Annual Contests

WSA 25 ENTRY ******** The world I knew was ordinary or at least bearable—until it wasn’t. I was just another corporate drone, drowning in a dead-end job I hated, stuck in a life that felt like it would never change. That is, until the mages decided to pick me. Every ten years, the mages choose ten people from across the faction—ordinary people like me—and thrust them into the Beast Games, a sadistic contest where only the strongest survive. The rules are simple: tame the fiercest creatures that world has to offer, fight to the death, and outlast every other contestant. Fail, and you die. Succeed, and you get to return home. But nothing there was as simple as it seemed. Thrown into a land where beasts rip through flesh without hesitation, and other contestants see me as nothing more than prey, I’m forced to rely on a mysterious system that offers me quests and tasks to survive. This world doesn’t play by any rules, least of all the ones we know. I will survive and I will find the ones who made this game and when I find them, I’ll show them what happens when you mess with someone who has nothing left to lose.

Kaka: Huang Kai was the greatest hero of the Istanbul night, although he played only a little. Ancelotti: Huang Kai is a super genius, it's just too bad his body isn’t quite up to par. Maldini: Huang Kai is the most important player on the team. I suggest the club re-sign him for another five years. Barcelona: To sign Huang Kaiwen, we decided to demonstrate our sincerity by signing his cousin with an annual salary of one million euros. The veterinarians in Milan are no good; he won't get injured with us in Barcelona. Bayern Munich: We have the Divine Doctor! Huang Kaiwen, the biggest slacker in soccer. From slacking off every day, forced to make sporadic appearances, he ultimately was forced to become the team's savior. Football, anything is possible!

The Hero's Ritual: a deadly contest where one hundred candidates vie for the title of Hero. In this brutal game of survival, where only the strong live and the weak are destined to perish, a young boy without any talent for battle manages to survive by a mind sharper than any sword. Upon learning that he has been chosen as the Hero, he naively believes that his life will finally see a glimmer of hope. But what awaits him is far from a Hero’s glorious future. 'You… must die here.' Before his journey as a Hero can even begin, his beloved childhood friend pushes him off a cliff. All that awaits him now… is the abyss. This is not the story of a Hero's triumph. It's merely the desperate cries of a fallen one. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/SouloftheLoveWarriors

In a world awakening of Superpower and spiritual energy, Kent, an orphan with an Low-rank physique, gains the SSS-Rank (Copy Spiritual Energy) Skill and the System. The mysterious power that will make him the strongest. As ancient ruins, pocket dimension resurface and animals evolve into monsters, everyday people awaken superpower, Kent's journey of survival, secrets, and his mischievous sister, Nima, who holds a dark power of her own. With chaos brewing worldwide and Government and different organisations watching, can Kent rise from the shadows to shape the fate of the world? ---- WSA 2025 Contest. ---- Show some support by:- 100 comments= 1 extra chapter. 100 power stone= 1 extra chapter 30 Golden tickets= 1 extra chapter. 1 Castle= 5 extra chapter. Thanks you. -------------------

Born into a dirt poor mining family, Karl only had one chance to get ahead in life, the annual elite recruitment day. On their final day of middle school, every student in the Golden Dragon Nation was given an experimental injection to awaken their affinity with magic. Those few who succeeded would become the Elite, the leaders and idols of the nation, blessed with incredible magical powers and respected by all. Those who did not would return to their normal lives of hard work and low wages, just doing the best they could. But with the nation surrounded by enemies, both humans and monsters, how long would these peaceful days of magical idols last? Follow the story of Karl as he awakens a unique power and strives to become the world's first Legendary Beast Master.

