I Shocked Everyone With This Never Used Pokemon Strategy

Freezai vs Thiago Nunes, Smogon Champion's League Week 3, 2023
Team: pokepast.es/1001a3eba0d1d8d5
Replay: replay.pokemonshowdown.com/sm...
Edited by: tazprods
0:00 Introduction
1:12 Teambuilding
6:40 The Battle

[@DisorderlyFashion]

10:03 No matter who wins the tournament itself, it's easy to see that "Studio Gible" has already won in the naming department.

[@PragmaticTax]

*Studio 🤭

[@DisorderlyFashion]

@@PragmaticTax Correct. Edited.

[@butteredsalmonella]

Studio Gible makes Berries taste so delicious

[@Endershock1678]

Once you got trick room set up, this is even more brutal than in VGC because nobody carries protect to try to stall out trick room, so it's just four turns of OHKOS.

[@elliottchen7947]

isn't protect a really common move in VGC, how does nobody carry it

[@morphstarchangeling8024]

He said more brutal than in VGC not brutal in VGC@@elliottchen7947

[@hv433]

​@@elliottchen7947it's the other way around - VGC commonly carries Protect to stall out Trick Room, but Singles doesn't. The original comment is saying this strategy is devastating to those who didn't take it into account.

[@GrimoireM]

@@elliottchen7947They mean Protect is less common in singles, so most people will get screwed by Trick Room once it goes off.

[@SomethingBoutEclipse]

Literally *Can you survive “Five Turns in Trick Room” meme*

[@erubeypablo]

9:49 “the sweep started on turn 2, but really it started in the team builder” idk why, but that line went super hard

[@azuroslazuli6948]

Got the same vibe as Technoblade’s “I want my opponent to make two mistakes. Of course his first was challenging me in the first place-“

[@calliopehu1924]

When the analysis is only 10 minutes but still twice the length of the actual battle

[@lyoukeefen7199]

1 minute for every turn

[@hiimemily]

And half the battle was (justifiably) him trying to figure out who to lead with.

[@calliopehu1924]

@@hiimemily oh my god it's occasional voice actress, prolific commenter, and trans icon emily! hi!

[@bobjoe3492]

​@@hiimemilyhi Emily

[@retrop569]

Game Freak might claim Farigiraf is a giraffe, but this video showed that it's actually the GOAT

[@LootbugLooter]

That turnaround was fantastic; got read last week and Freezai goes straight to the kitchen and cooks up a strat that wins in 10 turns for this week. Please keep the tournament coverage coming :)

[@Sleepyhead080808]

Hey, this man loots lootbugs! Get him!

[@jaipadv8282]

​@@Sleepyhead080808holy shit you're right! Take em down!!

[@aaronking2020]

​@@Sleepyhead080808why are DRG fans just everywhere

[@socialistrepublicofvietnam1500]

I just realized, if Freezai won the 50/50 last game, his team would be in 2nd place

[@VGCKenny]

In theory this is true, but this whole thing is a team effort. Pokemon is a game full of what ifs and maybes, so putting a team's positioning onto one person's conscious isn't the best idea. Unless you're following the tournament as a whole and can confirm that none of the other games were close in nature, I don't think it's fair to put the team's position solely on Freezai.

[@socialistrepublicofvietnam1500]

@@VGCKenny honestly, i agree there was probably a 50/50 in one of the other games that his teammate won, but would you say that single-handedly saved his team from a loss? no, it was a combination of everybody's efforts on both sides that caused a tie in the end, even though it is possible to break it down into tiny bits and pieces it is a collective effort I meant this in theory, that if a coinflip had gone right then the scoreboard would be different, but in reality literally anything could've changed it I guess this is the flaw with the butterfly effect, it wasn't just the butterfly that caused the hurricane, the many winds and probably other butterflies funnily played just as big of a role, so why do we pin it on that single butterfly

[@jacksonmontuoro257]

@@socialistrepublicofvietnam1500I am loving the philosophy in my Pokémon showdown content 😂

[@stankdik]

it wasn’t even a 50/50 his calc said like 36%

[@VegaPhil]

If my auntie had............

[@saltlakeatrocity9771]

Until freezai mentioned that the only NU fairy type is grimmsnarl, it never clicked to me that a type being so ridiculously overtuned could result in a desolation of that type for lower tiers: further resulting in that type not even checking what it was designed to in the first place.

[@frosthammer917]

To be fair Freezai is only technically correct. Grimm is the only fairy in NU. There are 4-5 more fairy types in the tiers below.

