[WCT5-USA] Quarter Finals - APEX ETH vs Tempest Freerunning

Apex ETH v Tempest!!!
For more info on the athletes:
Tempest:
/ tempestfreerunning
Nicodemus Zicari:
/ whoisnicodemus_me
Jeff Garrido:
/ pkjeffie
Tavon McVey:
/ tavonflows
Nate Weston:
/ nate_weston
Joe Unruh:
/ cupojoepk
Brett Vance:
/ brett_vance
APEX
/ apexsom
Amos Rendao
/ amosrendao
Rob Schihl
/ rob_schihl
Olof Wood
/ olofwood
Seth Wang
/ lieutenantmerkinator
Jason Bergeron
/ jason.wu.b
Michael Sliger
/ michaelj.sliger
Join our community Discord server, Discuss Chase Tag with the community and athletes!
/ discord
Keep Chasing and Don't Get Caught!!!!

[@WorldChaseTag]

This match was an important one for us because it was the first time we were going live on ESPN. However, (as we've mentioned a few times previously) this event was beset with technical problems and the worst one occurred during this match. For some reason, the starter buzzer started to stop buzzing. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't (we didn't know it at the time, but it turned out to be a problem with one of the audio cables) and it always seemed to happen when Tempest (especially Tavon) was on the starter plate (that's why you can hear the audience chanting "Tavon! Tavon!" at the start of Chase 9). While we tried to sort the problem out, this gave the Evader a much longer rest than the usual 25 seconds, giving them an unfair advantage. It's impossible to tell whether this would have affected the final outcome but, without a doubt, it definitely made things a lot harder for Tempest so we very much apologies to them for this error. They came as a really strong team this year so it was very frustrating to see them go out like this and we look forward to seeing them back on the Quad. We obviously ended up editing out all of the breaks but if you want to check it out in all its (excruciatingly cringey) glory, go to the ESPN KZbin page (I haven't brought myself to watch it yet as it bring back bad memories!!). One other thing to point out is that these technical problems had nothing to do with ESPN, who have been great partners and really supportive of WCT, and it's just one of the many unexpected things that can go wrong during live events.

[@kevind3974]

That’s always the disadvantage of going live. Things happen because it’s now stressed more and everything’s based on their own facto. So always have a backup even for the smaller things because time is literally money. It’s your first time, you’ve learned your lesson and I know you will do better next time. that’s what you’ve been doing already anyway

[@Gantelia]

Красавцы !!

[@ololo518]

Vert sad to hear you had difficulties and it wasn't completely fair game for Tempest, but let's face it, it probably wouldn't end differently. Apex was behaving way to easy on the quad to beat them

[@WorldChaseTag]

@@ololo518 Admittedly Apex were on fire!

[@weakw1ll]

Regaurdless this was so hype. Especially with the crowd

[@jjprempeh2508]

I love how both Seth, Olof, and Amos got their tags with the same tactic of moving through the lazy boy to tag. Excellent to watch. APEX are too OP

[@WorldChaseTag]

Yeah, the Last Boy has a deceptively low EQ so it's a good place to get tags!

[@broskiyt12]

sorry for asking,who is lazy boy?

[@636Knight]

I'll never get tired of the Sportsmanship in this sport.

[@wctfans2312]

At the 2020 championship, Tempest took only fifteenth place, which surprised many people in the community. And now, a year later, at the WCT USA 2021, they are fighting in the forefront and against the champions from Apex! BRAVO TEMPEST 👏 Also very happy to see Apex ETH on the Quad. Top team! 🤯

[@WorldChaseTag]

Yes indeed, that was a big step up from Tempest - looking forward to seeing them again next season!!!

[@piccolo917]

damn, Seth really improved his evation skills. He was insane on the chase last year but that part of his skillset was a bit lacking. That Apex BootCamp is showing RESULTS.

[@WorldChaseTag]

Very true!!

[@pretzelkch8322]

I"d say, Seth sort of got back to his old WCT 4 self. He had a bit of a dip in the first USA tourney, but now he's back in form

[@nicknovakk]

Holy smokes. Apex is just on a complete different level, it's insane!

