It's only a buck per player. Most of them are buying multiple $5-8 beers during the tournaments anyway. It will help make the SCS more interesting, and make nationals a bigger event. I'm in favor of it, though I agree that April 1 was very poor timing for the announcement. imho, Josh and Zach are beyond reproach. They spend a lot of volunteer time supporting our hobby.

This is actually a really good question. Does this kill Superleagues?

I've never run an event. Obviously, that doesn't mean I can't voice a valid opinion. I have attended my fair share of tournaments. I appreciate all the hard work the TDs do. You all deserve lots of credit. $1 is a minimal fee. Just take it from the prize pool if you don't want to ask the venue. Most of our tournaments are $5 entry anyway. Nobody's really showing up because of the prize money. I think the WPPRs are a bigger draw than the prize money, at least for most players.

This is a good point. I did not realize there were so many "free" WPPR eligible tournaments in WI. I've never seen one in CO. We always have a $5 entry fee for the monthly tournaments. I guess it's not a big deal if everyone is already used to paying to play. I can see your point on this. Could be tough to ask people to pay if they're used to playing for free.

What is the anticipated impact on "Superleague?" We don't have this in CO, but I saw one recently in Tucson, AZ. Just curious.

Josh, do I understand correctly?

People get to decide whether to "opt in" or "opt out" AFTER the results are in? Is that the intent? Seems bizarre. Should definitely lock in a decision before the event starts.

Or, better still, everyone is opted in, regardless.

You could just pay the buck (gasp) and continue to enjoy competitive pinball.

It seems like any Wisconsin players who like the WPPR system are not going to enjoy 2018. That's a shame.

I think playing with a little $ on the line enhances the fun of competition. I hardly ever win anything, but it's fun to try.

Personally, I'm looking forward to SCS getting a boost in attention and competitiveness (though already pretty tough in CO).

Also, I'll enjoy the inevitable stories about the big money national tournament. Highly unlikely I'll ever make it, but I can cheer on the CO winner.

I know it says that, but that should be changed. Of all of our tournaments, that's the one people take the most seriously. It should be worth a lot of WPPRs.

Will WI SCS be worth WIPPRs?

Reasonable points.

Agree to disagree. imho, all competition should contribute to rankings. If the top 2 chess players are invited to a private heads up match, the results are very relevant to their relative skill and rank. It doesn't matter if not everyone was invited.

P.s. Not to wander further off-topic, but I think PAPA B, C and D divisions should be worth WPPRs for the same logic.

Ryan, cogent thoughts as always.

What is the added benefit of having a "ranking" system?

Why is the #1 player in the world considered the top ranked player not the top "rated" player, as in chess (I think).

Whysnow is a very high level player also #259 / 48,977. He stands to benefit financially from the increased prize pools as well. But still, he thinks it will hurt pinball in Wisconsin. Not to mention the legal implications.

He can be pretty strident and opinionated, but he's a really good guy and a great player.

I, for one, wish he wouldn't insist upon fragmenting the system by creating the WIPPR rebellion or whatever. The IFPA isn't perfect, and this idea has flaws, but I think it is still our best option.

Not 100% correlated, but definitely positively correlated. Plus, I've played with him and can attest he can play.

Um....he did a little more than show up. He's a serious high level competitor.