[Certain]

The seeding being random actually makes sense with a field like this. Almost every person in this tournament could win it all. Anyway, predictions:

Pinot Grij vs Eŋg
This is such a massive clash of styles. Pinot Grij has the storytelling thing down pat — one of the best ever at it — but everyone loves Eŋg’s style, and the topics might lend themselves more to his bent. I’m going with Pinot Grij.

Split Eight vs Atheist
Atheist probably will no show. If he does show, he’ll probably be rusty as fuck. But if he’s not, he’s one of my favorites ever. His ability to set a scene was the best on the Internet circa 2005, and he and Split Eight should make for a very aural matchup. I’ll play it safe and pick Split Eight.

Frank vs big baby
This is awesome. I have no idea what either of them is going to write about. I’ll pick big baby because I think he’s going to try in Round 1.

Soulstice vs Pent uP
I feel like I’ve seen this battle eight times over the past decade. I’ll go with Pent uP because Soulstice got him last time.

Cimmerian vs Bags
This will be the shortest and possibly the most entertaining battle of the round. I’m leaning toward Cimmerian’s professionalism, but we’ll see if Bags can win it with creativity.

PancakeBrah vs Richard Corey
Richard Corey is literally the best to ever do this shit. PancakeBrah arguably was the best active writer in 2014 or so. The question is how much Richard Corey has been writing and how much he’ll put into this tournament, assuming he shows. As with Split Eight vs. Atheist, I’ll play it safe here. PancakeBrah seems moderately hungry (though I expect him to stop caring by no later than the third round).

dead man vs NYCSPITZ
We’ve seen this one so many fucking times. I pick dead man.

UnbornBuddha vs Vulgar
This will be the weirdest and probably longest battle of the round. Vulgar wins 1-0. zygote shows up to cast the only vote.