Adam Greenwood and I were having this discussion recently, and our list wasn't very long. It was something like:
-Evan Gatesman
-Jim Penske
-Nick Landes
-Lon Smith
-Scott Bevier
-Jay Boychuk
Who else?
It seems like North American hack is at a low in terms of objective quality and quantity of players. It can be difficult to gauge just from internet activity and video, though.
Current top North American players?
I think North Am might be at a low in terms of quantity of players, but I wouldn't say that about quality. I feel like the level of top players now is as high if not higher than it was at any time in the last 10 years. Part of the problem is probably perception. Say you first entered the sport in 2003, when the top NA players were Ahren Gehrman, Sunil, and Chad. Since you were a beginner, their skills must have seemed godlike. If you were to put Evan Gatesman in a time machine though, he'd destroy all of them. Similarly, I feel the average low-level pro today is better than most of the pros from a few years ago, since the overall level of the sport has increased.
I'd also mention the names of Justin Dale and Jorden Moir to the names so far. Jorden isn't as visible as he used to be, but at USO last year he fucking killed us all in circle. Killed us. Justin is also pushing pretty hard now, and as anybody who has had the challenge of facing him in Circle comp recently will attest, he's a top player too.
I'd also agree that Kemmer is on the come up. I'd also add Brian Bear to that list, and Mathieu GM is headed in that direction too.
I'd also mention the names of Justin Dale and Jorden Moir to the names so far. Jorden isn't as visible as he used to be, but at USO last year he fucking killed us all in circle. Killed us. Justin is also pushing pretty hard now, and as anybody who has had the challenge of facing him in Circle comp recently will attest, he's a top player too.
I'd also agree that Kemmer is on the come up. I'd also add Brian Bear to that list, and Mathieu GM is headed in that direction too.
Last edited by C-Fan on 13 Jan 2012 12:30, edited 1 time in total.
I would say Evan is pretty much the strongest right now. But i guess based on USO we must place Jorden in there... David is still really strong... But yah there are lots of player i have no news of : Scott, Lon, Jim, Nick... If these gusy are in good shape, then they are definitly on the list!
haha Ken... i wasn't expecting my name ot be mentionned on the topic. thanks for believing that i can be great later on haha
. I think we must place Dante in the list of the upcoming players also:).
Mat
haha Ken... i wasn't expecting my name ot be mentionned on the topic. thanks for believing that i can be great later on haha
. I think we must place Dante in the list of the upcoming players also:).Mat
Add Mark to that list of up-and-comers. Zac looked really good at USO but I have no idea what he's been up to lately.
At Green Cup last year we were sitting around a table trying to count all of the serious, active freestyle footbag players in North America. We could only get into the mid-30's and it seemed pretty exhaustive. The criteria was something like: you must play at a reasonably high level (solid guiltless), and attend events once in awhile or at least have an online presence posting regular videos and whatnot. They didn't have to be a top player, they just have to be both skilled and active. It makes me wonder if the true number is higher than 30-something.
At Green Cup last year we were sitting around a table trying to count all of the serious, active freestyle footbag players in North America. We could only get into the mid-30's and it seemed pretty exhaustive. The criteria was something like: you must play at a reasonably high level (solid guiltless), and attend events once in awhile or at least have an online presence posting regular videos and whatnot. They didn't have to be a top player, they just have to be both skilled and active. It makes me wonder if the true number is higher than 30-something.
chris dean
