Last month at YCS Providence, we saw Chris LeBlanc take Karakuri Geargias all the way, capturing his first-ever Championship with the starring deck from Return of the Duelist!  His devastating 2-0 win in the finals saw him topple the well-established Chaos Dragon strategy, sending one message loud and clear: Geargias are officially a contender.

But today the game has changed!  This is the first YCS tournament to feature Abyss Rising, which brings powerful new additions to two more Return of the Duelist themes that are finally ready for competition: Prophecy and Madolches.  Abyss Rising also introduces what may prove to be the breakout deck of the weekend: Mermails.  Paired with Atlanteans, the Mermail strategy is fast and extremely consistent, able to demolish opponents with all sorts of flexible combos.  With the search power of Atlantean Dragoons, and the sheer muscle of Mermail Abyssmegalo and Moulinglacia the Elemental Lord, Mermails will be a huge part of this tournament.

Geargia are sure to see play after winning the last YCS, and strategies like Chaos Dragons and Wind-Ups remain popular choices.  Dino Rabbit may prove to be the number one darkhorse pick, a strategy easily customized to counter Mermail’s most important plays.  The field is wide open this weekend in both the YCS main event as well as the Dragon Duels, so anything could happen!

Will Mermails establish themselves as the new deck to beat?  Will a proven strategy rise up to reclaim the throne?  And what about Madolches, Prophecy, and Geargia?!  Strap in for a tumultuous weekend that’s bound to be packed with surprises! 

Welcome to the last North American Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series tournament of 2012.  Welcome, to YCS Seattle!