Wow, has it been that long already? Who knew people could be this productive? Did you win anything? Did I just break a world record for procrastination? All of these questions will be answered in this thread!

A big thanks to the judges who helped determine winners. Your efforts have finally paid off.

Unlike the first Slammy Awards, which had direct quotes from the judges on their explanations as to why a particular candidate won the award, I have decided to summarize the general judges' consensus into a small paragraph.

To reiterate: the Slammy Awards were nominated and judged based off of the criteria that any event that occurred throughout 2016 and the first month of 2017 was fair game. Things usually change as time progresses, and so it should come as no surprise that events that happened in 2016 may not happen in 2017 and vice versa. It's just helpful to remember that these awards are technically for the year 2016. Therefore, they do not take into account any events that happened after the above mentioned time frame no matter when this thread was posted (which I do take accountability for). Save yourself the embarrassment of complaining why something that occurred in 2017 wasn't on a Slammy Awards dedicated to 2016.

So, finally, here's the long overdue list of winners:

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Performance Awards:

• Best Overall Player: Master of the Dead
  
  Master of the Dead has gained prominence throughout 2016 as one of WarZone's best players. Even though he’s argued that he hasn’t improved much over the past year (in fact he’s probably gotten worse), he has achieved a number of impressive ladder and league successes. He got his obligatory second place finish in Seasons XXII and XXVI before finally nabbing his seasonal win a couple days ago. He was carried by Beren in first place for over 190 days in the 2v2 ladder with a rating of almost 2400. He’s dominated the 3v3 ladder for a while now, and rigged his own CLOT to do well in similarly. In Division A of CL8, he went an impressive 14-4 in all his combined tournaments. He has also done extremely well in other events such as WGL (where he is a part time commentator), Captains League and the P/R League. Overall, an impressive list of achievements hardly even believable to be accomplished in one given year. Congrats Deadman!
  
  Honorable Mention: master of desaster, for also killing it on all things WZ-related.
  
  
  
  
• Best 1v1 Player: master of desaster
  
  master of desaster is a 1v1 monster. He’s ranked by many as one of their most feared 1v1 opponents. MoD has won not one, but two seasons (albeit one was early 2017 and on the template he created, so he had it won already). He was also the first person to dominate Deadman’s CLOT, where he achieved a rating of 1800 quickly and sat undisputed in first place throughout most of the early days of the MDL. He went 10-2 in 1v1 tournaments in Division A of CL8, tying with Buns for best overall 1v1 win rate of the season, and won Guiroma with a 5-1 record. If only he learned to spell, then he would really be unstobbaple. Congrats MoD!
  
  Honorable Mention: Buns157, who was voted second in "1v1 Opponents I'd Never Want to Play Against Ever Again."
  
  
  
  
  
• Best 2v2/3v3 Team: Beren·apex and Master of the Dead
  
  As mentioned previously, Beren and Master of the Dead have held the 2v2 1st place for over 190 (non-consecutive) days in 2016, and far longer if you include the 2017 data - which I’m too lazy to bother calculating. They’ve achieved an impressive 47-4 record (along with a 23 game win streak, also breaking the streak of the team with the current biggest win streak on the 2v2 ladder) and a total peak rating of 2392. They are easily one of the most dominant teams in the history of the 2v2 ladder. Congrats Beren/MotD! (Again)
  
  Honorable Mention: Master of the Dead, Sephiroth and Timinator, for being the Beren/MotD equivalent of the 3v3 ladder. I wonder why that's the case...
  
  
  
  
• Most Underrated Player: rakleader
  
  In discussions of good players, rakleader is usually left out for some reason or another. Which is a shame as rakleader is definitely one of the most skilled players on this site. He’s been first on the 3v3 ladder with a rating of over 2200, and also tied for first place in 3v3 EU in Division B of CL8. He has been continually ranked high in seasons ever since Season XXII, even placing top 10 in Season XXV. In general, he is a very tough opponent; whenever other players play him they know they are in for a difficult game. However, he seems to be forgotten quite frequently when people name the players they think are among the best on WZ. And for that, rakleader deserves “Most Underrated.” Congrats!
  
  Honorable Mention: Pardon99, for also being an extremely forgettable player. Did I say that out loud?
  
