It still feels surreal. What started as a casual hobby a few years ago has now taken me to places I never thought I’d visit. When I first picked up the game, I never imagined it would lead to me playing in tournaments across the globe, let alone qualifying for an event in Germany! To say I’m excited would be an understatement—I can’t wait to experience this adventure.
Competing in the States: A Wild Ride
My experience competing in the United States was unforgettable. I had never played in a tournament with so many players, and I was definitely nervous going into it. But once the matches started, I found my rhythm. The highlight had to be the top cut, where the pressure was the highest, especially with everyone watching. The final three rounds were some of the most intense games I’ve ever played. Having the support of my friends from Mirage really made a difference. They stuck around to cheer me on during the last few rounds, and their encouragement helped me push through and give it my all.
Choosing the Right Deck: Dragon Link All the Way
I played Dragon Link at the tournament, and while it may not be a top-tier meta deck right now, it still holds its own. Dragon Link took some big hits on the latest banlist (still can’t believe Savage got hit, he did nothing wrong), but the deck’s grind game and resource loop remain solid, which makes it competitive. With the addition of the Bystials, it has some decent matchups against other meta decks. But more than anything, it’s just my favorite deck. It was the first deck I ever built after a friend gifted me a Rokket Revolt structure deck in high school (shoutout to Hussain). Knowing your deck inside out can take you far in competitive play.
Facing Tough Opponents in Top Cut
The top cut was intense. In the first round (Round 8), I faced Ruslynn, who was playing Voiceless Voice. It was a tough match—he played incredibly well, constantly preventing me from banishing with my Bystials. We even went into time, which was a first for me. I had a Cosmic Cyclone in hand, but activating it would’ve cost me the game, so I had to pass. Time rules can be brutal sometimes! The final round against Henco, who was playing Kashtira, was another nail-biter. It came right down to the wire, but in the end, I managed to pull through.
Preparing for Berlin: Study the Meta
With the tournament in Berlin on the horizon, I’ve been busy playtesting a variety of meta decks online. Understanding how other decks operate is key to knowing how to interrupt your opponent’s plays. Staying updated on the latest meta trends and developments is crucial as well—surprises in the tournament can be costly. I’m also looking forward to meeting some of the big names in the scene who will be competing there.
Staying Focused During Tournaments
When it comes to tournament day, the key for me is to stay focused and eliminate distractions. I make sure I’m not thinking about assignments or anything else that could take my mind off the game. I also ensure I’ve eaten, used the bathroom, and am hydrated—nothing should be pulling my focus away. Water is my go-to for staying sharp during long tournament days.
The Importance of a Support System
I wouldn’t say I have a specific mentor, but I’ve been lucky to have an amazing group of friends who started playing around the same time I did—Koshy, Nevin, and Kevin (big shoutout to them). We’ve played each other countless times over the years, and it’s been great practice. We constantly test different versions of our decks, discuss strategies, and challenge each other to improve. This friendly competition has been invaluable in my growth as a player.
Factors That Contributed to My Success
I believe two key things helped me succeed in the States. First, I was playing a deck I was incredibly comfortable with. Dragon Link may not be the most common deck, but that worked in my favor. My opponents weren’t always prepared to counter it, while I knew exactly how to play against theirs. As Technoblade once said, “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.”
Another factor is my experience with chess tournaments. I played chess competitively during school, even at the national level, so I’m used to the mental endurance required for day-long tournaments. Long events are exhausting, and staying sharp is critical. Fatigue can lead to misplays, so being prepared for the marathon is just as important as the match itself.
Advice for New Players
If you’re just starting out in competitive play, I’d recommend entering a regionals or an OTS championship—something above the local level. It’s the best way to get used to playing at a high level for multiple rounds. Whether you win or lose, the experience is invaluable. Also, don’t skip States; it only happens once a year, so even if you don’t feel ready, it’s worth the experience.
Finally, always play with the belief that you can win. Give it your all in every match because you never know what might happen.