[@saltlakeatrocity9771]

@@frosthammer917 i mean i figured at the very least Morgrem would have also been allowed. But nothing threatening and nothing existing is pretty close to the same thing.

[@Doug_Edwards99]

In earlier generations that often happened with Steel-types. Having that many resistances was so helpful that the majority of Steel-types were in the upper-tiers.

[@heheheiamasupahstarslam5397]

​@Doug_Edwards99 more of a result of a lack of options tbh you have less than 10 steel types in gen 2, well gen 6 clearly had like 20 fairy types. bit messed up that even 4 gens later this occurs

[@saltlakeatrocity9771]

I wouldn't say its "messed up" that this occurs 4 gens later because that implies it was either intentionally done or a result of some kind of incompetence. GF don't have "lower tier competitive balance" even on their radar when they design games, so this kind of thing is kinda unavoidable. Balancing games is also difficult even for someone who does have this kind of thing on their radar.

[@crarlo]

great work editing this, i couldn’t hit my weekly freezai quota with just the three minute live video

[@ldplays5663]

I'm sorry for you, some people have sequencies of 400+ hundred days asking for something, i would feel sad for something like that, stay strong buddy. ❤

[@crarlo]

thanks big bro🙏

[@ricardoludwig4787]

Offensive trick room swreper is a rare role but it definitely existed before, reuiniculus was quite infamous for its life orb trick room set in gen 5 and almost got banned because of it

[@YOSSARIAN313]

Also kalyrex ice can run it decently

[@Endershock1678]

@@YOSSARIAN313 I love Calyrex Ice. It feels like Caly Shadow with some degree of balance in mind with 6 weaknesses, no physical psychic stab, and low speed outside of Trick Room.

[@flachemakouine4291]

Magearna had a set like this in gen 7 too

[@jeroenvdw]

I used Macho Brace Bronzong with max attack and Gyro Ball, too bad Macho Brace isn't available now.

[@MsTerkup]

Haha yeah I remember running that, was a lot of fun

[@reesecarlton]

Very interesting way of condensing such a turn-intensive strategy into just one mon, nicely done

[@XtheGAMEmaster]

This is basically a Doubledance Farigiraf, but instead of something like Nasty Plot + Agility, by using Trick Room, you get to invest so many more points into Farigiraf’s already fantastic bulk and blow through faster and more frail mons. Incredibly well executed game, and very smart team building!

[@Triv_2]

I will say, I don’t normally watch competitive Pokémon content, but this style of video, with the extra in-game visual for the battles, is some top tier content. I am enjoying it a lot, as someone who has always been closely interested in comp Pokémon, but never committed to watching 1 person

[@manuelaguilartirado8674]

That was an exceptional example on how to really bring something innovative into a competitive setting. A lot of people say a lot on how to attack a format but takes true knowledge of the staples and standard teams to actually break them. This was genius

[@michaelbratton1679]

I don't know much about competitive pokemon but I enjoy this series because it makes it very easy to understand the nuance of teambuilding and decision making in battle, and that is interesting to me even though I haven't invested time into understanding it myself.

[@BnBLion.]

Imagine being the opponent, doing a ton of team building, game day comes, and its over in a 2min loss

[@lucaslennan3356]

Freezai just wanted to brag about how big their brain is and I'm all for it.

[@poodymeiner3125]

Freezai casually elevating the entire competitive scene 😤😤

[@poppyfrancis7338]

I love coming up with weird strategies like this, but I really suck at finding ones that are actually worthwhile to try and suck even more at executing them

[@pmnt_]

I saw the battle on your other account, and I couldn't wait to see the edited version. The battle was hype and you got every single prediction right. The anti lead. The double switch. The Sap Sipper bluff. You earned that quick win. Great video, keep the editing quality up! The ingame replays add so much to smogon tournament coverage.

[@pjweaver8496]

The tera prediction too

[@EleviteV3]

What is his other account called where you can watch the unedited battle?

[@pmnt_]

@@EleviteV3 Freezai Live

[@shamroc17]

Well played, and good vid ! I really like your tournaments breakdown, especially the team building part, thanks for doing it :)

[@silvapop9666]

As Freezai Live once said, this is a volt turn team without the volt and it's only the turn on Scyther

[@luyandolove]

I saw the vod on the other channel and already knew how it was gonna go so it’s cool seeing all the stuff that went into it.

