CPUK History

CPU Kerfuffle started in 2019 (though its lost prequel was broadcast in 2018), but it wasn’t clear then what it would grow to be. In this period, the premise was little more than “let’s throw some characters into the ring, give them silly names, and see what happens.” Some of these characters would grow and change throughout later episodes, though others only appeared in a single episode. The characters that did persevere throughout multiple episodes shaped what CPU Kerfuffle went on to become.

Each episode follows the same structure, more or less--8 fighters enter, each matched up against another for a best-of-three 1v1 battle. The winner moves forward, but the loser has a chance to come back in the loser’s bracket. Once the victor of the tournament is declared, there’s still one more battle: The Championship Match. If the tournament winner can defeat the current champion, they are crowned the new champion. This title is more than just bragging rights, as the champion can make modifications to the tournament's rules.

Episode 10, aka Reboot, marked a turning point in the series, being the start of Season 2. One of the more significant changes was the foundation of the teams. At first, there were only four (Crimson, Cones, Cash Money, Clutch), but in Episode 11, the champion established an additional four teams (Craken, Chonk, Charm, Cross). Crimson eventually became Calibur. Each fighter is a member of one of these teams, and each team sends out a fighter to represent them in each tournament.

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Teams have certain characteristics and values ascribed to them. To put it simply, there's:

• Craken - An extension of the Red Kraken (a band of pirates) and those associated with them
• Chonk - Take pride in their large size
• Clutch - Self Improvement, training, honing fighting prowess
• Cash Money - Money, Money, Money!
• Cones - CHAOS
• Calibur - Flashy, risky plays
• Charm - Improving the world, power of friendship
• Cross - Crossover characters
• Crimson (Defunct) - Members of the Crimson hivemind… or fans of red?

As Season 2 progressed, the format gradually shifted, with more focus on the characters and plot. Cutscenes were introduced, describing certain important scenes (some more improvised than others). Characters were voiced more frequently and given interviews before and after battles that gave insight into their personality and goals.

As of Episode 33, which aired on 1/31/2022, the show went on an indefinite hiatus, from which it has not returned as of writing this. However, early into this break, a few "Non-Canon Curiosity Tournaments" (or NCCT for short) were hosted over discord. These tournaments tested certain match ups, though were considered to take place outside of canon. The results of the fights (as well as the plot points) were relayed purely through text, with some interaction from the chat. An archive of these tournaments can be read here.

Personal Experience

I had actually watched some of early season 1 and the prequel, but I fell of fairly early. I made a few attempts to get back to it, but wound up a little overwhelmed by just how much the fandom had changed and grown overtime--though, I did get a few bits and pieces of characters and arcs through social media.

It was Episode 27 that finally got me to stick around with the show. That episode was a special triples tournament, in which teams fought in groups of three. This time, instead of trying to take in all the lore and characters at once, I decided to focus on the character that I found the most interesting: Heartbreak (mostly I just thought his name was cool). His team didn’t get very far, but by then I was completely hooked on the show again. In the time since then, I’ve managed to make my way through the VODs, and as of 9/9/2023, I am on Episode 24 (though, I do need to rewatch Season 1).

What drew me into the show was mostly the unconventional medium, and I love the metanarrative that became more prominent in the later episodes. One of my favorite little details is the Dimensional Bus, which takes characters (and commentators) from their own dimensions to the CPUK stadium. To me, it made the show feel more real, like an actual look into this strange alternate world.

I have feared, both in making this page and talking of the show, that others will be quick to judge it. From an outsider’s perspective, it’s quite bizarre—I myself felt that way at one point. But, in all its strides, it’s geniune and passionate, embracing what it is through all its serious moments, and all its stilly ones. CPU Kerfuffle is truly one of a kind, and something I am so happy to have experienced.

Favorite Characters