There was a ton of talent in attendance at the 2014 West Coast YoYo Championship…check out this demo from 2014 World Champion Gentry Stein, 2008 World Champion John Ando, and 2012 National Champion Patrick Mitchell!
YoYoFactory Northstar Aurora Borealis (at work mix)
Sometimes things get a little slow around the office at YoYoFactory…so might as well turn on the camera and catch some tricks from the insane amount of talent hanging around!
Yoyo used is the Northstar (Aurora Borealis) by YoYoFactory.
YoYoFactory Presents: Patrick Mitchell
Two-time US National 2A Champion Patrick Mitchell took himself a little road trip recently, and YoYoFactory gives us a rare glimpse at just how good his 1A play really is. It’s easy to forget sometimes, when someone becomes really known for a particular style, that they’re generally secretly awesome at another one. Patrick Mitchell’s 1A is smooth, clean, and damn fun to watch. Enjoy!
Yoyo used is the YoYoFactory ICON Collection Protostar.
Patrick Mitchell on Fusion’s “Good Morning Today”
Patrick Mitchell appeared last night on “Good Morning, Today”, a new satire talk show on the recently launched Fusion Network. The clip is pretty hilarious, and Patrick gave us some back story on the appearance:
David Javerbaum, former head writer/exec-producer/12-time Emmy winner, teamed up with the new Fusion Network to create a morning news show based in an alternative universe. The goal of the ‘Good Morning, Today’ show is to play off of real events and real people by tweaking their stories and bending the truths to make things less serious and much more strange.
For this bit, they wanted to portray yo-yoing as the most popular sport in their world and Patrick Mitchell to be the most well known face in yoyoing. P-Mitch, of course, has his personality flaws and is currently fighting allegations that he abuses scallions (the most popular drug in their world). Regardless, P Mitch is a true ‘rise from the ashes’ story since he came from the roughest part of the world, Huntington Beach California (in our world, Huntington is a beautiful beach town), and has taken the yoyo world by storm. They were lucky to get this interview because typically, P Mitch don’t do no face-to-face media BULL SH*T.
In reality, this experience was amazing – the show uses a newly commercialized Jim Henson created technology in which you are standing on a set completely alone during the interview, but animators off-camera are interacting with you in real time. Other people on the show over the next few weeks include Tony Hawk, Weird Al Yankovic, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and others.
2013 Bill Lebowitz Classic (Southwest Regional) Results
The final regional competition of the 2013 United States National Yo-Yo Contest qualification process finished up on Saturday and we have the full results. The contest was a great success with an improvement in the judging and an increased attendance from the previous year. We will update the 2013 Semi-Finals for the National Contest, check here.
On to the results,
5A
In 5A, National Champion Tyler Severance took the seed and looks to defend his title in the next three weeks. Paolo Bueno, 1A juggernaut, who is heavily influenced by Tyler in 5A, took second and closed the gap from the last contests he has competed against Tyler. Finally, Shannon Jackson of Arizona, loved by many and a consistent name in 5A, qualified for Nationals and took the third place honors.
- Tyler Severance
- Paolo Bueno
- Shannon Jackson
- Michael Nakamura
- Dylan Benharris
- Ryan Gee
- Ryan Ayes
- Newman Becker
Bold indicates seeded to semi-finals at the 2013 National YoYo Contest. Full results:
4A
4A saw World Champion Michael Nakamura easily take top the spot despite a few (wind-aided) errors. Up and coming youngest Julian Grunauer took home second place with an extremely clean first half of his routine; with more and more experience, look for Julian to finish stronger with a clean second half in contests in the future. Finally, Stephanie Haight took home the third spot home and bolsters YoYoJams 4A roster and more young talent.
- Michael Nakamura
- Julian Grunauer
- Stephanie Haight
- Ty Goldman
- Yusuke Moriki
- Ryan Ayers
- Newman Becker
Bold indicates seeded to semi-finals at the 2013 National YoYo Contest. Full results:
3A
3A pitted #2 and #4 from last month’s 2013 World YoYo Contest against each other and Alex Hattori won this time around with a great routine. Continuing his trend of ultra clean routines, Alex has put together 5 minutes of near flawless yo-yoing and has had a strong 2013 after a rough 2012. Look for Alex to be a huge contender going into the 2013 US National YoYo Contest. Patrick Borgerding had a relatively clean routine sans an extremely long switch out after an ugly knot. Yoshi Mikamoto edged out Newman Becker for third place. Newman has been steadily improving his 3A and looks stronger and stronger each year.
- Alex Hattori
- Patrick Borgerding
- Yoshi Mikamoto
- Newman Becker
Bold indicates seeded to semi-finals at the 2013 National YoYo Contest. Full results:
2A
National Champion Patrick Mitchell won despite an exploded yo-yo and a restart–testimony to his skill and he looks poised to defend his title this year. 2A veteran Yoshi Mikamoto took second honors and nearly edged out the National Champion. Finally, Yususke Moriki took home third place–everyone’s favorite jokester and always entertaining 2A player.
