Neopedia : Annual Gormball Championship Each year, on the twenty-third day of the month of Gathering, Neopia's Gormball Championship is held. On that day, challengers come from far and wide for a chance to battle it out and determine who's the best in all the land. A survey of past championships proves that anything can (and likely will) happen once the tournament gets underway... Year 2 - Champion: Brian *Disqualified* Runner-Up: Thyassa Third Place: Ursula This year's inaugural championship was a scandal-ridden affair, which concluded with Thyassa being declared the winner after Brian was disqualified for using a rigged ball. Despite his many protests to the contrary, the Scorchio's twitching eyebrows were a dead giveaway. Also of interest was a last-minute scratch by Dr. Sloth, who was sidelined by a mysterious prior commitment. Sloth's replacement, a Korbat named Kevin, was obviously outclassed, yet managed to show some promise for the future. Year 3 - Champion: Thyassa Runner-Up: Farvin III Third Place: Gargarox Isafuhlarg After last year's controversial decision, Thyassa was under a great deal of pressure to prove that he was worthy of being regarded as a true champion. This year, though, all such questions were put to rest, as the sure-handed Chia put together a dominant performance and won a second straight title. A major surprise, though, was the strong showing by Farvin III, who used his ultra-powerful hearing ability to sense how close the ball was to popping. This extra-sensory advantage allowed the Alien Aisha to overcome his lack of familiarity with the game and make a strong showing, but in the end Thyassa's savvy and experience were simply too much. Year 4 - Champion: Ursula Runner-Up: Gargarox Isafuhlarg Third Place: Ember Given his strong showing last year, Farvin III was this year's odds-on favourite. However, many suspected foul-play, as a sudden ear infection waylaid the Alien Aisha's attempt to make a bid for the title. Luckily, those responsible for the deed were unable to capitalise on their trickery, as an Usul named Ursula rallied to pull through and get a much-deserved win. Known on the Gormball circuit as a tireless worker whose sense of fair play and dedication to the sport are unmatched, Ursula found that many of her fellow competitors were actually glad to see her come away with the title, especially after she'd come so close two years earlier. Year 5 - Champion: Brian Runner-Up: Farvin III Third Place: Kevin Ever since his disqualification at the first championship, Brian had hardly been able to make it out of the first round during subsequent tournaments -- all the attention about what sort of dirty tricks he might have up his sleeve had made him too nervous to concentrate. However, after his surprising win this year, observers of the sport fell into two camps: those who believed that he'd finally been able to play fair and win, and those who thought that he'd simply found a way to keep those twitching eyebrows of his under control. Year 6 - Champion: Thyassa Runner-Up: Kevin Third Place: Gargarox Isafuhlarg Making good on the promise he began showing some years ago, Kevin has finally earned a place among the Gormball world's top players. After a surprising third-place finish last year, this Korbat Gormballer managed to come in second and prove that his success was no fluke. The biggest story this year, though, wasn't Kevin, but rather the triumphant return of Thyassa. After winning the first two Gormball championships, this precocious Chia became increasingly frustrated with all the training that was necessary to stay on top. After taking a few years to pursue other interests, Thyassa came back this year with something to prove. Despite some signs of rust during the first few rounds, Thyassa managed a return to his winning ways, overcoming aggressive challenges from Kevin and Gargarox Isafuhlarg. Year 7 - Champion: Ember Runner-Up: Farvin III Third Place: Brian In an unprecedented event, Ember blew away her competition, finally taking her place as a Gormball champion. Though Brian muttered about the possible use of faerie powers, most agreed he had no right to call anyone else a cheater and should be pleased that he placed third. Meanwhile, Farvin III earned Runner-Up for the third time, much to the alien Aisha's dismay. Rumour had it that, after his latest narrow loss, Farvin planned to train for a solid year, hoping this would give him the edge he needed to finally claim first place, a position that had long been just out of his reach. Though most figured Thyassa would easily win this year, the Chia's game was a bit off due to a bad case of Sneezles. However, he promised to return and claim the title of champion for the fourth time. Year 8 - Champion: Ember Runner-Up: