And just to continue off the previous post a bit: I think Zooral Ja would have been perfect as the initial winner. He should not have been an obvious villain (he's IMMEDIATELY pointed out as someone who CANNOT win) but presented as someone who is ruthless and extremely skillful due to wanting to surpass his dad and meet the lofty expectations of his birth. Wuk's loss would have been a perfect point to better characterize Zooral Ja and also point out her immaturity and need to grow, while also giving Zooral Ja the means to go to the golden city and still kickstart his crusade for "better" world under his rule.

He also would have been a much better choice as the one who releases Valigarmanda. First, he wants to beat him to show he can surpass dad. Second, he doesn't care if Vali escapes and does some damage because he thinks people have become too complacent in times of peace. Third, if someone questioned why he did such an awful thing, he could easily justify it: Vali's ice was going to melt one day and release him, he wanted to finish him once and for all. It would have turned this "villainous" act into something somewhat morally gray, and in total line with his character.

But instead Bakool Ja Ja released him because funi prank bro to slow down the others, hee hee. He did it in front of witnesses and didn't get disqualified or reprimanded at all.