Known as "the in bird that shared it's wings"'only possess one wing. Unless a male and female pair lean on one another and act as one, they're in capable of flight. To be exact they are imperfect but for some reason their way of life struck me as essentially beautiful. _ "I Want to shower, I don't like my taste".Autosua said with a calm voice, although her pale skin was very moist she still felt dirty. "Again?" Don't you think all this unnecessary behavior is not needed?" A man putting on a suit said as he stared at the airplane. "Hahaha." Antosia chuckled, then a stern look appeared on her face. Then Antosia tensed the fine hairs on her back. "I haven't seen you this calm." Antosia sent a cold stare at the thing, to be more precise, the creature. Before she knew it, the creature turned to a human. "The aeroplane will land any moment from now, so please be prepared," the creature who turned to a human said, only to find her boss staring at her with her red eyes, which could send goosebumps down anyone's spine. Without any reply from her boss, the dark-haired lady gave a slight bow to Antosia and then she left, far away from where she was. The new intake, that is, the first-year students in the university, was having an annual welcoming event. Kristen, Evelyn, Marble, Crypto, Ephesian, Sterlin, Crystal, and the last but not the least, Pristin, you are now a Qualified Parasite. You are to begin your lessons and training on Monday. Hope you enjoy this place and have fun unlocking your sterilizer. Thank you, that's all for today. Everyone, a round of applause for this group, the prestigious Parasite Sterile.

After reincarnation in the Nine Profound Realm, Nyxus awakened his ability as the System. Much to his delight, that system could load those great powerhouse template from fantasy world's! He could also freely choose the initial template at the beginning! After some thinking, he finally chose his own previous life novel protagonist as the initial template! But then something happened and because of that, the system became useless. Not only that, his luck decreased and when he was born, there wasn't even a trace of qi in his body which decides whether the person could become cultivator or remain mortal through his whole life. Even so, his mother bought a precious dan equal to heaven and earth spritual treasure for him. Using that dan, a mortal can initially walk on the path of cultivation. After 20 years, In the contests of the future patriarch of the immortal family, his dantian was broken by the enemy. It seems that his luck had abandoned him and he, his mother and twin sister were kicked out from the family because of various things in the past. Just when the situation was almost desperate--- [Ding, The System Has Been Updated Successfully] [Congratulations To The Host For Loading The Unique Template Of The Originator!] ******* Tags: Chaotic Neutral Main Character - Reincarnation - Strong To Stronger - Slice of Life - Smut - No Yuri - No NTR - But Contains Netori - Milf - Princess - Beautiful - YANDERE - Angel Race - Vampire Race - Dragon Race - Elves Race - Spirit Race - Undead Race - Harem - Mature - R18 - Sex Stories - Hentai - NSFW - Pregnancy - Extreme Wish fulfillment. ***** To see character's illustrations and to get instant chapter release, join my discord server; https://discord.gg/38sHvNaUzr

Evan was an Award-winning actor and the CEO of the biggest entertainment industry company. He was the richest person in America. After having One-Night stand with Evan. Ella left the country for 5 years and gave birth to his child secretly. On the other side, Evan got into a serious accident, which left his legs paralyzed, and the doctor told him that it was hard for him to walk again. He can no longer going to have children. Will he ever be able to know about his child Cherry? Will he ever be able to walk again? Will he ever going to get love from Ella? What will happen next if he gets to know about his child? Plot: There is a secret identity of Main Male Lead, which you will get to know after 100 chapters. Main Female Lead who endured bullying but became strong and can't stand it anymore. Female lead runs away while being pregnant. Youthful Female Lead and an experienced Male Lead. The story is very dramatic and full of new plots. A/n: I have submitted this story for the viral book call and had planned this just according to that contest. I hope that you all will support my new story.♡

The grand tournament of mages to become will take place in the world of AinVeil. 250 contestants chosen from earth will participate in this competition for the ultimate prize- the strength of a god and a wish granted by the grand wizard himself.

“I will not be defined as a ‘wolfless deviant’ I will not be a pawn in the 'games Alphas play' And I refuse to be mated to the stranger who crashed into my life and turned everything upside down… Only that might be my biggest challenge yet.” Those were the words Lyla chanted to herself as she left the annual werewolf gala, drenched in her sweat and her pheromones. Only days ago, she was a happy teenager existing in the human world – trying to get through college and go far away, forget everything she’s been through and start life afresh but now, she’s in the middle of the gala, sprawled on the ground with her desires in everyone’s face and Alpha Ramsey Kincaid – the Lycan leader of the White Moon Throne extending his hands towards her. If she takes it, she would bring dishonour to her family because she is in no state to be mingling with anyone, talk more of the Lycan leader who was out of her league and if she refuses, she risks being sent to the pack prison for not taking better care of herself during her heat - Yes, it was a crime for her to be without a wolf. But when he touches her, something inside her stirs… Desires? Yes! Powers hidden by the moon goddess? Yes! And maybe just maybe, the stirrings of her missing wolf whose voice can calm feral wolves and heal … Can she learn to trust this man whose mouth says a different thing and his hands speak another language or would she become a pawn – a piece of chess in the games ‘Alphas play’? One thing’s for certain- Lyla Woodlands was done being the pack’s little, dirty ‘wolfless deviant’. It’s time this wolfless wonder showed them what she’s made of. #Slow burn #Wispy old prophecies # Love Triangle - ML and FL best friend #Villian in love with FL Join my discord group: https://discord.gg/t2w9NgC4