Farvin III Third Place: Thyassa Surprising even veteran fans of the sport, Ember took home the gold for the second year in a row, thanks to her relaxed, laidback playing style. Gormball after gormball steamed in her hands, indicating imminent explosions, but the Fire Faerie never lost her cool. The Fire Faerie balanced a zen-like calm with intent concentration, which her competitors scrambled -- and failed -- to match. Ursula was spotted storming off early in the game, already soaked, and vowing to spend the entire next year on top of Mount Usalin, training harder than ever. Thyassa seemed strangely distracted; reporters overheard him muttering about devoting more time to training for a new game called Yooyuball, but when interviewed, he denied all. Year 9 - Champion: Farvin III Runner-Up: Ember Third Place: Ursula Farvin III finally wrested the title from Ember in a nail-biting game that went into overtime. While Ember was as focused as ever during the first part, Farvin's superior hearing enabled him to keep pace with her. Then disaster struck -- at least for some of the players. A meteor had hit Kreludor during the month of Relaxing, dislodging fragments from the moon. In a bizarre coincidence, one very large fragment abruptly lost its stable orbit during the game and struck the Space Station. The impact momentarily interrupted power and lights in the Gormball room, and when it returned, Farvin III was the clear winner. Year 10 - Champion: Dr. Sloth! Runner-Up: Zargrold Third Place: Ursula In a surprise substitution, Dr. Sloth came back from... whatever he was doing and participated in the championship, leaving Kevin happily on the sidelines. Dr. Sloth played a fierce game, bringing several of the contenders to tears with his perfectly timed releases. Only Zargrold seemed to be enjoying himself; sadly, both Farvin and Ember were distracted by the implications of an evil overlord in their midst and were unable to maintain focus. Meanwhile, Gargarox fell apart during the second half of the game, reportedly due to a bad batch of Grobleen Salad. He promised fans he'd bring his best game to the next tournament, however. Year 11 - Champion: Gargarox Runner-Up: Ursula Third Place: Farvin III Half an hour before the tournament, Dr. Sloth was reported missing, so Kevin stepped in again to fill the big fellow's shoes. Despite avidly watching the professionals throughout the last tournament, Kevin did not appear to have learned anything. Perhaps there was nothing he could do, however, as Gargarox played a perfect game, taking home the gold with humble pleasure. Ursula was not at all pleased with her performance during the championship, having sacrificed another entire year to a chilly life on Mount Usalin just to take second place. Year 12 - Champion: Ursula Runner-Up: Thyassa Third Place: Brian Ursula came ready to win and never changed her mind. Early in the game, she seemed jittery, holding the ball almost too long, but it may have been a psychological tactic. If so, it worked, as one player after another regretted overconfidence. Despite the pressure, Thyassa nearly won, but was quite chivalrous about his defeat, telling Ursula that she had earned it. Ember was unable to play due to petrification, while Brian came in third to a resounding lack of cheers after he made a crack about faerie cheaters. Year 13 - Champion: Brian *Disqualified* Runner-Up: Kevin Third Place: Ember Year 13's tournament began with a standing ovation for Ember on her safe return to the sport. What followed was no celebration, however, but a tough game dominated by Brian. Brian's victory was short-lived, as it was almost instantly discovered afterward that, yet again, he had used a rigged ball. Whether he would be invited back for the next tournament was reportedly under review. Kevin, however, was ecstatic to learn that he'd won his first ever Gormball gold. Year 14 - Champion: Thyassa Runner-Up: Ursula Third Place: Gargarox Isafuhlarg This year's event was strangely crowded, with tickets selling out months in advance... right after the end of the Altador Cup. Ursula played a hard game, knocking out several opponents in the first few rounds. Then she and Gargarox got into a set of back-and-forth plays as serious as a case of the Scourgies. The stand-off was broken when the ball exploded on Gargarox and then the next ball immediately popped in Ursula's hands. Thyassa went on to triumph. Year 15 - Champion: Ember Runner-Up: Zargrold Third Place: Brian If last year was crowded, then this year was crazy! Fans of Gormball turned out in record numbers, standing in line for hours to get seats for the big game. The weather was pleasantly cool and foggy right up until the first gormball was tossed... and then a torrential downpour soaked the field. No