2016 APCT Round 1.5 Discussion Thread: Test Your Might!

Deviant_Mugen

Apologies for the radio silence, folks. As you know, this year's tournament started a little differently, and the addition of the one-vote format has made for some interesting matches thus far. As interesting as the victories were, however, the losses also proved to be surprisingly intriguing, and there were quite a few characters who came close to advancing, but ultimately lost by a small margin. This year, they will get a second shot at redemption, but standing in their way will be their fellow hopefuls… and the Tournament Champions of years past!

That's right, it is my pleasure to announce Round 1.5, where the top 24 runner-ups from Round 1 will face off against the 8 Tournament Champions in 6 vs. 2 free-for-alls (single-vote only, of course). The round will be four matches long, and four characters from each match will move on to Round 2, for a total of 16 characters. It's time for both the Champs and you, the campaigners, to test your mettle. Will you support a past Champion? Or will rally behind one of the fresh faces yearning for a second chance? Let your vote decide.

The matches (as determined by a randomizer) shall be as follows: [hide] Match #1

Bartolomeo—Champion of 2014 Barto Club's Granny Caesar Clown
Cavendish and Farul
Gin
Marshal D. Teach Monkey D. Luffy—Champion of 2009
Stelly

Match #2

Baby 5
Boa Hancock
Bon Clay—Champion of 2012 Donquixote Doflamingo
Nico Robin—Champion of 2011 Tamago
Tashigi
Wiper

Match #3

Bartholomew Kuma
Montblanc Norland—Champion of 2013
Pekoms
Straw Hat Grand Fleet
Usopp—Champion of 2004
Vito Yonji Vinsmoke
Zeff, Patty, and Carne

Match #4

Camel
Capone Bege
Edward Newgate—Champion of 2010
Franky—Champion of 2005
Satori
Scratchmen Apoo
Whitey Bay
Wicca [/hide]The Round 1.5 matches will start on Wednesday and end on Sunday, and Round 2 will begin on Monday. And just to make this perfectly clear: No, this is not a gag, the winners of Round 1.5 will advance to Round 2, so make sure that you bring your best campaigns and build some strong bandwagons if you want your character(s) of choice to make it through.

Brace yourselves, and I'll see you folks on Wednesday.

Kubihige

Who thought this was a good idea?

And of course Wicca and Whitey Bay (and Camel and Satori) are in the same match. Ugh

KaizokuJinbei

It's a nice idea. makes things interesting.

Wooden_Giraffe

@Kubihige:

Who thought this was a good idea?

And of course Wicca and Whitey Bay (and Camel and Satori) are in the same match. Ugh

The champion thing or the matchup of all your favorites?

Silverblade

@Kubihige:

And of course Wicca and Whitey Bay (and Camel and Satori) are in the same match. Ugh

Making it in APCT always was a tall order.

Kubihige

@Wooden_Giraffe:

The champion thing or the matchup of all your favorites?

Oh as much as t pains me to have all my favorites in one match, I know how random works and accept it.

But not giving actual byes to tournament champions, who already tend to do poorly because of some odd princile members have, and then throwing them in with characters that already have a lot of momentum going for them, is just dumb.

–- Update From New Post Merge ---

@Silverblade:

Making it in APCT always was a tall order.

Ohoho I like you.

Wooden_Giraffe

@Kubihige:

Oh as much as t pains me to have all my favorites in one match, I know how random works and accept it.

But not giving actual byes to tournament champions, who already tend to do poorly because of some odd princile members have, and then throwing them in with characters that already have a lot of momentum going for them, is just dumb.

Well I can see that, I'm guilty of being one of the ones that doesn't normally vote for them again. Still, why should they receive free passes if they're just going to do lousy?

Kubihige

@Wooden_Giraffe:

Well I can see that, I'm guilty of being one of the ones that doesn't normally vote for them again. Still, why should they receive free passes if they're just going to do lousy?

Because they've earned it. Winning this tournament is an incredible feat and they deserve something as recognition for that. If even half-jokingly you can consider getting 0 votes an accomplishment, there's no excuse to do this to the champions.

Whitebeard is the prime example. He made a run the likes of which might never be seen again. He was amazing in the story at the time and it showed. Now he's likely to not appear again (at least significantly), so there's pretty much nowhere for him to go but down. Yet he made the most of his time and AP responded by dominantly sending to him to successive rounds and ultimately crowning him king. Giving him a bye is the least that could be done to respect something that was simply incredible, the likes of which we probably won't ever see again. It shouldn't be used as what amounts to a gag just to get people excited.