[@leongrant3151]

My god they're just on another level, Tempest breezed through the qualifier and still got dominated. Apex is insane 😱

[@ahmedsalah7474]

I know this is way off topic but do you see the wisdom of the creator in showing bad or weak examples so when you see the powerful one you just appreciate it. We couldn't know the power of Apex until we watch Tempest first :) but anyway those Apex are legends! but not too fast there're some people who are better than them else where on this earth might be Asians as well xD

[@WorldChaseTag]

Yup - they are pretty crazy to watch!!

[@deadersurvival4716]

@@ahmedsalah7474 I mean, that's one of the first things that any aspiring writers should learn. Any character that you plan to use should have an appropriate amount of build-up. That's why Lancers and Rivals are so important in writing, arguably MORE important than the protagonists that shadow them.

[@strixcz]

@@ahmedsalah7474 I wouldn't call Tempest bad/weak by any means - it's just Apex being crazy good. Also, what do you mean by your first sentence anyway? It's not WCT purposely "showing weak players first" or something, LOL. The tournament starting with the qualifiers (some teams naturally performing better than others) is how most tournaments work for any sport. No need to diss Tempest just because Apex destroyed them. They still improved since last year and it's a team with lot of potential and some beautiful moments in their matches. Looking forward to seeing them on the quad again!

[@strixcz]

@@deadersurvival4716 You do realize we're talking about (unscripted) sports event here, not a screenplay or a novel, right? :D

[@ParkourUkemi]

Although this match didn’t go their way, mad respect for the tempest boys. Their athleticism and tech blows my mind. It’s difficult to spot because it happens so fast, but watch Nate going against Rob as he vaults out from the mountain. He somehow has the strength and control to react to Rob cutting back by landing on one foot on the mountain table and kicking off into an odd techy stride on the angled rail straight into a vault to enter the loading bay… WTF?! Joe’s got crazy speed and footwork, Nico pulling one of the craziest dive roll tags the sport has yet seen, Tavon always a force to be reckoned with since he had mechanical upgrades in that achilles tendon surgery years ago to enhance his springiness, Brett showing full spectrum skill from good footwork and transitions to fitting through tight spaces, whenever I see Jeff move I always hear a voice in the back of my head say "water bender." 

It was a pleasure battling y’all. Let’s keep working towards taking this sport to the next level, making it more entertaining, and growing this thing for everybody involved.

[@strixcz]

This right here is why I love WCT!

[@finnianhadid1937]

Some of the best evasions I've ever seen. Seth and Rob are absolute powerhouses; their navigation seems unmatched. And God damn, Seth's awareness is so calm, and intentional and HE JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER!

[@krioshhh7384]

Wait until you see Michael's speed))

[@WorldChaseTag]

Apex ETH are definitely the team to beat.

[@strixcz]

No contest here - Apex is still in their own league! Still an exciting match to watch though. Despite the outcome becoming obvious early on (especially when you spot that this video is just 7 minutes long), it's just joy to watch these guys blaze through the quad! :)

[@alissonvinicius3639]

Apex is strong, Olof and Seth clearly improved a lot from the past WCT, by far my favorite team

[@ktowntraceur]

Nicodemus' dive tag was something else, glad to see him get a moment to shine. Impress performances by all. Sorry to hear about all the technical difficulties. Sounds very frustrating.

[@WorldChaseTag]

That was an awesome move.

[@zachparade2791]

Really love watching Olof on the Quad. He is humble, methodical, and watchful. You can see how much Sébastien Foucan‘s influence had on him. In a way, Apex seems to be the closest homage to the OG traceurs, while actively pioneering a way forward. Gotta love this team!👍👍

[@WorldChaseTag]

Without a doubt Monsieur Foucan is the Sensei that lords over us all. However, Amos Rendao and Ryan Ford have been focusing on speed with Apex and the Colorado community since the very beginning of parkour in the US. Any athlete that is serious about developing speed needs to visit Apex! It's the Mecca of speed parkour.

[@zachparade2791]

Totally agree! Not just speed, but ukemi as well!

[@seanplays16]

cant wait to see Apex go against the euro teams. probably the most competitive matches we'll see

[@Jajek333]

I'm afraid Apex will eat them as well, I don't see anyone matching them

[@wogi1386]

@@Jajek333 Dont be so sure mate.

