eSports vs. Chris Tang By Steve DeLuca

Coins Detected in Pocket

(originally published in Old School Gamer Magazine issue #17 June 2020)

Welcome to another installment of a column dedicated exclusively to Old School Gamers and Old School Games from the Golden Age of gaming. These gamers, back in the day, had to physically use a coin or token to start a video game. The earning of these coins was mostly accomplished after some form of work, usually the hard or difficult variety. After earnings were paid to the gamer, there was the trip to the ARCADE. ARCADE is written in ALL CAPS because it is the Old School Gamer’s origin and sanctuary. It was, and shall always be remembered, as a hallowed place. Respect your origins. -Joel West (arcade legend and column originator) R.I.P.

“Boom Tetris!” a short recognition that carries so much clout. A universal battle cry, that when spoken will unite all Retro Gamers within earshot. The origins of said “Boom Tetris” stem back to the 1990 Nintendo World Championship. Terry Lee Torok, MC and color commentator of the NWC 1990, fired out a “Boom, Tetris.” as competitors scored big on the final stage of the game. One finalist in particular heard these words. A teenage Chris Tang was captivated by the calling to carrying on the legacy of “Boom Tetris”. Chris’ crusade would be no walk in the park, testing his strengths in all facets of our culture, before achieving a voice that could spread the gospel of “Boom Tetris”.

Growing up in Hawaii, a prefect culture blend of Japanese and North American video games, Chris’ competitive journey started off early. 1989 Chris showed his Super Mario Bros. skills in a power run (10 mins. limit) tournament, where he was the only competitor to complete the game, earning the title of Hawaii’s Nintendo Champion. This pioneering contest was put on by Nintendo and Holiday Mart, a department store where Chris discovered his love of SEGA and anime, planting the seeds of future expeditions.

Following his rise to island fame, Chris was uprooted and transplanted to California. Now an unknown in this foreign land, the second calling came when Nintendo Power announced the Nintendo World Championship (NWC) 1990. The new competition would prove to be far less meek than those back home. Chris’ first attempt at the NWC 1990 would fall short against Robin Mihara in Oakland. Never giving up, Chris traveled to Los Angeles to claim their spot in the finals where he would eventually be empowered by the “Boom Tetris”.

Having come so close to becoming Nintendo’s World Champion, Chris could see what it takes to become the best in the world. Now completely saturating himself into the world of gaming, Chris was awarded a position at Tengen / Atari disregarding California’s age requirements. Now there would be no more excuses, Chris would train across all video game platforms and genres. He would become the best at whatever was thrown his way.

1991 hits and Street Fighter II (SF2) is sweeping the ARCADE scene, stirring up a new era of competition. It should go without saying, but Chris Tang was ready for them. The next calling came in the form of a hand written invitation from Golfland (Sunnyvale, CA), CAPCOM’s testing site. Honestly, a whole story needs to be written just on Sunnyvale’s Golfland, a historical place. Chris would not miss his chance in competing in the first ever SF2 tournament of champions, preforming heroically and taking home the 3rd spot.

At the height of MTV’s 90’s influence, the media giant teamed up with SEGA to put on the video game championship of all championships, Rock the Rock (1994). A master of Sonic’s golden rings, Chris swept through the local competition, getting himself bound, blindfolded, and hauled off to Alcatraz Island. Competitors from all over the globe where locked in a prison cell and forced to win their way to freedom by playing an unreleased Sonic and Knuckles. Although the competition was fierce, Chris quickly learned this new title and climbed his way to the finals. Surrounded by cameras, hyped VJs, and a load of screaming extras just stoked to be on MTV, the two finalists faced off ready to fight for the $25,000 prize. Claiming his NWC 1990 experience gave him the poise to dominate under pressure; Chris Tang took the victory, proving he was on this Earth to be a World Champion.

