We're head first into The Tri-Site Grand Prix Championship; Sydney! Our first feature match for he event pits last GPC Champion, Jesse Nguyen against a seasoned veteran of he game, Grant McKinney.
To begin the first game, both players roll the customary six-sided die. McKinney comes out on top with a 4 to Nugyen's 3, electing to start.
McKinney summons Machina Gearframe, searching Machina Fortress. Setting two Spells or Traps, he finishes his turn.
Nguyen responds by Setting a Monster and two Spells or Traps of his own, ending quickly.
McKinney draws, thinks for a minute, and declares an attack on Nguyen's Set Monster with Machina Gearframe. The Set Monster is revealed to be Ryko, Lightsworn Hunter, who targets McKinney's Set Call of the Haunted. The effect goes through, and Ryko finishes by milling Solemn Warning, Monster Reborn, and Gorz, the Emissary of Darkness.
McKinney passes over to Nguyen, who flips Mystical Space Typhoon during the End Phase, targeting the Set Book of Moon. Nguyen draws, summons Debris Dragon targeting Ryko, and Synchro Summons Iron Chain Dragon, who attacks over Machina Gearframe. Iron Chain Dragon's effect mills Torrential Tribute, Pot of Duality, and Giant Trunade!
McKinney: 7300
Nguyen: 8000
Nguyen finishes up his turn by Setting two more Spells or Traps.
McKinney draws and hastily attempts to Special Summon Cyber Dragon, which Nguyen has no response to! McKinney continues by Summoning Karakuri Komachi mdl 224 "Ninishi"! He tunes them both for Karakuri Steel Shogun mdl 00X "Bureido", who walks into Nguyen's Solemn Judgment! A flurry of cards could decide this game early!
McKinney: 7300
Nguyen: 4000
McKinney then activates One for One, discarding Machina Fortress, and when Nguyen denies a response, McKinney Special Summons Glow-Up Bulb from his Deck. Tuning them both together, he summons another Karakuri Steel Shogun mdl 00X "Bureido"! Bureido's effect Special Summons Karakuri Strategist mdl 248 "Nishipachi" in Defense Position! Nishipachi's effect lets McKinney switch it to Attack Position, drawing him a card. McKinney then activates Instant Fusion, paying 1000 Life Points, to Special Summon Cyber Saurus from his Extra Deck!
McKinney: 6300
Nguyen: 4000
McKinney then tunes Cyber Saurus and Nishipachi for a third Bureido, whose effect also goes unchained to. Bureido Special Summons a second Nishipachi in Defense, whose effect again switches its position to Attack, letting McKinney draw again! McKinney Sets two more Spells or Traps, and passes back to Nguyen.
Nguyen draws and goes into the tank for a short period, finally attempting to attack Nishipachi, whose effect again changes him to Defense Position, letting McKinney draw twice! Nishipachi is destroyed, and Nguyen moves quickly to his Main Phase 2. He activates One for One, discarding Caius the Shadow Monarch, but McKinney has Royal Oppression to shut it down!
McKinney: 5500
Nguyen: 4000
Nguyen ends his turn.
McKinney draws and Normal Summons Karakuri Soldier mdl 236 "Nisamu"! McKinney's Bureido attacks Nguyen's Iron Chain Dragon, and with no response, it's destroyed, letting the second Bureido and Nisamu attack directly for game!
After siding quickly, both players move into Game 2, with Nguyen choosing to start.
Nguyen draws to six cards and immediately summons Lonefire Blossom, using priority to activate its effect and Special Summon a second Lonefire, followed by a Dandylion in Defense Position! He then Sets three Spell or Traps, and ends.
McKinney attempts to summon Machina Gearframe, who walks into Nguyen's Solemn Warning.
McKinney: 8000
Nguyen: 6000
McKinney then activates Pot of Duality, revealing Mirror Force, Machina Force, and Karakuri Soldier mdl 236 "Nisamu". McKinney picks Mirror Force, returning the others and shuffling his Deck, and finishes by Setting three Spell or Traps of his own!
Nguyen switches Dandylion to attack, moving directly to his Battle Phase, and attacks directly for 300 damage!
McKinney: 7700
Nguyen: 6000
Nguyen Sets a Monster and ends his turn. Are all signs pointing to an abysmal opening hand for Nguyen?
McKinney draws and quickly flips his Set Pot of Duality, revealing Gearframe, Nishipachi, and Book of Moon! McKinney selects Book of Moon, and ends by Setting a Monster and a Spell or Trap.
Nguyen draws and flips his Set Ryko, Lightsworn Hunter! He targets McKinney's Set Book of Moon, and Ryko mills Limit Reverse, Nguyen's own Book of Moon, and a Caius. Nguyen again Sets a Monster and passes!
McKinney draws and automatically activates Giant Trunade! Could this be the beginning of another big Karakuri play?! McKinney activates Instant Fusion, paying 1000 and Summoning Cyber Saurus for a second time during this match!
McKinney: 6700
Nguyen: 6000
McKinney then flips Karakuri Komachi mdl 224 "Ninishi", and tunes them both for Bureido! Bureido's effect Special Summons Karakuri Ninja mdl 919 "Kuick" in Attack Position. McKinney moves quickly to his Battle Phase, declaring an attack on Dandylion with Kuick! Nguyen responds by discarding his D.D. Crow to target McKinney's graved Ninishi! Dandylion is destroyed, letting Nguyen Summon two Fluff Tokens, and McKinney's Bureido attacks over the Ryko, dealing 2600 Life Points of damage, a huge amount in the current gamestate!
McKinney: 6700
Nguyen: 3400
McKinney Sets two Spell or Traps back to his field and passes an explosive turn!
Nguyen draws and immediately activates a blind Mystical Space Typhoon, hitting McKinney's Mirror Force! He then Summons Reborn Tengu and attempts to attack Kuick! After no response, Kuick shifts to Defense Position, letting McKinney draw a card while Kuick is destroyed! Nguyen moves to Main Phase 2 and Flip Summons Ryko, targeting Bureido! Bureido goes down, and Ryko mills Giant Trunade, Sangan, and Genex Ally Birdman! Nguyen finishes up by Setting a Spell or Trap.
McKinney attempts to activate Call of the Haunted in Nguyen's End Phase, targeting Bureido, but Nguyen has another D.D. Crow! It seems like Nguyen's early feigned poor draws were anything but!
McKinney simply Sets a Spell or Trap and ends! Is his momentum gone?!
Nguyen draws, switches Ryko to Defense Position, and declares an attack with Reborn Tengu!
McKinney: 5000
Nguyen: 3400
Nguyen again Sets a Spell or Trap and passes!
McKinney draws and again simply Sets a Monster.
Nguyen attempts to attack the Set Monster with Tengu, which is revealed to be Ninishi, walling Tengu and dealing 200 damage to Nguyen!
McKinney: 5000
Nguyen: 3200
Nguyen ends his turn after no further actions, and McKinney simply passes back!
