It’s a well established fact that Vidi Wijaya is the best Vs. player on the planet, but when it comes to the second-best player, there’s some serious debate. One player on that short list is Michael Jacob, the game’s most storied $10K player and consistent PC finisher. Both players entered Day 2 with an 8-2 record, well within reach of another PC Top 8. They started the match discussing how miserable each of their decks is, although self-deprecation is a known quality with both of these two.

Michael won the choice for initiative and took evens, the consensus choice of the format. Vidi kept his grip, while Michael sent his back. Vidi’s start was appropriate for Sealed Pack only, kicking off with Valeria Von Doom and suiting her up with Mind Gem, pitching Silver Surfer, Righteous Protector. Michael passed and lost 1 endurance. On turn 2, Michael recruited one of the most dangerous characters in the format, Franklin Richards, Creator of Counter-Earth, while Vidi missed and sucked up the attack.

The third turn saw Vidi bring out Dr. Doom, Richards’s Rival, digging up a copy of Arsenal of Doom. He then ran out the Mind Gem on Doom, pitching Doom-Bot Corps, and gave Valeria a Power Gem. Michael began the turn with Final Decree, replacing itself and a face down character. He then terraformed Himalayan Enclave and recruited Litterbug. Vidi make his direct attack, and then Michael worked Vidi’s board with Litterbug on Doom and Franklin on Valeria, causing Vidi to lose Valeria during recovery.

Michael looked firmly in control, with Ethan Edwards and Frankie Raye ◊ Nova, Optimistic Youth on the fourth turn, especially compared to Vidi’s Stardust, with Doom set up in front. Michael started off by sending Frankie into Doom, setting up a little Litterbug action. Michael then sent Ethan into Stardust, flipped Act of Defiance to team up Inhumans and Skrulls, and then flipped Blue Area of the Moon to avoid the stun back. Litterbug then traded stuns with Doom, and Franklin got a direct attack in before moving Ethan to the hidden area. Vidi kept around Stardust, clearly falling very far behind. He could only muster Ultron ◊ Ultron 11, while Michael continued on the concealed plan with Black Bolt, King of the Inhumans and a free Nenora. Vidi made his direct attacks, then conceded on the way back when it was clear Michael would kill him.

Michael Jacob wins.