  
  
  
• Most Self-Confident Player: Kezzo
  
  In his nomination of Kezzo, Master of the Dead explained: “Two minutes with this guy will tell you all you need to know!” I’d probably argue even one minute will be enough to prove that Kezzo is one of those guys who thinks he is a God among Gods, who can’t do anything wrong even if he tries. Whether it’s boasting about his very few wins or trash-talking anyone that isn’t himself (including Tacky and Rikki), Kezzo is the “apex” of one who believes in his abilities. If self-confidence was a religion, Kezzo would actually be a god. Congrats Kezzo!
  
  Honorable Mention: Tac(ky)tical (when he's not inactive, at least...)
  
  
  
  
• Most Improved Player: Pardon99
  
  No one has changed so much skill-wise as Pardon has over the course of 2016. He went from a lengthy hiatus (his WZ history actually has been a lot longer than expected), to a budding player in FCC, to joining one of the best (if not the best) clan on WZ currently. Although most of his achievements have come later in 2017, his remarkable progress has been well documented in the 1v1 ladder (going from 1581 to a peak of 1931 in 2016, and an overall peak rating of 2079) and the RT Ladder (from a rating of 1117 to 1852 in less than six months!). He still sucks by the way. Just…less. Congrats Pardon!
  
  Honorable Mention: 90 \(ºº)/, for having a similar success story. Sadly, he joined Monkey Hunters instead of Masters (which pretty much forced the judges to pick Pardon over him), otherwise I have no doubt that he would have won.
  
  
  
  

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Edited 12/26/2017 04:38:41

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Streaming Awards:

• Most Insightful Commentator: master of desaster and Master of the Dead
  
  Both are considered top players in the game. Both have commentated on numerous WGLs. Both always give insightful advice to players in order to help them improve. Both have an exact idea on how to critique players without becoming borderline insulting. Both know how to concisely analyze moves so that players of all skill levels will be able to understand. Both are Masters at commentating? Probably. Congrats to both MoD and MotD!
  
  Honorable Mention: ps, for hosting WGL all this time.
  
  
  
  
• Most Entertaining Commentator: Sephiroth
  
  The very definition of dirty Italian. Whether it's kissing anybody who would dare show their face to him on stream, screaming obscenities, or just dressing up as a greasy bumblebee pharoah, Sephiroth has consistently proved that you don't always have to feel bad when you laugh at mentally-challenged people. However, the greatest enjoyment comes out of watching him struggle to pronounce simple words like "muscle," "massachusetts," or any other "m" word. Don't say that to his face though, or he'll probably "keel" you with his mafia connections. Congrats Sephiroth!
  
  
  
  

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Edited 12/26/2017 04:39:27

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Forum Awards:

• Best Troll: Pulsey
  
  He may be young, but that just means his trolling skills have time to mature (unlike him). Congrats Platinum!
  
  
  
  
• Best Forum Post: Dunga - How Fizzer and WarLight Changed My Life (https://www.warzone.com/Forum/222496-fizzer-warlight-changed-life)
  
  This post needs no explanation, really (because doing so would spoil the great narrative). If you haven't read it already, read it now. It's well worth the read. Congrats dunga!
  
  
  
  
• Best Forum Thread: GiantFrog - Trans. Only, Attack Only, Percentage, Cards (https://www.warzone.com/Forum/149405-trans-attc-percentage-cards)
  
  Ever wanted to try getting into WZ strategy but just couldn't? Want to learn how to do a Timinator Blockade but don't know how?
  Then look no further than Giant Frog's "Gameplay" thread to do so! He has compiled a lot of nifty strategical moves (sadly, no Attack by Percentage here) for your convenience and explains them all in great detail. He even has example games if you're still confused! Including the extra additions from players who replied on the thread, this is easily one of the most helpful threads on WZ and certainly the best thread to come out of 2016. Congrats GiantFrog!
  
  
  
  

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Edited 12/26/2017 04:39:54

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Community Awards:

• Best Map: Issander's New Strategic System (INSS) Africa
  
  It would be hard to think of any other map that, in recent years, the strategic side of WZ owes more to than INSS Africa. Although the main complaint has been that the color scheme makes differentiating bonus zones quite difficult (especially for colorblind idiots), there is no denying the effect the bonus system has had on the strategic community. It may not be the most aesthetically pleasing map, nor is it anywhere close to being the highest rated one, but the map's premise makes it the clear victor in terms of the impact any singular map has had. Sadly, you probably can't play a lot of worthwhile diplos on it. Congrats Issander (and Issander's map)!
  