Nguyen then activates Mystical Space Typhoon on McKinney's Set Royal Oppression! Nguyen then Summons Debris Dragon and McKinney, who was graciously paying attention to the duel's notes and attempting to keep the games speedy at the same time, instinctively discards Effect Veiler, targeting Debris Dragon! It's revealed that Nguyen's Fluff Token in fact has 2 Counters on it, meaning Nguyen didn't need Debris's effect regardless! Nguyen then tunes his Debris Dragon, Defense Position Ryko, and two Fluff Tokens for Scrap Dragon, instantly targeting both his own Tengu and McKinney's Ninishi, with both being destroyed! Nguyen Summons a second Reborn Tengu from his Deck, and attacks directly with both!
McKinney: 500
Nguyen: 3200
Nguyen passes, and McKinney attempts to activate Monster Reborn, targeting his opponent's Lonefire Blossom, in a last-ditch attempt to stay alive! But Nguyen has the Solemn Judgment, sealing the game!
Game 3 begins, and McKinney selects first for the second time.
McKinney Sets a Monster, two Spell or Trap Cards, and passes to Nguyen. Nguyen Sets two Spell or Traps of his own and passes right back!
McKinney attempts to summon Karakuri Muso mdl 818 "Haipa", but Nguyen activates Torrential Tribute! Both McKinney's Set Spore and Haipa are destroyed, and he passes back to Nguyen, who only Sets a Spell or Trap and ends!
McKinney attempts to Normal Summon Karakuri Ninja mdl 818 "Kuick", but Nguyen has the Solemn Warning to negate it!
McKinney: 8000
Nguyen: 6000
McKinney ends, allowing Nguyen to activate Foolish Burial for Dandylion, Special Summoning two Fluff Tokens in Defense Position! He then Normal Summons Glow-Up Bulb and Synchro Summons Formula Synchro with Bulb and a Token, but McKinney stunningly flips Royal Oppression, shutting Nguyen down!
McKinney: 7200
Nguyen: 6000
Nguyen ends there. McKinney draws, contemplates an action, and Sets a Spell or Trap. He then Normal Summons Lonefire Blossom, with no response from Nguyen, and then declares an attack on the last Fluff Token, destroying it!
All Nguyen can manage is a Set Spell or Trap, as he sends the game back to McKinney, who activates Pot of Duality. He reveals Call of the Haunted, Machina Fortress, and Karakuri Strategist mdl 246 "Nishipachi", eventually settling on the Nishipachi. McKinney's Lonefire attacks directly, and McKinney ends his turn.
McKinney: 7200
Nguyen: 5500
Nguyen draws, and attempts to Summon Tour Guide of the Underworld, which McKinney is forced to Solemn warning!
McKinney: 5200
Nguyen: 5500
Nguyen ends, and McKinney draws and considers his options. He Tributes Lonefire Blossom for its effect, Special Summoning another one in Defense at first, but then a Dandylion in Defense. He then Normal Summons Nishipachi, Synchro Summoning Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier and Summoning two Fluff Tokens! McKinney then Banishes his Lonefire to Special Summon Spore, tuning Spore and a Fluff Token for Ally of Justice Catastor, who both attack Nguyen directly!
McKinney: 5200
Nguyen: 1000
McKinney Sets three Spell or Traps back to his zones, and calls it a turn.
Nguyen draws, quickly Sets a full five Spell or Trap Cards, and sends it back McKinney's way.
McKinney switches Catastor to Defense and attempts to attack directly with Brionac, but is stymied by Nguyen's Mirror Force! He ends his turn there.
Nguyen Summons Debris Dragon, attempting to Special Summon Dandylion, but McKinney flips the Royal Oppression...and Nguyen has the Solemn Judgment!
McKinney: 4400
Nguyen: 500
As Debris Dragon's effect resolves, McKinney flips Book of Moon on Debris Dragon, sealing away the Black Rose Dragon play Nguyen had planned! But Nguyen flips his Set Monster Reborn, Special Summoning Formula Synchron from his own Graveyard, and tunes Formula and Dandylion to summon his own catastor! As Nguyen's Fluff Tokens are Summoned, McKinney reveals his Set Torrential Tribute, clearing the field! Nguyen then flips Pot of Avarice, targeting five different cards, including the Dandylion...but McKinney has the D.D. Crow for Dandylion!
Nguyen mills Effect Veiler to Special Summon Glow-Up Bulb in Defense Position, and ends his turn with a single card in hand, a single Set Spell or Trap, and only Bulb in Defense Position!
McKinney draws to two cards with no field, and Normal Summons Karakuri Watchdog mdl 313 "Saizan", its first appearance this match! With only Book of Moon left remaining in Nguyen's arsenal, McKinney confidently activates Monster Reborn on Nguyen's Catastory, dodging any potential D.D. Crow Nguyen has in hand, and attacks first Bulb, and then directly, unopposed, for game!
5/27/2011
4/21/2011
Champion's Interview: Jesse Nguyen
Jesse Nguyen entered Top 16 with a 5-2 record. Piloting a Genex Engine Frog Monarch deck, he’s made it to the top, winning Grand Prix Championship Honolulu! I sit down with him for an interview to see what he has to say about his current success.
Me: This GPC began at the beginning of a format, following one that was dominated by Samurai and Gravekeeper’s decks. What decisions led you to running Frog Monarchs, knowing that both Samurai and Gravekeeper’s may be everywhere.
Jesse: I also took account into X-Sabers being in the Meta, along with Gladiator Beasts, because they are always used at the start of a format. I decided to play the Genex Engine Version because of how important a first turn Treeborn is to the deck. That is also why I ran the three copies of Genex Undine, which other Frog Monarch players tend to disregard. Knowing those 4 decks, I knew that they all are forced to play Mystical Space Typhoons, Trap Stuns, and 7 Tools to try and gain field control. I felt Monarchs could take advantage of decks that played those cards. I also felt people would not have side deck cards for Monarchs outside of Chain Disappearance, which is easily played around.
Me: For the most part, you side deck looks like a stand Frog Monarch side, with a couple of interesting tech choices. How did you decide what cards to side and for what match-up?
Jesse: Gravekeeper's are my worst match up because of Royal Tribute. That’s why I sided Reign-Beaux. If he is hit by Royal Tribute, it is pretty much an automatic win. Cyber Dragons are there for any machine related deck, as well as 2100 beat sticks against Gravekeeper’s, Gladiator Beasts, and even X-Sabers. D.D. Crow was mainly for Chaos Plants, stopping Debris Dragon plays and Pot of Avarice can shut them down fast. Electric Virus, sadly, was never any use to me, what-so-ever. But it is an amazing card; being able to take Machina Fortress, attacking, then tributing it is great. I feel this card will be kept in if I do decide to use Frog Monarchs again for the next GPC. I expect to see more Dragons and KMP. Burial from a Different Dimension is there to bring back my Treeborns if they get removed by Chain Disappearance. That card alone as helped me win games that I would have lost otherwise. Puppet Plant was for the Gemini/Samurai matchup. Take Shi-En, attack and tribute is always a good play. Also taking Elemental Hero Neos Alius allowed me to avoid Gemini Spark plays. Dust Tornado and Malevolent Catastrophe are for the 4 Main decks I talked about earlier. Most people side their MST's out and usually add more non-chainable cards against Monarchs. Malevolent Catastrophe won me many games.