500 years ago, the Goddess of Order, Meena, chose a mortal whom she fancied and made him her champion, bestowing upon him great power that ensured he never lost a war and he always prevailed in the face of adversity. The 'Jojoh Meena', the blessing of the Goddess of Order, was passed down from the mortal whom she favored and down through the line of his male descendants who became Kings of the Kingdom of Binoria. The descendants, with the power of the Goddess, waged war against their rival Kingdoms. Nearly wiping out the kingdom of Kolotia who defied their rule. Subjugating the Remu and the Talisi Kingdoms and forcing them to pay an annual penance to the mighty Binoria to ensure their fate doesn't mirror that of Kolotia. Vayin Vigon, present king of Binoria and holder of the blessing of the Goddess as his ancestors before him, sits on the red throne of the most powerful kingdom in the realm, Binoria. King Vayin Vigon is unstoppable in and out of the field of battle and his reign of tyranny seems to have no end. But unbeknownst to King Vayin is a Kolotian shepherd named Ishar, a young man who catches the eye of the God of Chaos, a malevolent God named Ovek who seeks to right the wrong done to the realm 500 years ago by the Goddess Meena. As the Goddess of Order gave to the Kings of Binoria so must the God of Chaos take from Ishar so as to restore balance within the realm. And the price deemed fit to be paid by Ishar so as to be the champion of Chaos, is the young Kolotian's sanity. Will madness be enough to overcome tyranny?

A world devastated by the Great demon war that took place thirty thousand years ago, now at peace a child is born in an empire built on the blood and bodies of it men, hated and feared by all will he overcome the hatred of this world or be swallowed by it his name is leon Garfield this is still THE KINGDOMS OF THE KING but for the contest only

Zorian Kazinski has all the time in the world to get stronger, and he plans on taking full advantage of it. A teenage mage of humble birth and slightly above-average skill, Zorian is attending his third year of education at Cyoria's magical academy. A driven and quiet young man, he is consumed by a desire to ensure his own future and free himself of the influence of his family, resenting the Kazinskis for favoring his brothers over him. Consequently, Zorian has no time for pointless distractions, much less other people's problems. As it happens, though, time is something he is about to get plenty of. On the eve of Cyoria's annual summer festival, Zorian is murdered, then abruptly brought back to the beginning of the month, just before he was about to take the train to school. Finding himself trapped in a time loop with no clear end or exit, he will have to look both within and without to unravel the mystery set before him. He does have to unravel it, too, because the loop clearly wasn’t made for his sake, and in a world of magic even a time traveler isn't safe from those who wish him ill. Fortunately for Zorian, repetition is the mother of learning…

At the press conference, reporters bombarded Chen Xing with questions. "Can you explain how someone as young as you clinched the championship? We heard accusations from other contestants that you've been cheating? Is that true?" Chen Xing shoved the microphone that was pushed up to his nose away, his face filled with annoyance, "I want to state again very seriously that I haven't cheated!" As his words ended, Chen Xing waved his hand and summoned a behemoth that blotted out the sky, then jumped onto its back. "Damn it, I can't stand this anymore. Just because I raised them well, they say I cheated? My crocodile accidentally ate a demon, and that's cheating?"

A group of unsuspecting students is caught in a deadly contest where lives are at stake and time is running out. They must uncover the truth behind the sinister "Cinderella's Palace." As rain pours and thunder roars, Yuki finds herself in a Jinro Game reminiscent of a Japanese drama she watched. The villagers need to identify the wolves to save themselves, but in this game, distinguishing between the fake and real wolves is crucial for her survival. What if she draws the wolf card?

