The Night Before PT Atlanta

When Modern Calls... *Run*

Tomorrow I again do what felt for so many years, and still feels, like an impossible thing -- compete with the best Magic players in the world. I'm nervous as hell. Trying to get some last-minute reps against the Goryo's deck that's much more popular than we expected, pinging the Discord for opponents. Also trying to have some time to rest (at least physically) and sleep early.

The testing process for this PT was both the most fun and the most uncertainty I've had before an event. Sanctum worked with SystemMagic for this Pro Tour, and the vibes were even more immaculate than usual in the house. (WE LOVE MODERN 😃). Special shoutouts to Jennifer-Rose Holloway and Dragonfly99 from the discord, who I've had the privilege to meet and prepare with. They're both excellent people and teammates.

Still, I'm very, very nervous for this PT. I pivoted to a deck that is insanely hard to play just days before the submission deadline, and am still making game-losing mistakes with it constantly. And I've only done a couple drafts all week (partially, because we decided since we had so much time and in-person constructed testing is more valuable, to do all our limited prep before the house).

I've been pushing myself a bit further outside my comfort zones this time with learning an entirely new format, and actively seeking out feedback for improving at limited (from Jason the 🐐 on our streams at twitch.tv/jointexploration and many of my other incredible teammates!).

All this has resulted in my feeling less prepared for this tournament than ever before. But when I actually look back at the testing process, it's everything I wanted it to be: proactively seeking out weak points and getting help from others in shoring them up. I think no matter what happens, I am coming out of this tournament a much stronger Magic player.

Tomorrow I have the chance to turn my very first shot at the Pro Tour almost 2 years ago into back-to-back World Championship appearances.

Oh yeah, and I'm playing a fucking Pro Tour. I wouldn't have chosen to play Amulet Titan if I didn't think I could win the whole thing with it.

So let's do this. My first ever constructed deck was Valakut Ramp. Primeval Titan is one of my favorite cards in Magic, period.

I've done the work. The rest falls, just like the trees.