Me: You mentioned earlier that Gravekeeper’s were your hardest match-up, but you beat two in the playoffs. Were there any other match-ups that were hard for you?
Jesse: For players who read both my feature matches against Gravekeeper’s, both players did not draw into Royal Tribute which was very lucky for me. As long as Royal Tribute is not played then Gravekeeper's turn into a beat stick deck. My two loses in Swiss were to Frog Monarchs and Gadgets. I would say both of those matches were my hardest games. As you can see from my side, I have nothing for the mirror. If the mirror has a Vanity’s Fiend in their side, they will beat me, since my only out is Enemy Controller and attacking with Genex Controller to kill it. Gadgets barely beat me though, as in game 3 he top decked Monster Reborn to run over my Ronintoadin and to swing for game.
Me: What would you say played the biggest role in your matches?
Jesse: Treeborn Frog. Without it I wouldn’t run the deck LOL. But, other than the obvious, I would have to say Enemy Controller. Standby Phase Treeborn Frog, tributing it for Enemy Controller and taking control of a monster can create huge plays.
Me: If you had to take out and add any cards to your Main Deck or Side Deck, what would you choose and why?
Jesse: I would take out Tragoedia for sure. He is good monster to have, but in all my situations throughout the GPC, I didn't have enough cards to really support him. He is a card I constantly side deck out. I would most likely replace him with Dark Dust Spirit, that card will be huge in the upcoming weeks, since everyone is going to be so Synchro monster heavy. I would most likely take out my Electric Virus for Maxx “C”, due to the Synchro heavy decks that are bound to show up in the next GPC.
Me: What was your first Grand Prix Championship experience like?
Jesse: At first, I hated how long it took for players to finish their matches. Eventually, it started to pick up pace, which I enjoyed. This is my first official DuelistGroundz tournament, which makes it even better to win it all. A lot of big name DG players were in the tournament, and it felt good for an “unknown” player like me to get my name out there.
Me: Finally, are there any people you wish to shout out?
Jesse: Robert Lim because he is getting married April 30th and he is like my older brother. He has been there for me throughout most of my life. Thao, my best friend who wished me luck throughout the tournament. Pengwan and Riders on the Storm for see potential in me before this tournament, Carbon and Wiggles for their support, my parents and family, and, finally, God.
Me: Thank you for the interview Jesse, and good luck in your future events!
Me: This GPC began at the beginning of a format, following one that was dominated by Samurai and Gravekeeper’s decks. What decisions led you to running Frog Monarchs, knowing that both Samurai and Gravekeeper’s may be everywhere.
Jesse: I also took account into X-Sabers being in the Meta, along with Gladiator Beasts, because they are always used at the start of a format. I decided to play the Genex Engine Version because of how important a first turn Treeborn is to the deck. That is also why I ran the three copies of Genex Undine, which other Frog Monarch players tend to disregard. Knowing those 4 decks, I knew that they all are forced to play Mystical Space Typhoons, Trap Stuns, and 7 Tools to try and gain field control. I felt Monarchs could take advantage of decks that played those cards. I also felt people would not have side deck cards for Monarchs outside of Chain Disappearance, which is easily played around.
Me: For the most part, you side deck looks like a stand Frog Monarch side, with a couple of interesting tech choices. How did you decide what cards to side and for what match-up?
Jesse: Gravekeeper's are my worst match up because of Royal Tribute. That’s why I sided Reign-Beaux. If he is hit by Royal Tribute, it is pretty much an automatic win. Cyber Dragons are there for any machine related deck, as well as 2100 beat sticks against Gravekeeper’s, Gladiator Beasts, and even X-Sabers. D.D. Crow was mainly for Chaos Plants, stopping Debris Dragon plays and Pot of Avarice can shut them down fast. Electric Virus, sadly, was never any use to me, what-so-ever. But it is an amazing card; being able to take Machina Fortress, attacking, then tributing it is great. I feel this card will be kept in if I do decide to use Frog Monarchs again for the next GPC. I expect to see more Dragons and KMP. Burial from a Different Dimension is there to bring back my Treeborns if they get removed by Chain Disappearance. That card alone as helped me win games that I would have lost otherwise. Puppet Plant was for the Gemini/Samurai matchup. Take Shi-En, attack and tribute is always a good play. Also taking Elemental Hero Neos Alius allowed me to avoid Gemini Spark plays. Dust Tornado and Malevolent Catastrophe are for the 4 Main decks I talked about earlier. Most people side their MST's out and usually add more non-chainable cards against Monarchs. Malevolent Catastrophe won me many games.
Me: You mentioned earlier that Gravekeeper’s were your hardest match-up, but you beat two in the playoffs. Were there any other match-ups that were hard for you?
Jesse: For players who read both my feature matches against Gravekeeper’s, both players did not draw into Royal Tribute which was very lucky for me. As long as Royal Tribute is not played then Gravekeeper's turn into a beat stick deck. My two loses in Swiss were to Frog Monarchs and Gadgets. I would say both of those matches were my hardest games. As you can see from my side, I have nothing for the mirror. If the mirror has a Vanity’s Fiend in their side, they will beat me, since my only out is Enemy Controller and attacking with Genex Controller to kill it. Gadgets barely beat me though, as in game 3 he top decked Monster Reborn to run over my Ronintoadin and to swing for game.
Me: What would you say played the biggest role in your matches?
Jesse: Treeborn Frog. Without it I wouldn’t run the deck LOL. But, other than the obvious, I would have to say Enemy Controller. Standby Phase Treeborn Frog, tributing it for Enemy Controller and taking control of a monster can create huge plays.
Me: If you had to take out and add any cards to your Main Deck or Side Deck, what would you choose and why?
Jesse: I would take out Tragoedia for sure. He is good monster to have, but in all my situations throughout the GPC, I didn't have enough cards to really support him. He is a card I constantly side deck out. I would most likely replace him with Dark Dust Spirit, that card will be huge in the upcoming weeks, since everyone is going to be so Synchro monster heavy. I would most likely take out my Electric Virus for Maxx “C”, due to the Synchro heavy decks that are bound to show up in the next GPC.
Me: What was your first Grand Prix Championship experience like?
Jesse: At first, I hated how long it took for players to finish their matches. Eventually, it started to pick up pace, which I enjoyed. This is my first official DuelistGroundz tournament, which makes it even better to win it all. A lot of big name DG players were in the tournament, and it felt good for an “unknown” player like me to get my name out there.
Me: Finally, are there any people you wish to shout out?
Jesse: Robert Lim because he is getting married April 30th and he is like my older brother. He has been there for me throughout most of my life. Thao, my best friend who wished me luck throughout the tournament. Pengwan and Riders on the Storm for see potential in me before this tournament, Carbon and Wiggles for their support, my parents and family, and, finally, God.