Valkyria Saga tells the tale of Hisumi Nomura, a loyal agent of the malevolent organization Judgement. On a mission to eliminate a supposed traitor, Hisumi is betrayed and killed by his own comrades. But death is not the end. The Ruler of Rebirth intervenes, reviving Hisumi in a new form—a woman with immense untapped Spirit Energy. Waking in an alleyway, disoriented and grappling with her new identity, Hisumi quickly realizes the profound change that has occurred. Her extraordinary Spirit Energy draws the attention of the Valkyrias of Saint Fraskia Academy, a sanctuary and training ground for Valkyrias who oppose Judgement. Initially seen as a potential threat, Hisumi is soon recognized for her potential and invited to join the academy. Within the hallowed halls of Saint Fraskia, Hisumi undergoes rigorous training, participating in annual examinations that test her combat prowess and theoretical knowledge. She forges deep bonds with other Valkyrias, such as Yumeji Kugo, who wields the power of Time and Fire, and Kikyo Maeda, a lightning-affine warrior honoring her clan’s samurai and kunoichi heritage. As Hisumi trains, she battles internal struggles, reconciling her past loyalties with her new mission. Her journey reveals hidden aspects of her Spirit Energy and potential ties to the ancient and powerful Divine Arms—legendary weapons created by the Sovereigns. With Judgement’s threat looming large, Hisumi and her allies embark on dangerous missions, uncovering the sinister organization’s plans and clashing with its forces.

[Webnovel Rising Star ll Contest] What will you do if you are the younger brother of the number one genius under the heavens? What will you do if you know whatever you do, it will barely be a breeze before the raging flood of your brother's actions? Will you envy him, will you hate him, or will you support him and become a side character of an ever changing dangerous world? This is the situation Eugene found himself at, a boy filled with envy and jealousy toward his brother but also can't help to love him with all his heart. Unfortunately, the world never gave them time to process their complex emotions as things change everyday that seek to not just kill them but destroy their very homeland. This is a world that is barely functioning due to the illusion of hope! The more ignorant you are, the more free you are but power comes with responsibility. Knowledge comes with the dangerous realization that the future is bleak and despair is around the corner. Eugene found himself born in a world that ‘Awakened’ as they called it, humans devolved from Apex Predators centuries ago and are barely cattle for the ever evolving beasts and monsters. Two things saved the humans from extinction, and it wasn't their knowledge or weaponry; they are all useless against intelligent beasts that can do better. What saved them was some benevolent beasts that took them as servants, slaves and some as cattle for rearing. The second thing that saved them was the appearance of Gateway that led to various realms in unknown dimensions that aids them to make a pact with willing beasts. They finally gained strength and power and huddled around Gateways and built Settlements. Eugene found himself in a race against time as he dived into an unknown dimension, filled with mystery and danger that might have the answers everyone desire. [Webnovel Rising Star ll Contest] Please show your support through comments and reviews!

The Night of Hunting Games Written by Pubang Illustrated by Gentle Coda FREE on Kindle Unlimited and Kobo Plus now! “Greetings， my dear bros! Welcome to an all-new hunting game!“ “Earthlings， I am your god! Obey the will of your god， and kneel now!“ In a remote Earth village， an annual school bonfire becomes a night of terror. A-Lai， a mysterious boy， and 304 others are now targets in Caron's alien hunting game. Will they survive? Can A-Lai protect his loved ones? Who is truly the god on this planet? https://amzn.asia/d/ffnJv1Z https://www.kobo.com/au/en/ebook/the-night-of-hunting-games

In this world, ascending to upper realms was a matter of resources and ability. No matter the status or power level, if you have the money and the willingness to, you can live in any realm of your choosing. However, the higher the realm, the more power there is to tap into and cultivate. However, a devastating war led to a change in the rules. Who is brave enough to seek the Supremacy and rule the world? By: Jerlani

When Maeve Irving, a tomboyish twenty-one-year-old girl struggling with her identity, and the prospect of her future, begins to show signs of the Howling, she is visited by two men who show her the truth about the world and people she belongs to. However, as a late bloomer to the Howling, Maeve falls short in every regard other than beauty; etiquette, tradition and confidence are traits that the other aspiring Lunas have already acquired, and they make sure she feels her inadequacies at every turn. The life of an aspiring Luna is treacherous. In a mere week, Maeve has to contend against other werewolves in a contest that will decide the fate of werewolves in Glendale, as well as her friends. The price for a loss, is very steep, and for Maeve, it may as well be death. --- Disclaimer: The locations noted in the novel are not based in the real world. Additionally, all lore in the book is tailored towards this story, and no other. Thus, please be sure NOT to compare it to the lore from other books. Discord: https://discord.gg/fAjMB7eFDn