C_uggs

Sorry to ask this but, does the runner-ups from Round 1 can compete with heavy names like Luffy, Robin and Bon-Clay ? Or this will be proven by campaigns ?

Anyway, I liked the idea, some interesting matches sees Wicca's group Oh boy…

Noqanky

You didn't read the post, Kubi. This isn't a gag.

Warp Predator

@Kubihige:

Because they've earned it. Winning this tournament is an incredible feat and they deserve something as recognition for that. If even half-jokingly you can consider getting 0 votes an accomplishment, there's no excuse to do this to the champions.

Isn't "whole round with past champions as a gimmick" is better way to send them off than simply throwing them down with the rest?

…

It's a chance to painlessly get rid of Luffy as soon as possible, so best idea ever! I should sent a fruit basket to one responsible for it!

hosemisnuba

This is interesting. Poor Teach though :sad:.

Does anyone have that old, hilarious Whitebeard GIF where Whitebeard beats the crap out of all his tournament opponents. I want to see it very badly.

NateRich

Make stupid campaigns for Wiper tomorrow or play Burning Blood? Decisions decisions…

Kasouya

oh man, this like pick your poison or something.

but on the bright side I can vote for the character I didn't vote before so….....

NateRich

Match 1 has Bartolomeo vs his hero(Luffy) his rival(Cavendish) and his savior(Gambia's Granny).

Obviously I will vote for the savior.

Kubihige

@Warp:

Isn't "whole round with past champions as a gimmick" is better way to send them off than simply throwing them down with the rest?

…

It's a chance to painlessly get rid of Luffy as soon as possible, so best idea ever! I should sent a fruit basket to one responsible for it!

No, not at all. It's basically the equivalent of clickbait. "Hey, look what we're doing with THESE characters! Come vote! Wouldn't it be crazy if there was an upset?!" Which is just silly. No to mebtion that a lot of these characters have a lot of momentum rolling already, plus the gimmick.

And if spite is the best motivation to do this, that's just sad.

Wooden_Giraffe

@Kubihige:

Because they've earned it. Winning this tournament is an incredible feat and they deserve something as recognition for that. If even half-jokingly you can consider getting 0 votes an accomplishment, there's no excuse to do this to the champions.

Whitebeard is the prime example. He made a run the likes of which might never be seen again. He was amazing in the story at the time and it showed. Now he's likely to not appear again (at least significantly), so there's pretty much nowhere for him to go but down. Yet he made the most of his time and AP responded by dominantly sending to him to successive rounds and ultimately crowning him king. Giving him a bye is the least that could be done to respect something that was simply incredible, the likes of which we probably won't ever see again. It shouldn't be used as what amounts to a gag just to get people excited.

Well it's not like winners are the only ones who go down in popularity. Look at Cavendish, he was a runner up in the last tournament and now finds himself in this same lot. Even Zoro struggled for a while before a late surge. Plus I'm fairly certain(disclaimer, i have not actually looked, don't wanna) that the champions do get through a round or two normally, just don't make it very deep, and they are sort of getting a bye.
If AP really does respect them then they'll push them through this round at least, and like Noquanky said it's not a gag round, more of a gimmick round really.

–- Update From New Post Merge ---

And you ninja'd me, I take way to long to post sometimes.

Noqanky

You're overthinking this kubi.

The clickbait argument doesn't hold given that any tournament match could be seen as clickbait. "Who are the most popular pirates in one piece? Click here and find out!" "The 10 most popular characters! is your favorite among them?"
You seem to think it's a disservice to past champions while arguing that this is guaranteed to make them lose. But if that's the case, isn't it better for them to start with relatively weaker characters (as opposed to Law, Sabo, Jinbe, etc.) to build up momentum into the next rounds instead of just materializing there with the momentum of however many years ago and nothing else?
Also, all these runner ups and favorites… they still lost to staple characters even with campaigns and hype behind them. If that's the case, there's no reason to think they're just going to steamroll now. Doffy didn't survive against Law and Corazon but is now magically threatening Luffy and Barto? That doesn't hold.

