
Timezone: UTC+01:00
Tell us about yourself: I’ve been playing the VGC format since 2012 and I’m now 17 years old.See you again in DC
Notable accomplishments (Optional): I’m now 3 times at the World Championchips!
Timezone: GMT -3 (BRT), although it’s not really observed. I follow more PDT than that, because I generally work overnight. But I do my own timezone.
Tell us about yourself:
I play Pokémon competitively since 2001. I took a break on gens 4 and 5 because it took me a long time to be able to buy a DS. As soon as I got my White, I jumped into VGC, because Doubles was my favorite playstyle back to Sapphire. I got back to full throttle on VGC since XY was released, and one day I’ll be the Brazilian player at the Worlds. I haven’t achieved much, but I joined NB community because I’m sure I can be the best player in my country and one of the best in the world by playing with the best.
Notable accomplishments (Optional):
Peaked 1st in Brazil’s Special Ladder on Season 2 (the only I played a litte more), ending it in 4th after starting to experiment with some borderline teams.
I also played the latest 3 VGC tournaments that were held in Brazil, and my final positions were 4th, 1st and 3rd.
Timezone: US Central until early september, where i will be US Eastern
Tell us about yourself: i wear my prize hats backwards