Alright, so now that 2017 is nearly over, I want to clear up some confusion on the 2017 "LAN" we were going to be hosting.
1. The "TLAN" wasn't actually hosted by TFCL, but rather TFCL would end up powering the management side of things, so that Hidi (that actual host and organizer) could focus more on running it. TFCL would collect the fees, organize teams, and just make everything easier for Hidi, so she can do her thing. TFCL would even provide graphic design for TLAN, and create nametags, and bring in sponsors for the event. Ya know, so Hidi can focus on the actual organizing stuff, while I do the backend stuff.
Unfortunately, there were some issues with securing a venue, and I had to drop my support out of the event. I don't know how much I'm allowed to share, as some of it was fairly personal if I remember correctly. Though, I definitely hope to work with her again in the future, and help make TLAN a reality for her. However, even if I do end up supporting TLAN again, it'll only be as a "powered by" thing, not a "hosted by".
2. In regards to the actual TFCL 2018 LAN? Yes, it is still happening. I have a specific venue in mind, and want to make this LAN an international event for pretty much everybody that loves TF2. The current "ETA" is August 2018, and the venue in mind is located in Mississauga Ontario, Canada. It's near the Pearson International Airport, making for easy travel. I'm sure a few of you know which venue I'm talking about, though I won't name it right now just in case I can't secure a reservation for August 2018.
The LAN will be called UberJam 2018, and I'm hoping to make it just as big if not bigger than any other LAN in recent history. I know I (prematurely) announced a $20k prize pool over on Twitter, which as of right now is both accurate and inaccurate. I'm aiming for a $20k budget, not pool. So there won't be a $20k prize to be won. This might also completely change, and depends on how many sponsors and advertisers I can get on board in time for the LAN. I will also be doing a fundraiser (t-shirts) this winter to help fund everything, which was suggested by a close friend of mine, who is also going to be coming up with the design. I believe the design theme was "I Supported TF2 LAN", or something like that.
Anyway, that's about it for now, as far as LAN news goes.
Finally, I wanted to quickly get some community feedback on prize pools. As of right now, TFCL can host 6v6 at a similar pool level to ESEA Invite, but I'm not sure if I should actually do that. I want ESEA to strengthen its TF2 league, so a $4K pool in TFCL doesn't somehow rival ESEA's Invite pool. I honestly do not want ESEA to die, and I feel like if I were to launch a $4K pool in TFCL, I could end up really harming ESEA's TF2 league, which isn't my intention at all. Though, what do you guys think? Is it wise for me to introduce larger pools into TFCL, or do you think that will come with too many risks?