Top 5 Players to Watch from the Denver BOTB Tournament Based on Metrics

The Denver BOTB Tournament recently wrapped up, showcasing the talent and determination of local teams battling for glory. Fans and analysts were captivated by the intensity of the games and the remarkable skills displayed throughout the event. By analyzing performance through DNVR metrics, we spotlight five standout teams that truly made their mark.

1. Kelvin Alphous

Kelvin started off the day slow, arriving 20 mins late to the tournament but quickly turned things around, winning by an average 7 points per game, against opponents in the mixed doubles bracket. Alongside partner Qing Niu, Kelvin played a balanced game, often moving around at the net-- a place no opponent wants to see him be. Throughout the bracket both Kelvin and Qing played in a hybrid doubles formation, with the server always playing up front initially, while splitting the defensive load into thirds, favoring Kelvin.

Offensively, their strategy revolved around aggression, quickly establishing themselves as the powerhouse in the bracket. Metrics revealed the pair hitting an average of 2 lifts per point. They continued to stay true to this tried and true strategy, despite facing pairs of varying styles. They would face Pedro and Ellen in the finals, beating them 21-18/21-17 in dramatic fashion.

Kelvin would then continue to dominate in the men's doubles bracket with his father, portraying professional-level concentration and stamina while also solidifying his storyline as the most intriguing of the day. When asked by our interviewing team (Jessica Singon) how they managed to play so well together despite their age difference, Kelvin replied with a shrug, saying that they just sort of winged it, only playing seriously together once before.

In the end, Kelvin managed to outplay his opponents throughout every phase, all while keeping his iconic smile fully intact.

Kelvin and partner Qing during their interview, post finals win

As if winning both brackets in the tournament wasn't enough, Kelvin managed to win the tournament raffle. In total, Kelvin brought home 2 gold medals, 2 Yonex backpacks, and a DNVR-branded sweat towel.

We are beyond excited to see the way Kelvin continues to impact badminton culture in Colorado.

2. Bhaskar Neogi

Being the oldest player to participate in Denver's Best of the Best 2025, Bhaskar made it clear that age is really just a number. With a Strength Index rating of 4, Bhaskar, alongside partner Sandeep, fought through every point. A rating this low while also achieving second place usually indicates that many of their matches went the full 3-game set distance. This being the case made Bhaskar's performance at BOTB 2025 that much more impressive. Additionally attributing to such a low strength index is Bhaskar & Sandeep's tight-scoring matchups. They were often in high-intensity situations, finding themselves in deuce finishes throughout the day. Their valiant effort and calmness set the carpet for their second place steal.

Bhaskar & Sandeep represented the 4th seed, ultimately proving that ranking incorrect as they took second on the podium.

Things got chippy in the semi-finals against their most vocal opponents of the day, Cengizhan & Mehmet. Throughout the game, they exchanged many looks of disapproval and choice words with both their opponents and officials.

Things really started to get intense when they committed several service faults and contested Mehmet's service style, claiming that the game umpire "did not know the difference between a legal and illegal serve." An extra official was later brought in to assist the service judgement.

Bhaskar & Sandeep would end up on top, winning the semi-finals game 19-21/21-18/21-19. They would eventually fall short to Kelvin & Daniel 12-21/17-21 in the finals.

Bhaskar and partner Sandeep focused during their heated semi-finals game

3. Xiaocheng Wei

Calm and collected was the aura that Xiaocheng played with throughout the day, often winning points after gathering herself and communicating with her partner Aniket. In an interview, Aniket stated that nothing would get through her defensive strategy, even going as far as putting her skillset above his own.

The pair out of Fort Collins achieving a strength index of 15 would have placed them outside of the top 3. However, they managed to strategize their way onto the podium, applying pressure in exactly the right places and at the perfect time.

As a pair, they would hold their ground as the 3rd seed, placing third on the day.

Their chemistry as a pair on the court was something else to watch. Many claiming that they had the most exceptional communication strategy of the day. It's no wonder they were able to place in BOTB 2025.

4. Mehmet Salih Oz

Leading with tenacity and supporting his game with speed, our 4th-ranked player to watch flew out from Houston, TX to compete at BOTB 2025.

Ultimately, as a pair, they fell short, claiming a strength index of 0. However, there are some things that even the strength index metric cannot account for. During their more heated games, Mehmet would put his leadership skills on display, communicating his partner's mistakes and strategizing solutions to simple errors, as they occurred.

His quick twitch and aggressiveness in the backcourt allowed him to create the full court coverage facade. Being able to play against slower-paced players at the net became his kryptonite, forcing him to make many unforced errors at the net.

By being able to seemingly cover every inch of the court on the defensive end, while backing down to no opponent's pressure, we give Mehmet the 4th-highest honor on our watchlist.

5. Bill Nahuway

Entering the tournament as underdogs, Bill needed to display his resilience. Alongside partner Denny, Bill would defy their 6th seed title, placing 4th in the men's doubles bracket.

DNVR metrics confirmed their effectiveness to obtain substantial leads as they snagged an incredibly high strength index of 40. An SI this high shows that they took care of business against lower seeds, despite struggling against higher-ranked teams.

With Denny being the pair's source of power, Bill maintained their composure by limiting their opponent's attacking success, rarely lifting to the opposite backcourt. In most cases, opponents would catch on and increase their poach rate, but Bill still managed to play crisp drops and drives throughout most of his matchups.

BOTB 2026

The Denver BOTB Tournament was a thrilling showcase of local talent and competitive zeal, mixed in with a few out-of-state powerhouse names. Pairs like Cengizhan & Mehmet, Norlent & Benerly, and Harry & Monthira brought new faces and styles of play to the Mile High City. BOTB 2025 was one to remember, having the highest non-player attendance rate of any tournament in Colorado to date.

Initial plans for BOTB 2026 feature a national players from Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Ghana, with BWF experience, and both a clinic and exhibition game will be on display for spectators to watch. Due to the elevated experience set to take place in 2026, spectators will no longer be able to enter for free. Fans can expect to pay about $10 to enter and watch this event.