[pntbll1313]

Originally Posted by Pat Hart

FIRST compares the competition to the sports world and Einstein is the Super Bowl of the mind. With this thought, the matches on Einstein should be the most approachable and entertaining matches for the general public. However, the long delays between matches remove the excitement and tension of the moment. The result is a series of matches that become tedious for outside viewers.
A reason sports are entertaining is the tension created by the pace at which things happen. It is difficult to sustain the excitement for eight 2 minute matches across 4 hours. To change perceptions and culture the matches need to remain exciting for viewers across all backgrounds.

I agree with this. As a first time viewer of champs in person (I watched online in the past but was lucky enough to qualify this year ) I was able to see how unengaged the students in the stands became. I personally still enjoyed every minute of being there but had to remind students around me to do the same. Many seemed to be more focused on their phones or making paper airplanes by hour 3. After the last match had been played people immediately stood up and started rushing out to get to the last hour of the Finale that they had paid so much money for. Before the confetti had fallen teams were already out of the stadium. I know Einstein has the most viewers and it makes sense to announce all of the awards, hear important speakers, and give the most important messages. There just has to be a better way to condense it. The huge delays in between matches completely lose interest of the students, even if Gangnam style is being played during that break haha.