This is probably one of the most personality-filled matches that have occurred today. But while Keebler is more of a quietly outgoing character, Josh Wiitanen can only be described as energetic. This round is do or die for these two players, as the winner moves on to the Top 8 and the loser will have to console himself with a gift card.

Again, the matchup is a mirror between two Checkmate / Villains United builds, and like almost every other match like it today, neither player had anything on turn 1. On turn 2, though, Keebler led off with a Connie Webb, starting a trend of under-drops that would haunt him throughout the game. Josh played Dr. Psycho, Mental Giant, who was promptly run over by the opposing 1-drop.

Turn 3 began for Josh the way any Checkmate player wants—with an Ahmed Samsarra. A Christopher Smith ◊ Peacemaker (searched out by Connie Webb) joined Keebler’s side. A direct attack from Dr. Psycho took Keebler to 45, and Josh used Ahmed to find a Brother I Satellite. Keebler opted not to attack with his Peacemaker, moving on to the next turn instead.

Fatality, Flawless Victory came out for Keebler, and Brother I Satellite found a Bizarro, ME AM BIZARRO #1 after Checkmate Safe House teamed-up Josh’s characters. Peacemaker backed up Fatality before she attacked Dr. Psycho, who got an ATK boost from Target Acquired, making him 9 ATK / 1 DEF. With a Threat Neutralized, he went to 10 ATK / 2 DEF and removed the risk of losing to Ahmed’s King clause. The neurotic doctor stunned and Peacemaker’s ability triggered, stunning Ahmed but not KO’ing him because Fatality was already face down when the ability was resolved. Josh then sent Bizarro into Peacemaker with a Knightmare Scenario (for only +1 ATK / +1 DEF), but a No Mercy bounced Peacemaker to Keebler’s hand and removed Ahmed from the game.

Losing Ahmed hurt Josh’s options going into turn 5. He played a Helm of Nabu on Bizarro to try to draw into something, but not finding anything, he was forced to play Elimination Protocol ◊ OMAC Robot and a Connie Webb. Keebler used a Connie Webb of his own to find and play Ahmed in the hidden area. Satellite HQ allowed Josh to attack the hidden Ahmed, forcing Keebler to Science Spire before his own Fatality’s ability resolved. Bizarro traded with Fatality, putting the totals at 21-34 with Josh in the lead and looking to stay that way.

Keebler used his initiative on turn 6 to Science Spire Fatality back to his hand, only to be forced to play her again along with a Dr. Psycho, Mental Giant. Josh was able to play an Alexander Luthor, Diabolical Double to try to seal the game. The little doctor was able to stun Alexander with the help of a Brother Eye and Target Acquired, but Josh was able to return an attack that put Keebler below 0, sealing the game and clinching the ninth Top 8 berth for Wiitanen but still giving Powell a money finish, a feat he hadn’t managed before today!