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FNF Quake semi-finals start, win a MAINGEAR PC by raffle photo

Destructoid's Quake Live tournament goes into Semi-Finals this week, as six players go head-to-head to battle for $9,000 in Cyberpower gaming computers. Our admins lost sleep all weekend, sifting through all of your dispute tickets and weeding out suspicious activity (you know who you are!). That said, congratulations to these six players for not only rocking but keeping it on the level.  Here's what the tentative schedule looks like:

Torzelan VS. Weird

Gandhi VS. Forn1x

hardboiled777 VS. HawtPawkitHero

Players, check your email for schedules. Also, a cosmic congratulations to Rogue Squee, our Cosmic Cannon winner, who will be receiving a mysterious swag pack with games & squishy stuff (that we have no photo of).

Next up: Win a MAINGEAR pc *even if you ROYALLY SUCK*

We also went through everyone's feedback and are changing the way we give out the next few prizes.  The third prize PC will actually be given away at random!  All you have to complete a Call of Duty 4 match against another Dtoider on your choice of platform: we're allowing consoles for this round.  The more you play against a unique person (not the same dude over and over) the more raffle tickets you get towards a PC. Competitive players will be battling for these top two ridiculously powerful MAINGEAR gaming PCs.

We invite you to check out our games section for more details.  Thanks everyone for your support and good luck at your match!

A note about the change in players in the semi-finals from the leaderboard

As stated in our FAQs, the leaderboard is merely our computer's best estimate of the top players.  It is NOT the final say in who competes in the semi finals, as we are constantly combing the system for exploits. In judging the quality of matches (did you know we reconcile all wins by hand?) we have identified that at least four player accounts were created for the specific purpose of losing over and over to a few individuals for the purpose of augmenting their scores.  We have obtained proof that this was the purpose and design of these players, so we have responded by (1) invalidating those wins and (2) opening admin disputes against the players, which do affect their scores. 

There is no sport on earth where players can recruit opponents to intentionally lose to propel their stats, so these players were blacklisted from the event.  Players who engaged in this were given a warning, and no bannings have occured as of this update.  Please note that we take this event very seriously and all players caught engaging in such activities will be immediately removed.  If you have ANY problems with ANY part of the experience please do contact our fnfsupport@destructoid.com and we will do our best for you.






Contests Official Rules



No Purchase Required to Enter or Win

1. Eligibility: Destructoid.com contests are usually provided by sponsors who, due to customs and shipping costs (yay budgets), often limit participation to individuals who are legal residents of the fifty (50) United States (unless otherwise stated) and are 12 years of age. We encourage our overseas friends to be super sneaky and make a friend in the United States who can receive your prize, and then you two figure out the customs/logistics. Be cautious about who you trust, obviously. Employees of destructoid.com, their advertising or promotion agencies, those involved in the production, development, implementation or handling of Contests, any agents acting for, or on behalf of the above entities, their respective parent companies, officers, directors, subsidiaries, affiliates, licensees, service providers, prize suppliers any other person or entity associated with the Contests (collectively “Contest Entities”) and/or the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings and children) and household members (whether related or not) of each such employee, are *not* eligible and will be fired and publicly beaten if are caught participating. All U.S., federal, state and local and regulations apply.

2. Agreement to Official Rules: Participation in the Contest constitutes entrant’s full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding. Winning a prize is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein.

3. Entry Period: The start and end dates/times of each Contest (the “Entry Period”) will be posted on the applicable Contest site.

4. Entry: To enter a Contest, follow the instructions on the Contest site. Submission will result in one (1) entry. The number of times you can enter the Contest will be posted on the applicable Contest site. The use of any agencies or automated software to submit entries will void all entries submitted by that person.

