OK guys, this was suggested in another thread, but off the back of the reasonable success of the UK Nationals and the Italian Nationals, why don't we try to organise a European Championship.

There are no plans for any large scale, official tournaments this year from UDE themselves, so if we want to do anything, it will be off our own backs.

First question. Would you be interested? If so, would you be prepared to travel. Officially, the UK has the largest European market and the bulk of the remain UDE prize pool is allocated here, so my (admittedly biased) suggestion is that we have it in the UK.

Any location would need to have access to good travel links. Ideally, the budget airlines or trains.

Any thoughts on this first issue?

My opinion shouldn't be worth much, but here goes:

I think it should be in Belgium. It's an (underwater) train-ride away from London and it's much more accessible to the continental Europe bunch. Also, the EU is over there right? That makes it flavorful.
That said, this suggestion assumes that the ride underwater from London is viable financially as well (I forgot how much it costs)

It should be in Rotherham....

But seriously, I recommend somewhere central in the UK.

Cough * Sheffield *

Prague. Because it's just a damn beautiful city. :cool:

But yes, France/Belgium/Germany would be the 'best' places if we're guaranteed a high continental turnout.

One thing to think about: The language barrier between players, say if you're trying to describe what you're doing in a move with a card? Whilst there are many continental Europeans who speak English better than the locals, things could still get lost in translation.

Really? In my unbiased opinion I think that Britain would be the best place to have them.

By nature, we british are very tight with out money. I can't see many players going to a different country. Whereas we had some players from Europe over here last year for the Master Challenge. Though a tournement out of Britain could lead to a drinking session with Benni and Lim, I don't think the turnout would be as good.

I mean, hell I can't see many players coming up further north than manchester, nevermind out of england. Other than Amit and Gary that is...those dudes will go anywhere.

If we were only going to get, say, 10 people from the whole of continental Europe, then I'd say UK-based. If it's an almost even split or somesuch, then go for the mainland.

And I'd go anywhere providing I can afford it, I do have to travel from mid-Scotland for the London tournies remember? :p

You do that just to escape from Scotland.....

.....I wish I was in scotland.....I love scotland.....

.....And because you love seeing me:p

Man... where was VS when I visited Europe 7 years ago?

Well... wherever you have it... based on the past events (Italy and UK)... it should be pretty good.

BTW:

I think you should drop "Unofficial" and just call it European Championships... I mean... whose gonna say something?

The cool thing is, on the Worlds page for Vs, the winner of this event gets a free badge I think.

That was the UK Nationals. But hopefully we could get some kind of similar support in the future.

Agreed. UDE Europe are only focused on grass routes OP - local stores doing local tournaments. They will not be doing any larger events, so it's up to us.

UDE Europe is officially based in Amsterdam, but the new head of EU OP is as UK guy. After speaking ot him, the vast majority of remaining players are centralised on the UK and as such, that's where the lion's share of remaining prize support is now based. I think, from a logistical standpoint, it's probably better at a UK place.

If people think that the UK is the best country to host this and that a central location is the way to go then it might be worth approaching Phoenix Games to see if they'll host it.

They're based in Leicester so it's really well placed for traffic from the M1 and trains out of London, and East Midlands airport is right on its doorstep. The tournament room above the shop is massive - I've played in Magic tournaments there where they've had over 70 players and still had room left over.

An European Championship is a good idea.

In France we are planning to hold this summer a French Championship either in Paris or in Lyon (where most of the VS player are playing, we hold 2 tournaments each month with 6 to 12 players).

I would gladly come to the EU Championship if:
- the access to that location is easy and not too expensive
- the date is announced a long time ago (I have a family and four young children so the organization is not always easy!)

Leicester doesnt sound like a bad place to hold it.

Would people be wanting a central location, or is it london again?