Below are the results from the 2013 Alpenbrise Munich Wies’n Jam. In its second year, the “Oktoberfest Jam” is shaping up to be another mainstay of the German tournament scene. Taking its cue from the Berlin Hat series, the Wies’n Jam is a random-team event where the “hat” portion is taken very seriously. Toby, the tournament director, insists on using an authentic Bavarian hat for deciding the teams, and this year the teams were pulled in the beer hall by a dirndl-clad woman using a tattered-looking hat. She and others seemed amused that so many people would bring Frisbees to the hall, but the hat ceremony had a feeling of tradition that made it seem almost appropriate.
Sunday’s competition was, of course, more reason to jam than anything, especially after a long day (and night) of enjoying Oktoberfest. The judging system was based solely on general impression and the light atmosphere made for fun and interesting routines. Every team got to play twice with the finals being split up into an A and B final. The B final was very strong, with a particularly inspired performance by the winning team of Melanie Kranz and Piccioni Cusma, the former displaying a formidable range of abilities (after only a short time of playing) under the seasoned guidance of Piccio.
The A final, unfortunately, had a setback with the music and the last two teams played without accompaniment. Even so, both held seed. Sophie Wolf played two incredible rounds, showing poise and confidence with both spins, despite having only started last January. The winning team of Toby Kunzel and Markus Gotz really impressed. Even without music, these two completely shredded, falling into the kind of smooth flow that requires no accessory. In addition, they followed a longstanding and long-honored tradition of td’s winning their own tournaments. Congrats to both of them!
During the awards ceremony and dinner (graciously hosted by Niki Thoma), Toby and Markus decided to give away their awards. There was a vote held for move of the tournament and spirit of the jam. James Wiseman was voted for move of the tournament (though nobody was quite decided on what the move was, what it was called, if it was caught, or if he was even at the tournament). Toby, incredibly and almost despite himself, won back his own award for spirit of the jam. And truly, no one deserved it more. Toby ran a great event with the help of the Munich crew. For a tournament held in the midst of the largest beer festival (and party!) in the world, it was run with the kind of ease and efficiency that make players want to keep coming back. He provided food and housing for everyone, transportation, and even managed to reserve tables months in advance for everyone who came. And on top of all this, he totally shredded.
And may it be forever more.
Results:
Alpenbrise Munich Wies’n Jam 2013 (aka Oktoberfest Jam)
Munich, Germany
September 28-29, 2013
A Final
1. Toby Künzel/Markus Götz (33.5)
2. Sophie Wolf/James Wiseman (27.75)
3. Ilka Simon/Jakub Mystiq Matula (26.5)
4. Lorenzo Telo/Irena Kulišanová (26)
B Final
5. Melanie Kranz/Piccioni Cusma (22.5)
6. Niki Thoma/Dario Marinoni (20)
7. John Titcomb/Daniel Weinbuch (18.5)
8. Anna Longoni/Jonathan Kriss (15)
Semifinal
1. Toby Künzel/Markus Götz (48.75)
2. Sophie Wolf/James Wiseman (48.5)
3. Ilka Simon/Jakub Mystiq Matula (44.75)
4. Lorenzo Telo/Irena Kulišanová (38.5)
5. Niki Thoma/Dario Marinoni (37.75)
6. Melanie Kranz/Piccioni Cusma (32)
7. John Titcomb/Daniel Weinbuch (28.25)
8. Anna Longoni/Jonathan Kriss (16.5)
Move of the tournament: Hammer Flamingitis (James Wiseman)
Spirit of the Jam: Toby Künzel
Winner of the Party: Mistiq Matula