5. Drawing: At the conclusion of the Entry Period, we will select the names of the potential winners in a random drawing of all eligible entries received during each Entry Period. The number of winners to be selected in a specific Contest will be posted on the applicable Contest site. The odds of being selected as a potential winner depend on the number of eligible entries received during the Entry Period. Potential winners will be contacted via email and will be asked to provide their full name, age and mailing address within a specified time period. If a potential winner does not respond within the timeframe stated in the notification email, we may select an alternate potential winner in his/her place at random from all entries received during the Entry Period. Limit one (1) prize per household per Contest.

6. Requirements of the Potential Winners: Winners will be notified by the e-mail address associated with their account on destructoid.com.com and/or receive a Private Message on destructoid.com.com or through a Twitter Direct Message/Facebook message. Winners have five (5) days from the original message alerting them of their winnings to respond and claim their prize. If no winner comes forward within five business days, the prize will be forfeited and raffled again where Destructoid's hardcore fans are most active (forums/community blogs/facebook group).

7. Prize(s): The prize(s) (including each prize’s approximate retail value) available to be won in a specific Contest will be posted on the Contest site. No cash or other substitution may be made, except by the Sponsor, who reserves the right to substitute a prize with another prize of equal or greater value if the prize is not available for any reason as determined by the Sponsor in its sole discretion. The winners are responsible for any taxes and fees associated with receipt or use of a prize. Prizes will be mailed between 1 to 45 business days after winners have replied with their required info.

8. General Conditions: In the event that the operation, security, or administration of the Contest is impaired in any way for any reason, including, but not limited to fraud, virus, or other technical problem, the Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, either: (a) suspend the Contest to address the impairment and then resume the Contest in a manner that best conforms to the spirit of these Official Rules; or (b) award the prizes at random from among the eligible entries received up to the time of the impairment. The Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Contest or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to undermine the legitimate operation of the Contest may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, the Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. The Sponsor’s failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. In case of a dispute as to the owner of an entry, entry will be deemed to have been submitted by the authorized account holder of the screen name from which the entry is made. The authorized account holder is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet access provider, online service provider, or other organization responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address.

9.Release and Limitations of Liability: By participating in the Contest, entrants agree to release and hold harmless the Contest Entities from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Contest or receipt or use of any prize, including, but not limited to: (a) unauthorized human intervention in the Contest; (b) technical errors related to computers, servers, providers, or telephone or network lines; (c) printing errors; (d) lost, late, postage-due, misdirected, or undeliverable mail; (e) errors in the administration of the Contest or the processing of entries; or (f) injury or damage to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from entrant’s participation in the Contest or receipt of any prize. Entrant further agrees that in any cause of action, the Contest Entities’ liability will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the Contest, and in no event shall the Contest Entities be liable for attorney’s fees. Entrant waives the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages.

10. Disputes: Except where prohibited, entrant agrees that any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, the Contest or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, entrant’s rights and obligations, or the rights and obligations of the Sponsors in connection with the Contest, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules (whether of the Commonwealth of Virginia or any other jurisdiction), which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the Commonwealth of Virginia.

11. Contest Results: To enter the contest without needing to buy/sell anything or request a written copy of the name of the winners, send a self-addressed stamped envelope (stating the specific Contest you are requesting the winners for) to destructoid.com Contest Winners 260 King Street Suite 883, San Francisco California 94107. We run many contests, so please be specific in what you are requesting. Winner requests must be received within thirty (30) days from the end date of the applicable contest (they're always posted on our site though). Winners are usually posted the day following the contest on our contest section.

Lastly, Destructoid has the right to kick your ass and take away your prize if you are a total dickhead, so be cool and don't kick any puppies on your way to victory. Have fun with our contests and be a good sport when you win or lose. Remember: First you get the power, then you get the money, then get the baby.

 




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60 comments | showing # 1 to 50
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next 50 comments

garison's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/03/2009 02:55
garison
Not my thing.
CodenameV's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/03/2009 03:00
CodenameV
I will be a n00b and only participate in the Cosmic Cannon event. If, perhaps the game was not Quake Live, and instead TF2 or something of that nature... Maybe I could advance slightly... :P
mikeyed's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/03/2009 03:10
mikeyed
Hmmm. Haven't played Quake in years, but maybe I'll give it a go for old time's sake ...and of course the idea of winning shit.