Also, you assume this is something done just in the interest of lolz and to see what would happen. Not only is that technically the reality behind EVERYTHING that happens in this tournament, but Mugen also specified it's not a gag. It's a way to give favorite runner ups from this last round a second chance while having champions earn a spot that, like you say with whitebeard, may not necessarily be warranted. If they really want to proceed and earn a second title, they also have to fight for it.
Fighting characters that couldn't even win their own rounds is already a leg up as it is.

Jabberwok

Match 1 should be brutal. Match 3 will be pretty tough too. The other two might have a little less competition but these should all be pretty fierce.

Wooden_Giraffe

While I definitely agree that the champions should be earning their way same as any character. Kubi technically has a point that this round is a bit of a gimmick. It wouldn't have been difficult to make 2 more matches in round 1 out of a lot of the characters that were bunched together in groups. So this was clearly a plan from the beginning in an effort to make things more exciting and it not just be regular matches one after another. Also, some of the characters definitely have momentum, a lot of users posted how they wish they could change their vote or how if so and so wasn't in the round as well, they'd definitely vote for them because of campaigns. So it sort of does put the champions at a disadvantage cause many of these characters do have a lot of round 1 hype. I mean I know I'm not voting for a single one of them.

Noqanky

I think you guys are underestimating the champions a bit. Again, consider that a lot of the first-place characters in these past matches barely had campaigns, but just with the sheer power of their popularity were able to secure their entry into next round anyway. You really think the likes of Robin and Usopp won't do just as well, by default, as the likes of Sanji and Jinbe? XD

And like I said, I don't disagree it's gimmicky, but like I said, so is the base concept of a character tournament in the first place. And all the things that have been made up in the past several years.
I mean, I don't mind people disliking what happens, no one plan is going to be beloved by everyone and it's silly to think that will be the case. But if you're going to call it dumb as well as imply stupidity of the people behind it because of it being a gimmick in a tournament with a history of gimmicks, I'm going to want a bit more solid argument and reasoning behind it. Otherwise it just feels tinted with bias.

Warp Predator

@Kubihige:

And if spite is the best motivation to do this, that's just sad.

Let's be honest: APCT exists only because of drama, memes and general atmosphere. No many people actively participate, but if it was another one "Yearly Best DC Character event. Spoiler: Batman wins", nobody would care at all. So, basically, what Noqanky said.

Also it's not spite. That would be too harsh of a word and imply some ill feelings for character or their fans, and that would be silly and stupid.
It's just competitiveness and desire too see unexpected memorable outcome. Somebody winning second time is just a bit boring, especially if MC.[h=3][/h]

Wooden_Giraffe

@Warp:

Let's be honest: APCT exists only because of drama, memes and general atmosphere. No many people actively participate, but if it was another one "Yearly Best DC Character event. Spoiler: Batman wins", nobody would care at all. So, basically, what Noqanky said.

Also it's not spite. That would be too harsh of a word and imply some ill feelings for character or their fans, and that would be silly and stupid.
It's just competitiveness and desire too see unexpected memorable outcome. Somebody winning second time is just a bit boring, especially if MC.

Oh goodness this is so true. I wonder how they would've done in the round 1 matches.

Sparsebeard

Sooo, a chance to vote for the amazing Stelly/Trump campaing… I'm in!!!

Shuhan

My body is ready.

Femme

@Shuhan:

My body is ready.

I got a fever, and the only prescription is more Stelly.

Huon

I thought the single-vote preliminary rounds were a really neat idea and they worked out great with some fresh results; but I don't like this round 1,5. I can't really give a reason why, but the more I try to think of one the less I like this idea.

I also agree with Kubihige about the chances of the past champions. If only 1 character would advance from each of these rounds then I don't think a single champion would make it, so luckily there are still 4 characters going through… but yeah, I don't know, I still don't like it. That's just my opinion though, and it seems that most of you guys do like it, so I'll just shut up now haha ^^

It's cool that Gin gets another chance, but he doesn't stand a chance in that round.

zachri

You have made me happy giving Apoo a second chance but also fuck you because of who he's against
Don't toy with my heart

noob

CAVENDISH LIVES ANOTHER DAY?

my heart is no longer broken

uniaka ikuzakas

This post is deleted!

The Tenth Strawhat

Give Mr. Zehahaha a chance, he deserves something to be proud of for once in his miserable life.

Koliber

I await the day when mods will start a tournament without telling anyone as a sub-forum in the archives, and Blackbeard will win this because it's off-screen.

andre

Barto, Wiper, Yonji, Apoo. Only hard choice is in the first round between Barto and Luffy for me.