[@WorldChaseTag]

Yesss - can't wait for the Worlds!!!!

[@Jajek333]

@AJ Santiago it might be, but honestly, they are just so comfortable on the quad and you can see the practise and tactics they employ. Of course, as a eurobro, I'd happily see some European team manage to beat Apex ETH :D

[@jjprempeh2508]

@@Jajek333 blacklist at WCT Lyon showed how dangerous they are. They have seriously powerful atheletes like Abdallah. Same with Team PHAT. Luke stones and Orlando were making waves at the UK championships

[@alarc]

APEX elevated its game even further, Seth is evading godlike now. It's awesome cos you can notice their new tactics at evasions, they are real professionals

[@MMPK]

APEX ETH uses Seth Wang... It was very effective!

[@Michael_Deti]

lol

[@TurtleDude05]

I love watching Apex Eth. It's just a master class in WTC. Bravo to tempest for upping their game as well, and making it this far.

[@WorldChaseTag]

Masterclass is the right word - Apex ETH were amazing.

[@Obesepelican]

Apex is defining the meta

[@tomm1413]

My god Apex is just on another level! What a performance! Can't wait for the next matches!!! Love this sport

[@WorldChaseTag]

Cheers for the support Tom!!

[@riuphane]

Ok, both teams were incredible to watch and performed really really well. Apex has been my team to watch, but tempest looked to be the ones to give them a run for their money. Amazing amazing match!

[@YourAverageNiche]

Tempest have really improved as a team collectively and individually. They are being more speedy and effective. The roaster is upgraded. Yet I always feel that Tevon's unorthodox gameplay is both his strength and weakness. He is fast, quirky, and technical yet he is risky and nonchalant. I hope he hones his style adequately.

[@bearschneider9183]

Totally agree. It's cool that tag is in such an infancy right now that stuff like middle starts DO work on some people, but I feel like in a couple years (or maybe even this year) the meta strategy is going to shift so hard that stuff like that gets completely pushed out because it's too risky to pay off 90% of the time

[@WorldChaseTag]

@@bearschneider9183 That's such an important question that we ponder all the time. I guess only time will tell!

[@ajunicee]

i absolutely love watching apex in this. their skills are so insane and i definitely see the improvement from last year too! even when they’re very good they continue to grow

[@HerrVonBlitzkrieg]

Apex is spoooky - nearly unrivalled depth in their roster and it shows in how lopsided this was against a team that already proved just how formidable they were this year 🤯

[@aratashinjii4975]

Apex Eth just crushed Tempest with 4 guys and saving Sliger and Bergeron's energy for the next round. How insane was that?

[@michaelsliger]

ETH didn't use us because Amos thinks Jason and I are bad

[@agamar8459]

@@michaelsliger this is a joke right

[@michaelsliger]

@@agamar8459 no, it's not

[@jason.wu.b]

@@michaelsliger sad truth, i wish is wasn't like that, we just kept calling him old

[@michaelsliger]

@@jason.wu.b maybe we should find a new team

[@DeathTheKid4]

Damn what a dominant performance. Both Michael and Jason were not even used!

[@astod7792]

Glad to see the men in black back in action

[@WorldChaseTag]

It is indeed!!

[@shadowwolf7880]

That was... GOOD. AMAZING, I'd say! Good work to both teams & good luck!

[@josestirtabudi6247]

My God! Apex looks like they've kicked it up a notch 😱

[@nathanthenamelessninja5572]

What makes Apex stand out is their obstacle IQ. Basically every team has one or two people who are exceptional at using the obstacles to their advantage, but every person on Apex knows exactly what obstacles to use to conserve energy and waste time. Pair that with freak athleticism, and you've got a monster team.

