Trading Card Spotlight - Micah Garringer
Our next Trading Card Spotlight features Micah Garringer, who currently is displayed on card 4404, from the Superstars of 2024 Collection. Micah is a massive Super Smash Bros. and Madden Football competitor. In High School he was the captain of the Super Smash Bros. Esports team and also competed in Mario Kart tournaments. During the fall of 2023, Micah placed to 32 in the country in Super Smash Bros. and looks like continue his dominance in 2024. Ultimately, he would like to become an Esports coach of a professional team and take his knowledge and pass it along to others.
When did you first play Super Smash Bros., and what caught your interest?
My first experience with Super Smash Bros. was Subspace Emissary in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. My mom didn’t want me to play the game since it was rated teen, but my dad got it for me because Mario was on the cover. My favorite part about Subspace was the cinematic cutscenes and the story. I decided to learn more about the actual fighting after playing it.
Do you remember your first tournament you competed in and what do you remember about it?
The first tournament I ever participated in was the Meet Ottumwa tournament of Summer 2022. It was the first time I had seen lots of people who were also very serious about Smash Bros. in the same room competing against one another. I remember that I placed decently, but I really enjoyed the people I was there with.
What does it take to be an Esports Champion?
I think that mentality plays the largest role in becoming a champion. From staying proactive during matches to confidence in yourself when you get an opponent, mentals are the beginning and ending of seasons.
Do you remember your first video game you played and what do you remember about it?
The very first video game I ever played was Ben 10 protector of the Earth on my DS. It was a 2D platformer that allowed you to turn into the aliens from the show while you went and fought the villains from the show. I remember the game being too hard for me when I played it for the first time, so I didn’t fully complete the game until I was a little bit older.
What are your opinions about today’s generation of Super Smash Bros. players? How do you compare them to competitors 10 years ago?
II think that Super Smash Bros. players are some of the most dedicated and passionate fans I have seen. It’s easy to tell when someone has truly put time into the game to hone their craft. I think in this regard, Smash Bros. players are similar to the players from a decade ago. There have been new additions of characters, METAs, stages, and even just new games, but players from both eras are looking to improve their skill along with others. For them, it’s not just about your individual play, but helping others improve theirs as well.
Did you ever think one day you would be on a video game trading card?
Growing up I had collected trading cards of all sorts of things, whether it was Pokémon, football, Yu-Gi-Oh, etc. I didn’t ever think I would be able to say that I was on a card myself. When I found out about the IVGHOF trading cards I decided that I would try my best to have one of my own. I still thought it was a long shot, but it was something that I always strove for.
When did you first meet Walter Day and where was it at?
I met Walter for the first time at one of the Meet Ottumwa tournaments held in the summer. At the time, I knew the name, but I didn’t know all of the things he had done.
Which console is your favorite Super Smash Bros. and why?
Mine is the Wii simply due to nostalgia. I know that this game in particular isn’t a fan favorite, but it was the first one that I played and how I got into the franchise.
What games today do you play and what are your favorite genres of games?
Today I play a lot of Smash Bros and Madden because I play them for my Esports team, but I also play a lot of RPGs and strategy games. I think it’s fun to challenge myself while also enjoying stories of games.
Do you believe some video games are too violent and lead to violence in America today?
Studies show that there isn’t a direct correlation between video games and violence, however, there isn’t too much information about this yet. I think that it’s plausible, but more needs to be done to truly understand.
Do you prefer playing video games alone or against friends and why?
I really like playing with friends because it elevates my experience when I do. I could be playing a single player game, but just talking to someone about the game while I play it increases my fun tenfold.
What are some of your most proud tournament wins and why?
My favorite tournament win was the 2022 IAHSEA Fall Showdown’s first round. Our school had never even been to the Smash postseason, let alone won before. When we won our first-round matchup it was unforgettable.
What was your first impression of a fighting game and why did it appeal to you?
I really liked the competition between players. There’s a huge difference between people who play for fun and people who play to win and I thought that this was a really cool concept.
If you could describe Walter Day in one word, what would that word be and why?
I would use the word innovative because of how he started what became modern Esports. I have lots of respect for what he did, and I don’t know where Esports as a whole would be at without his contributions from Ottumwa, Iowa.
What is your favorite arcade game of all time?
While I’m not the greatest arcade player, my favorite arcade game is NFL Blitz. It has silly animations and an awesome four player mode that I always have a blast with regardless of the outcome.
If you can design your own game, what would it be about and who would be the main character?
If I made a game, I would make an RPG similar to the Persona series. My main character would be confident ye silent throughout the game.
How do you see competitive Super Smash Bros. and fighting games in the next 10 years?
I think that as long as competitors play the right cards, I think that the scene will continue to grow. I know that the passion is there, so there won’t be a shortage of people who just want to compete.