Me: Thank you for the interview Jesse, and good luck in your future events!
Honolulu Post Event Wrap Up
The dust has settled, and Jesse Nguyen stands alone as our newest Champion. Nguyen went 5-2 in Swiss, losing to Lobo Rodriguez's Machina Gadget deck in Round 4 and Jon Sturick's Frog Monarch deck in Round 5. After being in danger of missing the cut at 3-2, Nguyen was determined to win out and did so.
In his Top 16 Match, Nguyen defeated his older Riders on the Storm teammate Ciro Saldarelli. Saldarelli went 6-1 in Swiss with Chaos Plant, but Nguyen was unfazed and won to advance to the Top 8.
In the Top 8, Nguyen had what was probably his toughest match in the tournament. Up against Michael Steinman and his Gravekeeper deck, Nguyen was a clear underdog. Many had picked Steinman to win the entire tournament, but Nguyen pulled through after 3 intense games.
In the Top 4, Nguyen took on Gar Logan and his interesting, trap heavy X-Saber deck. He managed easily and won the match in 2 games. On the other side of the Top 4, a stunning upset took place. Brandon McClain knocked out the undefeated favorite to win, Andrew Tenjum. The finals were set.
Jesse Nguyen won the finals match, due to some rough draws Game 1 from McClain and his lack of side deck options for the matchup. 98 players down, and Nguyen stood strong as our newest Champion!
Final Standings:
1st Place: Jesse Nguyen (Frog Monarch)
2nd Place: Brandon McClain (Gravekeeper)
3rd Place: Andrew Tenjum (X-Saber)
4th Place: Gar Logan (X-Saber)
5th Place: Nicholas K (Blackwing)
6th Place: Michael Steinman (Gravekeeper)
7th Place: Jon Sturick (Frog Monarch)
8th Place: Ash Slaughter (Hero Beat)
9th Place: Ciro Saldarelli (Chaos Plant)
10th Place: Nathan Soowal (Gravekeeper)
11th Place: Mitch Noggle (Monarch)
12th Place: David Hagensen (Chaos Plant)
13th Place: Ryan Segovia (X-Saber)
14th Place: Anthony DiBona (Worm)
15th Place: Chris Schwarz (Machine)
16th Place: Cooster Rogburn (Gravekeeper)
Congratulations to all 16 players, and to the newest Champion! We hope you will all join us for Grand Prix Championship Sydney, which begins May 17th. Sign-ups are currently in progress, so go to DuelistGroundz and sign up in the tournament forum today! The field should be interesting, with Hidden Arsenal 4, Extreme Victory, and T.G. Hyper Librarian. We should see plenty of innovation, and regardless of the outcome it will definitely be exciting. Please check back then for Coverage!
Until the next event,
-DGZ Coverage Staff
In his Top 16 Match, Nguyen defeated his older Riders on the Storm teammate Ciro Saldarelli. Saldarelli went 6-1 in Swiss with Chaos Plant, but Nguyen was unfazed and won to advance to the Top 8.
In the Top 8, Nguyen had what was probably his toughest match in the tournament. Up against Michael Steinman and his Gravekeeper deck, Nguyen was a clear underdog. Many had picked Steinman to win the entire tournament, but Nguyen pulled through after 3 intense games.
In the Top 4, Nguyen took on Gar Logan and his interesting, trap heavy X-Saber deck. He managed easily and won the match in 2 games. On the other side of the Top 4, a stunning upset took place. Brandon McClain knocked out the undefeated favorite to win, Andrew Tenjum. The finals were set.
Jesse Nguyen won the finals match, due to some rough draws Game 1 from McClain and his lack of side deck options for the matchup. 98 players down, and Nguyen stood strong as our newest Champion!
Final Standings:
1st Place: Jesse Nguyen (Frog Monarch)
2nd Place: Brandon McClain (Gravekeeper)
3rd Place: Andrew Tenjum (X-Saber)
4th Place: Gar Logan (X-Saber)
5th Place: Nicholas K (Blackwing)
6th Place: Michael Steinman (Gravekeeper)
7th Place: Jon Sturick (Frog Monarch)
8th Place: Ash Slaughter (Hero Beat)
9th Place: Ciro Saldarelli (Chaos Plant)
10th Place: Nathan Soowal (Gravekeeper)
11th Place: Mitch Noggle (Monarch)
12th Place: David Hagensen (Chaos Plant)
13th Place: Ryan Segovia (X-Saber)
14th Place: Anthony DiBona (Worm)
15th Place: Chris Schwarz (Machine)
16th Place: Cooster Rogburn (Gravekeeper)
Congratulations to all 16 players, and to the newest Champion! We hope you will all join us for Grand Prix Championship Sydney, which begins May 17th. Sign-ups are currently in progress, so go to DuelistGroundz and sign up in the tournament forum today! The field should be interesting, with Hidden Arsenal 4, Extreme Victory, and T.G. Hyper Librarian. We should see plenty of innovation, and regardless of the outcome it will definitely be exciting. Please check back then for Coverage!
Until the next event,
-DGZ Coverage Staff
Finals Feature Match: Jesse Nguyen vs. Brandon McClain
After beginning the tournament with 99 duelists, only these 2 were left. Both players went 5-2 in Swiss, and one of them was about to become our newest Champion. Jesse Nguyen is running Frog Monarch, while Brandon McClain is running Gravekeeper with a Chaos Conversion side. Time to find out who wins Grand Prix Championship Honolulu!
Game 1
Nguyen wins the dice roll, and opens with a hand of Battle Fader, 2 Light and Darkness Dragon, Enemy Controller, Gorz the Emissary of Darkness, and Treeborn Frog. He sets Frog and ends.
McClain activates Necrovalley, then Normal Summons Gravekeeper's Recruiter. Recruiter attacks over Treeborn Frog, and McClain sets 2 cards to his backrow before ending.
Nguyen draws One for One, then brings back Treeborn Frog in Defense and tributes it off for Enemy Controller to take control of Recruiter. Nguyen brings back Treeborn again. Nguyen attacks directly with Recruiter for 1700, then tributes Recruiter and Frog for Light and Darkness Dragon! McClain activates Solemn Warning, and Nguyen ends with no further plays.
Nguyen: 8000
McClain: 4300
McClain draws and Normal Summons Gravekeeper's Commandant, who attacks directly for 2100. Nguyen Special Summons Gorz the Emissary of Darkness after the attack, dropping a 2100 ATK token alongside it. McClain sets 1 backrow and ends.
Nguyen: 5900
McClain: 4300
Nguyen draws Genex Controller, then brings back Treeborn Frog in Defense. Gorz declares an attack on Commandant but McClain activates Dimensional Prison to remove it from play! Nguyen then suicides his token into Commandant, destroying both monsters. In his Main Phase 2 Nguyen activates One for One, discarding Genex Controller to Special Summon Fishborg Blaster. He tuned Fishborg with Treeborn for Formula Synchron, drawing Swap Frog with the effect. Swap Frog was Normal Summoned to the field, and Nguyen sent another Treeborn Frog from his deck to the graveyard. Swap Frog returns to the hand and Nguyen ends; McClain activates Mind Crush in the End Phase to discard Swap Frog.