- Patrick Mitchell
- Yoshi Mikamoto
- Yusuke Moriki
- John Huber
- Path Yath
Bold indicates seeded to semi-finals at the 2013 National YoYo Contest. Full results:
1A Rookie
This year saw the addition of the rookie 1A division, a trend that many contests are now adopting, which was a good opportunity for the next generation to get on center stage. It is always awesome to see how fast everyone is improving and growing!
- Ryan Lagrou
- Lucas Madison
- James Martin
- McCando Kao
- Jose Pineda
- Spencer Rawnsley
- Daniel Walling
- Elijah Ortencio
1A
Anthony Rojas. Look out. He is a clean three minutes from being the US representative at the 2014 World YoYo Contest in Prague next year. A beautiful display of control and innovation with a hint of artistry and even a bit of swagger (brush your shoulder…). Anthony is a definitely the biggest crowd favorite in the US–last year at the National Contest when Anthony switched out there was an audible sigh of sadness from the crowd. In second, 4A Champion Michael Nakamura proved he should be considered a threat on all fronts. He has improved drastically even since Worlds and will make a run at qualifying again for the finals after his finaling at Worlds. Finally, Paolo Bueno took home third with yet another extremely innovative routine with his (becoming) trademark 3D tricks. He continues to improve and will certainly be a threat for the 2014 World title after a very strong year this year.
- Anthony Rojas
- Michael Nakamura
- Paolo Bueno
- Paul Dang
- Wilson Van Gundy
- Eric Koloski
- Ty Goldman
- Keiran Cooper
- David Ung
- Clint Armstrong
- Yusuke Moriki
- Dylan Benharris
- Tyler Goldenberg
- John Huber
- Ryan Gee
- Matt Leoun
- Paul Yath
Bold indicates seeded to semi-finals at the 2013 National Yo-Yo Contest. Full results:
Anthony Rojas
Michael Nakamura
Paolo Bueno
Thank you for a great event and see you next year!
Three Minutes From The Cup | 2013 US National YoYo Contest
Three Minutes From The Cup / 2013 US National YoYo Contest
As the 2013 US National YoYo Contest quickly approaches, YoYoNews has lots of top-notch coverage planned, including in-depth analysis of the top contenders for the title this year in all divisions with commentary from past champions, interviews, resources and below, promo videos to get you guys excited and inspired for the United States’ top competition.
Zach Gormley | 1A Defending Champion
Gentry Stein | 1A Contender
Harold Owens III | 1A Contender
Patrick Mitchell | 2A Defending Champion
Ian Johnson | 4A Contender
Get registered over at contest.nationalyoyo.org and start practicing! Keep an eye out for the coverage!
The BAC Experience (NSFW)
This video is recommended for audiences 18 years and older.
Youtube version here.
Because it is my regional contest, The Bay Area Classic is dear to my heart. Currently held in San Francisco, CA, the BAC always manages to bring together many of the world’s greatest players.
Since I personally never compete, I am always a spectator on the sidelines. I don’t mind this. In fact, I embrace it. Very rarely do you see me without my trusty camera. Since 1998, I have shot video at pretty much every yoyo event I’ve gone to. Some people have said that my work has documented the growth and change of yoyoing over the past 15 years. While I don’t feel I’m worthy of such high praise, I do feel that my videos have made a large impact in the yoyo community. That is why when the BAC committee asked me if I was willing to help shoot freestyles for the event, I gladly accepted. This acceptance, however, came with a downside.
This year, BAC ran freestyles throughout the day (as opposed to the end of the day). While this made everything run much smoother, it meant that I was unable to film tricks for a clip video since I would be busy with freestyles all day. I was pretty bummed, as I really enjoy making clip videos. So, to get my “documenting fix” in, I decided to shoot photographs and maybe hope that I could grab some good video footage at the Official BAC BBQ on Sunday.
My initial video plan was to make a video that showed people hanging out at the BAC BBQ. I wanted to make a sequel to last year’s BAC video, but this time focus on the players themselves, instead of their tricks. I wanted to show all of us hanging out, laughing, having a good time, making up and sharing tricks, and relaxing after a tough competition. This was the plan until I got home and realized that the photos I had taken all weekend showed a much more interesting story.
Over the course of the weekend, I shot approximately 2000 photos using a combination of my iPhone, Lumix LX7, and Sony NEX-5N using (primarily) a 8mm fisheye. If you were in my vicinity at any point this weekend, odds are I took your picture.
Inspired by Kohta’s EYYC 2012 video, this BAC 2013 video shows a different side of the contest filled with friends, family, spirits, camaraderie, yoyoing, and kendama.