[@VideoGamer110]

Love this! I don't play competitive Pokemon myself but I love seeing the thought that goes into it, so having the descriptions of abilities and moves is great for me to keep up with what's happening

[@Concavewaters]

Aaaa this battle was stupidly cool to see. Love to learn all the planning that goes into this stuff, ty for sharing :D

[@eclipseeffigy]

Absolutely brutal game. You should've highlighted the Qwilfish tera Steel predict, to bhing home a dominant 6-0! 👏

[@alicecrawford1033]

That was amazing! Love out of the box strategies that weaponize expectations! Great job

[@lechonk1122]

My boy Freezai came up with a diabolic strat...

[@activerug]

Keep this series up it's becoming one of my favorites! Good music picks too can't wait for next episode!

[@Shiradrenaline]

Really good video and video format! I like it even more than the lives! Great editing and the team and teambuilding itself were super smart.

[@realfishscience7842]

Love the editing on this AND ALSO THE STRAT. Props.

[@HugeZorse]

Another amazing vid. Look forward to these each week

[@Gloobster1350]

Incredible video. The edits made this so engaging that the video flew by. Good stuff !

[@Nayaaaksjdk]

love this type of videos!, gl at the rest of the tournament

[@FrostytheAwesome]

This is the best competitive Pokémon series on KZbin right now, amazing job

[@Kasaaz]

Been enjoying both the video format and the journey through this tournament.

[@theJennicat]

Rooting for you! I love using fun tricks like this

[@kannanravi5650]

Awesome content as always. Wish you the best in your run to the top

[@captainnootnoot2525]

Well GODDAMN he OUTPLAYED, huge props for the turn 2 sweep!

[@tonygenessi6343]

Good stuff Freezai. Loved the editing and explanations.

[@vinni___]

Love your videos and all the effort you put into them! Keep it up and good luck on the tournament

[@ethanhawkins3391]

The superb editing and narration are what set your content apart! Not to mention the heat plays and next level preparation 💯

[@vow8628]

Huge win! Great job, Freezai!! Cheering for you and your team!

[@davidgilani9052]

Super well made video 🙌 very satisfying to see the Pokémon theory and practice together

[@BastardWiki]

would love to see more tournament stuff from you! this was inventive asf, nice strat

[@Jaxck77]

That was awesome! I love the put of the box teambuilding using weird pokemon

[@pyrothemusical]

Sometimes the rarest strategies work out surprisingly well, especially if they're completely unexpected ha ha. Well done Freezai! This was a very interesting trick room singles strategy!

[@novakthegodking]

So much thought and strategy goes into building the perfect team for the situation, I love it!

[@gamebreakergeebz5094]

I like how Freezai didn't even mention how he called out the Tera Steel from Qwilfish to make the game even faster. Just shows how insane that game was

[@flyingoctopus4304]

I honestly enjoy these videos, seeing the thought process vbehind the team building is sometimes more interesting then the battle itself. Keep it up!

[@althuror3108]

Thanks for putting up a move description. I don't play the game, but i enjoy watching. Fun series!

[@darktemplar446]

Absolutely amazing battle! Cant wait to see what you come up qith next week!

[@derAlphabet]

I love these breakdowns. Good luck!

[@jesulaswastaken]

Love how you explain the match up and abilities in the video, keep up the great content

[@repinuj]

I’m loving this series and was delighted to see a new release this evening :D

[@pilkkimies]

That was very hype, keep it coming!

[@nightingem]

Love this strategy, and the combination of your super informative explanations and clear, pleasing graphics really make this video!

[@willy1100]

these are extremely clean vids, keep it up!

[@wherewiiwentwrong]

Utter Domination at the highest level with a beloved pokemon of mine. Words cannot express how estatic I am to see this kind of match. Will be watching the rest of your tournament matches as you upload. May fortune favor you in your future battles.

[@apeckx5090]

Epic win! Can't wait to see the next video!

[@goldenpsi8764]

fun to watch! i love seeing players pull out all the stops

[@ninthfloor]

Fun fact: after this game Thiago Nunes switched from NU to OU for the next week. My man got beat down into another tier

[@sujinkremujin]

LOVE the idea of splicing in in game footage to recreate the showdown battle. great touch

[@Riwul]

This was glorious. Very well played and build you certainly deserved this win

[@darkshark313]

I love this series and enjoying where you take these innovative sets

[@Br0oham]

Man, I love your videos, very informative and have helped me getting into competitive pokémon a bit, but nothing compares to hearing Pokémon Conquest music in your videos

[@ChillLanturn]

This was absolutely incredible! The quick win was so satisfying!

[@natecgames4612]

I feel like farigiraf is eventually going to hit NU and maybe even RU in singles if its lucky with this strats discovery. It seems well balanced in the fact that if it has a turn it can waist, it becomes a sweeper, but it needs that turn. Im really excited to see this unfold.