McClain draws, sets a backrow and ends.
Nguyen draws Swap Frog, brings back Treeborn and tributes it and Formula for another Light and Darkness Dragon. The Dragon connects for 2800 and Nguyen ends.
Nguyen: 5900
McClain: 1500
McClain draws, sets a backrow and ends.
Nguyen draws Glow-Up Bulb, then declares an attack with LADD. McClain activates Mystical Space Typhoon, then chains Book of Moon to force the Dragon face-down. Nguyen Normal Summons Swap Frog to send another Swap Frog from his deck to the Graveyard, then bounces it back to his hand and ends.
McClain draws and scoops next turn.
Jesse Nguyen takes Game 1 with double Light and Darkness! Just 1 more win and he would take the crown!
Game 2
McClain began by setting 3 cards to his backrow and ending.
Nguyen opened with a hand of Reign-Beaux, Overlord of Dark World, Foolish Burial, Treeborn Frog, Raiza the Storm Monarch, Mobius the Frost Monarch and Treeborn Frog. He discarded Treeborn Frog to Special Summon Swap Frog, but McClain chained Solemn Warning to cut it off. Nguyen activated Foolish Burial to send Fishborg Blaster to the graveyard, then ended.
Nguyen: 8000
McClain: 6000
McClain activated Pot of Duality, revealing Recruiter, Nobleman of Crossout, and another Solemn Warning; he kept Recruiter. McClain set a monster and ended.
Nguyen brought back Treeborn Frog, then tributed it for Mobius the Frost Monarch, targetting McClain's 2 backrow. Torrential Tribute was chained to destroy Mobius and Recruiter, and McClain lost his set Mystical Space Typhoon. Recruiter got McClain another Recruiter from his deck. Nguyen ends with no further plays.
McClain sets a monster and passes.
Nguyen drew Dust Tornado, then brought back Treeborn Frog. He tributed Treeborn Frog for Raiza the Storm Monarch, spinning McClain's face-down monster. Raiza attacked directly for 2400 and Nguyen ended.
Nguyen: 8000
McClain: 3600
McClain Special Summoned Cyber Dragon, then set a monster and ended.
Nguyen drew Swap Frog, then brought back Treeborn Frog and discarded Dust Tornado to Special Summon Fishborg alongside it. He tuned both for Formula Synchron, drawing Malevolent Catastrophe with the effect. He sent Formula Synchron and Cyber Dragon to the Graveyard for Chimeratech Fortress Dragon, then Normal Summoned Swap Frog to send another Treeborn Frog from his deck to the graveyard. Raiza ran over the face-down Recruiter and McClain searched another. Swap Frog and Chimeratech connected for 3000, and Nguyen returned Raiza to his hand with the effect of Swap Frog before ending.
Nguyen: 8000
McClain: 600
McClain drew and scooped.
Jesse Nguyen wins the match 2-0 and is your newest Grand Prix Champion!
Game 1
Nguyen wins the dice roll, and opens with a hand of Battle Fader, 2 Light and Darkness Dragon, Enemy Controller, Gorz the Emissary of Darkness, and Treeborn Frog. He sets Frog and ends.
McClain activates Necrovalley, then Normal Summons Gravekeeper's Recruiter. Recruiter attacks over Treeborn Frog, and McClain sets 2 cards to his backrow before ending.
Nguyen draws One for One, then brings back Treeborn Frog in Defense and tributes it off for Enemy Controller to take control of Recruiter. Nguyen brings back Treeborn again. Nguyen attacks directly with Recruiter for 1700, then tributes Recruiter and Frog for Light and Darkness Dragon! McClain activates Solemn Warning, and Nguyen ends with no further plays.
Nguyen: 8000
McClain: 4300
McClain draws and Normal Summons Gravekeeper's Commandant, who attacks directly for 2100. Nguyen Special Summons Gorz the Emissary of Darkness after the attack, dropping a 2100 ATK token alongside it. McClain sets 1 backrow and ends.
Nguyen: 5900
McClain: 4300
Nguyen draws Genex Controller, then brings back Treeborn Frog in Defense. Gorz declares an attack on Commandant but McClain activates Dimensional Prison to remove it from play! Nguyen then suicides his token into Commandant, destroying both monsters. In his Main Phase 2 Nguyen activates One for One, discarding Genex Controller to Special Summon Fishborg Blaster. He tuned Fishborg with Treeborn for Formula Synchron, drawing Swap Frog with the effect. Swap Frog was Normal Summoned to the field, and Nguyen sent another Treeborn Frog from his deck to the graveyard. Swap Frog returns to the hand and Nguyen ends; McClain activates Mind Crush in the End Phase to discard Swap Frog.
McClain draws, sets a backrow and ends.
Nguyen draws Swap Frog, brings back Treeborn and tributes it and Formula for another Light and Darkness Dragon. The Dragon connects for 2800 and Nguyen ends.
Nguyen: 5900
McClain: 1500
McClain draws, sets a backrow and ends.
Nguyen draws Glow-Up Bulb, then declares an attack with LADD. McClain activates Mystical Space Typhoon, then chains Book of Moon to force the Dragon face-down. Nguyen Normal Summons Swap Frog to send another Swap Frog from his deck to the Graveyard, then bounces it back to his hand and ends.
McClain draws and scoops next turn.
Jesse Nguyen takes Game 1 with double Light and Darkness! Just 1 more win and he would take the crown!
Game 2
McClain began by setting 3 cards to his backrow and ending.
Nguyen opened with a hand of Reign-Beaux, Overlord of Dark World, Foolish Burial, Treeborn Frog, Raiza the Storm Monarch, Mobius the Frost Monarch and Treeborn Frog. He discarded Treeborn Frog to Special Summon Swap Frog, but McClain chained Solemn Warning to cut it off. Nguyen activated Foolish Burial to send Fishborg Blaster to the graveyard, then ended.
Nguyen: 8000
McClain: 6000
McClain activated Pot of Duality, revealing Recruiter, Nobleman of Crossout, and another Solemn Warning; he kept Recruiter. McClain set a monster and ended.
Nguyen brought back Treeborn Frog, then tributed it for Mobius the Frost Monarch, targetting McClain's 2 backrow. Torrential Tribute was chained to destroy Mobius and Recruiter, and McClain lost his set Mystical Space Typhoon. Recruiter got McClain another Recruiter from his deck. Nguyen ends with no further plays.
McClain sets a monster and passes.
Nguyen drew Dust Tornado, then brought back Treeborn Frog. He tributed Treeborn Frog for Raiza the Storm Monarch, spinning McClain's face-down monster. Raiza attacked directly for 2400 and Nguyen ended.
Nguyen: 8000
McClain: 3600
McClain Special Summoned Cyber Dragon, then set a monster and ended.