one was more steamed than Ember (literally), but she fought through her anger and pulled off a major victory. Ursula, on the other hand, was very off her game this year. She admitted she'd spent her training time elsewhere -- something about a game camp? Perhaps the Usul has other hobbies after all. Year 16 - Champion: Zargrold the COOL Runner-Up: Ursula Third Place: Farvin III It took fifteen years, but Zargrold knows that persistence is COOL, just like he is. The Grundo was happy to take home his first championship trophy ever this year. In a rare drop of the usual rivalries, the other contestants came together after the tournament to throw him an impromptu party... and to give him the soaking he'd missed out on, thanks to a Virtupets fire hose. Zargrold was pretty cool about it, naturally. That leaves only Kevin the Korbat with no gold trophies to his name. Perhaps he can get some tips from this year's winner? The Gormball Championship is something to take seriously, it's a time for Neopets who trained all year to compete against some of the best players out there. As seen, there has been no championship result posted for Yeah 17 or 18. Any claims of a winner for those years (even if it was made by a member of the Gormball Championship Committee) are no longer true. This is due to the ongoing investigation of the games. There is evidence that scores were inaccurate and certain players might have been cheating. We have found the likely party and they have been banned from the Gormball Championships for 4 years. Because of this situation, scores will not be posted due to their illegitimate nature. Thank you for your time, The Gormball Championship Committee Year 19 - Champion: Farvin III Runner-Up: Thyassa Third Place: Gargarox Good news, Neopians! The cheating scandal has been dealt with and Year 19 Championships did indeed take place! There was a huge turnout due to the no show of scores from the games before. Everyone has brought their A game in hopes of scoring big this year. It was a beautiful day, the sun was beaming, almost a little too much so the sun was in the players eyes adding to the already intense game. Gargarox played a mean game, heaving the ball left and right which shook up Ember, who seemed to be letting the Faerie Festival happenings distract her, not allowing for the best performance. On the opposite hand, Farvin III was out of this world with his execution. Every shot better than the next, Thyassa of course put up quite a challenge bobbing and weaving every move Farvin made. Brian was upset he did not cause the scandal this year so he forfeited the game before it even began. Ursula put up a good fight as well but in the end it was not enough to beat Farvin III who took home first place. Year 20 - Champion: Brian Runner-Up: Ember Third Place: Ursula This year's Gormball Championship beat every championship to date. All the players this year came to play with their best foot (technically best hand) forward. The stadium did not quiet down even for a second. In fact the fans were so loud, it almost distracted some players. Thyassa says that's not why he lost, but we feel it might be one of the main reasons. A lot of fans expected an amazing game from Farvin III after his exceptional win the previous year, and we saw a lot of disappointed fans leaving the stadium when he lost. Winning the Championship a few years ago obviously hasn't made Zargrold any better; he was the first player to lose, much to the surprise of the other players and also his fans. With all the other players either losing or getting tired by the end of the game, it left a close tie between Ember and Brian, with Brian (who apparently didn't cheat this year) winning and Ember becoming the runner-up when the ball exploded in her face all of sudden, right before she could throw it. Year 21 - Champion: Zargrold the COOL Grundo Runner-Up: Farvin III Third Place: Gargarox Zargrold has reportedly been training nearly all year up at Mount Usalin, and the hard work seems to have paid off! Apparently, winning the trophy a few years ago made Zargrold eager to get his hands on it once more. Fans of Farvin III believe that there was something fishy with the match, because Zargrold's game was exceptionally good, and the angry shouts from the stands suggest they will be going on a protest for their favorite player. Thyassa on the other hand, appeared to be rather despondent, perhaps suffering from a bout of NeoBlues, and left the grounds mid-game. Although Gargarox seems to be maintaining his streak, this was not his best performance according to his fans. With all the other players putting up a weak front, and though he is not a favorite with fans of the game, Zargrold seems to have won many hearts with his exceptional speed and