FINAL FANTASY World Championships 2017

Competitors

Vincent Scanlan

PLAYER NAME: Vincent Scanlan

1. Where do you live (which city)?
Brisbane, Australia
2. What is the name of your local game store and/or community group if you have one?
Most of our community are all good friends. We follow each other to any store that will host us. But my main store is PlayWarehouse in Logan. I highly recommend.
3. How did you qualify for the worlds?
First place in Australian Nationals.
4. Which FF title (video-game) do you like?
People find it odd that I'm so into this card game but never played the FF series. (Fire Emblem <3)
I play Cloud in smash bro's though. I thought XV looked cool.
5. Which FF TCG card do you like in particular and why?
Ghis is probably it. That dude has a lot of card text. He's ridiculously efficient and opens up entire new archetypes just by himself.
6. Do you have any Motto when playing FF TCG?
Motto's are cheesy in my language haha. I'm not sure I understand the question.
"hey ho, let's go!"
No but seriously, there are too many interesting aspects of the game for me to pick to sum up in a phrase.
I recommend keeping a good attitude in everything.
7. According to you, what is the key to win with the 3-deck system which SQEX announced for the world final?
My strategy in deck design is often to make all the best cards from every color fit together in one deck, so I suppose I don't have a clue.
8. It’s the first ever FF TCG World final, what are your thoughts on this?
Everything about it is amazing. The format is incredible, the meta is incredible, and so are the players.
Things are set for this to be the most respectable tcg tournament I've heard of.
9. Do you have a message for other FF / FFTCG fans or card gamers out there?
1. Kageyama is a genius.
2. we need better English commentators.
3. arguing with someone over how a name is pronounced makes you look dumb.
4. Zemus can be dulled to produce dark CP.
Jason Zhe

PLAYER NAME: Jason Zhe

1. Where do you live (which city)?
I'm currently living in Melbourne, the greatest FFTCG city in all of Australia.
2. What is the name of your local game store and/or community group if you have one?
I play at GUF in Werribee and The Tabernacle in Ascot Vale. #GrandFam
3. How did you qualify for the worlds?
I played in a tournament and won a lot of games, like everyone else…
4. Which FF title (video-game) do you like?
Bravely Default, no wait, The World Ends With You, actually does Chrono Trigger count? But for real, Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Tales… (I kind of haven't played many Final Fantasy games because I was poor and only had a DS)
5. Which FF TCG card do you like in particular and why?
Aerith 1-064R, because I like free stuff and saying No. Can't let the opponent have too much fun now… #FunPolice
6. Do you have any Motto when playing FF TCG?
"Play dudes, turn them sideways" and "Even when I'm losing, my opponent doesn't feel like they're winning"
7. According to you, what is the key to win with the 3-deck system which SQEX announced for the world final?
Play 2 really good decks, really well. But real talk, I think being unpredictable is key. Your opponent doesn't get a second chance when you play a surprise combo out of nowhere.
8. It’s the first ever FF TCG World final, what are your thoughts on this?
I'm glad I could be here and I hope this isn't the final time I attend. You guys should totally get me and Joesephyr on to commentate and cast in future years.
9. Do you have a message for other FF / FFTCG fans or card gamers out there?
Follow me on twitter on @GrandJason. But on a more serious note, it's a great game and a great community, you should get involved and visit your local store. Don't worry about inexperience, we were all bad when we started, you'll become a strong player very fast if you just attend events and play.
But seriously, do follow me on twitter…
Tobi Henriet

PLAYER NAME: Tobi Henriet

1. Where do you live (which city)?
Antwerp, Belgium
2. What is the name of your local game store and/or community group if you have one?
Outpost Antwerp
3. How did you qualify for the worlds?
Becoming the EU champion
4. Which FF title (video-game) do you like?
I haven't really played a FF game but i love vivi's art so IX i guess? :)
5. Which FF TCG card do you like in particular and why?
Genesis.. He's to good for 4 cp or 7k power
6. Do you have any Motto when playing FF TCG?
Beginnen is winnen *Starting is winning*
7. According to you, what is the key to win with the 3-deck system which SQEX announced for the world final?
Play the best cards, don't lose on silly mistakes, go first
8. It’s the first ever FF TCG World final, what are your thoughts on this?
Not thinking got me this far
9. Do you have a message for other FF / FFTCG fans or card gamers out there?
Ty for all the support!
Raphaël Le Levé

PLAYER NAME: Raphaël Le Levé

1. Where do you live (which city)?
I live in Paris, France.
2. What is the name of your local game store and/or community group if you have one?
I don't have any, i'm training at home
3. How did you qualify for the worlds?
I finished 4th at european championship
4. Which FF title (video-game) do you like?
I really like FFVII
5. Which FF TCG card do you like in particular and why?
Fusoya light, so much card advantage...
6. Do you have any Motto when playing FF TCG?
CARD ADVANTAGE!
7. According to you, what is the key to win with the 3-deck system which SQEX announced for the world final?
Anticipate decks metagame and surprise opponents
8. It’s the first ever FF TCG World final, what are your thoughts on this?
It's a great opportunity to meet players from all around the world and face different play styles
9. Do you have a message for other FF / FFTCG fans or card gamers out there?
To FF fans: come and join us
FFTCG players: play more backups...
Federico Romoli

