HeroClix Fans,
We want to take this opportunity to congratulate Patrick Yapjoco on winning this year’s HeroClix World Championship and earning the title of the 2016 HeroClix World Champion. He went up against some of the best HeroClix players from all around the world and came out on top. Let’s see what he had to say about the event, his experience, and HeroClix as a whole.
WizKids Interview with Patrick Yapjoco
Name: Patrick Yapjoco
WIN ID: Spawn
Location: Orange, CA
Favorite Venue: Majestix
Q. How does it feel to have won the HeroClix World Championship?
It feels great. Of course, nothing beats the first time winning it, but this was sweet because it showed me that I could still come out on top, even after a mediocre previous year. The event was awesome, everyone was great and the Judging Staff was top-notch.
Q. How long have you been playing HeroClix?
I have been playing since the Marvel HeroClix: Infinity Challenge set, but I took a break when Marvel HeroClix: Ultimates came out. I came back during Marvel HeroClix: Hammer of Thor, when NECA took over.
Q. What first brought you into HeroClix?
I was an avid comic book and action figure collector, and I also played other games sparingly. I walked into my local comic shop one day and decided to buy a starter set because the game seemed like a cross between all three of my interests.
Q. How did you work out your winning build?
My teammate came up with a skeleton for the Quinjet team. We decided that we should at least look at it, since everyone thought it was going to be the next big thing once the first rotation hit. After some extensive testing and tweaking to the ID Cards and support pieces, I pretty much came to my current iteration of the team and took it to a WizKids Open Regional, which I won. I also played it in Nationals and finished in 2ndplace, so I just decided to stick with it for Worlds as well.
Q. What did you like about your team?
I love the versatility of my team. I have so many options to choose from and a variety of ways to win; my team can adapt to virtually any situation. It’s just a pleasure to play because almost every game feels different due to the ID Cards.
Q. What would you have changed?
I’m not sure if I would change anything. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it, right? When the next rotation hits on July 1st, I will have to take out the Nova ID Card, since that Nova will not be legal for Modern Age anymore. Black Canary could take its place, but I don’t know yet.
Q. What were the keys to your success/ what was your main strategy?
I think my main strategy is that I am familiar with my team and all the options at my disposal. I also brainstorm plans prior to the game and practice executing them. Assessing the threats at each moment in the game and deciding the optimal plays aided me immensely as well.
Q. Did you enjoy the competition?
I absolutely loved it. This is the best part of the game, in my opinion, getting to test your mettle against the game’s best.
Q. What were your fellow competitors like?
They are the best and I couldn’t ask for any better sportsmanship. Despite the stakes and the high-level play, the players really make the atmosphere an absolute joy to be in. Everyone was nice and just great all-around people.
Q. How much did you prepare for the event?
I have been preparing since I lost my title last year, to be honest. I have been traveling to different high-level events to tune up for Worlds this year. That started around October and my teammates and I have been hard at work in testing, theory-crafting, and keeping up with the shifts and changes in the metagame.
Q. How confident did you feel coming in?
I felt really good because I believe that my version of Quinjet could hang with the best of them. I was confident that I could play it as well, if not better, than any other player at the tournament, and that would hopefully give me an advantage.
Q. How do you feel about the current metagame?
After the Marvel HeroClix: Guardians of the Galaxy set rotates out, the metagame will be amazing! Zombies and Super Skrull were dominating the format (just look at the Worlds event), and it will be nice to see a new format emerge. Of course, Quinjet will still be the king, but it is easier to deal with than Zombies or Super Skrull, in my opinion, so it will be healthy format.
Q. Can you give any insights for new players on how to become better players?
I would say to really just keep testing and practicing. That’s the only way to get better. Repetition. You’ll get the feel of the game and the flow if you just keep playing. Also, keep up with the current metagame, talk with other top players, and pick their brains because no one person knows everything about this game.
Q. Any shoutouts or is there anything else you would like to add?
I would like to thank my teammates, Kevin Afrooz, Justino Jimenez, Kris Flores, and Chris Pribanick, as they have been the support group in helping me win (and they let me borrow their figures!). I wouldn’t have won without their help.