  
  
  
• Best Template: African Elitism (Season XXVII)
  
  Coming off of the INSS fever, the first template that made use of Issander's "revolutionary" map was MoD's African Elitism/Elitist Africa/etc. Although a candidate for Season XXVI, it was sadly rejected in favor of some crappy Cloud Strife template. MoD would later bribe Fizzer to hold a completely unrigged Seasonal Template Voting Poll for Season XXVII, which African Elitism miraculously won. (Also even more miraculous: MoD won Season XXVII!) African Elitism has now become widely played among players who either a.) aren't colorblind, b.) aren't against change, or c.) can read. With the growing popularity of Issander's new bonus system though, it shouldn't really come as a surprise. Congrats MoD('s African Elitism)!
  
  Honorable Mention: Beren's INSS Africa 3v3, probably because it was the only other template utilizing "Best Map" INSS Africa. (https://www.warzone.com/multiplayer?GameID=12248110)
  
  
  
  
• Best Sportsmanship: AWESOMEGUY
  
  Who cares why I deserve this award; it’s obligatory for any rigged event to give some credit to its organizer. So there you go. Even though as one unnamed judge pointed out, I’ve gotten the equivalent of the Participation Award they hand out at kids’ soccer games.
  
  
  
  
• Best Clan: Lynx
  
  I'm not sure really what happened between when I was supposed to do this and when I actually ended up doing it, but from the poll I put out early 2017, Lynx seemed to be favored as the best clan. I'm sure if I were to do a poll now that wouldn't be the case, but coming fresh off of their victory in CL8, Lynx had done big things in 2016. Lynx were rightfully expected to do big things in 2017 (CL-wise), which obviously wasn't the case. However, since we're judging from 2016 only, the polling determined more players believed Lynx was the best clan in 2016. And for all you conspiracy theorists, the poll was rigged - by sound_of_silence in favor of NWO. Congrats 2016-Lynx!
  
  
  
  
• Most Valued Community Member: MotD (and others...)
  
  With this category, it is extraordinarily difficult to thank just one person for their amazing contributions to the WZ community, so I will mention every single player that was nominated in the Nominations Thread. This is not just an excuse for me to not have to praise Deadman for the millionth time.
  
  • ps: Being the host of WGL is a thankless job. You can thank him just this once, then go back to your weekly/monthly/whenever routine of complaining about the WGL templates when they're held. (ps, check out his YT channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/psenough1)
    
  • Muli: His userscript is so useful, I can't even imagine playing the game anymore without it. I even got Muli's autograph, which I plan to sell for millions once he becomes a household name. (You can go here to download the userscript if you haven't done so already: https://www.warzone.com/Forum/106092-mulis-userscript-tidy-up-dashboard)
    
  • huddyj: I heard the Small Earth P/R League he created is in its 13th season. Isn't the definition of insanity doing the same thing over and over again? He might be insane, but he's definitely worthy of a mention here. (Go here for more information: https://www.warzone.com/Forum/283771-small-earth-promotionrelegation-league-season-13)
    
  • Nathan: The suspect account that left helpful reviews on (mostly) all map pages turned out to not be Gui in disguise for once.
    
  • Ekstone: His excellent management of the AWP almost makes me forget his bromance with the disgusting Quicksilver. (You can find out more about AWP here: https://www.warzone.com/Forum/262655-awp-world-tour-magazine)
    
  • TheRiverStyxie: The streamer-addict, I'm sure she has mod privileges on every WZ-related Twitch stream (thankfully not mine). It's warranted though; Styxie's dedicated efforts to help improve any stream she's in has certainly caught people's attention. That, and her wacky British mannerisms is probably the reason why she's attracted a small cult following. As they say: Styxie is always right, when she's not wrong.
    
  • Master of the Dead: The de facto winner of this category (once again), even I have to acknowledge his contributions to the community. Whether it is organizing and managing CL, MDL, or any other community event, Deadman is the epitome of professionalism. Even CL, a hotbed for drama, has been relatively quiet since Deadman took over. His efforts to improve the community can never be understated, and his work has greatly benefited the strategic-side of WZ without a doubt. Somebody else thank him for his contributions, because if I say one more good thing about him, I'm gonna puke.
  
