ElGeneral's GUILE has defeated reigning Gold Champion Skrface13's BLANKA 2-0.
Well, the first Match Of The Week for this season did not disappoint.
Now, don't let the match count sway you. According to reports, Skrface13 jumped on top of ElGeneral 2 rounds to nothing in each of the two matches. ElGeneral's GUILE then went on to win the next 3 rounds to take each match, and the Gold Championship of the SFCCL. There is video of this match (EDIT - videos added at the end of this blog). This could already be the match of the season. Congratulations to both members and fighters for an outstanding match. Both carry themselves with class and respect & both represent the SFCCL well.
Skrface13's BLANKA could earn a rematch in just three weeks (providing he wins in Week 4 and 5). Of course, he could get a rematch as soon as next week if he places at the WAR GAMES this Saturday morning. Rumor has it he will be playing, so everybody else looks out! He had some extra motivation now.
I normally don't make a specific blog for Gold Championship matches, but felt compelled to write one now since I didn't write one the only other time the Grand Champion title switched hands following a match in SFCCL history. Now, you might be asking how is this the second time ever that the title has switched hands if we've had 5 champions? Simple. The title was left vacant when Lux retired following Week 5 in the first season. The title was then lost in a 'mirror-match' by ElGeneral's BISON to his main fighter, GUILE. The title was never officially lost by UltimaCloud's RUFUS, just vacated for the SUPER BRAWL tournament to end the first season. Skrface then took the title by winning the tournament and continued his reign to begin season 2. The only other time the title switched hands following a match was in Week 20 last season when UltimaCloud's RUFUS defeated ElGeneral's GUILE for the Gold Championship. This loss also marks the first time that Skrface13's BLANKA lost an official SFCCL match. His only other loss was a forfeited loss last season.
Again congratulations to both Skrface13 and ElGeneral - two guys who I'm proud to have at the top of the SFCCL based on their skills and class. These guys should see a lot of each other this season!
Comments from both members following the match (from StreetFighter4forums.com):
"However, tonight I met my match. El General took the win 2 to 0. I wanna give excuses but I won’t take that away from him--in the end he knew the matchup better than me. Gratz to him. Next time I'll be more focused." - Skrface13
"Wow, what can I say, Skrface. Going down 2 rounds in both matches, the odds were completely stacked against me. No way anyone could predict what would happen next. You had me fighting for my life 6 times, and for good reason. Your Blanka is the beast of all beasts. I'm glad to have finally fought you after all this time. Great intense matches! Can't wait to go against Blanka again." - ElGeneral
History of the SFCCL Gold Championship (April 2009 - July 2010):
1st Champion: Lux_ GUILE (10-0)
* retired undefeated after becoming the first-ever champion by winning the opening SFCCL tournament in April 2009. Defended the title for 5 weeks before vacated the title following Week 5 following a mirror-match against his other undefeated fighter, Zangief.
2nd Champion: ElGeneral M. BISON (21-13)
* assumed the Gold Championship as the #1 Contender following the retirement of Lux. Defended the title for 3 weeks before losing the title in another mirror-match to ElGeneral's main fighter, Guile, in Week 9.
3rd Champion / 6th Champion: ElGeneral GUILE (32-6)
* assumed the Gold Championship following a mirror-match against ElGeneral's secondary fighter, M. Bison. Defended the title for record 10 weeks before losing the title to xxUltimaCloudxx's Rufus in Week 20. Regained the Gold Championship following the defeat of Skrface13's Blanka in Week 3 of season two. First-ever two-time SFCCL Grand Champion.
4th Champion: XxUltimaCloudxX RUFUS (18-5)
* became the Gold Championship following the defeat of ElGeneral's Guile. Defended the title for 5 weeks entering the SUPER BRAWL tournament. Lost in the second round of the tournament.
5th Champion: Skrface13 BLANKA (15-2)
* became the Gold Champion after winning the first-ever Super Brawl tournament to end season one. Continued as Gold Champion to begin season 2 based on his overall winning percentage and Super Brawl victory.
FYI - just as a reminder, but don't forget that WAR GAMES will be held this coming Satruday, July 31st, at 9AM Eastern Time. The top 3 members will earn Prize Matches that earn them a chance to move up one of their fighters in the rankings. Possibly even up to the Gold Division and a shot at the Grand Champion. Just be online at the time of the event to be invited. We will first assemble in the Gamer's Lounge in PS Home.