precision in the match. Year 22 - Champion: Kevin Runner-Up: Brian Third Place: Thyassa Wow, what a game! In a completely unforeseen upset, Kevin the Korbat took first place in this year's Annual Gormball Championship. The crowd was initially dismayed when several fan favourites, such as Farvin III, Ember, and Ursula were knocked out of the competition early. However, the game took an exciting turn when a suspicious malfunction caused the internal life support on Virtupets Space Station to temporarily disable the artificial gravity! Fans were reinvigorated by this unexpected turn of events and cheered wildly, clutching their seats tight as the remaining players floated into the air. This new type of gameplay heavily favoured Brian and Kevin, who were able to use their wings to control themselves in the air. Thyassa tried his best to keep up with the two aerial players but became too dizzy spinning around and ended up placing third. Brian was so confident of his victory in the final round that he started showing off with elaborate flips before each throw. In the end, the Scorchio's arrogance backfired on him, as the artificial gravity kicked back on while he was in the middle of a flip. Brian fell to the ground and had just enough time to look up as the ball plummeted down and popped on his head. Year 23 - Champion: Gargarox Runner-Up: Ember Third Place: Ursula Another year, another spectacular showing of Gormball! Last year's champion Kevin was the first to be eliminated this Championship by an almost too well-timed release from Brian… Next to go was Zardrold the COOL, who took a few too many seconds tilting his sunglasses and waving to his fans during the game. Although this lapse in concentration cost him this year's Championship, he looked too good on the field to be upset about it. Zargold was soon followed by Kevin and Farvin III, who were eliminated one after another by speedy passes from Gargarox. Ursula then managed to get off a well-timed release on Thyassa knocking him out of the competition as well. With just Gargarox, Ursula, and Ember remaining, a fierce display of Gormball skill was exhibited as all three competitors began passing with such intensity that the ball could barely be seen! Some of the audience even found themselves getting dizzy just watching the dazzling display. In the end, Ember was doused as she slowed down, too exhausted to keep up with the other two. Gargarox proved to truly be a giant of the sport in the final round, tossing back the Gormball to Ursula just as it burst! In the post-game interview, Gargarox credited his win to his fellow Kreludorian's, whose efforts in the Altador Cup gained them a hotly contested second place. He was inspired by their determination and underwent rigorous training to increase his agility and make his home Runner-Up: Thyassa Third Place: Ursula This year's Gormball was almost a literal whirlwind as the wind reached top-notch speeds throughout the championship! Unsurprisingly, the winged competitors were some of the first to be out of the game. It started with poor Kevin and Brian, who were both swept high into the air with the Gormball on separate occasions, soaking both of them before they even knew what hit them. Zargrold the COOL also blames the wind for his loss, saying a toss from Ursula coincided with a gust that threatened to knock his glasses off. He opted to save them instead of catching the ball, and he doesn't seem to regret his choice! The fans' favourite giant, Gargarox Isafuhlarg, also gave a statement saying he doesn't know what the others are talking about; at most, there was a light breeze. Gorgarox was the fourth to be taken out by a well-timed throw from Farvin III, who was then quickly eliminated by a throw that did not seem intended for them but struck their ears which were blown back by the wind. Despite the harsh conditions, Ember never lost her flame as she and Ursula seemed to have an unspoken agreement to focus on Thyassa. Ursula, with her tail being pulled every which way by the wind, eventually succumbed to the pressure when Thyassa threw the ball just as Ursula's tail blocked her line of sight. Ember, who had strategically tied her wings back early on in the game, stood her ground as the breeze around her blew in every direction. She held the ball for a dangerously long time, and just before it was about to burst, Ember threw it! In what seemed like a devastating fail, the Gormball broke open mid-flight, but at that very moment, a strong gust of wind carried the water through the air right into Thyassa's face, crowning Ember the official winner! Year 25 - Champion: Kevin Runner-Up: Brian Third Place: Farvin III This year's Annual Gormball Championship is off to a not-so-great start as one of the players was