2013 Bay Area Classic Results – TIE FOR FIRST PLACE!!! (Video)
1A Freestyle
1st – TIE!! – Gentry Stein & Luis Enrique
3rd – Paul Kerbel
2A Freestyle
1st – Joseph Harris
2nd – Patrick Mitchell
3rd – Yoshi Mikamoto
3A Freestyle
1st – Eric Tran-ton
2nd – Elliot Ogawa
3rd – Patrick Borgerding
4A Freestyle
1st – Michael Nakamura
2nd – Bryan Figueroa
3rd – Zac Rubino
5A Freestyle
1st – Tyler Severance
2nd – Josh Yee
3rd – Elliot Jackson
YoYoFactory @ Sport Chalet Outdoor Expo in La Cañada (5.18)
Looks like YoYoFactory is going to have a strong presence at this weekend’s Sport Chalet Outdoor Expo in La Cañada, California. Sounds like fun!
We are excited to join with a wealth of great brands at the Sport Chalet Outdoor Expo this weekend! Come join Pat, Tyler, Paul, Luis and Pat for a fun day of awesome yo-yoing and fun! If you’re in the area, we’ll also be doing Yo-Yo Classes and Demos at the Sport Chalet La Cañada store every day starting at 4pm.
Patrick Mitchell on YoYoRadio (4.26)
Patrick Mitchell, 2A legend and 2012 US National YoYo Champion, will be the featured guest on the next YoYoRadio broadcast – coming tomorrow, April 26th, at 9:30 pm (EST). Patrick will be discussing the evolution of 2A yo-yoing as well as his current sales position at YoYoFactory.
The guys will also talk to Joshua Schlichting about Saturday’s Minnesota State Yo-Yo Contest
YoYoRadio is the first internet radio show by and for yoyoers; a one-hour show that broadcasts live each Friday at 9:30 pm (EST). You can listen live and/or download the show later from the archives. Conceived and hosted by Joe Mitchell, the show began in 2005 and is the first of its kind. Other internet radio shows and podcasts have come and gone, but YoYoRadio has stood the test of time.
Listen live at YoYoRadio.net/listen at 9:30 PM EST.
Patrick Mitchell – 2012 US National YoYo Contest – 2A Division – 1st Place
YoYoFactory Loop 1080 Promo Video
Looks like YoYoFactory put together another great promo video, this one for the YoYoFactory Loop 1080, the signature model of Shu Takada. Featuring Patrick Mitchell, John Ando, Paul Han, and of course Shu Takada. Thanks to Jayson at YoYo Acquaintance for the heads-up on this one!
2013 Hyper YoYo Festival Freestyles
The Hyper YoYo Festival was in full swing this weekend, with special guest performances from US National Champion Patrick Mitchell, Czech National Champion Vashek Kroutil, and World Champions Team Shaqler. Looks like YoYoFactory was in top form at this year’s Hyper YoYo event in Japan. Thanks to Rewind for the great video and Hyper YoYo event coverage…be sure to check out their excellent Hyper YoYo selection.
Patrick Mitchell
Team Shaqler
Vashek Kroutil
The Hyper YoYo Festival Hits Tokyo Next Weekend!
For the fourth year straight, Bandai is promoting the Hyper YoYo Festival in Japan. The event coincides with the week of April 4th, “yo-yo day” in Japan (the number four can be read as “yo” in Japanese, hence 4/4 is yo-yo day).
This year Bandai seems to be closing the gap between their mainstream yo-yo campaign and our beloved freestyle yoyoing. The event will still have attractions for beginners, such as parent-child long sleeper competitions and a “yo-yo park” where anyone can learn a few basic tricks, but there’s also a freestyle competition for advanced players. While not as elaborate as regular yo-yo contests, it’s nonetheless a great chance to witness some of the new talent that’s coming out of this most recent iteration of the Hyper Yo-yo campaign, just like the late 90’s boom, where a lot of current yo-yo legends came from.
Yo-yo shows and demos are regularly held at Bandai events, but this year, in addition to Bandai’s own pro-spinners and Shaqler, two very special guests will also make an appearance. US 2A National Champion Patrick Mitchell and 2010 European Champion Vashek Kroutil will be the international superstars at the festival.
The Hyper YoYo event will be held from 10AM to 4PM on Sunday, April 7th, at Sunshine City, in Tokyo.
Check the official site for detailed information!
Patrick Mitchell Promo Video
The folks at YoYoRewind have put together this fantastic video profile of 2-time National YoYo Champion Patrick Mitchell and it’s GREAT. Patrick is consistently one of the best and yet most underrated yoyo players in the world. Positive, upbeat, gifted, hard-working, and a tremendous performer and demonstrator, it’s really only his modesty that’s kept him from being a flat-out star in the yoyo industry.
Congrats to Patrick on this terrific video profile, and thanks to the folks at YoYoRewind for producing it!