This qualifier brought in creative features from various different events around the country. One being, of course, the "Panty Bonus." The audience was given a big pile of underwear to throw at the contestants to show approval, and getting high numbers of undies chucked at you could improve your score. They also used the opening battle royale concept to choose the order of competitors, rather than just plain old picking numbers - a group of competitors went onstage at the same time, played the same mystery song together, and whoever was best got a more favorable, i.e. later, spot in the order. They also did the new classic "everyone gets their own song" second round tactic.
The evening was kicked off by local (and, honestly, national) legend Tiger Claw, who also sponsored the event. Last year's Western Semifinal champion Cold Steel Renegade also took the stage, wearing nothing but his signature elephant thong - much to the delight or dismay (or an uncomfortable combination of the both, I don't know their lives) of the crowd. And then it was onward into the competition!
- The stage had an extended section that was made up of individual sections stuck together. Except "stuck" is kind of a strong word. In fact, Human Airer planted one foot on each section and then the two moved apart, forcing him into a split - but getting him some great scores!
- Last year's out-of-nowhere champ Pop Roxwell returned, this time with an awesome costume (last year she had been a plainclotheswoman) - I love nothing more than seeing someone give it a try and enjoy it so much that they go the whole hog the next year. Growing this family is awesome.
- Ore Gas Sam did his best to live up to his name, bringing a certain greasiness to the proceedings and doffing his pants partway through. He had American flag undies underneath. Patriotism... sexy patriotism.
- The coolest innovation they went with was calling their second round song selection process "A Shot at Glory." This is because they made each contestant take a shot of tequila, which revealed a pick at the bottom of the shot glass, with a song written on it. Neat! And boozy.
Speaking of the second round: it comprised Sweetness (straight out of Santa Cruz), Ore Gas Sam, Human Airer, Singar the Goat Demon (he has goaty-leg pants, and why doesn't everyone?), and Pop Roxwell.
All in all, while you could say everyone was a winner (or a loser) due to the tequila shot, only 3 could advance. In third spot was Ore Gas Sam. In second, having pulled down a PERFECT SCORE - triple sixes - in the second round, Singar the Goat Demon. And edging him out despite getting a marginally lower round 2 score, since she came in hot from her first round scores and panty bonus, your San Francisco Qualifier champ for a second year running, Pop Roxwell! All 3 will be competing in their own fair city once again, for the Northwest Semi-Final (I know, "Northwest," and it's San Francisco... I can't sign off on that nomenclature either) on July 12.
photo of Diesel Mandingo getting bombarded with panties: Erik Jorgensen