World Cup From Their Perspective: Tournament Director Matthew Guenzel

My name is Matthew Guenzel, and I was the Tournament Director for this summer’s IQA Quidditch World Cup. This was my ninth tournament acting as director-level staff in some capacity, and by far the most challenging yet.

World Cup From Their Perspective: A View From Eastern Europe

By Kinga Robutka, with contributions from Marian Dziubiak (Poland), Martin “Hofi” Hofbauer (Slovakia), and Verena Deutsch and Borut Bezgovšek (Slovenia). 

In comparison to the 2014 IQA Global Games held in Burnaby, Canada, the 2016 World Cup expanded dramatically, with 21 teams competing in the tournament held in Frankfurt, Germany – a stark contrast to the seven teams of the previous event. Being invited to the tournament was a unique chance for smaller developing leagues from around the world to challenge themselves and have what remains their only chance to compete against such international powerhouses such as Team USA and Australia. However, a greater number of teams competing naturally results in greater diversity in the level of play across the tournament. To some commentators, this was one of the main drawbacks of the tournament as the stronger teams, presumably, felt less challenged, especially during the group stages of Day One.

World Cup from their Perspective: Volunteer Coordinator Bebe Ashley

By Bebe Ashley

My name is Bebe Ashley, and I was volunteer coordinator for the 2016 IQA World Cup. This was my first, but hopefully not last, tournament committee position.

World Cup From Their Perspective: Team Australia Coach Gen Gibson

Hello, friends. My name is Gen Gibson, and I was the coach for the Australian Quidditch team for the 2016 World Cup in Frankfurt, Germany. Before I start my story, it’s important to acknowledge that success is never achieved alone. I would like to take a moment to thank the players and reserves of the Dropbears, captain James Mortensen, assistant coach Liam McCoppin, team manager Carolyn Themel, Nic Hirst [President of Quidditch Australia] and Quidditch Australia, the Dropbears’ cheer squad and helpers, the Aussie quidditch community, the teams at World Cup, and the people who made it happen. You are all the real MVPs here.  

World Cup From Their Perspective: Team USA Head Coach James Hicks

My name is James Hicks, and I have been involved in quidditch since 2011. I was the head coach of the 2016 Team USA.

Team USA Head Coach James Hicks at the closing ceremonies for the 2016 Quidditch World Cup. | Photo Credit: Ajantha Abey Quidditch Photography

Before I get started, I would like to thank the Quidditch Post, and particularly the sections abroad. For the past year, I believe that your coverage of international teams and events has helped keep us updated on quidditch around the world, not just in America, and I’ve enjoyed following international quidditch because of it. I would also like to thank you for reaching out for a different kind of interview - for giving me a platform to share my personal experience and my feelings after a tough weekend for USA quidditch. Not many sporting media outlets do that after a tough loss, so it’s very much appreciated.