At the top of the world, Chris Tang made the most of his status and kept pushing on. Throughout the decades Chris stacked victories one on top of the next: 3-time CAX Street Fighter II Turbo Champion, winner of Hawaii State Mortal Kombat & Mortal Kombat II Championships, 3rd place at E3’s Street Fighter Alpha 2 Championship, winner of E3’s Marvel Vs Capcom 2 Championship officiated by Walter Day and winner of Working Designs $10,000 RayStorm competition. Living a double life in the anime world, Chris has also won over 40 awards for his mastery of cosplay, including Best in Show at Wondercon and Best Craftsmanship

Now having proven himself, Chris Tang takes a seat amongst our wise elders, inducted into the Video Game Hall of Fame as well as joining ranks with the U.S. National Video Game Team. With a weighted voice, Chris continues his crusade and unites with old friend Robin Mihara on the search to find the World’s best Tetris player. This would prove to be the prefect platform for the gospel of “Boom Tetris”, soon becoming the Classic Tetris World Championship (CTWC).

Fast forward to modern times, the CTWC becomes a YouTube sensation with Chris Tang’s hype sculpting the enthusiasm that enlists all generations to train and compete. “Boom Tetris” went viral when a silly recut of the 2018 CTWC Finals was released. This “Boom Tetris for Jeff” video would attract all the right attention, exploding the popularity of the CTWC and encouraging a new era of teenage Classic Tetris Masters that would take hold of the CTWC title.

Chris Tang is text book and should be studied. His display of confidence during tournament play, backed by his play skill can only accomplished through years of focused training. Chris will stop at nothing to becoming the best, even building portable consoles (all eras) for training on the go. Bottom line, if you see “Chris Tang” listed as competitor, it’s best to walk away from that tournament.

Coin’s Detected in Pocket always ends with a few pro tips straight from the mind of the champion at hand. This go around I decided to switch things up a bit and let the community share their thoughts on the Champion. Let these beautiful sentiments be the true description of the man, the myth, the LEGEND… Chris Tang. Boom Tetris!

"Chris brings profound dignity to the gaming community. His brilliant creativity and leadership skills fuel his ability to uplift the global gaming community, making it a richer and more constructive place." -Walter Day

"Chris’s contagious commentary helped spark a world-wide Tetris resurgence (and made me a meme!) All-around gaming legend, and all-around fantastic dude. Boom!" - ”Boom Tetris for Jeff” Moore (CTWC Finalist)

“Chris can be defined by two words, "pure joy" When he won the Sega world championship in 1994, you could see the elation on his face, and that joy came from him reaching his goal, not from shaming or kicking down his opponent. He continues to share his love of gaming through his commentary for the Classic Tetris World Championship. His positivity and joy for video games is the bedrock that Classic Tetris scene was built on. Had a snarky jerk announced these events, the CTWC would have withered on the vine years ago.” - Chris Bidwell (2015 NWC Finalist)

Chris has an infectious excitement that stems from being both a hardcore gamer and developer. - Sean Fortenot (Tony Hawk Pro Skater Champion)

“Chris Tang is one of the most exceptional people I've ever met, not just in the context of gaming but just as what an actual hero is supposed to be. His accomplishments speak for themselves, but only tell half the story of his kindness, humor, warmth, and generosity. He's an invaluable unique brand of sincerity and optimism in a world that often seems to demand cynicism and the silencing of dreams. I didn't get to spend much time with him back during the original NWC era, but am honored to have him as a friend in the long years since. And should this man happen to get trapped in a cave by militants, he will probably emerge in a fully operational mech suit, he's a real life iron man with a heart of gold.” - Thor Aackerlund (Nintendo World Champion 1990)

"From the beginning, Chris brought full commitment and passion to commentating CTWC. He is and always will be a legend in Classic Tetris." - Adam Cornelius (CTWC Founder)

“I used to hit imaginary backyard homeruns with Curt Gowdy announcing my way around the bases. In the same way, a whole new generation imagined being on the main CTWC stage with Chris shouting BOOM! as they Tetrised to victory. He's an inspiration, and today's worldwide competitive NES Tetris scene wouldn't exist without the excitement Chris brought to it.”- Keith Didion (Classic Tetris Monthly Organizer and Commentator)

“Chris has been a fantastic representative for classic competitive gaming. I love having him at retro championships events where he shares his unique experiences with the gamers just learning about this world!” - Dorian Whitlock (NWC 1994 Finalist)

"What Chris did in the SEGA tournament was major. I remember watching it on TV, back in the days where video game competitions on a truly large scale were incredibly rare and even rarer to see on television. What he went on to contribute to the video game world has been incredible as well. But the best thing about him? His incredible humility combined with his sheer love and passion for video game culture. I don't find that combination in enough people. Chris has both qualities in spades." - Patrick Scott Patterson (Gaming Preservationist)

