It's that time of the year again: EVO is coming. EVO is the most recognized tournament in the world for the Fighting Game Community. Friendships are gained, the experience is exhilarating, and the games are hype. It is the one time out of the year us Fighting Game players look forward to, to compete in the games we love and strive to be the best at. Only a select few games a year are chosen for the main event and their communities are recognized in fighting game history.

Sadly, we've lost our chance at being a main game event. Luckily, there was a glimmer of hope for Blazblue with the announcement of the Breast Cancer Research exhibition, but as it stands, it seems too unlikely at this point to even come close to winning... All hope seems lost for our fellow Blazblue fans... But why give up? I recall at EVO 2012, there was a Blazblue side tournament made on the spot. Even with the lack of preparation for the tournament organizer and the fans, the game still did reasonably well.

So what if Blazblue didn't make the cut for the main event or a side event? Last time I checked, what makes games get recognized is the community supporting its game. I believe with a little more preparation and awareness, we can bring the community back from the depths and breath life into our fallen love.

Blazblue will be at EVO 2013. If not a main event or a drive event, we, as a community will get together and create the biggest side tournament EVO has ever seen! Last year, our side tournament did around 100 participants... unprepared, out of practice, and reluctant. This year, we will be prepared, we will have practice, and we will be proud! I want Blazblue to hit a thousand or maybe more. Practice for your main games, but don't forget about Blazblue. Don't give into playing a game you were forced to play because your real game could not make it. I have done that for too long... far too long... Don't abandon a good thing.

For years, our community has been passive, social outcasts unwilling to develop like other communities have. Curious people gave up because of the non-dedicated. Games die faster without proper support... no one wants to join a scene that doesn't have a shot at getting off the ground. We play a game based on community. Be a part of that community or let the community die. I won't be giving up without a fight. I'm going to represent my game for me, the community, and for fighting games.

Let's practice for Blazblue and high level play!
Let's make a side tournament for Blazblue and make it big!
Let's be proud of Blazblue and represent the community!
Let's turn the doubters of Blazblue into players!
Let's make a future for the Blazblue franchise and competitive scene!
Let's take Blazblue to EVO 2013 so EVO 2014 will happen!
...And most importantly...
Let's get Hype for Blazblue EVO 2013!!