So we've got this guy who treats every game as if it's game 7 of the World Series. He takes everything too seriously to the point where if he loses he ends up pouting and pissing & moaning about the loss for the next week and if he wins, it further boosts his ego and makes himself feel superior to all. The other night I called him out on it in the middle of a match after he decided that talking trash to me was the cool thing to do. It wasn't so I let him know. I let him know that because of his over competitiveness, people don't like playing with him and it makes for a very unenjoyable experience. I told him that he should just play to have fun, whereas he responded with "I play to win." Basically what I told him left him even more pissed off, and I felt that what I told him went in one ear and out the other. AARRgghhh.

The problem is that he is one of the original players of our group and I don't want to alienate him. How would you deal with a player like this? Have you had similar experiences? Please share.

Does he have a neckbeard?

So, during a match, he started ripping on you? And you were the Judge for the event?

Easy. DQ'ed. Kept it up, Banned from Tournaments. He's creating an uncomfortable situation for the other players, and likely to drive players away.

As for the competitiveness... you can't really STOP a player from being competitive. Not going to happen. What you CAN do is create scenarios that squash that playstyle. Smash the Turtle, King of the Hill... things like that will curb him... some...

Know you don't want to, but I'd personally shun the dude. He doesn't sound like a very pleasant human being, and I'd likely tell him that in those terms.

You could make the Fellowship prize more desirable than the 1st place prize and let it be known why; to curb over competitiveness in favor of an enjoyable game for everyone.

Casual play it gets a little tough. Maybe certain scenarios, build restrictions/requirements. Unfortunately none of that can have much effect on the trash talking or other 'off the table' psychological tactics. I'd say put some outwit on your dial: find out what music really irritates him and play it, loudly, while you play. All good as long as the music doesn't effect you any. Put him on the defensive psychologically, make him reactive so you control the dynamic and you can push him whichever way you want-like right into playing with a reasonable attitude.
Regardless, whether he heard you or not, you did the right thing in calling him out.

I would just sleep with his mom. Even if she's fat and ugly, do it anyway. Guys really hate it when you bang their moms. You could also do the dad if you're into that sort of thing.

Don't play him?

Yeah this is the best solution. At least not play him for awhile. I think I sent a message that he needs to take a break for awhile.

This. If you have to play him, forfeit. Possibly after saying "You obviously need the win more than me."

Yeah that's funny. I was also thinking of playing ridiculous teams like playing the new Darkseid with a bunch of 8 pt. paramedics. I'd probably lose but if I won it would piss 'em off even more.

Be the better player and smash him into the ground.

Time to show no mercy.

Play a 300 point team of 10 Seven Deadly Brothers. He will feel the ultimate shame when you demolish him!

Definitely scenarios.

One of my favorites is when each player is required to build the worst team they could possibly imagine, then switch them with another players team at random.

i'm sorry i'm so had it with these type of post!!! its a tournament. he's doing nothing wrong. you don't like or anyone else who doesn't. then you stay at home & play friendly games with your friend's. & stop ruining this guys fun. it is a tournament! therefore it is game seven. no one from magic, omg no one from a pokimon tournament cries as much as heroclix's players. about someone paying to win in a tournament! & then you all make post!! i wonder why i can't get more people to turn out at our heroclix tournaments. this is why! people come to tournament's 2 play the best players & win. not to have FUN O_O! there i said what had 2 b said! they want fun thet stay at home!

I have had a similar experience with one of the players at our venue. He was cocky, loved to win, was overly consumed with the competitive nature of the game, which I feel are perfectly fine when the environment presents itself to that type of play style. I did confront this player after everyone had left one night since I was the one person that had known him the longest. I explained to him how all the other players felt and placed him in a situation in which he would have to choose between complying with the majority or continue his isolation from the group and force us to take alternate measures to secure the majorities comfort. Unfortunately he took that as a sign of aggression and proceeded to gather his belongings and quit playing.

Now that I look back at the situation I find myself considering the fact that since he has left, the enjoyment of the other players is at an all time high and we are constantly getting new players that commend us in our friendly, fun venue.