Every time I run this challenge, there are plenty of people who want to enter it. Only rarely do we get a winner, but this time we got two! So, here’s Marc Glass’ prize for surviving the challenge — an interview all to himself. Let’s hear what he has to say.

Why did you decide to enter the challenge?

My friend Chris Evans made me do it.

He scrubbed out kind of early, didn’t he?

Yes.

At what point during the event did you think “I’m going to Top 8!”

After round 6, when I was 6-0, I was pretty sure. Then I won one more and I knew after that I would make it.

How long did you playtest for the event?

I uh, didn’t get the Stratos until the day before the Jump, but I’d been playtesting using my DS and Spirit Caller for about two weeks.

How did you settle on which deck to play?

I’ve always wanted to run this one, because I saw it work in Japan, and it looked really interesting. It’s very combo-oriented, which is a lot of fun. Plus, being able to use Destiny Heroes I thought was really cool.

Did you make any unusual choices in your side or main deck, any tech you’re particularly proud of?

Three Royal Decree! I’m known as the “Royal Decree guy” . . . I was running three of them in Orlando in my main deck, but I sided them this time.

Did they help?

I actually never had to use them.

How do you feel about cutting to Top 16? 

I think it’s good; it gives more people a chance. Especially the ones who are time and time again caught on the bubble. I think it will be good, encouraging more people to play, since they’ll figure they’ve got a better chance than having to make just Top 8.

What do you think about the new format list?

I like it except for Snatch Steal! Other than that, it’s great. It didn’t’ really affect my deck a lot, other than Dimension Fusion and Stratos, but I’ve got replacements for them.

Got any shout outs?

To Chris “McNab” Evans, for helping me build the deck, and all the  guys at Steve’s Collectibles and Front Row!