Without wanting to sound too cheesy I just kind of wanted to say thanks for an unbelievable site you have got going here. Since joining in June 2009 I have never looked back and it is this very site that has made the game surpass any level of enjoyment I would have ever got from playing TS3 stand alone.
I think I am assured in saying that ITST has the formula that no other site could ever emulate. Taking the "Topspin League" as an example, the site was just low down poor. No organization, absent management and limp forums. Whilst I gave it a try for a month no amount of prizes is ever enough to persuade someone like myself to play for.
ITST on the other hand excels because deadlines are adhered to (with some calculated and reasonable extensions), hosts are active and supportive, the forums are easy to use & flowing, the activity and discussions on the forums are interactive, interesting and yes at times a bit heated but that what makes it special right?
This is by no means goodbye as like I said it is ITST is what I love, waking up in the morning before work with my coffee and seeing what people have posted, any new news reports or score lines. Now I have my Apple iPhone with wifi I don't need to walk over to the other side of the room and pull up a chair to my Apple iMac, I simply sit behind my fiancee on the sofa and say "Can you pass me my phone love" and she says "Why do you need your phone, who are you texting, oh, let me guess ITST?"
Sad but true.
Even if I am not half as good at TS4 and I end up floating around 20 in the world it will not matter, to be part of a great game and site is all i need. But let me pre warn, I have always been a natural at games and pick them up fast so watch out because "Prince Baghdad" is coming to a TS4 tournament near to you very very soon.
To conclude I would like to pay special thanks to a select few, pay tribute to who tops my chart and my most memorable experiences:
Special Thanks:
Most Influential ITST Member: For me this hands down goes to Al (Djarvik). He is the heart and backbone of this site in my opinion and a combination of the SIM tour creation to titles won to forum activity to support for members to hosting - man, enough respect.
Most Influential ITST News Reporter: For me this has to be Fedfan. I have been really impressed with his efforts since taking the position and he manages to really capture the atmosphere and sometimes when I am commenting after a big Grand Slam performance I write so much and it gets a bit waffly, Fedfan always manages to select the best bits and disregard the trash! Good work.
Most Influential ITST Host: For me this has undeniably got to be Xavi (MoralSpain). A great guy, always happy to help and fair in his judgement. Punctual in responses and collects all evidence to ensure a fair decision is given. A very talented player too - I just wish I could give him a kick up his backside to start making that talent count in matches. I know, you only like playing for fun.
Most Influential ITST Initiative: Hmmm, I wonder what this could be. Ohhhhhhhh SIM! No need to expand on this, I live and breath the tour. Thanks to Anilitje, Djarvik, Rob ITST and others who have put a lot of work into making this the biggest thing since sliced bread.
Top of the Pops:
Best Pound-for-Pound TS3 Player: It can only be Noberto H. No.1 in all tours, most slams won and one hell of a competitor. Whilst other champions and numbers 1's have exited across all the 3 tours he has managed to last the distance and stay active and motivated. You the man.
Best SIM player of all time: IluvBillval, my SIM idol. A great chap too.
Best MS player of all time: Statistically its Noberto H but retiring as world no. 1 it has to be Picachu211 and talent wise there is no better player in my opinion.
Best WS player of all time: Anteros15. Most titles won (27) and retiring as world no.1.
My Most Memorable Experiences:
5th Place: Losing to Coolhand Texas in Mens Singles a silly amount of times. A great player.
4th Place: Winning Roland Garros SIM Grand Slam 2010
3rd Place: Achieving and sustaining SIM world No.1 for my active SIM playing career
2nd Place: ITST friendly practice matches including specifically both matches and conversations with Ghost LD, Near 147, Puttu Puttu, Amazing Zizou, Djarvik, The Specialist09, SMP Andyroro, Rae 1980, IluvBillval, Mack 2300, Moral Spain, Emate007 & Jacagest.
1st Place: The winner, ITST site + SIM tour.
A final shout out for Cro Morgan & Slicer ITST. Keep up the good work, and once I get my butt into gear I will be donating as gold benefactor....
Right, enough of the cheese, I am even starting to make myself cringe
Prince Baghdad
). Shame we didnt get to meet in MSS more often. I know we got to play once, but that was before you became a sim master. Im sure there would be a different outcome this day.
Although saying that the one I have just entered could be the last one as it will finish around the release of TS4 (Dubai SIM)