1. Introduction and Event Overview
On October 24, 2026, I participated in Bandai Card Fest Manila (BCF Manila), held at One Ayala in
Makati City. The event brought together players of the One Piece Card Game for a day of
competition and community interaction. My main reason for joining was to compete while, most
importantly, having fun and enjoying the overall tournament experience. Another thing I looked
forward to was the door prizes. The door prize included a Luffy card and the participation EXpack
that could basically cover all my expenses for the event.
Since I had attended the event the previous year, I was already familiar with the venue. When I
arrived, I felt excited to be back and see so many players gathered for the tournament. The One
Piece Card Game area was particularly crowded, with approximately 315 participants, if I
remember correctly.
2. Preparation and Strategy
Unlike many players who spent time preparing for the tournament, I honestly did not prepare at all.
At the time, Rocks was considered the “tier 0” deck, and I initially planned to follow the hype and
use it for the tournament. However, just hours before the event, I tried playing the deck and realized
that I would not enjoy using it. I also struggled to find another deck that suited my playstyle, so I
decided to take a different approach.
As a last resort, I chose OP17 Purple Kaido. Rather than following a standard deck list, I built my
own version on the spot. My list even excluded the 3-cost Yamato, a card many players considered
essential to the deck. I preferred to use a deck that suited my preferences rather than force myself
to play something simply because it was considered the strongest option.
One of the main reasons I settled on Purple Kaido was its versatility as a toolbox deck. It offered
several options, including ramp, power reduction, healing, and blockers. I liked having different
ways to respond to situations instead of relying on a single strategy.
My decision to exclude 3-cost Yamato was also influenced by my previous experience playing
Purple Luffy. With Purple Luffy, I could manage with Bon Clay as my ramp card and still see it on
curve. Because of that experience, I felt that I could build Purple Kaido without relying on Yamato. I
also found that when I drew Yamato late in a game, I sometimes wished it had been a 2k counter
instead.
My general game plan revolved around surviving long enough to take advantage of Kaido's strength
in the late game. I aimed to preserve my life as much as possible while gradually building a strong
board. Once I had enough board presence to pressure my opponent, I could shift my focus toward
closing out the game.
Although I entered the tournament without proper preparation and used a non-standard deck list, I
remained fairly confident because I understood Kaido's playstyle and trusted its late-game
potential. My approach was unconventional, but I would rather play a deck I understood and
enjoyed than force myself to use one that did not suit me.
3. During the Tournament
Swiss Rounds: An Unexpected 8–0 Run
My tournament began with a familiar opponent: RB Sabo, piloted by a close friend who was also
one of the top players in Manila. After losing the dice roll, I got second. I stuck to my usual starve
strategy and eventually closed out the game with a barrage of 12k swings. Starting the tournament
with a win against a strong opponent gave me a good start.
In Round 2, I faced Green Shanks. I managed to ramp quickly into 10-cost bodies and control the
board. My opponent eventually had to force lethal, but I successfully defended against the attacks
and secured another win.
Round 3 was a Purple Kaido mirror match, and it became one of the most memorable games of my
Swiss run. I lost the dice roll and failed to see King on curve, while my opponent had an almost
perfect ramp sequence that included King. Things looked difficult until Black Maria, the card that I
put in the deck instead of 3-cost Yamato, allowed me to copy my opponent's ramp and catch up. I
was then able to contest the board and secure the late game. This match was especially satisfying
because it showed me that my unconventional deck-building decisions could pay off.
In Round 4, I faced RG Luffy and Ace, a matchup I considered unfavorable. Fortunately, my
opponent could not play their combo on curve, giving me enough time to stall and establish my own
board. I took advantage of that opportunity and managed to secure the win.
Round 5 was against Blue Rocks, a deck that's considered the strongest at the moment. My
opponent established his board quickly, putting pressure on me early. However, I drew three copies
of 10-cost Big Mom, which helped me control the board and turn the game in my favor.
In Round 6, I faced UY Boa, a matchup I considered advantageous for Purple Kaido. Having access
to a banish unit and Kaido blockers helped me manage the aggression of my opponent's board and
triggers. I was able to navigate the matchup and continue my winning streak.
Round 7 brought me against Rocks again. The game is a fight for board presence as usual, and I
focused on maintaining enough pressure to eventually push my opponent into a difficult position. I
ultimately secured the win by applying pressure with 12k swings.
For my final Swiss round, I faced Green Shanks again. My opponent played multiple characters with
their 6cost law twice, which widened his board quick. Eventually, I reached a position where my
opponent's attacks could not accomplish much, whether they targeted my life or my board. I
secured the final win and completed the Swiss rounds undefeated.
