The Night Before Worlds

I'm writing this the night before Worlds because I want the record to be clear.

Magic is a game of incredible, almost indescribable skill. I've learned so much about it over the past year, and if I'm lucky enough, will continue to have more opportunities to learn about it over the rest of my lifetime. The best in the world are better than you think at it and it takes more to get to their level than most will admit, including myself for a long, long time.

Magic is also a game of incredible, almost indescribable variance, and I've finally been blessed with the opportunity to play against the best players in the world because I ran into enough positive variance in just the right order.

I'm writing this to say that I've accomplished my primary goal for the event, which was to prevent myself from saying afterwards that I didn't give it my all.

That is the main goal that mattered for me, because it's the one I could control.

Every thought I had, every moment that passed, for the past month, and half of them for the past year, were spent either preparing for this event or taking care of myself mentally, physically, and spiritually to have the energy to keep preparing.

I have already made the most of this opportunity and I am already proud of myself.

Goals like winning matches and qualifying for future tournaments are uncontrollable side effects.

Now we get to see what happens tomorrow. I appreciate everyone who's come along as I've tried to share this journey with strangers (and friends) over the internet. Whatever happens next, this was worth it and I'm grateful.

Love,

Ryan ❤️