Sleepy players had to leave an hour earlier Thursday to account for traffic.

It still took close to an hour but finally we arrived.

Everyone converges on the Convention Center. Thankfully the Lakers stunk this season, or this could have been a real headache with the playoffs. The Staples Center is across the street.

Except for Julien Nuijten and Terry Soh.

The wait was not over for people who did not get badges ahead of time.

Fortunately for the players they were able to zip right up the escalators…

…past shiny objects…

…through the entrance to the West Hall…

…and finally they could game at the Wizards booth.

Adepts waited to give away swag.

Osyp breaks out the dancing shoes. Is a "virtual" Salsa challenge against Pierre Canali in the near future?

What is best in life? To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of their women.

Ah, the life of a professional card player.

Kuroda, Fujita and Soh finished atop the standings, once again showing the power of the APAC region.

Tsuyoshi Fujita and Terry Soh begin to enjoy the spoils of victory.