First I saw the rumors online
Kept hearing whispers about Genesis 10 tournament dates for months. Scrolled through Twitter late last Tuesday when the official announcement finally dropped. Thumb froze mid-scroll at “FINAL DATES REVEALED” in all caps. Grabbed my cold coffee and squinted – June 15th to 19th? Five days instead of last year’s three. Heart started thumping like when my kid surprises me with breakfast in bed.
My old man reflex kicked in instantly
- Yanked my battered planner from under pizza-stack of game strategy notes
- Nearly snapped my red marker pressing down JUNE 15-19
- Called my brother yelling “Clear your damn schedule!”
- Texted wife three crying emojis before remembering grown men don’t do that
Then came the key fights panic
Scrolled down the announcement slower this time. Saw the words “MAIN EVENING SLOTS FOR TOP 8” and choked on coffee grounds. Last Genesis I missed Hungrybox vs Plup because I took a bathroom break during stream downtime. Never again. Now I know –
- Top 32 starts Friday 4PM sharp
- Winners finals Saturday after dinner
- Grand finals Sunday when normal people do laundry
What I’m doing different this year:
Bought giant wall calendar just for Genesis. Stuck it next to fridge where wife puts grocery lists. Highlighted fight slots in neon pink that glows in dark. Pre-made thirty sandwiches labeled “TOURNAMENT FUEL”. Changed all smoke alarm batteries so no beeping interrupts grand finals. Even practiced “tournament dad bladder control” by watching three Marvel movies without bathroom break.
Told my boss I’m taking vacation days for “family education event”. Not lying – my kid needs to see proper ledge-guarding techniques live. Wife just sighs and asks if I need more markers. Already dreaming of that Sunday finals smell – stale chips, controller sweat and history in making. Five months feels like forever when key fights hang in balance.
