On the only day of Christmas DragonTrainer gave to me, confirmation that the villain is a real piece of work.

Doflamingo and Crocodile probably, if canon is inspiration then I believe it likely. Possibly Kuma as well.

Kinda on the Fence on Moria, Honestly I'd just assume anyone who'd play Moria as being intentionally silly(Dancing Zombies) and refusing to Metagame and break character.

The other nine finalists are probably the 9 other Supernovas (excluding Luffy and Zoro of course)

Let's see
7 Shichibukai
4 Yonkō
3 Admirals
1 Revolutionary Leader(maybe)

I am missing one to two super OP character capable of winning a competition and on the same level

1 God
1 Blackbeard

7 Shichibukai
Mihawk
Crocodile
Moria
Kuma
Jinbe
Boa Hancock
Doflamingo

9 (11-2) Supernovas
Kid
Killer
Law
Capone Bege
Apoo
Basil Hawkins
X Drake
Jewelry Bonney
Urouge

That makes 16

Maybe Sengoku?

I guess this means that this version of 3.5 is a bit better balanced than the one we know

I don't even want to imagine how rule lawyer-y that "competition" would have been.

When I think "Warlord of the Sea that didn't deserve the position" I think Buggy, but I suppose they would have recognized that name.

He's also not yet promoted, that happens after the Marineford War.

So he actually *was* there. And he was one of the cheaters.

He does kinda out himself, doesn't he?

Little bit.

I want to imagine that Luke will eventually Meet Jinbei original's player and befriend him.