Damn this Cosmic Cannon game. I'd play this all night if I didn't have a job to go to in the morning.
mascot1063's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/03/2009 03:47
mascot1063
HOLY SHIT! DINO RIDERS! Why isn't that piece of awesome a video game yet?
Torzelan's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/03/2009 04:00
Torzelan
I would just like to point out three things regarding Quake 3 Arena as a backup game:

1. Quake Live servers don't get "full". If there are two duel servers and both are occupied, the system will automatically spawn another empty new server to use.

2. If Quake Live is being too much of a hassle for you, be aware that Quake 3 Arena is way more difficult if you don't have experience. You'll have to set the server up yourself with gametype, scorelimit, timelimit, make sure unwanted people do not connect, etc. Add to that all players need to have the same version of the game.

3. Quake Live is generally a better and "easier" experience (as much as that is possible) with f.e. better (well, any at all) lag compensation.

Basically know what you're getting yourself into if you try playing Q3A instead of QL, and understand that unless you live real close to eachother and have sweet connections it might not be a very smooth experience.

That said, let's get it on! I'm there as much as I can :)
Kris S's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/03/2009 04:10
Kris S
@Niero
Any word on if prizes can be won outside the US and Canada yet?

Not that I'll be winning this one! I will give it a shot but in all honesty I suck. I'll put a bet on dyslexic and Torzelan for the final, I'm in awe of how hardcore they are :)
Darren Nakamura's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/03/2009 05:10
Darren Nakamura
Maybe you can just front me the PC, so I'll have something nice to play on, and then I'll win*.

*Win not guaranteed, even with a slick machine to play on.
dgschrei's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/03/2009 06:40
dgschrei
Funny thing is, except for the graphics cards I already have a system like these. :-). I'll be happy to play with you though.
ScottyG's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/03/2009 07:08
ScottyG
Woo! <3

Question though: is this just a Friday night thing, or can we look for challenges at any time? FNFs have been increasingly difficult to get out to for me.
Kris S's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/03/2009 08:29
Kris S
@ScottyG

You can go any time mate, just hit the tournaments tab at the top and that will take you to the FNF page. Hit play game now and you will go in to the lobby, no doubt Torzelan will be there, he will keep you right - he's sound as a pound :)
Chronic Logic's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/03/2009 09:15
Chronic Logic
Well fuck me, if you had told me about this contest a month ago, I wouldn't have upgraded my computer.
Niero's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/03/2009 09:38
Niero
@ScottyG - The matchmaking system is open all week, you can play as often and as much as you'd like!
madfigs's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/03/2009 10:18
madfigs
If I'd played an FPS since Bond for N64, I might be disappointed in the lack of Mac support for Quake live. Oh well, cosmic cannon it is!
Kris S's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/03/2009 10:21
Kris S
@Neiro

I feel unloved, no answer for me *shuffles away crying* :)
F Whipple's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/03/2009 10:34
F Whipple
I don't think my lappy can even handle this game :(
Kryptinite's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/03/2009 11:05
Kryptinite
I need a pc to win a pc. It's an insane cycle. Time to reinstall Windows 7.
greks224's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/03/2009 11:26
greks224
Quake Live is a good choice. My PC is 5 years old (with an updated AGP graphics card and some added RAM) and it runs this game flawlessly in browser.
DaedHead8's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/03/2009 11:32
DaedHead8
Good luck to all the Quake players going at it, I struggled against the AI bot when I first created my account so I doubt I'll be joining you. I might give it a shot just to help someone else get ahead, who knows I might end up winning.
Woverine's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/03/2009 11:45
Woverine
@neiro
So I was thinking about it earlier and I was wondering when it says the "top 6 players" is that just straight wins? or win %? because if its just straight wins then whats to stop me and someone else just trading off wins? maybe it could be unique wins?
Niero's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/03/2009 12:44
Niero
@Woverine - The algorithm for the score is based on a modified ELO and some other trickery, so after a bit it should become impossible to play the same person over and over.
enthusiastsbrain's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/03/2009 13:57
enthusiastsbrain
quake live have serious problem for low connection..iam always have interupted connection..shit... can destructoid give setup for wuake 3 arena so i can connect with this contest
Amp's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/03/2009 15:27
Amp
This tournament is FL20 (FragLimit 20, or first to 20 frags)? Standard tournament rules states TL10 (TimeLimit 10 Minutes).

