By: Robert Angelo Gerochi

Introduction

 The Bushiroad Spring Fest 2024, hosted at Ayala Circuit Malls in Makati City, was a significant event for me and nine other competitors from Cagayan de Oro (CDO). My teammates, Mark, Francis, and I were keen to participate in the Vanguard Standard and Vanguard Tri-Regulation tournaments, making this event an annual tradition. This year, we welcomed a new team member, Mark, who joined us in place of Kendo, currently enjoying his time in Taiwan.

Preparation and Strategy

Our preparation focused on analyzing the meta and selecting decks that would strategically position us against expected popular choices. Mark was assigned the Shiranui Stride Deckset, known for its strength and popularity. Francis opted for Luard, and I chose Bastion, specifically to counter the anticipated Shiranui decks. This thoughtful planning aimed to exploit our strengths in a meta dominated by predictable team compositions.

The Tournament 

The event started on a tense note with last-minute announcements about registration cut-offs due to unexpected participant numbers, adding a mix of excitement and anxiety. We navigated through the initial rounds with success, maintaining an undefeated streak until the sixth round. This round was our first encounter with defeat, coming from the top-seeded team, where a combination of poor luck and strategic plays by our opponents marked our first loss. However, we quickly recovered and secured a victory in the seventh round, which propelled us into the Top 8.

Results and Achievements

Reaching the Top 8 was a proud moment for us, especially as we faced and were eventually defeated by the tournament champions. Although we didn't advance further, the experience confirmed our capability to compete at a high level, aligning with some of the best players in the capital. Despite the absence of prizes beyond the top three placements, making it to the Top 8 was a significant achievement and a testament to our team's skill and preparation.

Reflection and Community Interaction

The tournament was more than just a competition; it was a valuable interaction with the broader TCG community. For Mark, it was an exhilarating introduction to major competitive play, ending in a commendable Top 8 finish. The community's enthusiasm and support for one another were palpable, encouraging even non-competitive members to aim higher in future events. This supportive environment contributed significantly to our personal growth and team dynamics.

Conclusion and Looking Forward 

The Bushiroad Spring Fest 2024 was an impeccably organized event that, despite initial challenges, ended ahead of schedule and left us with many positive takeaways. It reaffirmed my personal commitment to continual improvement and highlighted the value of staying humble while striving for excellence. As we look to the future, our sights are set on participating in BSF 2025, where we hope to not only compete but clinch the top prize.