Sam Gomez came through with an 8th place finish, so time for me to hold up my end and grant him his winner feature!
What made you decide to sign up?
“I don’t know . . . (he grinned) I guess I’m just arrogant! I wanted to show everyone I’m that good.”
Did you think you’d win?
No, not until the first five rounds, I went undefeated and felt confident, but when I took my first loss I didn’t think so much about it. But I came through.”
How’d you decide on the deck you played? Did you have a second or third choice?
I’ve been playing it for a week, so it was familiar to me and I figured it was my best choice. I also considered Soul Control; that would have been a good option. Those were my two choices.”
What was the worst play you saw this weekend?
My opponent used Bottomless Trap Hole on my Blowback Dragon and I forgot to Book of Moon to save it! I still came back, though.
You came down with your team, Soul Patrol. How do you think they contributed to your success, before and at the event?
Adam supported me the most; he was practicing with me for a week or two before the event. This was my first Shonen Jump, so I hadn’t traveled to any with my team before.”
Got any shout outs?
“I don’t think so . . . actually . . . oh yeah! Brittney Wood!”
Do you have any plans to travel to upcoming events?
“I really want to go the next one in November (So Cal), but I’m not sure if I’ll make it.”
Well, for a first-time Shonen Jump appearance, I’d say Sam did pretty well. He almost didn’t make it into the Challenge, but we managed to fit him in and what do you know, he won. We’ll keep our eyes open for him in the future!