Matt Szeto
What did your preparation for this event look like?
For this contest I picked the song and made the routine about 2 weeks out. Once I have the routine fully constructed, I record it. Recording it shows me what it’ll likely look like from the audience’s POV. I’ll watch the video back and make changes accordingly. Leading up to the contest I’ll run through the routine maybe like 3 times a day. If I notice there’s a part of the routine giving me trouble, I’ll practice the tricks in that part specifically or replace the tricks with something easier for me.
What gear did you use and did you have any special set up?
I used a pair of my signature edition Loop 720s by Yoyofactory. This was my first time using them on stage which was exciting. I use 1 red 1 blue spacer in each of them, with a dry bearing. My string is kitty basic white cut to ~69 CM.
Was there a specific trick or element you were most proud to pull off on stage? Or a favorite part of our performance/routine?
This one trick, which is a hop pullover wrap to reverse tangler, I had never hit on stage before and learned recently. It feels really satisfying to execute and there’s some risk of being tangled, so I’d say that is the trick I was most proud to pull off for this contest.
If you could have done one thing differently what would that have been?
I of course wish I could have done my freestyle better, but it could’ve been worse, so I can’t complain.
What’s your favorite memory from PNWR?
Winning this year was cool. I also have great memories exploring Seattle and now Portland.
What advice do you have for people looking to compete for the first time?
Practice hard, but have fun on stage. The community is very supportive and people will cheer for you. I’d also say don’t have an expectation for how you place, but have a goal for yourself on how clean you want to go. How well you perform is up to you, how well you place isn’t entirely in your control. If you aren’t satisfied with your routine afterwards, don’t be discouraged and use it as motivation to practice more.
What will you take away to prepare you for your next competition?
As shown by the scoresheet my performance evals are the lowest of the top 3. This is something that I have been and I’ll continue trying to work on. My goal is to put on an entertaining routine that makes people want to learn 2A!