  Congrats to MotD and everyone else who was nominated for this award!
  
  
  

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Edited 12/26/2017 04:40:24

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In-Game Awards:

• Best 1v1 Game Win: Buns vs MoD (Season XXVII)
  Game Link: https://www.warzone.com/MultiPlayer?GameID=12786130
  
  It’s one thing to beat MoD. It’s another thing to beat him on his own template. It’s another thing to beat him on the seasonal he rigged for himself to win. Congrats Buns for doing the impossible!
  
  Honorable Mention: Sugoi vs Sepiroth, for excellent use of blockade cards. (https://www.warzone.com/MultiPlayer?GameID=11161518)
  
  
  
  
• Best Team Game Win: Ruil/Mohikanin vs Rambo/Belzebu (2v2 Ladder)
  Game Link: https://www.warzone.com/MultiPlayer?GameID=12330949
  
  Two Final Earth (FE) heavyweights going against each other…and that’s about it. 2016 must’ve been rather bad for team games since this game isn’t very impressive in terms of how “Best Team Games” usually are. So, is this the best team game in the worst year for team games, or the worst best team game in the history of WZ? You decide. It’s still a pretty entertaining game to watch though. But, this is the default winner since the runner up was (surprise, surprise) a game with Deadman in it. Congrats Ruil and Mohikanin!
  
  Honorable Mention: Beren/MotD vs Le Marseilles/Sebb, which is yet another high-level FE game. I guess 2016 is the year of FE. (https://www.warzone.com/MultiPlayer?GameID=12237817)
  
  
  
  
• Most Thrown-Away Win: Beren/Holdway/MoD vs MotD/Sephiroth/Timinator (3v3 Ladder)
  Game Link: https://www.warzone.com/MultiPlayer?GameID=12591350
  
  Here's the only award where you can point fingers and laugh at people and not look like a total asshole. Watch how the team of Beren/Holdway/MoD crush their opposition for the first half of the game...and then proceed to hand the other team the win with a few bad predictions (or a few good predictions by their opponents). Truly an unforgettable game, for all the wrong reasons. Congrats Beren, Holdway and MoD? Hopefully none of you lost any sleep over this painful game.
  
  (Dis)Honorable Mention: Olaris vs AG, although it isn't as depressing as the "winner" of this category...
  (https://www.warzone.com/MultiPlayer?GameID=12842345)
  
  
  
  
• Best Prediction: timon92 (CL8 Div A, Bastardized 2v2 FE)
  Game Link: https://www.warzone.com/MultiPlayer?GameID=12292636
  
  This vote was almost rigged, but luckily the winning prediction went to someone other than Deadman. From a highly anticipated game in CL8's Division A (writing this gives me PTSD from my time as scorekeeper for CL9's Division A), timon certainly delivered an almost perfect set of predictions against his MASTER opponents for an unbelievable 5 turns (even being double teamed on the last one)! Sadly, this wasn't enough to win the game, but it certainly was enough to win this award. Congrats timon!
  
  Honorable Mention: MotD for turn 10, I guess. All it looks like to me is him farming a noob, but what do I know?
  (https://www.warzone.com/MultiPlayer?GameID=12150108)
  
  

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Edited 12/26/2017 04:41:03

Can't wait to read about the 2017 Slammy Awards in 2021 when no one cares about 2017 anymore. Great job.





Slow.






Clap.

RIGGED!!

Thank you for this slammy! i look forward for your next one! :)

Haha awesome :D who would have thought this would ever happen? Getting overhyped like this makes me feel flattered! So thank you. I hope we'll play some more the next time ;)

That was interesting to read. I can't believe that this came out after I've created a sequel to GiantFrog's thread few hours ago.

Edited 12/26/2017 16:50:52

I nominate AG for the 2017 Most Valued Community Member award. The timelyness of this award is unbelievable!

no1currs

You should care Onoma, Cause I won the best troll award on the site.

"He may be young, but that just means his trolling skills have time to mature (unlike him). Congrats [Platinum!"

I always knew my stories would guide me to victory on this one.

*clap* *clap* *clap*
Well done AG.

thx for mentioning my name