1st Annual Geist Literal Literary Tetris Invitational

Racan Souiedan

A while back, Josh, a.k.a. “#1 American,” hosted the 1st Annual Geist Literal Literary Tetris Invitational. The Geist staff eagerly attended, joined by assorted friends, and gaming enthusiasts. Guests assembled at Josh’s West End apartment for a double-elimination style tournament, delivered in amazing quality, thanks to his projector.

Josh wisely selected Tengen’s 1989 bootleg Tetris: The Soviet Mind Game for the Nintendo Entertainment System, which includes a two-player option. Although far superior to the officially released product, this edition was quickly pulled from the market after a copyright dispute with Nintendo. Josh even faced the chairs and controllers of each player towards the appropriate side of the screen, so that spectators would know the precise details of every game.

We arrived to find the tournament brackets ready and waiting, written on a massive scale to keep track of all the excitement. Guests mingled amicably, but always kept a mindful glance up at the scoreboard.

The early rounds proceeded mostly without incident. I squared off against Kristin a.k.a. “k-awesome,” in a match that helped to set the tone of the tournament. Although Kristin raced out in front, the momentum eventually shifted to my favour. I played a conservative game at a gradual pace, which gave me the opportunity to make up the point difference separating us. Within a brief span of time I had emerged victorious, a win that would carry me all the way through to the third round, on account of a bye.

I had the dreaded misfortune of facing Sarah a.k.a. “Z-Block,” in my next match. She put on a clinic during the entire tournament, waiting patiently at every opportunity to deliver a perfectly timed Tetris. I failed miserably in attempting a similar strategy, suffering an early loss as a result.

Though I could still potentially win the tournament, I now had to fight my way out of the losers bracket, beginning with a match against humble host Josh. This time I held my ground and refused to budge from my game. I weathered the storm and eked out an extremely narrow victory. My moment of triumph would be short-lived, however, as I next battled Michal a.k.a. “Special K,” who was fresh from a string of decisive wins. This game would prove no different, as Michal won yet another clutch victory on his road to the finals of the Geist Tetris Invitational.

The stage was set for the penultimate match of the evening: Michal versus Sarah. As the final round began, Sarah quickly suffered her very first defeat of the night, panicking and failing to prevent a premature game over. Because of the double-elimination format, Michal had not yet won the tournament; an immediate rematch would occur. Guests waited in anticipation to crown the winner triumphant and cast the loser aside to the dustbin of history. Although Michal had only moments ago seemed destined to capture the tournament outright, Sarah racked up an incredible score, rightfully earning her place as champion of the Geist Tetrist Invitational! The rest of us gamers congratulated our wonderful winner and runner-up, and enjoyed delicious margaritas to cap off the perfect evening. Until next year, Tetris enthusiasts!