[@FenShen-us9tv]

It only worked because of the surprise factor, without it this set is a gimmick

[@natecgames4612]

@FenShen-us9tv I disagree. Though its a bit hard to explain, the way that i see it, chess is a good example for how your opponent can have a good idea of what your plan is and still catch you off gaurd. People would need to respect the fact that you have a Farigiraf without a bug or dark move and some pokemon that would give the mon a turn to nasty plot or trick room. It shifts their entire game plan before the battle even starts. I think the Tatsu/Rigi/Ther combo works so well that even if it's a complete gimmick set, they'd still have a niche in NU without needing to move up, and a really good niche at that.

[@hiimemily]

​@@natecgames4612 Chess can also be a good argument _against_ Farigiraf rising that high. Sure, unorthodox openings will catch someone out when they're completely novel, but once they become more popular, refutations are easy to come by. I don't know, maybe I'm wrong and Farigiraf actually does reach RU at some point. We'll just have to wait and see.

[@FenShen-us9tv]

@@natecgames4612 Freezai got a free turn because Armor Tail is never used. Seed flare would put Farigiraf into knock out range. If people ran trick room Farigiraf all the time people would assume it's armor tail.

[@natecgames4612]

@FenShen-us9tv that's a bit less useful now that you say it like that. Though do you know how many Pokémon have bullet like moves or even grass moves. I'm not expecting an exact answer, just wondering how often Farigiraf would appear in this scenario.

[@Noobstirz]

Damn, freezai innovating using inspiration from doubles format and full sweeping the enemy team. Real goat moment.

[@HugeZorse]

I love how in depth your build process is.

[@IndigoEuphonium]

We've been looking forward to this one

[@MythX_StoryTeller]

Congrats on big win! I love Farigraf and I'm glad to see it getting plays! : D

[@jorhey9346]

videos keep getting better, amazing editing

[@aaronliss8713]

Since you didn't really use salazzle, you could've brought a lechonk instead. But we all make mistakes. Keep going, Freezai!

[@drakothedragon]

But salazzle is cool tho

[@canadiangopnik7007]

@@drakothedragon LECHONK

[@marko4935]

This was a greatly edited video bro!!! I LOVE YOU FREEZAI

[@Tvz42]

your content has been so good lately

[@CatherinetheMewsthebestMTB]

I was listening while doing something for the teambuilder, and looked up to see gligar do like 40% to goodra with u-turn, and it took me a second to realize what was going on LOL (realized after the muddy water after that did so little). Great vid, it's been really cool to see your channel grow, and it's also especially cool that there's a good divide between singles and doubles content (people usually only do either or). Keep it up!

[@johnmajor2187]

For non competetive pokemon player these videos are awesome seeing the nuances and decision making that comes into competetive play. It shows a side of pokemon that I didn't know could be so technical.

[@TobeyFairre7861]

That was fantastic. Makes me want to get back into competitive battling again.

[@TheBlaringBlue]

This was superb. I really enjoyed this

[@Gamebito]

love the replay clips!

[@triburst]

Please keep the content coming, I love this video style

[@improcrastinator7130]

mad props, this core is crazy and im a huge fan of slow switching with u-turn type moves

[@kiracite]

Great video, always improving

[@egulio]

Quickest game in Champion's Leagues history! That's something to brag about right there xD

[@noguccibelts]

Freezai running the triangle offense like he's Phil Jackson

[@Brentaxe]

Loving this series!!!

[@dieslegilbert738]

Love this series, its made me start playing nu a lot more

[@majincringe110]

that was a sick ass set up omg

[@ItsMeVolatility]

That’s fucking awesome - nice work!

[@sillyswrdd]

This is such a cool team! I love it!

[@Altasetra]

This is one of the best videos you've released. Great scripting, well edited, great job

[@adnyx.]

Would love to see another episode of this

[@lechonk1122]

I LIKE THIS THIS TOURNAMENT STYLE CONTENT AND HAVE LIKED AND SUBSCRIBED!

[@UserName-ei7dk]

Please keep making these videos I love your tourney vids.

[@robertdwyer6807]

Hope this becomes are a weekly thing. Great videos. I love the work you put into it.

[@the_bull2663]

I love how your VGC journey is kinda inspiring your singles team building!!!

[@skyfiresage5980]

WOW what a strat. Congrats!

[@markyjoe1990]

Yooo. This was a really neat video!

[@uroy8371]

Wow, a creative and well thought strategy 😮❤ Hope you win the cup