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Now in its 6th iteration, Winter Brawl is a part of a series of yearly events run by Eric “Big E” Small and Robert “Fightclub” Hubbs.  Generally known as the event that begins the “Evo Season”, Winter Brawl 6 is a part of the “Road to Evo 2012”.  Last year, Winter Brawl was the first Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 Major with Justin Wong winning the first major MVC3 title.  This year sees that tradition continue with the debut of Soul Calibur V.  Namco is supporting this with a $1000 pot bonus for Soul Calibur V.  Winter Brawl 6 is a Soul Calibur V seeding event for Final Round 15 with the winner receiving an all expenses paid trip to Final Round.  Similar to Summer Jam, this tournament will feature high quality streams from Team Spooky and 8 Way Run.  With everyone looking to  start 2012 with a victory, let’s take a look at some of the prominent players attending.

UVG Noel Brown
Twitter: @NoelBHungry

The self proclaimed “Best in the East Coast” and one of the “bad guys”, Noel Brown certainly has painted a target on himself for Winter Brawl.  With a 3rd place finish at SCR, 2nd at Apex 2012 (the first stop on the Road to Evo 2012), and consistently placing well at the Big 2 series, Noel has shown that he is a championship contender.  Will he finally defeat demons such as Justin Wong and Chris G to claim a major title?

AG MarlinPie

Twitter: @MarlinPie

Marlin Pie is always the kind of player you love to watch at tournament with his flashy combos and unrelenting offense.  Despite a lack of top 8 placings at recent East Coast Majors, Marlin Pie is riding a wave of momentum after  an impressive victory over Chris G at the recent Curleh Mustache Invitational.  Will this be the beginning of a string of major victories?

Di3minion

Twitter: @Di3mini0n

Generally hailed as one of the best East Coast Street Fighter 4 players and the best Guile in America, Di3minion has been making noise with his Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 play.  Building an effective zoning and keep away team with rarely seen characters, Di3minion has  become  a common sight at many Big 2 Street Fighter AND Marvel finals.  Will his defense oriented game play once again earn him success at Winter Brawl?

Evil Geniuses Justin Wong

 Twitter: @JWonggg

There is not much that hasn’t been said about Justin Wong.  He is favorite to win at every major in not only the main games, but every available tournament at an event.  Coming in off an impressive victories in SF4 and UMVC3 at SCR, Justin is the opponent every East Coast player is developing new technology for.  Will they be able to shut down the “Wong Factor” or be defeated by it?

Local Battles Chris G

Twitter: @NYChrisG

After Justin Wong’s departure from the East Coast, Chris G. seemed to be the one to take up his mantle as a multi-game threat.  Despite a disappointing performance at SCR 2011 Chris is still  a common top 8 placer at East Coast events (NEC XII and Apex 2012) and a dominating force at Big 2.  Will Chris be the one sitting atop the East Coast Throne at Winter Brawl 6?

DMG Juicebox Abel

Twitter: @JuiceboxAbel

Juicebox has been both more visible and less visible in the fighting game community recently.  Despite an impressive 9th place finish at Evo 2011, Juicebox has not been travelling to as many events as he had in early 2011.   In the meantime he began a personal stream showcasing his training in SF4 and KOFXIII.  Now with a new sponsor, Juicebox makes his return to the Major circuit at Winter Brawl.  Always an animated and entertaining player, how will Juicebox 2012 perform?

Peter "FlashMetroid" Susini

Twitter: @FlashMetroid

As with Juicebox, the same could be said for Flash Metroid.  After making it to top 8 at Evo 2011, Flash seemed to retire to Florida and only make occasional appearances.  With a sudden reemergence at East Coast events, such as Big 2 and 8 at the Break, is this the beginning of another road to top 8 at the World Finals?

Be sure to follow the TeamSp00ky network on twitter - @teamspooky | @NerdJosh | @nycfurby | @DICK_WOLF for updates from Winter Brawl! Don't be surprised if we get random streams popping off from any of us :)

Felt there was a player left out? Rooting for a underdog to take it that might go unnoticed? Let us know in the comments below!