YCS Niagara Falls First-Timers!
875 Duelists are competing here at YCS Niagara Falls this weekend, but not all of them have previous experience competing at YCS events. Take a look at some of the competitors competing in their first-ever YCS!
Lilith Hogan from Detroit, Michigan took a 4-hour drive with his father to attend his first-ever YCS this weekend. Lilith has always been a fan of Yubel, and is using a Fiendsmith Yubel Deck this weekend. “I just like the Yubel archetype,” he said. “I was on it before Fiendsmith came out and I just think it’s a cool Deck.” He’s not doing as well as he had hoped he would in the tournament, but he’s having fun. He’s also recognizing a bunch of people around the room from their YouTube channels, and thought it was cool that he got to play against YCS Champion Ittipat Arunnaveesiri in Round 2 of today’s tournament.
Raphael Drouin from Quebec City took a 15-hour drive to Niagara Falls to compete in his first YCS with his Therion Horus Fiendsmith Deck. He lost a bunch of Swiss Rounds already, but he’s not letting it get him down. “I’m not that competitive,” he said. “I’m here to have fun.” He’s enjoying being around other Duelists, and is impressed by the venue. “It’s spacious and well-organized,” he said. Raphael’s favorite card in his Deck is Formud Skipper, because he says it holds his whole Deck together.
Kyree Nock from Trenton, NJ has judged almost a dozen YCS events, but never played in one until today! He’s very excited about finally competing. “I like the pressure that it brings,” he said. “You feel it in the days leading up to the event.” He also said that looking around the venue and seeing so many well-known players increases the pressure. “I welcome the challenge as a player,” he said. For all of the events he has judged, Kyree says he is excited to finally experience an event from the players’ perspective. “I welcome learning what the players have to go through,” he said. “I wanted to experience how the judges and staff treat the players so I can better understand the players’ perspectives.” Kyree used a Traptrix Deck this weekend, and even though he didn’t fare well with it, he didn’t let that get him down. “I’ve met some amazing players in the community,” he said. “I’ve won some gams, lost some games, and am making friends.” He’s excited to connect with people this weekend, and to enjoy the full experience of attending YCS Niagara Falls.
Brendan O’Shea from Ireland is in Canada visiting friends, and now he’s competing in his first YCS this weekend! He likes the Public Events best. “I like being able to win Game Mats and all of the prizes,” he said. Brendan is impressed by the amount of space in the tournament hall, and excited about facing off against lots of different Duelists. “I played against the Head Judge of Ireland’s National Championship in Round 2 of the YCS,” he said. “I never spoke to him until today, even though I saw him at the National Championship.” It’s always exciting to Duel against players you’ve seen, but don’t really know well. Brendan used a Labrynth Deck in the tournament this weekend, featuring his favorite Labrynth card – Lovely Labrynth of the Silver Castle.
There’s always a mix of experienced Duelists and YCS first-timers at each YCS event. Attend a YCS event near you to experience the excitement for yourself!