I think I broke that rule playing Wolverine just now, so can we get clarification? This rule is also kinda off because if you get two good players on Blood Run, first to 20 frags could last as long as an hour.
Amp's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/03/2009 16:39
Amp
I just realized it's impossible to enforce the First to 20 Frags rule, the game forces you to do Most Frags in 10 Minutes.

You'll have to change this rule.
Torzelan's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/03/2009 19:00
Torzelan
Yeah, timelimit 10 and scorelimit/fraglimit 0 is really the only way to play it. Also how I've played all my 14 games so far (hasn't mattered to the end result in all fairness).
Excel-2011's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/03/2009 20:49
Excel-2011
Who won the card?
Gillz's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/11/2009 01:56
Gillz
A few things here.

First off, this should of been region based, how are the finals going to go for a Euro player vs a USA player? There won't be a happy medium. You could split it, one game on their own countries servers, but if it's 1-1 with one map left (BO3) then you're screwed.

Also, the format that it's run in isn't good, at all. You're putting the wrong people in control. I challenged HawtPawkitHero, we went into a warmup server, and he noticed that in 5 minutes of warmup, he couldn't kill me. He quits, and now refuses to play me, because he doesn't want to lose. He should either be removed, or I should get the win.

Even ignoring that, you're putting the casuals in control. The good players can roll in, and start beating a few people bad. All it takes is for the losers to go and tell EVERYONE not to play those players. You're putting the casuals in charge. The good players are left finding games, because no one is accepting our challenge.

You should really re-consider the way this is run. It's not fair at all. I only say this, because there's extremely expensive computers on the line, and for great prizes like that to be thrown into a format like this is just unfortunate. I hope you can appreciate my constructive criticism.
CWal37's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/18/2009 00:31
CWal37
Sort of sucks that TF2 can't really be done since it's team based.
Los255's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/18/2009 01:49
Los255
@CWal:

The closest thing you can get to individual competition is Ammomod.
Woverine's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/18/2009 03:20
Woverine
oh god yes cod4. dunno how well that will be 1v1 but lets hope so! i have no friends!
KrazyKraut's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/18/2009 04:30
KrazyKraut
omfg....call of duty 4.. they call me Pwndiu5_Pilatu5 or the BackstabbingKraut
Jon B's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/18/2009 09:27
Jon B
If CoD4 was on Xbox, and my Xbox wasn't away for repair, then I might have had a chance at coming 20th.

I guess all I can do is hold out for a Sonic 2 speedrun contest, since that's the only thing I'd win, heh.
Danmartigan's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/18/2009 11:46
Danmartigan
Wow, I knew that noobs would come in to play, but seriously... 7 of the top 10 players have zero comments. I would really like to see more of the loyal dtoid users to have a chance at these prizes...
Jon B's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/18/2009 12:01
Jon B
@Danmartigan
That's one of the reasons I was worried about them using Quake Live, since a lot of people practice that to perfection then enter every contest they possibly find to win everything. From the looks of things, the winners don't care about Dtoid, they're only here for the $$$.

CoD4 isn't so bad since it's a bit newer, but the principle still applies.
GoS-CPT-Stewart's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/18/2009 13:52
GoS-CPT-Stewart
So, is CoD4 still going to be 1v1?
Wedge's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/18/2009 18:47
Wedge
Meh, I traded that game away a long time ago and it's not exactly cheap to pick up again.
Holyetheline's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/20/2009 15:56
Holyetheline
The image of dinosaurs/lasers is very familiar to me. I'm thinking that its from one of my childhood comic books?
Bulkmailer's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/20/2009 16:04
Bulkmailer
@Holytheline

It's from a cartoon called Dino Riders.
forn1x's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/20/2009 16:14
forn1x
Woot! Has been a blast so far the community here is great :D Looking forward to the finals.
Kris S's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/20/2009 16:16
Kris S
Damn you RROD. Hmm, to buy or not to buy the PC version?

