Waxx Q&A

Waxx

Questions and ideas based off of original Boss questionnaire: https://archive.supercombo.gg/t/3rd-strike-questionnaire-started-by-boss/157908

What’s your name and its origin?
	Ray Stevens but I go by Waxx. I am a Skateboarder and in middle school I was obsessed with a skater named Chris Cole. He had an imaginary band called Hot Waxx. So I started using that on other games like Counter Strike, Halo, etc and then eventually just shortened it for 3rd Strike.

How long is your history with 3rd Strike?
	Funny enough I like to dive my history with the game into two parts. I learned about the game in 2003 and would play on PS2 with my friends and go to a random tournament I found on SRK here and there but stopped playing in 2006/7 when I graduated. I didn't pick the game back up until much later in life in 2018 when I discovered it was being played at a local barcade. I was really into Motorcycles and Stunt riding back then and would organize massive rides but pretty much retired from that life as 3rd Strike was more fun (and safer and legal lol).

Where is your home arcade?
	My garage - Raycade! I have multiple Versus City Cabinets in my garage and the boys play here for private sessions but Artcade is where my community is. Raycade is my home but Artcade will always be my heart.

How did you start playing 3rd Strike?
	I found this game in a very strange way. Back in 2002/2003 I used to play this game called Armored Core 2/3. I would travel to tournaments for that. I was very good at the game and won a lot but eventually got bored. After the tournaments the guys there would play Guilty Gear XX and I ended up getting into that game. Back in the day, there was no youtube. So I would download JPN combo/match videos from a website called A-Cho (RIP). I accidentally downloaded some footage of 3rd Strike (it was all in Japanese) and thought the game looked really sick. I asked my mom to get me a copy of Street Fighter 3 and she got me Alpha 3 for Play Station 1. I was so confused. It didn't look like what I saw. The Daigo parry happened a few months later and then the collection dropped for PS2 and the rest was history.

Who’s your main and why?
	Yun forever. Two reasons. 1. He skates. That's rad. 2. Gundam Wing. Duo is the sickest pilot.

Which players do you respect/admire?
	I got quite the list here.
	Yuuki Spencer - This is my dude. I feel he has forgot more stuff about the game than I have ever learned. Every time I play him I see something new and he is world class with the entire cast of the game. Also, the coolest dude outside of the game.
	Nica KO - Absolute competitor. The pace at which he plays in game is insane. It's very difficult to mimic this and next to impossible to deal with. I respect how he is always down to play whomever, whenever, on whatever.
	Mester - One of the first Yuns I ever watched play the character. He plays the character super aggressive and that's how I try to approach the character. I love how despite him being older, his passion for the game has not died and he continues to get better year after year. Truly inspirational!
	Big Nasty - Dude is just good. It's crazy how strong he is with a character like Hugo. I feel he is one of the best Hugos in the world and all around a great dude and competitor.
	Exodus3rd - Multi character talent. Despite my brain not being wired that way, I do appreciate his approach to the game. Great teacher. Great father. All around great dude.

Who do you consider your rival(s)?
	I don't know about this one I don't really have any one where I have a great desire to beat in a tournament and for my boys I don't consider them rivals as we are training partners. I guess everyone advocating for this game to be played Hitbox.

Which new players has your attention?
	Not sure if he is considered "New" but Jason - JAB - is a great talent and will be a world class player some day. Also, Evan "Ichiro" from our scene is coming up quick and learning new things every time I see him play. Just a matter of time before he is winning events and placing high.

Are there any matches that left an impression on you/memorable matches?
	Couple of matches I can think of...
	SBO USA Auto Qualifiers - I think it was Emphy/5 Star/Amir vs Pyrolee/Ken-I/Kai - the crowd is just losing their shit the entire time and Emphy does some absolute insane stuff with Urien. I remember being a kid and thinking "Damn I really want to be apart of an event like that some day."
	Spring Whaling - Another Emphy/Opera exhibition where they just played all their characters against each other for like an hour. I learned and saw so much stuff from that video. Reveral Jinrai, parry out of unblockables, Urien setups. Insanely high level play for the time. Highly recommended viewing even now.

What’s one adjustment you’d make to 3rd Strike?
	Nothing. It's perfect the way it is.

Give us your self analysis.
	I could lose a couple pounds for sure. Should probably work on my posture. Maybe be a bit better with money? Oh for 3rd Strike, I dunno. Block more.

What do you think is a fun point of 3rd Strike?
	I've said this before but 3rd Strike is like the And 1 Street Ball version of Street Fighter. Not only can you win and beat down your opponent but can make them look absolutely silly in the process. There is so much character and player expression in this game. It never gets old watching.

Will you continue 3rd Strike in the future?
	Always. I am 38 now but I hope to be like the Japanese community and play this game for as long as people want to play it with me. It's been years now and I don't see any sign of me getting burnt out or wanting to slow down.

Any last words?
	Mrs. Hagood - sup gurl?
	Oh and continue to play and support this game. Take care of your community as they are your brothers and sisters and they will take care of you.