Growing up in Kateris, a small village and living a simple life, Kaelin never knew that there lied another truth behind his existence, sealed with utmost secrecy by his grandmother. But as said, truth can never be hidden forever. One day, Kaelin's world turned upside down in an instant when he found out, He was not just a normal human but THE LAST BEASTMASTER OF THERIA!! What would he do now? Would he accept his fate and fight, or just give up? And even if he claimed his position, at what stake? .... This was the first book that I started writing in webnovel, but I've participated in the WSA'25 contest, so this story update will not be stable as of now. Really sorry for the inconvenience. Hope you'll like my other works also. Thank you. :)

“You never loved me anyway, did you?” --------------- From the start, Lucy Grey knew her marriage was doomed to fall. She held onto her one-sided love for her husband for two years, but that was not enough to save their marriage. On the day Lucy was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Landon stayed beside his first love at the hospital. Finally, she realized it was time to let go. On that same night, she signed the divorce agreement and left quietly. But fate dealt a cruel hand as Lucy found out she was pregnant! After three years of searching, Landon finally found her. However, when he stood in front of her doorstep, he never expected a child who looked exactly like him would adorably look up and ask, “Are you my daddy?” .... This novel currently participates in "Viral Book Call", a Webnovel contest. Show your support by adding this to your library and writing a review. Thank you! #Marriage #Whitemoonlight #Substitute #Baby #Winheratallcost #Faceslapping. #MLgrovelling #ObsessedML

[Participating in the WSA 2025 contest] Growing up in poverty, Damien worked tirelessly—harder than anyone else—to support the people he cared about and eventually became a politician, loved by "All". Khoran, an emperor who rose from humble beginnings in a small village, forged one of the five greatest nations to ever exist in Cavros. Though they shared similar origins, the personalities of these two men were like night and day. While Damien trusted hundreds with his life, Khoran trusted no one—not even his closest officers. Through the power of a mythical being, these two contrasting personalities merged to create our protagonist, an existence built upon a mixture of their personality. Watch as our protagonist traverses through the world of Cavros, a land consumed by corruption, and Earth, which had tasted the early stages of it only a few years ago. And watch how our protagonist becomes... The future Undead Lord of Gluttonous Pride...

“Welcome, Player. Enter your world and change your fate. But beware: victory is not what it seems.” Samuel Thompson was a sharp and resourceful man, but even he was at his wit's end. Bills were piling up, his sister’s condition was worsening, and his final paycheck from his bankrupt workplace barely covered a week’s groceries. Just when he thought he had exhausted every option, a mysterious box appeared at his door. Inside was a game with a promise: a chance to compete for life-changing money. It felt like a lifeline. No entry fee, no catch—just a simple login. But the moment Samuel logged in, everything changed. He was transported into the game itself, where he found himself among 99 other contestants. Each of them had their own desperate reasons for being there, but the stakes were the same for everyone. The game was no ordinary competition. It tested their mental, physical, and survival skills in ways they could never have imagined. Alliances formed and broke apart, secrets emerged, and the line between friend and foe blurred. And then there was the ominous rule: there could be more than one winner, but there was also a real possibility of no winners at all. Will Samuel use his intelligence to overcome the challenges ahead? Or will the game’s hidden truths prove too much for him and his fellow players to bear?

