Campaign Against Cancer: X-Wing Miniatures Event 2016

A few weeks ago I played in the 2016 Campaign Against Cancer tournament at the Island Games in Centreville, VA. Our location was just one of several throughout the country raising money for the American Cancer Society. 

This was a deeply personal event for me: I lost my grandpa to melanoma (which metastasized into brain cancer) on September 15, 2010. So when I learned of this event in mid-January, I instantly signed up and participated in his memory.

Wanting to try something new, I decided to fly Rexler Brath in a TIE Defender with Wampa and 3 Academy Pilots in TIE Fighters. It was more or less a disaster. Even with a 1st Round Bye and 6th Round win, I was thoroughly trounced and finished dead last. But since this was a fundraising campaign, I really can't complain. It was fun! It was enough to convince me to return to a pure TIE Swarm though.

Here are a few photos of the game play. I only realize now that I didn't get all the rounds, so I apologize for that.

Round 3

Round 4

Round 6

All in all, players around the country raised a total of $20,299.81! Our location contributed $855 of that final amount through entrance fees, t-shirts, and challenge coin sales.

Holiday Starkillers Casually Serious X-Wing Tournament 2015

Back on December 12th, I had the privilege of playing in the Holiday Starkillers tournament at the Anacostia Arts Center in Washington, DC. While I had played with friends a few times at home, this was my first foray into the world of Tournament Play. It was a blast, and I did better than I expected I would. I flew the most basic list you can think of: 8 Academy Pilots. Basic, no frills, and thoroughly Imperial. 

Because this was so long ago, I have no idea what rounds correspond to the photos. So just enjoy the ensuing dogfight photos! 

When the tournament was all said and done, it was time to announce final standings and dole out the awards. I ultimately ended 15th or 16th place, but was surprised to learn that I'd killed the most Rebel ships of all the players present. For this, I was awarded the 2015 Force Choker trophy! To quote a great man, "It's a major award!"

::cue Throne Room music::

Overall, this was an awesome event and a great introduction into the world of X-Wing Miniatures Tournament Play. Many thanks to the players who were kind and patient enough to put up with my newness and general inexperience. It was greatly appreciated.