In May 2012 we decided it was time to try something different while at a contest. We wanted to do something that gave people another opportunity to get involved and have fun and to bring attention to some people that might not necessarily be in the spotlight. We also wanted to bring focus to the idea of the difference between a ‘trick’ and a combo or freestyle. The YoYoExpert Best Trick Contest was born and wow what a learning experience it was along the way! You can see our original post about the Best Trick Contest here:
https://yoyoexpert.com/blog/bay-area-classic-best-trick-contest-update/
I brought on Two Time World Champion Yuuki Spencer to help me oversee and judge and we really bounced ideas back and forth until the format felt right. Tricks were filmed and the concept was definitely well received. After what seemed like phone call after phone call me and Yuuki finally narrowed down each video until we got to our favorites – it was a long and difficult process and we apologize to those who were waiting with anticipation of the winners but we hope you enjoy the results and catch a trick you might have missed.
This is definitely the kind of thing we plan to do again in the future. The format will likely change with a focus on a possible amateur and pro division and less break down into categories – but for a first year we are very happy with everything and want to thank all who participated! We will be contacting you by the end of the week to arrange your cash prizes (1st Places) and Gift Certificates (2nd and 3rd). Special BIG thanks to Yuuki too for his expertise and insight.
And now we present the winners!
|| Best Suicide/Whip/Grind ||
1st Place | Tyler Severance:
Yuuki:
With a new spin on a classic trick; Tyler’s trick revisits suicides with a tasteful touch. Suicides have been around for a long time now, and to see something like this is a breath of fresh air.
André:
Tyler presents a really unique and polished looking grind to Suicide that was both original and really well showcased with a great amount of precision.
2nd Place | JT Nickel:
Yuuki:
Showing us that not all accidents are bad, this trick while not intended to, gives an interesting maneuver to get into the heart shape (albeit it not being the classic heart that Paul Escolar does). It’s common place to do a laceration into a “Picture”. This trick isn’t quite a laceration, which makes it that much more interesting.
André:
Of the whips presented I felt this was a more unique and ‘sudden’ formation of the heart mount that wasn’t expected as the trick was initiated.
3rd Place | Kyle Derry:
Yuuki:
The grind-bind seems some what a common trick today. However, the way Kyle executed this trick, gave it the flare that made this trick a top
3 worthy trick.
André:
Kyle has an effortless flow as he goes from really a great whip to a stylish grind. The precise execution and flow I really like to see in a finished ‘trick’.
|| Technical string trick ||
1st Place | Tyler Severance:
Yuuki:
The transition into the heart and out of the heart with slack was a pleasure to watch. While the slack movements where the yoyo does not move seemed excessive at first glance, in its entirety works well. This trick has a start and a finish.
André:
Tyler’s technical trick showcases a really smooth and eye catching slack twice and the way in which he controls the slack is both interesting and makes you want to learn it. From beginning to end of this trick I felt it pulled me through and kept me watching the intricacies of it.
2nd Place | Mark Montgomery:
Yuuki:
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Every movement here is done with purpose and reason and like the above, has a clear start
and finish. Having an unsoundly amount of variations in trick today, it’s a true gem to see a new clever string trick.
André:
Playing off of Yuuki’s point here in Marks trick you will notice that each movement leads to a new part of his trick. With some tricks a movement is done because it can. Mark builds his tricks based on movements that require the mount or transition before it to proceed. Something of a ‘smarter’ trick in a world of technical tricks that generally have more ‘flourishes’ then actual trick.
3rd Place | Eric Koloski:
Yuuki:
The trick done was certainly technical and executed well. The movements with slack seemed excessive (like tyler’s trick) but not without purpose and showcased different elements of string tricks.
André:
Eric presents a more precise and focused technical string trick with smaller yo-yo movement that lead you from beginning to end in an interesting manner.
|| Horizontal: ||
1st Place | 1st – James Reed
Yuuki:
Many horizontal tricks today are done simply horizontal because they can! James does this finger spin/grind horizontally with purpose. This trick has to be done with the yoyo on its side, and its a clear winner.
André:
From movement to movement James not only shows precise movements but moves from one element to the next in such a fast progression. The Horizontal bounce shows great skill and practice.
2nd Place | Michael Kolver
Yuuki:
Simple, with purpose, and done with great execution. What more can I say? If Jason Lee tried to do horizontal figure 8 tricks, it would not look this good!
André:
The amount of flow showcased in the horizontal movement here was immediately impressive and while we were there filming this even other people stopped to watch and were impressed! Dead smooth!
3rd Place | 3rd – Josh Yee
Yuuki:
It is hard to put into words what I enjoyed about this trick. I enjoyed it without a doubt. It’s absolutely a fun transition into horizontal.
André:
Unique and unexpected is how I would explain this one. It is a simple idea that not many would think of and it is fun to watch.
|| Body Involved ||
1st Place | Dylan Benharris:
Yuuki:
What could be more physical and body involved than jumping over a yoyo!? The transition of swinging the yoyo behind his arms to make the leap really sealed the deal.
André:
Dylan took the body movement seriously and there is a ton of great movement in this trick done without any hesitation. Loved it.
2nd Place | Tyler Severance:
Yuuki:
While maybe unclear at first glance, the subtle usage of arm-involved elements along side great composition made this a pleasure to watch.
André:
There is a lot of trick here and it eventually leads into some great arm movements to a behind the back trick. From beginning to end it’s fun to watch him string it all together.
3rd Place | CJ Atkinson:
Yuuki:
Reminiscent of solving a puzzle, CJ passes his arms and yoyo through the slack.
André:
What I liked most about this is the unique aspects and transitions and the ending is one of the more unique dismounts from an arm focused trick
|| Wild card ||
1st Place | Jacob Jensen:
Yuuki:
I have to be honest, watching someone yoyo using their beard is not the most visually pleasing thing to look at. The trapezes and what not at the beginning of the trick is clear filler. Having said that, transition where the trick goes into a green triangle is oddly pleasing to watch. This bizarre trick is definitely “Wild card”.
André:
Let’s face it. A beard trick into a triangle is about as wild as it gets! Hats off to Jacob for practicing this enough to present it in such a finished manner!
2nd Place | Mark Montgomery:
Yuuki:
Minimalism at its best. Aesthetically pleasing to the eye, quick, and with great control.
André:
Stop and watch this trick a few times before you catch the subtle movements to it. Mark is a master of simplistic tricks with purpose.
3rd Place | Kenneth La:
Yuuki:
What I thought was a forgotten classic. I believe I first saw this trick done by alan batangan in the late 90’s – early 2000’s. It brought a smile to my face to see a new generation yoyoer do this trick!
André:
This is the kind of trick that everyone gets a laugh out of. Fun and good for both a yo-yo and non yo-yo audience.
#yoyonews