BellisarioFaith

Man, I would love to vote Hancock to give her another chance (and I think I'd vote her over anyone else in Rounds 3 and 4), but her being put in the same block as Robin? Ouch.

Wooden_Giraffe

I already know who I'm voting for in matches 1, 2 and 4. But I'll be leaving match 3 up to campaigns. Impress me!!

Katzztar

MAtches 1 & 3 are easy, Barto and Usopp. That shouldn't surprise anyone that knows me as I'm a Usopp fan and always chosen him over others, followed closely by Barto, Crocodile (not in this round), Wicca, Whitebeard and Whitey Bay. (And damn it all, all three in a match against each other!!)

Matches 2&4 are not so clear, have several faves that are equal in my fan-love so likely come down to see if anyone campaigns for them.

Match #1
Champion of 2014 - Bartholomeo

Match #2

Wiper
Baby 5
Champion of 2012 - Bon Kurei

Match #3
Champion of 2004 - Usopp

Match #4
Champion of 2010 - Edward Newgate
Wicca
Whitey Bay

Shuhan

@andre:

Barto, Wiper, Yonji, Apoo. Only hard choice is in the first round between Stelly and Stelly for me.

Fixed that for ya :ninja:

C_uggs

Wow, match #4 is cruel. Here are my choices, so far..it can change thanks to campaigns

Match #1
Teach
Gin
Stelly

Match #2
Boa Hancock
Doffy
Baby 5

Match #3
Champion of 2004 - Usopp
Champion of 2013 - Montblanc Norland
Kuma

Match #4
Satori
Wicca
Champion of 2005 - Franky
Whitey Bay

Wooden_Giraffe

@Katzztar:

Match #4
Champion of 2010 - Edward Newgate
Wicca
Whitey Bay

@Captain:

Match #4
Satori
Wicca
Champion of 2005 - Franky
Whitey Bay

You'll both vote for Wicca, won't you!!!!????

Kubihige

The only one more kawaii than Wicca is Teach, so you can vote for both, Ugly!

C_uggs

@Kubihige:

The only one more kawaii than Wicca is Teach, so you can vote for both, Ugly!

Sure, I can vote for Wicca..But Teach..It will be hard to compete against Stelly.

Kubihige

@Captain:

Sure, I can vote for Wicca..But Teach..It will be hard to compete against Stelly.

If my power comes back on before tomorrow, I will show you the way~

Good thing Wicca is in match 4.

Shuhan

Kubi, do not taint the will of Stelly, lest you win the coveted Stelly immunity idol

Katzztar

@Wooden_Giraffe:

You'll both vote for Wicca, won't you!!!!????

Like I said, its going to be up to campaigns …. but on thinking on it, its clear who gets more campaigning so far. Wicca over Whitey Bay (and I was one campaigning for Bay! since I want campaigns to sway me I'm out of the campaign-run), but as Whitebeard is a champion, he hasn't had a chance for anyone to campaign for him yet.

Kubihige

@Shuhan:

Kubi, do not taint the will of Stelly, lest you win the coveted Stelly immunity idol

That actually sounds like something I'd want :x

I do hope Stelly makes it though. If it's clear that Teach has no shot, I'll throw my vote in with the wall-building camp.

–- Update From New Post Merge ---

@Shuhan:

Kubi, do not taint the will of Stelly, lest you win the coveted Stelly immunity idol

That actually sounds like something I'd want :x

I do hope Stelly makes it though. If it's clear that Teach has no shot, I'll throw my vote in with the wall-building camp.

–- Update From New Post Merge ---

@Shuhan:

Kubi, do not taint the will of Stelly, lest you win the coveted Stelly immunity idol

That actually sounds like something I'd want :x

I do hope Stelly makes it though. If it's clear that Teach has no shot, I'll throw my vote in with the wall-building camp.

Femme

@Shuhan:

Kubi, do not taint the will of Stelly, lest you win the coveted Stelly immunity idol

Worry not. I also will be campaigning for the glorious brilliance that is Stelly.

genocyber

Carrot will win this year.

CaptainAppleJack

Granny, Tamago, Vito, Capone.

Btw Oda confirmed in his latest SBS that it's not Gambia's granny, but a sweet old woman that acts as a granny for all Bart Club Pirates.

Sano

This should be interesting now.Nice to see Whitey Bay will have a second chance now.

Zar

I love how the Granny managed to advance.