[@Michael_Deti]

Poor Tavon! I saw the technical problems when he was on the starter plate -.- However I think it would have made no difference. APEX ETH just crushed Tempest. There's no other way to put it. Tempest has surely improved since last time but they are no match for APEX ETH! And I think this will happen to most other teams tbh. Envy GNF and Soderman Freerunners (They should really change their name) will win. APEX DOGE vs apkblue will be absolutely amazing to watch :D

[@viegodalencio]

Soderman freerunners lmao

[@jjprempeh2508]

@@viegodalencio That's a violation lol

[@eek0h]

APEX $ETH back to back I'mr ready to witness greatness

[@Squeech77]

Great game! Can't wait til apk blue, been itching to see Mark Bowles with some evasions

[@lucafusillo5987]

Apex is scary good. Clearly the best team in NA right now. In my opinion the best team in the whole world and I would even go as far as saying best ever. (obviously they still have much to accomplish to be the goats, considering they haven't even competed in a world championship yet and marrero gang has won 3). I also just wanted to remember everyone that even tho they didn't need them for this match (that's how good they are) they also have Michael Sliger and Jason Bergeron on their roaster. Usually teams have one or two star players, they legitimatly have 5. I'm rooting for GNF but if I had to bet on a team to win it all, I would bet on Apex Etherium.

[@WorldChaseTag]

Its not easy to disagree with anything you said.

[@astod7792]

You know it's going to be a shut out when Olaf evades first match

[@Babayeats]

Apex Was another level brooo, they are the champ

[@pvtleaf]

Was waiting to see Michael Sliger but I guess I'll have to wait a bit more 👀

[@WorldChaseTag]

Yup - I'm pretty sure he's out for the next match though!!

[@ripdippy6964]

Rob Schihl on a whole different plane of existence

[@wogi1386]

Its now the Quarter Finals. lets see the intense plays.

[@theonlymegumegu]

Wait, a WCT video with Apex Eth that's under 8 minutes? ALMOST under 7!? Come on guys, I know you can get sub 7 XD I love watching this these guys! The movement blows my mind at this level of play!

[@tb89117]

Just as dominant as ever

[@JackKad]

I really hope TAVON would get titles, he is the perfect model of WCT

[@weakw1ll]

That was a winning evasion fs bro rob pulled out that mountain pass, the apex stalling, and used behind the mountain good fella that guy

[@WorldChaseTag]

The Apex Mountain Pass is thing of beauty but I absolutely adore Rob's move at 6:23! I wonder if Rob has a name for that move - it was sublime!

[@lovelypacific]

@@WorldChaseTag I've called it the butterfly in my head- not particularly badass but it works lol

[@jjprempeh2508]

@@WorldChaseTag Bro can we get better footage on that move? I legit can't see what he did lol

[@deepbhadja5730]

It's almost unfair how good the Apex is. It's like all the best players got together and formed a team. They overpowered just like last year.

[@MrWildbox]

That right there is a textbook example of advanced WCT play, those are some moves you won’t see from any other teams

[@amirmahdighahari7150]

When the gods decide to play!

[@寧毅]

waiting a long time to see apex team

[@bigman9923]

this was absolutely insane🙏🏻

[@Nico-ee3bd]

Great match, however image quality seems lower

[@sinivesive1630]

Yup and ESPN uploaded this match on their channel with Apex Doge VS APK Blue, 5 months ago with the same casting and image angles/quality. I really hope the other matches have been recorded the normal way. It is so much better 🤞🏻

[@letstalkfiction5187]

Jeez. I thought only three teams could rival Apex Eth. Tempest, GNF, and Hollywood. Now I’m not sure any team can.

[@WorldChaseTag]

Scarily good!

[@baconroll1567]

Apex got to win it this time round as well. They’re brilliant

[@Clint_Moto34]

Apex Eth is definetly my favourite !

[@viegodalencio]

It is kinda funny to see Nate being a lot better at evasions rather than chases lol

[@tech1238]

Great stuff guys 🤙

[@WorldChaseTag]

Cheers Tech!

[@AnimeMemesz]

the level of play this year has really improved.

[@ppatranka]

Apex ETH🚀🚀🚀

[@robertocalvo934]

It almost looks like a whole different sport when the top dudes play it. The speed, the agreesiveness is on another level. It's gonna be extremely hard to beat this Apex team

[@martijnvkk]

3:17 smartest place in the field

[@necto1879]

« ATHLETES READYYY! » hits hard

[@krioshhh7384]

Who is Jason? Who is Michael?😂 I'm excited for this team. Amazing start.