Nguyen drew Swap Frog, then brought back Treeborn Frog and discarded Dust Tornado to Special Summon Fishborg alongside it. He tuned both for Formula Synchron, drawing Malevolent Catastrophe with the effect. He sent Formula Synchron and Cyber Dragon to the Graveyard for Chimeratech Fortress Dragon, then Normal Summoned Swap Frog to send another Treeborn Frog from his deck to the graveyard. Raiza ran over the face-down Recruiter and McClain searched another. Swap Frog and Chimeratech connected for 3000, and Nguyen returned Raiza to his hand with the effect of Swap Frog before ending.
Nguyen: 8000
McClain: 600
McClain drew and scooped.
Jesse Nguyen wins the match 2-0 and is your newest Grand Prix Champion!
4/20/2011
Congratulations to Jesse Nguyen, GPC Honolulu Champion!
Jesse Nguyen has won the final match over Brandon McClain 2-0, and is our newest Champion!
Here is our Champion's decklist:
Monsters: 29
1 Tragoedia
2 Light and Darkness Dragon
1 Gorz the Emissary of Darkness
3 Caius the Shadow Monarch
2 Mobius the Frost Monarch
3 Raiza the Storm Monarch
2 Genex Controller
3 Genex Undine
1 Ronintoadin
3 Swap Frog
2 Battle Fader
2 Effect Veiler
1 Fishborg Blaster
1 Glow-Up Bulb
2 Treeborn Frog
Spells: 10
1 Dark Hole
1 Giant Trunade
3 Enemy Controller
1 Foolish Burial
1 Monster Reborn
2 Mystical Space Typhoon
1 One For One
Traps: 1
1 Treacherous Trap Hole
Extra Deck: 15
1 Locomotion R-Genex
1 Colossal Fighter
1 Scrap Dragon
1 Stardust Dragon
1 Thought Ruler Archfiend
1 Black Rose Dragon
1 Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier
1 Ally of Justice Catastor
1 Magical Android
2 Armory Arm
3 Formula Synchron
1 Chimeratech Fortress Dragon
Side Deck: 15
2 Cyber Dragon
2 D.D. Crow
2 Electric Virus
2 Reign-Beaux, Overlord of Dark World
1 Burial from a Different Dimension
2 Puppet Plant
2 Dust Tornado
2 Malevolent Catastrophe
Finals Coverage will be up shortly!
Here is our Champion's decklist:
Monsters: 29
1 Tragoedia
2 Light and Darkness Dragon
1 Gorz the Emissary of Darkness
3 Caius the Shadow Monarch
2 Mobius the Frost Monarch
3 Raiza the Storm Monarch
2 Genex Controller
3 Genex Undine
1 Ronintoadin
3 Swap Frog
2 Battle Fader
2 Effect Veiler
1 Fishborg Blaster
1 Glow-Up Bulb
2 Treeborn Frog
Spells: 10
1 Dark Hole
1 Giant Trunade
3 Enemy Controller
1 Foolish Burial
1 Monster Reborn
2 Mystical Space Typhoon
1 One For One
Traps: 1
1 Treacherous Trap Hole
Extra Deck: 15
1 Locomotion R-Genex
1 Colossal Fighter
1 Scrap Dragon
1 Stardust Dragon
1 Thought Ruler Archfiend
1 Black Rose Dragon
1 Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier
1 Ally of Justice Catastor
1 Magical Android
2 Armory Arm
3 Formula Synchron
1 Chimeratech Fortress Dragon
Side Deck: 15
2 Cyber Dragon
2 D.D. Crow
2 Electric Virus
2 Reign-Beaux, Overlord of Dark World
1 Burial from a Different Dimension
2 Puppet Plant
2 Dust Tornado
2 Malevolent Catastrophe
Finals Coverage will be up shortly!
Top 4 Feature Match: Jesse Nguyen vs. Gar Logan
In this Top 4 match for Grand Prix Honolulu, we have Jesse Nguyen pitting off against Gar Logan. Jesse has been piloting a Genex Engine Monarch deck, while Logan has made it to the Top 4 using X-Sabers.
Game 1
Logan wins the die roll, and opts to go first. He activates Pot of Duality, revealing XX-Saber Faultroll, XX-Saber Fulhelmknight, andSolemn Judgment; choosing Fulhelmknight. He ends his turn after setting 2 to his back row.
Nguyen draws for his turn; his opening hand consists of Giant Trunade, 2 copies of Enemy Controller, Swap Frog, Gorz the Emissary of Darkness, and Mystical Space Typhoon. He Normal Summons Swap Frog and uses its effect to send Treeborn Frog to the graveyard. He attacks Logan directly withSwap Frog, dealing 1000 damage. Swap Frog adds itself to Nguyen's hand and he sets a back row before ending his turn.
(8000-7000)
Logan draws and activates Pot of Duality, revealing XX-Saber Emmersblade, Mystical Space Typhoon, and XX-Saber Darksoul; choosing Darksoul. Logan sets a monster and a back row and ends, but before the End Phase concludes Jesse chains Mystical Space Typhoon, destroying Logan's freshly set Trap Stun.
Nguyen draws Genex Controller. He Special Summons Treeborn Frog during his Standby Phase, Normal Summons Swap Frog, and uses its effect to send another Treeborn Frog to his graveyard. Nguyen attacks Logan's face-down monster with Swap Frog, revealing XX-Saber Emmersblade. Logan uses Emmersblade's effect to Special Summon XX-Saber Fulhelmknight. Nguyen activates Enemy Controller, tributing Treeborn Frog, in an attempt to take Logan's Fulhelmknight, but Logan chains Book of Moon, putting his Fulhelmknight in face-down Defense position. Nguyen activates Swap Frogs affect to return itself to his hand and ends his turn.
Logan draws and immediately Normal Summons XX-Saber Boggart Knight. He activates Boggart Knight's effect to Special Summon XX-Saber Darksoul from his hand, and Flip-Summons his Fulhelmknight. He tunes Boggart Knight and Fulhelmknight into X-Saber Urbellum and then activates Gottoms' Emergency Call to Special Summon Fulhelmknight and Emmersblade from his graveyard. He attacks Nguyen directly with Urbellum, dealing 2200 damage. But before he can send a card from Nguyen's hand to the top of his deck, Nguyen Special Summons Gorz the Emissary of Darkness from his hand, and uses its effect to create an Emissary of Darkness Token in Attack mode. Logan enters Main Phase 2 and tunes Fulhelmknight, Emmersblade, and Darksoul into XX-Saber Gottoms! He uses Gottoms' effect to tribute Urbellum and discards Genex Controller from Nguyen's hand. Logan sets a card to his back row and during his End Phase, searches XX-Saber Faultroll from his deck to his hand using XX-Saber Darksoul's effect.
