Pumped up to make the cut
"Ninety-five percent of it, I think, is luck,'' said Rich, one of five North Carolinians who have survived palm cramps and tittering friends to advance to the second annual USA Rock Paper Scissors Tournament at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
"The other 5 percent is just something a little extra … trying to read your opponent, trying to figure out the best one [sign] to throw."
In all, 325 competitors from across the country will compete today and Sunday for $50,000 and some air time on ESPN2, which will broadcast the event on tape delay in July.
And in case you're having trouble taking the idea seriously, keep in mind: Some do, hands down.
"This marks a huge cultural movement right now for Rock Paper Scissors in this country," said Matti Leshem, 44, commissioner of the Los Angeles-based USA Rock Paper Scissors League. "The league — and this tournament — has managed to bring to the forefront something that has been in our culture for a millennium."
The game, also known as roshambo, has been used to decide everything from who sits in the front seat with mom, to who gets the last Bud Light (as made famous by the tournament sponsor's Super Bowl commercial). The concept of the contest, which Leshem claims can be traced to caveman days, is simple. Two players face off, pounding their throwing fist into their open palm three times, in sync, before flashing their chosen symbol.
Rock (closed fist) crushes scissors. Scissors (split middle and pointer finger) cut paper. Paper (flattened palm) covers rock.
The first player to three points wins the game. The first player to win two games wins the match.
The last player left throwing this weekend wins the grand prize, "but more importantly, national bragging rights,'' said Leshem, who won $42 from family and friends last Thanksgiving.
(Curb your urge to chuckle, here.)
"The whole thing is kind of bizarre,'' said Charlotte's Randall Bost, who thought he was playing for only a neon sign when he won his regional and advanced to Vegas. "But I guess since they have competitive eating, and chess tournaments and all that, maybe it's not so odd."
The league's first national tournament was televised by A&E last year. ESPN picked it up because it is always looking to air competitive events, be it baseball, poker or scrabble.
"There's an everyman appeal to [the game]," said Ilan Ben-Hanan, director of programming and acquisitions at ESPN. "Anyone can play and anyone can win … and the more you get into it, you realize there are different strategies, different approaches."
Some competitors see the tournament as a way to have some fun and maybe win a few rounds, if fortune is on their side.
"Unless you have some kind of super power to know what they're going to throw … it's all luck,'' said Kinston's Brandon Houghton, who beat out his brother, among others, at a regional tournament to advance.
To others, this weekend is a chance to make serious money. Rich has picked up a corporate sponsor for the tournament. Bodog.com, a Costa-Rica-based entertainment Web site, will pay him several thousand dollars for wearing logoed apparel and having its name temporarily tattooed on his forearms. His paycheck increases the more rounds he wins.
"I just figured I'd make the most of the opportunity,'' said Rich, whose friends entered him in a qualifying tournament at Flying Saucer in Raleigh, then cheered him to his regional victory at Playmakers.
Like many debates, it will all be decided by three pounds and a throw.
"I'm a paper guy,'' said Carolina Beach's Scott Corso, "because wherever you land, it's got you covered."
Except for scissors, that is.
"A friend of mine e-mailed me … that if I'm ever in doubt, throw rock, because a rock is sturdy and reliable,'' said Rich, adding that he loses more than he wins when he's challenged at bars. "We'll see."
Leshem, the league commissioner, said the contingent from the Tar Heel state — which also includes Marvin Richardson II , a part-time student from Greensboro — has a strong chance to advance.
"There are some good Rock Paper Scissors players in North Carolina," he said. "They're plucky."
Or is it lucky?