[@jaredlewis6688]

Love this 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿💯

[@lovelypacific]

I don't even think we got to see the Apex players who played playing at their full potential. Another team like Apex (which I don't see here in WCT USA) with four or five star players in one team playing against them would make for insane plays i bet

[@oz3684]

It looks like tempest changes their strategy from last year. Their going for the tag a lot harder and faster which i think is a good idea, last year they seemed too be way too calculated and strategic didnt work out for them

[@WorldChaseTag]

Yeah, there have been a few comments saying a similar thing over the last few matches. There seems to be a lot less stalling now as the Chasers are just flushing the Evaders out of the higher EQ areas immediately. It definitely makes things more exciting!

[@Curtisisback1]

Oh, Jesus, APEX ETH are still very amazing! No chances for Tempest, even with Tavon.

[@WorldChaseTag]

They took it to another level.

[@zhaya4658]

clapping even if watching alone. none of the evasions were easy but APEX made it despite Tempest's superb chase. excellent play from both teams.

[@mx_nana_banana]

Seth is a cheat code for apex.

[@WorldChaseTag]

Ha - very true!

[@jjprempeh2508]

And now he can evade well!

[@nidgegannon]

The mountain has been solved by this team!

[@ajks104]

For the first time watchin' the edited version of Colorado v California, well I love both 🔥

[@thyphantom8806]

what happened to the quality?

[@jjprempeh2508]

ESPN being lazy. That's what happened

[@lovelypacific]

its live. harder to get high quality for that.

[@j4genius961]

STOP EVERYTHING RIGHT NOW, Apex will win this😂😂😂😂🐐🐐🐐

[@tyreeneshane.]

Was this the match with the technical problems at the start? This might've affected the momentum too :( But nothing to really say we all know Apex is top dog.

[@WorldChaseTag]

Yes - this is the match when the starting buzzer wasn't working!!

[@tyreeneshane.]

@@WorldChaseTag I remember the frustration 😭 Props for both teams for being level-headed 🙌

[@bearschneider9183]

Top doge*

[@tyreeneshane.]

@@bearschneider9183 🐶 alright good one I'll give u that. Can't wait to see you next tourn !

[@dextermorgan318]

Why does this look like something from the 90's haha

[@WorldChaseTag]

We went retro.

[@vasqueazog]

They are the best and most completed team. Seth has improved too much on evading and this new skill makes him terrifying. Almost at level of Rob and Michael. Olof and Amos did very good too. Neither Jason nos Michael have participated. For winning them the rest of the competition teams best runners would need to make a team.

[@TastingculturewithNathan]

Hey world chase tag is that group with the buff cross-fit dude in the competition or not just wondering?

[@bearschneider9183]

Apk Gray last year, Apk Blue this year, and Sarin didn't compete. One of the next matches will be that team though!

[@WorldChaseTag]

Yes, APK Blue are competing. No, the buff cross-fit dude is not.

[@Cinemonroll.productions]

whats wrong w the camera bruhh

[@balasubramani3391]

tough, toughh, toughhh, super good 👍🙏

[@BevinEG]

I agree

[@giuseppegarrubba57]

are sleeveless shirts turnament illegal?

[@WorldChaseTag]

the shirts are a standard shape and they currently have sleeves.

[@armas8033]

Crazy pace, seth

[@Michael_Deti]

I started to watch the ESPN coverage when it had come out but stopped. It's good that I got a look on beforehand so it wasn't as bad. I mean, it's okay-ish. One can still follow the chases and it's great to get the coverage. However this is just poor production in comparison to what you are doing! I feel immensely sorry for you...

[@leolhchan1]

only joe and tavon can catch up speed of apex

[@deadersurvival4716]

There's a question I've had for a while, is there any rule about an evader wanting/needing to come off of the court? Would you tick up a round, let the other team have free pick of who goes up (simulating the round that never happened) or would the evading team be forced to make a case in order to replace the player?

[@WorldChaseTag]

The rule book states the following: "If an Evading athlete wins a Chase (e.g. Chase 1) but can’t continue in the subsequent chase as an Evader (i.e. Chase 2), that chase is forfeited (Chase 2) and recorded as a No Contest Tag (NCT). The team that was Chasing in Chase 2 would then have the Evading position in Chase 3." I hope that answers the question.