(5800-7000)
Nguyen draws the card Urbellum sent to the top of his deck; Enemy Controller. He Special Summons Treeborn Frog and activates Enemy Controller to take Logan's Gottoms. Logan chains Gottoms' Emergency Call, Special Summoning Fulhelmknight and Emmersblade in Defense mode. Nguyen Normal Summons Swap Frog and uses its effect to send Ronintoadin to the graveyard. Nguyen attacks Logan's Emmersblade with Swap Frog, letting Logan Special Summon XX-Saber Darksoul. Nguyen then attacks Fulhelmknight, but Logan uses its effect to negate the attack. He attacks it again with Gorz, destroying it this time. Nguyen enters his Main Phase 2 and uses Gottoms own effect to tribute itself and discard XX-Saber Faultroll from Logan's hand. He returns Swap Frog to his hand and removes a Treeborn Frog to Special Summon Ronintoadin from the graveyard before ending his turn.
Logan draws for his turn and immediately ends.
Nguyen draws, and Normal Summons Swap Frog, sending a Swap Frog to his graveyard with its effect. He attacks XX-Saber Darksoul with Swap Frog, and then attacks directly with Gorz and the Emissary of Darkness Token. Nguyen returns Swap Frog to his hand and ends his turn. During the End Phase, Logan searches XX-Saber Faultroll with Darksoul's effect.
(5800-2100)
Logan draws for his turn, and Normal Summons XX-Saber Boggart Knight. He activates its effect to Special Summon XX-Saber Fulhelmknight, and then Special Summons XX-Saber Faultroll from his hand. He uses Faultrolls effect to Special Summon another Fulhelmknight from his graveyard. Faultroll attacks Nguyen's Emissary of Darkness Token, dealing 200 damage. Logan passes.
(5600-2100)
Nguyen draws into Genex Undine and Special Summons Treeborn Frog. He Normal Summons Undine, sending Fishborg Blaster to his graveyard, and then adds Genex Controller to his hand. He discards Controller to Special Summon Fishborg, tunes Fishborg and Treeborn into Formula Synchron, and draws Monster Reborn. He discards Swap Frog to Special Summon Fishborg Blaster again, this time tuning it with Genex Undine to Synchro Summon Armory Arm. He tunes Formula Synchron and Armory Arm into Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier and uses its effect to bounce both Fulhelmknights and Faultroll into Logan's hand. Logan concedes immediately.
Game 2
Logan decides to start this duel off, and sets a monster and a back row before ending.
Nguyen opens with Effect Veiler, Light and Darkness Dragon, Ronintoadin, Swap Frog, Mobius the Frost Monarch, and Giant Trunade. He activates Trunade, and discards Ronintoadin to Special Summon Swap Frog, sending a Swap Frog to his graveyard for its effect. He removes Swap Frog from his graveyard to Special Summon Ronintoadin and tributes Swap Frog and Ronintoadin for Light and Darkness Dragon. He uses it to attack into Logan's face-down XX-Saber Emmersblade. Light and Darkness Dragon negates its effect and Nguyen ends his turn.
Logan draws, sets a back row and Normal Summons XX-Saber Fulhelmknight before ending his turn.
Nguyen draws Genex Undine for his turn. He attacks Fulhelmknight with Light and Darkness Dragon. Logan activates Fulhelmknight's effect, but Light and Darkness Dragon negates it anyway, dealing 500 damage. Nguyen passes.
(8000-7500)
Logan draws, and activates Monster Reborn, letting Light andDarkness Dragon negate it. Logan sets a monster and a back row and ends his turn.
Nguyen draws D.D. Crow. He attacks Logan's face-down Fossil Dyna Pachycephalo and takes 500 damage from it. He then tributes Light and Darkness Dragon for Mobius the Frost Monarch, targeting Logan's two back row, but Logan chains Solemn Warning, negating and destroying Mobius. Nguyen ends his turn.
(7500-5500)
Logan draws, and summons a second copy of Fossil Dyna Pachycephalo. He attacks directly with both, dealing 2400 damage before ending his turn.
(5100-5500)
Nguyen draws Caius the Shadow Monarch. He summons Genex Undine, sending Treeborn Frog to his graveyard and adding Genex Controller to his hand. He slams his Undine into a Fossil Dyna and ends his turn.
Logan draws, attacks with Fossil Dyna, and ends his turn.
(3900-5500)
Nguyen draws Burial from a Different Dimension. He Normal Summons Genex Controller and attacks it into Logan's Fossil Dyna. Nguyen removes a Swap Frog to Special Summon Ronintoadin and ends his turn.
(3900-5300)
Logan draws, and Normal Summons XX-Saber Boggart Knight. He activates its effect, but Nguyen chains Effect Veiler to negate it. Boggart Knight attacks into Genex Controller and Logan ends his turn.
(3400-5500)
Nguyen draws another Light and Darkness Dragon! He Special Summons Treeborn Frog and tributes it and Ronintoadin for Light and Darkness Dragon. He attacks Boggart Knight and ends his turn.
(3400-4400)
Logan draws, sets a monster and a back row and ends.
Nguyen draws Genex Undine. He attacks Logan's face-down X-Saber Pashuul with Light and Darkness Dragon. During his Main Phase 2, he tributes Light and Darkness Dragon for Caius the Shadow Monarch, removing Pashuul from play and ending his turn.
Logan draws and ends his turn.
Nguyen draws Mobius the Frost Monarch. He Special Summons Treeborn Frog, but Logan chains Chain Disappearance, removing Treeborn from play. Still in his Standby Phase, Nguyen activates Burial from a Different Dimension, returning two copies of Treeborn Frog and Swap Frog to his graveyard. He Special Summons a Treeborn Frog, tributes it for Mobius and Logan concedes.
After keeping control of tempo of both games, Jesse Nguyen advances to the finals of Grand Prix Championship Honolulu!
Game 1
Logan wins the die roll, and opts to go first. He activates Pot of Duality, revealing XX-Saber Faultroll, XX-Saber Fulhelmknight, andSolemn Judgment; choosing Fulhelmknight. He ends his turn after setting 2 to his back row.
Nguyen draws for his turn; his opening hand consists of Giant Trunade, 2 copies of Enemy Controller, Swap Frog, Gorz the Emissary of Darkness, and Mystical Space Typhoon. He Normal Summons Swap Frog and uses its effect to send Treeborn Frog to the graveyard. He attacks Logan directly withSwap Frog, dealing 1000 damage. Swap Frog adds itself to Nguyen's hand and he sets a back row before ending his turn.
(8000-7000)
Logan draws and activates Pot of Duality, revealing XX-Saber Emmersblade, Mystical Space Typhoon, and XX-Saber Darksoul; choosing Darksoul. Logan sets a monster and a back row and ends, but before the End Phase concludes Jesse chains Mystical Space Typhoon, destroying Logan's freshly set Trap Stun.
Nguyen draws Genex Controller. He Special Summons Treeborn Frog during his Standby Phase, Normal Summons Swap Frog, and uses its effect to send another Treeborn Frog to his graveyard. Nguyen attacks Logan's face-down monster with Swap Frog, revealing XX-Saber Emmersblade. Logan uses Emmersblade's effect to Special Summon XX-Saber Fulhelmknight. Nguyen activates Enemy Controller, tributing Treeborn Frog, in an attempt to take Logan's Fulhelmknight, but Logan chains Book of Moon, putting his Fulhelmknight in face-down Defense position. Nguyen activates Swap Frogs affect to return itself to his hand and ends his turn.
