LOS ANGELES --- The theme of today is: feeling like death.

That’s the first sensation I felt this morning when the clock struck four o’clock in the morning and the alarm started ringing. Fast forward past abrupt changes in flights, being temporarily snowed in at the Denver airport and some very unhealthy meals, and even as I write this, the belly’s still mad at me. But hey, I’m here in sunny Los Angeles and I’m excited for some great competition tomorrow afternoon.

The bracket that EA Sports released today was pretty on the mark. I wish that Big Gene and Problem were placed in opposite positions where the only place they could meet would be in the finals. That’s not the case. If the duo locks horns, it will be in the final four. I think Big Gene would have Problem’s number, even though Problem has been really dominant in everything that he’s done this season. I’m staying in the same hotel as all the players. It kind of feel like I’m in a weird dream or something when I walk around and see all the top Madden players that I’ve been covering all year in one place. It’s very random when you’re buying a stick of gum and you look up to see Truth running around in his sweat pants. It doesn’t help that I’m pretty tired.


As you all may now know, ESPN is going to be making this Madden Challenge finals in to a six-episode series, which is exciting for the community, but it creates a lot more red tape for other, smaller sources of media (ahem). Especially when they’re taping an event that won’t air for a few weeks yet. Don’t get me wrong, GotFrag.com has a huge, loyal community, but when ESPN throws their weight and money around, it kind of knocks everyone over. I’m going to do my best to bring the loyal community members the results they are looking for. Am I against ESPN’s presence here? Hell no. Madden has come a long way. The community is starting to receive the recognition that it deserves, and I’m happy for it.

Other than getting here, touring the Madden Challenge set (it looks amaaaazing) and mulling around Universal Studios, I’ve been just sort of hanging around the hotel amongst the gamers. There is definitely a sense of excitement in the air and I’m excited to be in the middle of it.

Before I go, people have been asking who my favorite to win is. I know the front runners, and I don’t care. I’m picking Evil Ken to win this event. When it happens, I’ll expect some sort of cash bonus from you, boss ;). Talk to you guys tomorrow.