It’s over! A field of almost 550 duelists has come down to just a final 16, and tomorrow we’ll see the conclusion of this tournament in four rounds. A number of trends have emerged or come to a head here in Durham.

Mei-Kou, Master of Barriers has made multiple Day 2 qualifiers, acting as one part beatstick and one part burn tech. It was a highly popular card here today, and it’s arguably deserved to be such ever since the first Shonen Jump of the format six weeks ago. Stopping Wave-Motion Cannon, Skill Drain, and lockdown cards alike, it’s been a huge asset to many here today.

D. D. Assailant is back in full force, easily one of the most popular monsters in contention this afternoon. The Assailant too has taken multiple competitors to a Day 2 finish, providing stability and removal in a format that is all too often lacking in both. An easy addition to many decks that already run Reinforcement of the Army, the Assailant has been a source of massive muscle all day long.

Zombies and Perfect Circle Monarch have again succeeded in placing multiple players into Day 2, and Monarchs in particular have made a big impact. Burn has also made a return appearance, and its greatest champion in this format is back in action as well; Louis Raimondo has made his second Day 2 in a row, scoring up back-to-back qualifications coming off his title win in Chicago.

Join us tomorrow at 10 AM Eastern Standard Time, because we’ve got some exciting matchups. Names like Mark Vazquez, Jason Holloway, and Bryan Rockenbach earned their way to the final rounds, and, in perhaps the most anticipated match of the Top 16 playoffs, Brian Long will take on John Jensen. See how it all plays out tomorrow, as we get ready for Day 2 of Shonen Jump Championship Durham!