Logan draws and immediately Normal Summons XX-Saber Boggart Knight. He activates Boggart Knight's effect to Special Summon XX-Saber Darksoul from his hand, and Flip-Summons his Fulhelmknight. He tunes Boggart Knight and Fulhelmknight into X-Saber Urbellum and then activates Gottoms' Emergency Call to Special Summon Fulhelmknight and Emmersblade from his graveyard. He attacks Nguyen directly with Urbellum, dealing 2200 damage. But before he can send a card from Nguyen's hand to the top of his deck, Nguyen Special Summons Gorz the Emissary of Darkness from his hand, and uses its effect to create an Emissary of Darkness Token in Attack mode. Logan enters Main Phase 2 and tunes Fulhelmknight, Emmersblade, and Darksoul into XX-Saber Gottoms! He uses Gottoms' effect to tribute Urbellum and discards Genex Controller from Nguyen's hand. Logan sets a card to his back row and during his End Phase, searches XX-Saber Faultroll from his deck to his hand using XX-Saber Darksoul's effect.
(5800-7000)
Nguyen draws the card Urbellum sent to the top of his deck; Enemy Controller. He Special Summons Treeborn Frog and activates Enemy Controller to take Logan's Gottoms. Logan chains Gottoms' Emergency Call, Special Summoning Fulhelmknight and Emmersblade in Defense mode. Nguyen Normal Summons Swap Frog and uses its effect to send Ronintoadin to the graveyard. Nguyen attacks Logan's Emmersblade with Swap Frog, letting Logan Special Summon XX-Saber Darksoul. Nguyen then attacks Fulhelmknight, but Logan uses its effect to negate the attack. He attacks it again with Gorz, destroying it this time. Nguyen enters his Main Phase 2 and uses Gottoms own effect to tribute itself and discard XX-Saber Faultroll from Logan's hand. He returns Swap Frog to his hand and removes a Treeborn Frog to Special Summon Ronintoadin from the graveyard before ending his turn.
Logan draws for his turn and immediately ends.
Nguyen draws, and Normal Summons Swap Frog, sending a Swap Frog to his graveyard with its effect. He attacks XX-Saber Darksoul with Swap Frog, and then attacks directly with Gorz and the Emissary of Darkness Token. Nguyen returns Swap Frog to his hand and ends his turn. During the End Phase, Logan searches XX-Saber Faultroll with Darksoul's effect.
(5800-2100)
Logan draws for his turn, and Normal Summons XX-Saber Boggart Knight. He activates its effect to Special Summon XX-Saber Fulhelmknight, and then Special Summons XX-Saber Faultroll from his hand. He uses Faultrolls effect to Special Summon another Fulhelmknight from his graveyard. Faultroll attacks Nguyen's Emissary of Darkness Token, dealing 200 damage. Logan passes.
(5600-2100)
Nguyen draws into Genex Undine and Special Summons Treeborn Frog. He Normal Summons Undine, sending Fishborg Blaster to his graveyard, and then adds Genex Controller to his hand. He discards Controller to Special Summon Fishborg, tunes Fishborg and Treeborn into Formula Synchron, and draws Monster Reborn. He discards Swap Frog to Special Summon Fishborg Blaster again, this time tuning it with Genex Undine to Synchro Summon Armory Arm. He tunes Formula Synchron and Armory Arm into Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier and uses its effect to bounce both Fulhelmknights and Faultroll into Logan's hand. Logan concedes immediately.
Game 2
Logan decides to start this duel off, and sets a monster and a back row before ending.
Nguyen opens with Effect Veiler, Light and Darkness Dragon, Ronintoadin, Swap Frog, Mobius the Frost Monarch, and Giant Trunade. He activates Trunade, and discards Ronintoadin to Special Summon Swap Frog, sending a Swap Frog to his graveyard for its effect. He removes Swap Frog from his graveyard to Special Summon Ronintoadin and tributes Swap Frog and Ronintoadin for Light and Darkness Dragon. He uses it to attack into Logan's face-down XX-Saber Emmersblade. Light and Darkness Dragon negates its effect and Nguyen ends his turn.
Logan draws, sets a back row and Normal Summons XX-Saber Fulhelmknight before ending his turn.
Nguyen draws Genex Undine for his turn. He attacks Fulhelmknight with Light and Darkness Dragon. Logan activates Fulhelmknight's effect, but Light and Darkness Dragon negates it anyway, dealing 500 damage. Nguyen passes.
(8000-7500)
Logan draws, and activates Monster Reborn, letting Light andDarkness Dragon negate it. Logan sets a monster and a back row and ends his turn.
Nguyen draws D.D. Crow. He attacks Logan's face-down Fossil Dyna Pachycephalo and takes 500 damage from it. He then tributes Light and Darkness Dragon for Mobius the Frost Monarch, targeting Logan's two back row, but Logan chains Solemn Warning, negating and destroying Mobius. Nguyen ends his turn.
(7500-5500)
Logan draws, and summons a second copy of Fossil Dyna Pachycephalo. He attacks directly with both, dealing 2400 damage before ending his turn.
(5100-5500)
Nguyen draws Caius the Shadow Monarch. He summons Genex Undine, sending Treeborn Frog to his graveyard and adding Genex Controller to his hand. He slams his Undine into a Fossil Dyna and ends his turn.
Logan draws, attacks with Fossil Dyna, and ends his turn.
(3900-5500)
Nguyen draws Burial from a Different Dimension. He Normal Summons Genex Controller and attacks it into Logan's Fossil Dyna. Nguyen removes a Swap Frog to Special Summon Ronintoadin and ends his turn.
(3900-5300)
Logan draws, and Normal Summons XX-Saber Boggart Knight. He activates its effect, but Nguyen chains Effect Veiler to negate it. Boggart Knight attacks into Genex Controller and Logan ends his turn.
(3400-5500)
Nguyen draws another Light and Darkness Dragon! He Special Summons Treeborn Frog and tributes it and Ronintoadin for Light and Darkness Dragon. He attacks Boggart Knight and ends his turn.
(3400-4400)
Logan draws, sets a monster and a back row and ends.
Nguyen draws Genex Undine. He attacks Logan's face-down X-Saber Pashuul with Light and Darkness Dragon. During his Main Phase 2, he tributes Light and Darkness Dragon for Caius the Shadow Monarch, removing Pashuul from play and ending his turn.
Logan draws and ends his turn.
Nguyen draws Mobius the Frost Monarch. He Special Summons Treeborn Frog, but Logan chains Chain Disappearance, removing Treeborn from play. Still in his Standby Phase, Nguyen activates Burial from a Different Dimension, returning two copies of Treeborn Frog and Swap Frog to his graveyard. He Special Summons a Treeborn Frog, tributes it for Mobius and Logan concedes.
After keeping control of tempo of both games, Jesse Nguyen advances to the finals of Grand Prix Championship Honolulu!
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