It seems without a doubt that the professional breed of Yu-Gi-Oh! player, thought to be dying out with the champions of SJC San Francisco, Orlando, Los Angeles, and others being less heralded names, is alive and kicking. This past Gencon Indy, the largest gaming convention of the year, hosted an explosive team battle between the best from two countries. North America, represented by Team Overdose and its contingent of strong players, was to square up and attempt to avenge a defeat to Team Canada, led by the brilliant Team SuperfriendZ. With multiple Shonen Jump Top Eights, Nationals Top Eights, and even a few Shonen Jump victories thrown in the mix, the two teams passed every conceivable measuring stick. Lineups were posted, which I'll go into, and the team battle commenced early Sunday afternoon. I was there to witness most of the matches, and these next few articles will hopefully provide an interesting exercise for all of you that witness it. Even professional players have something to learn from watching some of the best in the world at battle.

With Brent Yetter and John Jensen having to bow out of the battle due to other commitments, and Odyssey's star Laurents not making it out for the event, Team USA simply called on its strongest players possible. Without further ado, the lineups:

Team USA

1. Paul Levitin: Much like with the East versus West battle, the braintrust behind Team USA decided to send Mr.Levitin out first. Boasting an incredible, inexplicable, and undeniable streak of four consecutive Shonen Jump Championship Top Eight finishes in a row, easily outpacing the prior record of two shared by a few players, Levitin also had a Shonen Jump Championship win under his belt. Riding a streak of confidence after his huge victory over arguably the best player in Canada, Matt Peddle, Levitin was primed for victory.

2. Robert Morgan: Like the man preceding him, Morgan was hungry to disprove the doubters who had heard the numerous stories of his dirty play and conduct. Boasting an impressive streak of three consecutive Shonen Jump Championship Top Eight finishes, Morgan has had a problem making it out of the first rounds of the top eight. Eager to prove he belonged on a star studded list of participants, Robert Morgan was to hold the line in case of a Levitin defeat.

3. Emon Ghaneian: Along with John Jensen and Ryan Hayakawa, Mr. Ghaneian is unquestionably the most successful player in Yu-Gi-Oh! history. However, factor in his Nationals top eight to the mix, and you have the most accomplished player of our generation. Being third in the order meant he could either stop a slide for Team USA or seal the deal by taking out numerous Canadians. With Emon in the picture, anything is possible.

4. Anthony Alvarado: The anchor of Team Overdose was impossible to deny. With numerous top eight finishes and an SJC win under his belt, Mister Alvarado was also buoyed by his success in the East vs West team battle. Moving to Alvarado meant the US team would be reeling and in need of momentum. As arguably the most clutch player of the most successful team in the nation, Alvarado was primed to play.

5. Kris Perovic: Closing the line was Mr. Perovic. In the previous Overdose versus Superfriends battle, Perovic had nearly swept the entire team. Confident in his abilities and fresh off a top eight loss to eventual champion John Jensen that same morning, Kris was the last member of Team USA. The road to victory for Team Canada would have to go through Mr. Perovic.

Team Canada

1. Lazaro Bellido: With two SJC Championship top eights under his belt, Dale Bellido's younger brother has proven himself to be a player who can stand under his own merit. And while many have overlooked him in lieu of his older brother, Lazaro clearly has the skills to compete with the very best of the US. Eager to prove himself, Lazaro decided to play first for Team Canada.

2. Matt Peddle: Needing no introductions, Matt Peddle was primed to pilot Team Canada to another top finish. With two consecutive Canadian national top eight finishes and a SJC top eight to prove he can play on US soil, Conspire is one of a handful of players in the running for best player in North America. He would have to be on his best form for Canada to defeat the USA again.

3. Jason Tan- Though the past year was one devoid of momentum for Canada's young fifteen year old prodigy, Jason Tan did come within a hair of representing Canada at Worlds last year, losing in the finals to eventual champion Dexter Dalit. Though he has not yet made a mark on U.S soil, young Tan has plenty of years left and the respect of almost every top duelist.

4. Dale Bellido- Considered by many to be the face of Canadian Yu-Gi-Oh, Dale has top eight finishes in both Nationals and Shonen Jump Championships. He has also won an SJC, making him one of the few players in the world that can claim to have won the flagship USA tournament while also having excelled at Nationals.

5. Chris Simoes- A player more known for his VS exploits (including a top eight finish at a 10K) than his Yu-Gi-Oh accomplishments, Chris Simoes has nevertheless been a solid performer for Team SuperfriendZ since its inception. In fact, alert observers may realize he took down legend Sang Bui in this very venue last year. Simoes has not attended many Shonen Jump Championships, but was nominated to the team by unanimous consent from the other Canadian players. He would have to hold the line in case of an early Canadian collapse.

Keep your eyes posted for the match reports, which will be posted in the next few days. Match One is Paul Levitin versus Lazaro Bellido!