19-year old Anthony made the long (I made it too, so I know) trip up from the New York / New Jersey area to compete against the best Ontario had to offer him, and he came out pretty well, finishing in 8th place. He wasn’t sure that competing in the Challenge was going to go his way — “I was of course a little suspect about doing well at this event . . . after all, I was in Canada and had to play the lucksacking abilities of Stein. But it was the last SJC of the format, and I ain’t afraid of a challenge, so why not . . . eh!”
Was there a point in the event you figured “I’ve got this in the bag” or “I am not going to make Top 8”?
“After beating Lazaro Bellido, Dale’s brother, in round 3, I took a loss. It was very discouraging. But what really made me pessimistic was the number of good x-1 players going into rounds 7-9, especially that well-groomed, talented Chris Pittao. (Fit you in, buddy!)”
Any players who didn’t take the challenge this time, that you’d have liked to see take it?
“Dale Bellido should have taken the challenge. Guess he was too much of a coward, eh!!* Lots of love, Dale! Told you I would add you in!”
What kinds of decks were you expecting to face today, and how did you prepare for them?
I was obviously gearing my deck towards the meta. I was tired of running cookie cutter, so I opted to counter with my own recruiter monsters. It worked well. I really did it because Stein was so popular and I wasn’t expecting to do well . . . plus it bothered my team that I ran such crap!”
What was the oddest tech, deck, or move you saw yesterday?
“My deck was obviously the most teched. Joking! But seriously, there were questionable decisions that I made to play Lily and Stein, tech a Cylinder, and play 2 Sorcerer with so many Earth creatures.”
What are you looking forward to most about the upcoming format change?
“I just want to see less play off the top of the deck. The format needs to be built where the skilled player wins at least 90% of the time.”
Do you have any particular new deck ideas in mind that you are eager to try out?
“None that I’m willing to share outside of Team Overdose!”
*Actually he came up to see if there were any open spots, waaaay too late. This thing fills up fast, folks.