Finishing with an 8–0 record made me the only undefeated player after Swiss. Considering that I my
deck choice was made hours before the event, the result was far beyond what I had expected when
I first arrived.
Top Cut: One Step Short of the Finals
After the Swiss rounds, I advanced to the Top Cut. My first elimination match was against RB Sabo
in the Top 16. I followed my usual starve strategy, focusing on establishing my board while clearing
the opponent's board before applying pressure to my opponent's leader. I won the match and
advanced to the Top 8.
My next opponent was playing PY Robin. Going into the match, I considered this a favorable
matchup for Purple Kaido, which made the loss that followed even more disappointing. Despite
going first, I struggled to get my early ramp online. I focused on finding King, but because I had
missed my early ramp, I could not play him on curve even when I eventually found him.
As the game progressed, my main hope was to draw a 10-cost Big Mom to contest my opponent's
board. Unfortunately, none of my four copies appeared when I needed them. Without the early
ramp or the late-game answer I was looking for, I struggled to keep up, and my tournament run
ended in a Top 8 loss.
I was genuinely disappointed. After going undefeated through eight Swiss rounds and winning my
Top 16 match, losing a matchup I believed was favorable was difficult to accept. It felt especially
frustrating to lose when I could not draw the key cards I needed. Still, I had secured an invitation to
the Area Finals, and I could take pride in finishing Swiss as the only undefeated player—the “Swiss
King.”
4. Results and Achievements
My final result at BCF Manila was a Top 8 finish. I went undefeated through the eight Swiss rounds.
Although I fell short of advancing further, I secured an invitation to the Area Finals, giving me
another opportunity to compete at a higher level.
Of course, part of me was disappointed that I did not make it far enough to win the trophy awarded
to the top two players. After the run I had through Swiss, I naturally wanted to see how much further
I could go. Nevertheless, finishing in the Top 8 and securing an Area Finals invitation were
accomplishments I could be proud of, especially considering that I had entered the tournament
without proper preparation.
The tournament strengthened my confidence in my deck-building abilities. Choosing Purple Kaido,
building a list that deviated from the usual list, and taking it through eight undefeated Swiss rounds
showed me that I did not always have to follow the established best deck to perform well.
Ultimately, I left BCF Manila without the trophy, but with a Top 8 finish, an undefeated Swiss record,
an Area Finals invitation, and greater confidence in my own decisions as a player.
5. Reflection and Community Interaction
My experience at BCF Manila gave me a new level of confidence as a player. Going undefeated in
the Swiss rounds with a deck I had built just hours before the tournament made me realize that
enjoying the game matters more to me than simply conforming to the meta, even at a major
competitive event. Rather than forcing myself to play a deck that was considered the strongest, I
chose Purple Kaido because I enjoyed its playstyle and trusted its potential.
The biggest lesson I took away from the tournament was the importance of removing unnecessary
pressure from my thoughts. Throughout the event, I focused on playing the game and having fun
rather than worrying too much about the outcome. I realized that playing felt easier when I allowed
myself to enjoy each match instead of placing expectations on how well I needed to perform. This
experience showed me that competitive play does not always have to feel stressful and that
maintaining the right mindset can make a meaningful difference.
Looking ahead, I am excited to participate in more tournaments, including the Area Finals. I
genuinely enjoyed competing at BCF Manila, and the experience motivated me to continue
improving as a player. While my run ended in the Top 8, I came away with greater confidence in my
abilities and my approach to deck-building. I hope to carry these lessons into future competitions
and eventually make it to the Asia Finals.
6. Conclusion and Looking Forward
Overall, BCF Manila was a fun and memorable experience that reminded me why I enjoy competing
in the One Piece Card Game. Despite the disappointment of ending my run in the Top 8, I left the
event with a positive outlook and excitement for future tournaments. I look forward to participating
in more events and continuing my journey within the community.
Before my next major tournament, one of my main priorities will be choosing a deck with greater
consistency. While Purple Kaido performed exceptionally well throughout the Swiss rounds, my Top
8 match showed how devastating it can be when I fail to draw the key cards I need. Losing a match
because those cards never appear is frustrating, especially when I believe I have a good chance of
winning. Moving forward, I want to consider consistency more carefully when selecting my deck so I
can reduce the chances of experiencing the same situation again.
With the Area Finals ahead, I am excited to keep competing, and see how far I can go. BCF Manila
was a great experience, and I hope to carry its lessons with me into future tournaments.
