[LATE ARTICLE]
12/26/2024
New Year, New Field, Controversial Formations
A few days ago, the International Foosbooze Board issued the following statement:
After much deliberation, Foosbooze Tournament 12 will be held in the Butterfly Capital of the World.
With it, Isa and Ricky will become the newest hosts of one of the world’s marquee sporting events. When asked if hosting the tournament would put extra pressure of them, Isa responded with, “Estamos muy emocionados de recibir a todos este año en nuestra casa. La presión de ganar siempre está ahí independientemente de que seamos anfitriones, ya que cada año el torneo se vuelve más competitivo!” Current champion, Ricky, mentioned, “I’m thankful for the opportunity to host and excited to showcase what the butterfly capital of the world has to offer.”
With the new host, comes a new player formation. The Butterfly field will be the first in tournament history to showcase a back line of three. Here are the statements from the four OG foosbooze tournament players on the new formation:
“I think it’s a new era for foosebooze. Like all sports, the players need to adapt to the play field and the new rules.” – Gus
“I think a true winner won’t let the formations matter. It’ll take some adjustment, but defense and offense are blocking and taking shots, controlling the ball. The fundamentals are unchanged.” – Juan
“To be honest, I wasn’t excited about the new formation. However, I haven’t really done very well since my lone championship. Perhaps a new start, on a new field, without the pressure of the home crowd is exactly what I need. It will also help having my siblings there…” – JC
“In regards to the new tournament field, I hope and expect the host will have an advantage. Again, I would love to face off with Ricky again, if he can make it to the upper levels again…” – Fernando
“I have no problems in regards to the new player formation, I expect to kick ass with any setup,” added Fernando.
Taking shots at the host and current champion
Fernando, one of foosbooze’s most dominant players, is making a comeback since missing last year’s tournament.
“All I gotta say is ‘I’m back baby!’” exclaimed Fernando. “To tell you the truth, I was a little let down with the last tournament I played in. The supposed ‘previous champion’ Ricky didn’t even make it past my drunk little brother and he expected to be able to beat me? The competition was a little lacking that year and I felt taking the trophy was just a tad too easy. I felt giving everyone a year of practice to step up their game was only fair. I really hope everyone has had time to practice, especially our hosts who have the home advantage and have hopefully been practicing enough. Maybe this year Ricky can make it past my brother and into the big leagues.” Bold statement.
“Maybe this year Ricky can make it past my brother and into the big leagues.”
– Fernando
“My biggest concern is not Fernando, it’s his younger brother, François,” replied current champ, Ricky. “Apart from his renowned fashion style, you all witnessed what he is capable of the last time he participated.” Ricky is of course alluding to François’ chaos, take-no-prisoners approach to his first and only tournament appearance. There were a lot of shots taken.
François, however, seems not to be thinking much about a potential rematch with Ricky. “I don’t see Ricky as a challenge any more but I am looking forward to face my previous losses,” he shared with foosbooze.com. “I think this time around, it being my second time competing, I will have less stress and be able to focus even more on the competition.” He conclude the interview confidently stating, “This year I come with better skills and a more focused mindset. Good luck to my competitors.”
But how about the runner-ups?
Fernando is not the only player making a comeback this year. Fan-favorite player, Juan, is making his own comeback after a two year absence. “Has it really been 2 years? Time flies,” mentioned Juan. “I’m excited to play, I love the game. I’m pretty nervous if my body will be able to take the blows necessary for a deep run, I’m out of practice on both foosball and drinking.” In Juan’s last tournament, he made it to the finals and gave Fernando a close game.
“I’m excited to play, I love the game.”
– Juan
Last year’s runner-up, Agustin, is also ready. “I think I’ve been rising up year over year and it’s about time I take a championship home, especially doing it in my hometown,” he stated. “I think it’s my year to change the shot taking strategy and focus more on dubs. The home field advantage will be more for me than Ricky.”
When asked about Fernando’s return, he brushed it away. “Fernando’s hiatus will not help him, I think he’s scared to come back this year.” He concluded with a slightly different motto this year: “Today’s my year fellas! NOBODY SCORES MORE THAN ME.”
2024 – The Year of the Siblings
While the [Bad] brothers were the first pair of siblings to compete in a foosbooze tournament, they have since been joined by Fernando and Francois. This year, two more pairs of siblings will join the tournament. First time participant, Ana, will join Isa, while Andrea and Yeti will join big brother, JC. “I am excited to have my siblings competing with me this year! They have a lot to learn, but I expect them to bring pride to the [Warrior] family,” stated JC.
Even though he mentioned being “super nervous,” Yeti comes in with a game plan. “A lot of sh*t talking. I WILL get into my opponents’ heads. [Hit ‘em with the] crazy eyes. Good luck.”
Andrea comes in with all the confidence in the world, even though rookies have historically had rough debuts. “Not as nervous as people think I should be,” she said. When asked what her strategy would be, she stated, “keeping a level head. I think everyone is going to be a little… ahhhh… a little stressed. I have nothing to lose.” She concluded her interview with, “you’ve never gone against Andrea.”
“… I think everyone is going to be a little… ahhhh… a little stressed. I have nothing to lose.”
-Andrea
Women Taking Over
Not just will more siblings be in attendance, but a total of three women will be competing at this year’s tournament. “Este año daré nuevamente lo mejor de mi y sería muy emocionante poder ganar el campeonato y ser la primera mujer en llevarse el trofeo,” said Isa. “Ojalá esta nueva cancha y el nuevo aire sea un motivo para poder lograrlo.” She concluded her interview with, “A los participantes solo les digo que se preparen porque este año llegan más chicas!! Andrea y Ana, les deseo la mejor de las suertes.”