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This past Saturday, the F2F Tour Toronto event brought together 134 enthusiastic players for the Modern Super Qualifier, all vying for the top spot in a fiercely competitive environment. The event showcased incredible skill, strategic gameplay, and the enduring camaraderie of the Magic: The Gathering community. Among the standout performances were Mathew Migliore and Pedram Moazen-Sayad, whose insights and experiences provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of competitive Magic.
Interview with Mathew Migliore: Mastering Tron
Note: Mathew has already been fielding questions about his deck and card choices on Reddit.
KYT: Mathew, congratulations on your strong performance! How long have you been playing Magic?
Mathew: I started in RTR block when I was 13. I always went to the shops and small tournaments, bussed there three times a week because I loved the game. I even ran the Magic youth night when I was 14 at CBA Games. I’ve been playing for a long time.
KYT: It’s impressive to see your long-standing dedication. How did you approach this tournament differently compared to others?
Mathew: I’ve been to some larger tournaments before but never had a very tuned deck. I decided I’d go all out with this one and really study the meta and try to build something to beat it. I felt like this was the best deck to do it.
Tron – Migliore, Mathew (1st)
KYT: That’s amazing, you beat Nadu three times. How do you feel about everyone calling for its ban, knowing that you were able to dispatch it multiple times?
Mathew: I still feel like it should be banned. My friend that’s new played a match that took the whole round and he had to just watch the Nadu player go off for most of it. It doesn’t create an enjoyable meta or enjoyable gameplay.
KYT: So for you, it’s more about the enjoyment of the game rather than just the power level?
Mathew: Every tier deck is powerful in Modern right now, this combo is just another KCI or Second Sunrise. It’s bad for gameplay.
KYT: I guess one of the cool features of the Tron deck is that you don’t need to sideboard. Is that a plus for your mental game when playing the deck?
Mathew: It does make it easier, and I think it is a plus. I can spend time thinking about mistakes or different lines in the previous game instead of using energy on what to sideboard and what cards to take out. Also, something else that I did was have a poison token in my deckbox. I’d reveal it before the match begins and then put it face down. I made sure the opponent saw it. The first and second round opponents were brothers, so my second round opponent heard the story of me before the match, so it may have been a detriment. I always wanted to see if this would work, so I thought this would be the tournament to try it.
KYT: Playing mind games? What’s the deck you want to put in their minds?
Mathew: An infect aggro deck where they’re more likely to keep creature removal in their openers.
KYT: Can I assume you’ve played at some of our Regional Championships (RCs) already?
Mathew: I’ve yet to play in an RC but have been invited before, I think. I was too young and had to travel, so I didn’t go. I’m getting back into Magic after a few-year hiatus, graduating from comp sci as well.
KYT: So you might have the bandwidth to take it up a notch?
Mathew: I think I am going to try and go to this one in Calgary and see how it goes.
Interview with Pedram Moazen-Sayad: Chasing the Trophy
KYT: Congratulations on your impressive performance, Pedram! Can you tell us about a key card in your deck and why it stands out to you?
Pedram: Ocelot Pride is an incredible addition to the deck and in my opinion a lot better than Ragavan. If you ever draw multiples and have City’s Blessing, the amount of cat tokens you make on end step is absurd!
KYT: That’s a fascinating choice! How has your preparation been leading up to this tournament?
Pedram: I’ve been actively playing and practicing a bunch online.
Boros Energy – Pedram Moazen-Sayad (2nd)
KYT: It sounds like you’ve been putting in a lot of effort. What does Magic: The Gathering mean to you beyond just the game?
Pedram: Magic has always been more about the Gathering for me. The game itself is amazing, but there’s nothing like seeing your friends at a tournament after going through the qualms and quarrels of life and being able to just live in the moment of the event.
KYT: That’s a wonderful perspective. How has Magic influenced your life outside of the game?
Pedram: Magic is a big part of why I am here today, and even where I am in my own life. I am forever grateful for the F2F team, especially Kelly and Scott, for running such great events.
KYT: It’s great to hear how much the community means to you. What’s next for you in the Magic competitive scene?
Pedram: With all that being said, I’m going for that trophy in RC Calgary!
KYT: Best of luck in Calgary, Pedram! We’re all rooting for you.
As we wrap up our recap of this event, we’re eagerly anticipating our next stop on the F2F Tour. Join us in St. John’s on July 13 for more thrilling Magic: The Gathering action and unforgettable moments.
For more details on the upcoming event, visit F2F Tour St. John’s.
Kar Yung Tom (KYT) is the Digital Content Manager for Face to Face Games. He oversees the F2FTour.com and Magic F2F websites. He is also the lead host of the First Strike podcast.