“Tang is the color commentator the world of Tetris needed and his taste in music is impeccable.” - Christian Deitering (Let’s Play Gaming Expo)

I've known Chris from our AOL Video Game Chat Room days of the late 90s. His passion for gaming is infectious. Whether it's watching him play, his announcing or just bumping into him at a convention it's always a pleasure. - John Riggs

“ I was introduced to Chris through his inclusion on the US National Video Game Team and then later his Induction in the International Video Game Hall of Fame. When I was in Phoenix playing several Joust , Chris came out to 2 locations in support and then in one, I believe Cobra Arcade Bar he played fighting games against many players - he made quick work of all wannabe Fighting game players. Chris is just a nice guy with a great public image. ” - Lonnie McDonald (Video Game Hall of Famer)

“Two words: Boom Tetris” - Sean “Quaid” Ritchie (CTWC Finalist)

“Chris is an OG NWC legend and an iconic presence at every CTWC. He vocalizes the emotion of the game with a unique flair that has inspired players and spectators worldwide. We love you Chris!” - Trey Harrison (1990 NWC Contender, CTWC Organizer) 

“I was Chris’ color commentator for the legendary Tetris World Championships finals where “Boom Tetris for Jeff” and “Piecement Places” were born. His enthusiasm and passion is infectious and combined with not only his knowledge, but also his contributions to history with the development multiple video games, he is truly what I call a legend of the industry and am honored to call him my friend.” - Jeffrey Wittenhagen (Retro Gaming Author and PodCaster)

“Chris is the heart of CTWC. His enthusiasm has kept audiences captivated for 10 years. BOOM TETRIS for Chris Tang!” - Joey Parker (Tetris Master)

“I am a huge fan of the classic Tetris world championship, watching all the videos all the time one of the parts I love is how awesome of a announcer Chis Tang is! Always so hyped up, positive, and brings the emotion. He really draws you I to the game play. With out him the CTWC would not be the same to me.” - Aaron “JAWS” Homoki (Pro Skater)

“Chris can light up a room with his generous smile and positive vibe. One of the nicest people to know.” - John Hancock (Video Game Historian)

“Chris has been with the tetris community from the beginning, he helped grow the tournament with lively, and memorable commentary. Much could really be said for how his personality helped make those early tournaments more memorable before we really had the player, and fan base to make itself sustaining, he did a lot to help sustain it!” - Ben Mullen (Tetris Master)

“When it comes to gaming you really can’t find anyone more passionate than Chris. No one has cheered for me more in my return to NES Tetris than him.” - Dave Lopez (1990 NWC and 1994 NWC Finalist)

“Chris is an integral part of the Classic Tetris World Championship. His insightful commentary and memorable catch phrases have helped catapult what otherwise might be a niche event into a worldwide phenomenon. ‘Boom Tetris’ will forever be etched into eSports history.” - Chris Brady (Tetris Master)

"Chris' passion for the gaming community is awesome. Not only is he an amazing player, but he is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet." - John Lester (Game On Expo)

"As a contender in the CTWC, I’m glad to share enthusiasm with Chris, and his long-standing dedication to the industry for decades is simply amazing." - Sho “SQR” Akaki (Tetris GrandMaster)

It wouldn't be until much later that I would connect that the same person was behind various cosplays, game credits, and contest wins, testament to his presence in many different scenes. I'd see him again in 2008 as Captain Commando in a MvC skit, and later as Barnaby from Tiger & Bunny. The Barnaby hero suit was the base he used for the flashy "Famicom" costume he wore at CTWC 2011. Always putting together slick cosplays. - Alex Kerr (Tetris GrandMaster, CTWC Finalist)

“As a fellow classmate inductee of the International Video Game Hall of Fame, Chris Tangs contributions of yesterday, helped pioneered the industry of eSports today.” - Triforce Johnson (Video Gaming Legend)

"I can't imagine the CTWC without Chris's commentary." – Tomohiro “Green Tea” Tatejima (Tetris GrandMaster)

“Chris Tang is one of the most passionate people in the arcade gaming scene. He has shared his history with so many and through that he has made the scene a much better place.” – Doc Mack (Galloping Ghosts)