Luo Ning, a tyrannical figure in the black market Streets, who smokes weed and sells, a tyrant who gambles and messes around to add some thrill to her boring life, But she has more than enough mysteries, who is she really??. One day she was reading a magazine when she saw an interesting article. "The billionaire heir of the Gu family is hosting a contest for searching a wife" The contestants had to have the three characteristics. 1. a demure kind girl 2. virtuous smart girl 3. accepts to be a house wife The winner will get to marry the Heir. 2nd place will get a job in the Gu Conglomerate with 1 million. Finishing top twenty, you will get a half a million. "Ohoho ohohho there is free money here, totally free. " she laughed out loudly. ******************************************** "Luo Ning you are the winner of the contest." They all stood up and clapped for her. When Luo Ning heard that, she felt shortness of breath and she felt she is going to faint, she had just swayed when Gu Juan held her before falling down. "Honey, are you going to faint out of happiness?" Gu Juan asked softly. When Luo Ning saw the intended husband, she suddenly wanted to faint, "aaaa......?" you could see surprise and shock on her face. "Honey are you alright? why do you look pale?" Gu Juan asked her again seeing her reaction. "Hihihihi...." she just forced some laughter out. ' what could she say!!' "Didn't they just say that I made it to top twenty!!" Luo Ning said sweetly with a innocent face. "No Honey, you are the winner we are going to get married now." Gu Juan replied to her softly. Luo Ning pretended that she has fainted. Tang Xie, Tang Lin rushed forward to her and wanted to hold her, when they heard a voice, "Don't you dare hold her, she is my wife now." " But Young Master our friend has epilepsy and not suitable for being your wife." Tang Xie and Tang Lin realized they have just messed up. "Don't worry there are many doctors, I will bring her to the hospital now," Gu Juan said eying at Luo Ning. Luo Ning hearing hospital, she coughed lightly, "What's the matter? Why am I here?" she feigned ignorance. " Of course you are here to marry your Prince charming." Gu Juan said out sarcastically. " Am I? alright let me down." Luo Ning asked sweetly and Gu Juan let her down, suddenly she sprinted out like a shooting arrow followed by Tang Xie and Tang Lin. "How could she stand and wait to be married, she became a marathoner.

Please guys, this is a new story and I'm signing it up for a contest. I'll be counting on y'all to help me improve and grow as your support will forever be my inspiration. HAPPY NEW YEAR!! . . . . Duncan stared hardly at the bunch of withering losers he had entrusted with a task. These people had no sense of direction at all. Tapping his fingers impatiently on the smooth mahogany desk, Duncan asked the same question again, this time... his voice took a colder tone. "Why, pray tell, haven't you found a suitable candidate to work as my Pearl's Nanny?" The middle aged man gulped hardly as he tried to find an answer to this nerve wracking question. He also found it weird how this man talked like he was from the ancient Greek times. Duncan Lloyd had everything there was to wish for, or did he? Then why was it so hard to find a suitable Nanny for his kids. His kids who were equally as complicated as him. Who then would be able to tame them? And how?

By unknown means and for unknown proposes the planet Earth is ripped from its orbit around the sun and placed in a near perfect, synchronized orbit around a mysterious purple star. The Earth isn't alone; 16 other planets underwent the same ordeal. Dubbed the Papuru Star, the G4 sized ball of energy was viewed with fear and awe by the inhabitants of the kidnapped worlds. The leadership of the planets form an uneasy Coalition to understand what the star is and find a way to put the planets back in their original spaces. Now, over a 1000 years later, the 100th annual Coalition Carnage Competition is about to begin. Held every ten years, the year long, galaxy spanning martial arts tournament is the special event the inhabitants of nearly every planet eagerly await, cheering their planet's chosen champion. The tournament is fame and fortune for the superstars who compete, entertainment for the masses, and "blessings" for the winning planet but holds dark secrets within its shadows, secrets that if exposed, could lead to the destruction of all life within the Papuru Galaxy.

A romantic story about how two monsters fall in love: Joseph, the werewolf, falls in love with Angelica, the vampire, after she beats him and his sister in a singing contest. After buying a necklace that glows when his mood changes, Joseph accidentally turns himself into a werewolf. Once he turns himself a werewolf, Angelica calls her vampire friends to destroy him, but once Angelica falls in love with Joseph, she tries to save him from her werewolf-hunting vampire friends with Joseph's sister and best friend.

An ordinary man who want to enter the world of writing novels, trying to take part in a novel writing competition, but suddenly his soul got transmigrated into the world of novel writing contest themes.

Mech battles are the lifeblood of Megacity 14. Overseen by the city-nation’s government, hundreds of gangs, corporations, and independent teams compete to be the best in the annual battle royale. Eighteen-year-old Marvin Yao is a prodigy, a mech pilot who is quickly rising in the ranks. But right when he has the championship in his sights, he is murdered. Now, with his consciousness inhabiting the very mech he used to pilot, Marvin must work alongside a ragtag team to uncover the truth about his death and prepare for the impending tournament, where much more than a few million dollars are at stake. (New chapter every Saturday!)