In 2014, the Classic Tetris World Championship was at a crossroads. For the first four years of its existence, Jonas Neubauer won every time. In its fifth year, a documentary crew followed key players as they set out with one goal in mind: Beat Jonas.
This five-episode documentary series tells the story of the tournament, the players, and what it means to be the champion of an unwinnable game. Across the episodes, we meet the key players, watch nine full matches along with new commentary by Chris Tang and James Chen, and witness this historic tournament in glorious 4K UHD. It's a must for any fan of Classic Tetris. Check out our launch trailer above!
LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This documentary was not sponsored or endorsed by The Tetris Company.
Praise for Best of Five
"It brought me to tears to be able to see that world, to know where we came from, and where we'll be going."
-Chris Tang, CTWC Commentator
“Best of Five is fire.”
-dogplayingtetris, 2-time CTWC Champion
"Chris has done an amazing job to capture that tournament, tell the story of all the people behind the controllers, and really give you something fantastic that will hit home for people."
-Kingsman, Classic Tetris World Championship Host & MC
"What a tremendous and monumental effort it was to put this together... [and] wow, what an incredible tour de force series you've created. There's so many layers of love and respect poured into this series from so many parties."
-Ryan Claytor, Cartoonist and Professor
Best of Five is available now!
This five-episode documentary series takes you inside the Classic Tetris World Championship. It’s a flashback to 2014, the fifth year of the tournament, when one player—Jonas Neubauer—had won first-place four years in a row. Going in, the question on everyone’s mind was: Can anybody beat Jonas?
Featured Products
Blu-ray collectible set! Three discs in a triple-Blu-ray case, signed and numbered by director Chris Higgins. Details:
Episodes 1-5 in Full HD (1080p)
Trailer in Full HD (1080p)
Dolby Digital sound, produced from 24-bit/48kHz sources
Region-free
Subtitles in English and Finnish
NTSC, 23.976fps
Runtime: 4 hours, 42 minutes
These Blu-rays are limited to 100 units, and many of those were purchased by early backers on Kickstarter. We're selling what's left here! Grab them while you can.
NOTE: The number shown in the photos is an EXAMPLE of what you will get. You will receive a different number from 1 to 100.
LIMITED EDITION OF 50. Each book is signed and numbered by author/photographer Chris Higgins. “Block Game” is a visual history of the Classic Tetris World Championship, covering 2012-2021. When Chris started working at the CTWC in 2012, he also brought his camera. This led to him capturing a variety of images over the years, showing the growth of the tournament. There is a special focus on 2014, when Best of Five: The Classic Tetris Champions was filmed; that year many top players posed for headshots.
Quaid competes.
Bo Steil watches from the crowd.
Elijah Markstrom competes.
Alex Kerr competes.
Harry Hong competes.
The crowd rejoices.
Jonas and Heather watch a match.
Sometimes the TVs are...fuzzy.
Alex Kerr vs Elijah Markstrom.
Chris Tang.
Trey Harrison watches a match.
Bo Steil and Harry Hong.
A referee points out why we're all here.
Terry Purcell explains proper long bar placement.
Trey Harrison shows how to make the game harder.
Trey Harrison explains the pole vault.
Harry Hong says, "Jonas plays really differently."
Bo Steil, Harry Hong, and Terry Purcell wait in line to qualify.
Frank Westphal (front) qualifies. Visible behind is Josh Tolles.
During setup day, the banner is up!
Terry Purcell trains in the basement.
Jonas Neubauer waits in line to qualify.
Terry Purcell eliminates another player.
Dana Wilcox (right) speaks with Frank Westphal after a match. Visible in the crowd are Kim and Jeff Moore and MetalBeast.
Terry Purcell interviewed by Adam Cornelius before a match.
Chris Tand and James Chen introduce new commentary.
Terry Purcell plays "TURD," his best controller.
Vince Clemente makes an announcement while players qualify. Front, left to right: Chris Brady, MegaRetroMan qualify on stage.
Vince Clemente interviews Quaid after a surprising performance in qualifying.
Jonas Neubauer interviewed at his home.
Terry Purcell teaching history (his day job).
Terry Purcell in his basement, next to the boiler (covered in magnets).
Vince Clemente looks on as Adam Cornelius explains proper Tetris technique.
Harry Hong explains how stacking works.
Terry Purcell shows a Tetris tattoo.
Terry Purcell's favorite controller, "TURD," used in competition.
Terry Purcell competes.