[@deadersurvival4716]

@@WorldChaseTag It does. Thank you!

[@romabrii]

The discord link is expired. Can we get a new one? I got really excited when I saw that there was a Discord, but then the invite is expired 🥺

[@WorldChaseTag]

Sorry about that! Here's a new link: discord.gg/fWZQt8w33V

[@romabrii]

@@WorldChaseTag Thank you!

[@Umi366]

Tempest underutilized Tavon. How do you use your best and most experienced athlete only once?

[@denisubagja5032]

agreed

[@strixcz]

Frankly, it wouldn't make much difference anyway. Not against Apex. These guys are insane.

[@denisubagja5032]

@@strixcz at least we as audience enjoy the match.. just like TUP used Joseph many times against apex doge, GNF used Davis many times against HF..

[@Max_H]

I think he played as much as he wanted to. The technical difficulties really got on his nerves. Tempest had a lot to deal with at this event, their shady hotel situation also had a shootout in the middle of the night.

[@WorldChaseTag]

Have a look at the pinned comment SyDneY, he was meant to go out a few times earlier in the match but the buzzer kept messing him up so someone else went out instead.

[@heeeeiity]

Is just me or the image on this video looks different? Don't know exactly what, but I'm sure that something is different. Maybe they've changed their cameras or something like that

[@MMPK]

This is the footage from the live ESPN broadcast. So its a totally different set camera set up.

[@jmitchtheman]

Tempest ran into a buzz saw here. Apex is looking scary.

[@WorldChaseTag]

True dat!

[@squaresphere]

Wow, just bruh. Apex E is just fast as F.

[@vlatoeflip]

Déjà vu 🥺great match

[@tanmaybhayani]

What's up with the video quality. Did anyone else notice, the video quality is different(worse) than usual??!

[@WorldChaseTag]

It's different, yes. From the Quarter final matches onwards (i.e. from this match to the end of the competition) a production company came in and they took control of the production.

[@tanmaybhayani]

@@WorldChaseTag Please sort it out. The video quality before was wayyyy better. In this the colours are spurious and noisy and video is not very high definition.

[@wogi1386]

5-0? Apex is gonna be rated worldclass for me

[@yodonuts]

Camera work feels different from other uploads

[@WorldChaseTag]

From the Quarter final matches onwards (i.e. from this match to the end of the competition) a production company came in and took control of the production.

[@yodonuts]

@@WorldChaseTag might be a creature of habit and need to adapt to the change but it felt more smooth the angles and cuts ✂️ before production crew edits

[@WorldChaseTag]

@@yodonuts Thanks for the feedback. Its noted.

[@mocabe01]

new camera? the video looks too bright ... liked regardless.

[@sesto_elemento8880]

Seth is like a Snake!!!!! So nimble!

[@FixTheWi-Fi]

damn, Apex absolutely dominated this match. ...BTW please tell me the names for Apex's teams are for memes...

[@jeanserrano2336]

Apex is too stacked 😂

[@anonamoose392]

Goes to show the stark contrast between the good and the best. Tempest are decent but lack chase- and evasion-craft at the top level. Apex’s chasers were always willing to go through the gaps in an obstacle, or over it, instead of going around and giving the evader space. When evading Apex never got caught at the front line, never doubled back at the lazy boy where there’s no protection - the first three Tempest evaders all made this mistake. I’m sure Tempest will have taken a lot from this match-up, can only improve when a top team exposes your flaws - and this was a top top team in incredible form. It will take an incredible performance to beat them this year.

[@WorldChaseTag]

Wow - that's pretty insightful. You should be a coach!

[@WCTFanChannel]

Woah.

[@mamateva]

Is this WCT 5 without the europeans or WCT USA

[@TheKenEdiT]

Where can i find the bracket online?

[@MMPK]

Community tab 👍

[@TheKenEdiT]

@@MMPK thank you!

[@irelia3911]

We want blacklist vs apex eth

[@WorldChaseTag]

Absolutely - can't wait for that one!!!!

[@jjprempeh2508]

Blacklist looked powerful in WCT LYON

[@bhavrajsingh1936]

Guys not good quality . Please do something about it 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@WorldChaseTag]

Elaborate please.