158: Playing Against the Unknown with Sergiy Sushalskyy

Sergiy Sushalskyy started playing Magic in 1999 with the Urza block. He’s been regularly competing in Grand Prixs since 2012 and has 3 Grand Prix Top 8s, 2 Ukraine National Champion's titles and a recent Magic World Cup Top 8 with team Ukraine. Segiy is from Kiev, Ukraine but lives in Edinborough, Scotland. Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Sergiy Sushalskyy when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep158 First Set Portal 2nd Age Favorite Set Zendikar Favorite Card Counterspell What makes Magic: The Gathering fun for you? After a year or two, Magic went from a hobby to a competitive objective. He loves the competitive aspect. Early Challenge Deck building is the most difficult aspect of Magic. That and dealing with uncertainty. When playing against an unknown, be more cautious. Level Up Moment After Sergiy's first Grand Prix Top 8, he top 8'd another about one month later. He prepared by playing Limited and reading articles. Worst Magic Moment Grand Prix Barcelona 2016 - Sergiy was playing to get 59 match points. It was the lost GP of the season and if he won his lost match, he would make Silver-level Pro for the season. Sergiy lost and took a break after come back (as always). Proudest Magic Moment Top 8 with team Ukraine in 2016 World Magic Cup. Deepest Thing You've Learned About Yourself Sergiy is easily discouraged and gets frustrated. But he learned that everything is possible. Biggest Mistake Players Make Losing focus part way through the day of a big tournament. The noise of GP's can be very distracted. Get outside and clear your mind. Get fresh air. Beginner Limited Advice Time yourself making decks with a sealed pool. Improvement Suggestions What is Magic for you? Is it a casual hobby or are you looking to be competitive? Once you know, dedicate the appropriate time to achieve your goals. Magic Resource ChannelFireBall, SCG Connect With Sergiy Sushalskyy Sergiy can be found in the MTG Pro Tutor Facebook group Check Out Magic Story Magic Story brings the lore of the Multiverse to life in an audio presentation never before heard in the Magic community. Listen to Episode 1 here or on www.magicthestory.com   Sponsors