running late due to a blocked road. The players unanimously agreed to wait for them to arrive and took the liberty of helping themselves to some food in the catering tent, provided by Grundos Cafe. Once the final player had arrived, the game commenced. Gagarox was the first player to be eliminated claiming that he was too full to play as he had to taste every dish for quality assurance purposes. With seven players remaining, the game raged on as impressive moves were dished out left and right. Time went on for what seemed like ages until another one bit the crust! Zargrold was eliminated by Thyassa whose hands were sticky from eating too many Marshmallow Grundos. Zargrold caught the sticky Gormball surprised by it's adhesiveness and the ball burst while still stuck to his hands. Ember, being a Fire Faerie, immediately noticed the scent of burning food. As she turned around to investigate, she noticed it was coming from a basket of Fire Apples. The Gormball exploded on her back having been thrown to her by Kevin and simultaneously extinguished the Fire Apples. Thyassa was next to go as he was thoroughly saddened by the thought of no post-game snacks and immediately lost his desire to play. Farvin III threw him the ball and Thyassa held it in contemplation for a second too long, causing it to burst all over him, proving nothing is impossible in this year's game. With the championships being down to the final four, the heat was on like a french fry in frying oil. Kevin delivered a special flying manoeuver before eliminating Ursula,leaving him feeling feta than ever. Farvin III held up to the three in his name as his elimination followed, thus taking third place. With only Brian and Kevin remaining, who will claim this year's title?! Kevin proved victorious as he uses his tiny Korbat hands to deliver an unexpected fastball over to Brian, who having eaten too much of the Intergalactic Spiced Beans, did not look like he was peeling well. The Gormball burst all over him rendering the game over with Kevin exclaiming he's shrimply the best and garnering his second win in three years! Year 26 - Champion: Ursula Runner-Up: Kevin Third Place: Thyassa Even when all of Neopia is in chaos, there's one thing we can always rely on… GORMBALL! In trying to avoid the delayed start of last year's tournament, Ursula insisted that the competitors have a sleepover on the Gormball field the night before to make sure everyone made it on time. Presumably hoping we would all have forgotten the previous times he tried it, Brian once again brought out a rigged Gormball, but was caught and disqualified before the ball could bring him another win. As he was escorted from the field, Brian could be heard saying, "Guys, that was like 13 years ago, why are we still dwelling in the past?" Gargarox was quickly eliminated next, as he realised he left the Grundos Cafe oven on, midway through the round and was hit with the Gormball in the back as he turned to run back to the Cafe in a panic. The next round carried on for quite some time, with the players expertly passing the Gormball at lightning speeds. But when Ember almost missed a catch, she squeezed the Gormball too hard, causing it to finally explode. The resulting splash doused Zargrold the COOL, and as he slowly removed his sunglasses and flipped his antennae back to pose for the crowds, he was immediately hit with the next Gormball from Ursula. After training in Earobics for the last year, Farvin III shocked the competition when they began using their ears to deflect the Gormball. The referee frantically reviewed the rules, but found there were no clauses specifying that ears were not valid appendages with which to throw the Gormball. Unfortunately, this strategy backfired, as the longer Farvin remained in the competition, the more water entered their ears, until it was declared a case of Gormballer's Ear and they had to back out of the competition. Turns out, Thyassa had been purposely throwing the Gormball at Farvin III's ears in hopes of causing another ear infection that would remove them from the competition. While they were cackling deviously that their plan worked, Thyassa missed a throw from Kevin and was eliminated in third place. Kevin felt confident in securing a back to back win, but he wasn't used to sleeping on the Gormball field, and his back had begun to ache. Little did Kevin know that Ursula had been sleeping on the Gormball field for the last few months in preparation, and having the sleepover the night before ensured that she was in prime condition. Eventually, Kevin wasn't quite fast enough to throw the Gormball back to Ursula, and it burst in his hands, crowning Ursula the winner of the Y26 Gormball Championships! |
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