The state of Swiss Smash and the PR

The PR was late this season and one of the reasons why was me not even being sure whether I should actually make one. But why, you might ask. Well, the current state of Swiss Smash is just not working great with an algorithm.

What has changed compared to previous seasons? First of all, this has been a gradual change over the seasons and, as you can imagine, one key factor is the scene becoming smaller, and therefore, tournaments becoming smaller. Contrary to what you might think, there were actually more events this season than most previous seasons (with the caveat that there were more tournaments at conventions than usual). What changed though is the size of the events. While the median size of entrants has stayed roughly in the mid-20s throughout the years, the average has gone down significantly, due to a lack of large tournaments. Of the 37 events this year I counted 6 as B-Tier and none higher (my own tiering for Switzerland, primarily a size indicator). The same issue also occurred in the EUPR tiering system. Switzerland had only D-Tier events and maybe like 5 events worth mentioning.

Now, excuse my hyperbole, but if you win a tournament over 6 of your friends, what is my algorithm supposed to do with that data? The point I’m trying to make is that small events are much harder to evaluate and are also inherently less valuable because the competition is much weaker, these are no stacked invitationals (less players = less top players). A point I knew would come up is Sickboy being so high with only 2 events. He got 2nd at the two most stacked events of the seasons while exclusively winning over a number of players that are below him on the PR. You may disagree personally but from the algorithm’s point of view it makes sense. (I also want to note that he was punished for his low attendance, reducing the points actually received.)

With 37 events it makes sense that there is some overlap, but it still saddens me to see 3 small events during one weekend instead of one larger event where we would see some community overlap. I know traveling is not easy for everybody and that’s why events like the Solid Littoral series are so valuable, because they’re somewhat in the middle for everybody. I also do notice that some people seem much more inclined to travel to France than to the Swiss German side of things which is not helping either but you can do whatever you want with your time and money, none of my business.

Larger events in Switzerland would not only help the algorithm or a panel to create a ranking because more players would face each other in bracket, larger events are in my opinion also more exciting to watch and much more of a celebration of Smash and the community as a whole. Right now, it feels like it’s the same people going to their weeklies and monthlies and the only difference between the two is the name of the tournament and maybe somebody tries a little harder at the monthly.

Me proclaiming my grievances here is unlikely to cause much change and that’s why I would like to change how our PR works, from an algorithm to a panel vote. This means that an uneven number of people, either 3 or 5, would vote based on the results of the season and their own opinion and biases. Therefore, I am looking for at least 2 other people that are invested enough in the scene and can take some time out of their schedule in December/January and June/July to meet (online) and seriously discuss the results of the season. There are no “requirements” but it helps if have experience as either a TO, a seeder or a top player. Also, while the next PR is still a few months away, I really don’t want to have to look for a replacement just before the PR is supposed to come out. Consider this not only a one-time commitment but at least for 2-3 seasons. If you’re interested you can DM me either on Twitter @TehLyan or on Discord @Lyamarth (in the SwissSmashDiscord).

Mis à jour à: 16.08.25 (18:09)
Créé à: 16.08.25 (18:07)
Créé par: Lyamarth