@Niero
So can anyone win outside the US and Canada yet? I remember you saying no at the time FNF started but it could change depending on sponsors. Cheers
Poisontear's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/20/2009 16:39
Poisontear
All I did was losing but it was very fun anyway.
GrumpyTurtle's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/20/2009 17:19
GrumpyTurtle
I'm just glad I get the chance to play against fellow Dtoiders on Cod4
Danmartigan's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/20/2009 18:05
Danmartigan
how about 1v1 pistols only??
DaHanG's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/20/2009 18:09
DaHanG
I would love to speak to an admin as quickly as possible. Email me information as an admin would presumably have my email.
Gillz's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/20/2009 18:33
Gillz
So I see that some of the people in the top 6 were removed from the tournament, why is that? Obviously these are top american players, and it seems removing them shows the giant conflict of interest that this tournament is. Rules were completely wrong in the first place, and the lobby system catered to whiny little bitches then the people who are actually GOOD at the game. The people who sucked could refuse games (much like hawtpockethero did to me), yet they somehow advance? Since when are these terrible casual players in control? Oh, and one of destructoids big members/contributors is in the top 6 too, fancy that.

Even TOURNAMENT ADMINS competed in this tournament. If that doesn't scream conflict of interest, I don't know what does.

I'm curious to see how your sponsors would react when they find out that Destructoid is not only manipulating players, brackets, and results, they're competing in their own tournament also.

Why a site like this would be given more prizes to give away is beyond me. This is a casual outlet, not a competitive or professional one. Leave your admins to do the stuff they can handle, like raffles. Of course, I'm sure they'd find a way to manipulate that too.
Holyetheline's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/20/2009 18:41
Holyetheline
@Bulkmailer

http://www.comicvine.com/dino-riders/49-4223/ <---- This is what I was thinking about. I had these comics as a child.

Thanks!
Wedge's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/20/2009 18:52
Wedge
ROFL Gillz. Yes Torzelan is in the top because he has posted on the site. Oh no wait, it's because he's fucking awesome at Quake.

Anyways, glad to see this open up to console players. Hopefully they take advantage of it so they can win a PC and see how awesome they are.
Gillz's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/20/2009 19:27
Gillz
The reason that he remains in the tournament only proves my point. He would never ever be removed, since he is a Dtoid member. But yet, these three top american players don't go on our site, and are only here for the money, so we'll throw them out with no regret.

Also, he's nothing amazing. Weird will surely take him out when he plays him.
chibsquad's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/20/2009 20:48
chibsquad
What's going on with this tournament is absolutely ridiculous. Three of the top Quake players in the USA entered this tournament and completely completely fairly, and are now being dropped with no reason. Their emails are being ignored.

To the admins of this tournament:

[b]I don't know why you guys think you can just get away with doing this to gamers, but I assure you you're mistaken. I've sent an email to fnf@destructoid.com just now, and I'd heavily suggest that you read it. I'm in marketing on the corporate level, and I liaise quite frequently with all of the marketing representatives at CyberPower and Intel who have approved the product allocation that you receive for this FNF series of events.

If you guys ignore my email like you've been ignoring DaHanG's emails, I can *ASSURE* you that I'll be calling up CyberPower and Intel first thing tomorrow morning to let them know that this is a fake series of tournaments, and you're wasting their products.

Seriously, why do people always think they can screw gamers like this?[b]
Danmartigan's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/20/2009 21:09
Danmartigan
Right, because top Quake players in the USA would NEVER do anything unfair to win a tournament from a website that they could give less than two shits about... I mean since they win so much money already by being so Pro.
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