Just when you think they can’t step it up any higher, local game shop Good Times Games and Electronics finds a way to do it.
This time the shop hosted the Canadian National Force of Will (collectible card game) Championships in Prince Rupert. Force of Will, being a relatively new game, has been seeing huge turnouts and popularity in Asia, Europe and Australia already, with the U.S. catching fire since January and Canada coming on board in July.
“Originally they planned to have a Western and Eastern Canadian Championship and send two representatives to Tokyo for the World Championships” noted Good Times owner and event promoter Rob Gruber.
“But with such short notice the Eastern event fell through leaving Prince Rupert as the lone site and making us the Canadian National Championship.”
The event drew players from all around the region as well as Alberta, Vancouver and Victoria as a total of 66 joined the fun and competed for a chance to represent Canada at the World Championships.
“How many of us get the chance to represent our country in our lifetimes?” added Gruber.
The winner is no stranger to competitive card gaming and big events either. Local card slinger Tyler Winther fought through six rounds of play as well as three rounds after cutting to a Top 8 showdown where he eventually faced his brother Kevin Winther in the finals. He will enjoy airfare and accommodations provided as he makes his way to Tokyo, Japan for the World Championships in September. His brother and family plan to join him on this exciting adventure. Tyler and Kevin have both represented Good Times and Prince Rupert at World Championships for the Kaijudo collectible card game as well.
“It was an all local Top 4 at this event, which is exciting for us at Good Times,” said Gruber.
“We work hard to try and bring our community premier events, and our locals appreciate that and play at a very high level always”
Rounding out the Top 4 with Tyler and Kevin were Jacob Krieger in third and Rylie Miller in fourth. The Force of Will company provided promotional items for every player and, as always Good Times ensured that there were additional prizes for everyone who attended.
“I know Tyler, Kevin and Jacob if he makes the trip too will be the best representatives Canada can ask for — great kids, from great families who were lucky to grow up in a pretty great place. I couldn’t be more proud of everyone who played in the big event,” added Rob.
“I am sure they will make Prince Rupert proud too.”