Both of these recognizable players were on the bubble for the cut to top 24. The winner would narrowly move on, while the loser would wander the convention amongst the ranks of cosplayers and comic fans.

“My Vs. accomplishments consist of . . . knowing people.” Thomas blinked. Seventeen years old, he’s one of the few loud-spoken Toronto players and can generally back it up. Looking and behaving far older than he really is, he’s a future star of the upcoming Scholarship Series.

“I . . . took 14th at $10K Chicago. Umm. That’s it.” Ok, so David Weitz isn’t a big player either, but he’s also a recognizable face. Frequently judging, Weitz was taking a break from his tenure as a judge to try to compete. He won the die roll and kept his opening hand, while Thomas pitched his.

Thomas opened up turn 2 with Dane Whitman ◊ Black Knight, a play his opponent echoed. The two Black Knights collided, the endurance totals were 48 all, and Weitz geared up for turn 3.

He recruited Lamprey, who hit the field just as his Black Knight jumped into the Thunder Jet. Thomas recruited Speed Demon, Second Chance Speedster. Thomas’s Black Knight protected him, but Weitz’s Black Knight flew over Thomas’s to attack Speed Demon. Thomas flipped Justice For All, but the attack went through, and both characters were stunned. Lamprey then beat down Thomas’s Black Knight, who was knocked out by the attack.

“Yay, I lose the $200 ante . . .” Thomas was not thrilled with his lot in the match. He was forced to play off-curve and recruited Captain America, Steve Rogers instead of a 4-drop. Weitz recruited Thor, Odinson, giving Weitz another distinct advantage.

“Good ol’ 4-drop Thor versus my 3-drop Captain America. Shizzle dizzle . . .” Thomas was vexed.

Captain America attacked Lamprey, but Weitz used Shrink to try to save his character. Thomas chained Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in an effort to force Thor to reinforce—it didn’t work. Thomas took 3 for the stun. Weitz took 9 for stun and breakthrough, and Thomas had to re-evaluate his options.

Speed Demon attacked Weitz’s Black Knight for a double stun, and the endurance scores stood at 31 to 36. Thor then attacked directly, and with his effect he dished out a total endurance loss of 13. Ouch.

“Shrink wins the game,” remarked Thomas.

Weitz continued curving flawlessly, and recruited She-Hulk, Gamma Bombshell. Thomas recruited Scarlet Witch, Mistress of Chaos Magic and stuck her behind Speed Demon. He discarded for her effect . . . Iron Man, Tony Stark, who he’d drawn into one game too late.

Thor attacked Scarlet Witch with a Might Makes Right, discarding Helmut Zemo ◊ Citizen V, Tactician. Thomas tried to Shrink in response, but Weitz teamed up with Behavior Modification Device and then played Call To Arms.  This added up to another 13 breakthrough after the discard for Thor’s effect. She-Hulk bashed on Speed Demon, and Thomas had no answers. He offered Weitz the handshake, and that was the game.

Dave Weitz moves on, while Will Thomas will have to relegate his aspirations elsewhere for the weekend.