The Top 4 consisted purely of Gladiator Beasts, and this match was of particular interest. There was some debate last night about which of the six Gladiator Beast builds was superior, and the two top picks were these two competitors’ decks. Harris’ deck was self-created, and inspired by some of the decisions made in decks from the German National Championships. Rechis’ build is owed to Jeff Jones, whose hoodie Rechis is borrowing here today.

Harris opened with five cards set to his back row, and flipped Trap Dustshoot on his opponent’s first turn. It revealed Bottomless Trap Hole, two Gladiator Proving Ground, Cold Wave, Test Tiger, and Gladiator Beast Hoplomus — Rechis sent back the Hoplomus. He then activated Mind Crush, sending Gladiator Proving Ground to the graveyard! Rechis set Bottomless Trap Hole, but lost it to Mystical Space Typhoon in the end phase!

That left Harris open to summon Laquari and attack for 1800 damage, trading it for Gladiator Beast Secutor. Rechis topped into Bottomless Trap Hole, no real help, and had no choice but to play Cold Wave; Solemn Judgment negated it. Rechis set Bottomless Trap Hole and ended. Victory was academic.

Secutor swung for 400 damage, activated, and brought out Laquari and Gladiator Beast Bestiari — Harris lost both to Bottomless Trap Hole. Rechis activated another Cold Wave next turn, and then summoned Test Tiger to run it over Secutor. He ended with just the Test Tiger, and Harris drew to three cards in hand with one card set. He summoned Bestiari, ran it over Test Tiger, tagged it out for Laquari, and passed.

“That Trap Dustshoot and Mind Crush . . .” moaned Rechis. “It’s ridiculous.” He topped a spell or trap and set it. Laquari attacked, Rechis took 2100 damage, and Gladiator Beast Bestiari came out in Laquari’s place, destroying Rechis’ set Shadow-Imprisoning Mirror. Rechis set a monster, Bestiari attacked next turn, and Rechis flipped Hoplomus. Since Harris was the turn player he got to activate and resolve his Gladiator’s effect first, bringing out Murmillo to destroy his opponent’s Hoplomus. He set a monster in main phase 2 to end.

Rechis set a spell or trap, and Murmillo went to attack mode. It scored 800 damage, and turned into Bestiari, destroying Rechis’ set Solemn Judgment. He only had 2000 life points remaining.

He dropped to 1200 next turn, activating Premature Burial to bring up Gladiator Beast Hoplomus. Hoplomus attacked, Harris flipped Mirror Force, and Rechis scooped up what was left of his field!

Steve Harris demolishes Joseph Rechis, wrecking him with Trap Dustshoot and Mind Crush and then just grinding out the win from there! Both duelists began siding.

“Good luck to you, man,” remarked Rechis as he began game 2. He set three cards to his spell and trap zone and ended, flipping Trap Dustshoot at the first opportunity: “My turn.” The Dustshoot revealed Harris’ Heavy Storm, Mystical Space Typhoon, Solemn Judgment, Reinforcement of the Army, Shield Crush, and Hoplomus — Hoplomus was sent back to Harris’ deck. Mind Crush robbed Harris of Reinforcement of the Army, and he activated Mystical Space Typhoon to destroy Rechis’ last set card — Bottomless Trap Hole. Harris set a spell or trap, Rechis set one, and play was back to Harris. He set another card to his back row, Rechis summoned Gladiator Beast Bestiari, and Harris went to 4000 life points to negate the summon. Dust Tornado hit Rechis in the end phase, destroying another Bottomless Trap Hole.

Harris set a spell or trap and passed with tow cards in hand. Rechis drew to four, set one to his spell and trap zone, and lost it (Solemn Judgment) to another Dust Tornado. That left Harris free to play Gladiator Proving Ground next turn, pulling Darius from his deck and trading it out for Laquari. “Your turn.”

Rechis had Solemn Judgment, My Body As A Shield, Swords of Revealing Light, and Gladiator Beast Murmillo in hand. He activated Swords, set My Body and Solemn, then finished by setting Murmillo. Harris played Heavy Storm next turn and Rechis stopped it with Solemn Judgment. Harris activated Shield Crush, and Rechis paid for My Body As A Shield to negate it! Harris set a spell or trap, Rechis set a monster, and Harris passed. Rechis flip summoned Murmillo, flipped Smashing Ground, but lost it to Solemn Judgment! Harris set another spell or trap and Swords of Revealing Light was destroyed.

Rechis attacked with Murmillo, played Book of Moon on Laquari, and destroyed it in battle. At the end of the battle phase Rechis traded Murmillo for Gladiator Beast Darius, but, when it brought up Bestiari, Harris flipped Torrential Tribute! Rechis lost everything — Bestiari, Laquari, and Darius. Next turn Harris had Premature Burial, and used it to bring back Laquari! One swing on Rechis’ 1650 life points meant the match was over.

Steven Harris wins the match, a copy of Doomcaliber Knight, and a ticket to the Top 2!