PLAYER NAME: Federico Romoli

1. Where do you live (which city)?
I live in Rome, Italy.
2. What is the name of your local game store and/or community group if you have one?
I manage a shop in Rome, it is called Wildfire. I organize tournaments every week and I playtest with my customers and players. We have a nice group!
3. How did you qualify for the worlds?
I won one Qualifier in Italy and than I've reached 3rd in the London European tournament!
4. Which FF title (video-game) do you like?
My favorite titles are: VII, VIII, IX, X and Tactics.
5. Which FF TCG card do you like in particular and why?
I really like Shantotto! It's a card that is hard to play at its best, but which has an exaggerated "power level" in my opinion, she does offer a lot of "card advantages".
6. Do you have any Motto when playing FF TCG?
No, I have none.
7. According to you, what is the key to win with the 3-deck system which SQEX announced for the world final?
I think it's crucial to understand the meta! You need to know which decks your opponents can bring! It's more strategic.
8. It’s the first ever FF TCG World final, what are your thoughts on this?
It's a great opportunity to confront the strongest players in the world, i'm proud to have this chance!
9. Do you have a message for other FF / FFTCG fans or card gamers out there?
Try this game! It has a unique mechanics (and complex) for a TCG... and it's a lot of fun :-)
Etienne Bogart

PLAYER NAME: Etienne Bogart

1. Where do you live (which city)?
I live in The Hague in the Netherlands
2. What is the name of your local game store and/or community group if you have one?
I usually play at Magic United and Gamers of the West on Rotterdam.
3. How did you qualify for the worlds?
This was a really nice journey. First I had to win a regional in Utrecht to qualify for the Nationals. Then I had to win the Dutch Nationals to qualify for the European championship since only the winner would qualify. Then at the European championship I placed in the top 6 after a rescue round to qualify for worlds.
4. Which FF title (video-game) do you like?
I actually love all Final Fantasy games since I'm a big fan. But my favourites would have to be FFX and FFVIII
5. Which FF TCG card do you like in particular and why?
I really like Firion. He's just so versatile with a couple backups. He can force your opponent to think of lines they don't want to think about or take.
6. Do you have any Motto when playing FF TCG?
Yeah it's pretty simple : Have fun while playing competitive.
7. According to you, what is the key to win with the 3-deck system which SQEX announced for the world final?
This is a though one. I for one really like the format and find it verry interesting. Brings alot of new strategies to the game. So I believe keeping track of what cards have been played throughout the match gives you a lot of information which will be key to victory.
8. It’s the first ever FF TCG World final, what are your thoughts on this?
This is super amazing. I feel really honoured to be able to be part of the first ever world championship. The support of Square Enix has been amazing. The eu championship was really well organised and of the high level you would expect from Square Enix. Also the players were all of great high level while being all nice and very respectful. So I expect another super great event that again I feel honoured and privileged to be part of.
9. Do you have a message for other FF / FFTCG fans or card gamers out there?
Yeah. Hope everyone continues to help support and grow this great tcg like SE does. And keep this a nice friendly and respectful game. Also would like to thank my friends and Enigma Distribution Benelux for their support.
Joshua Freeman Birch

PLAYER NAME: Joshua Freeman Birch

1. Where do you live (which city)?
London
2. What is the name of your local game store and/or community group if you have one?
Dark Sphere
3. How did you qualify for the worlds?
Top 2 at Norwich regional, top 8 at Nationals #1, top 3 at Nationals #2, top 6 at euros
4. Which FF title (video-game) do you like?
FFT, FFTA, FFXIII
5. Which FF TCG card do you like in particular and why?
Cid Raines. He has the strongest implied text, develop a forward kill a forward discard a card.
6. Do you have any Motto when playing FF TCG?
Typical game of Hearthstone
7. According to you, what is the key to win with the 3-deck system which SQEX announced for the world final?
Picking a strong mono deck and how ice is paired up.
8. It’s the first ever FF TCG World final, what are your thoughts on this?
It's really nice thing that a game so young has managed to have a worlds scale competition.
9. Do you have a message for other FF / FFTCG fans or card gamers out there?
Don't float mana!
Alex Hancox

PLAYER NAME: Alex Hancox

1. Where do you live (which city)?
London
2. What is the name of your local game store and/or community group if you have one?
The Brotherhood Games
Dark Sphere
3. How did you qualify for the worlds?
I placed 2nd at the European Final in London with my Lightning/Ice Exdeath Manikin deck.
4. Which FF title (video-game) do you like?
Final Fantasy XII. I'm a big fan of the open world battle system and Shakespearean themes. Balthier will always hold a special place in my heart.
5. Which FF TCG card do you like in particular and why?
Just one? There's so many! I think it has to be to Amon for me right now. The artwork is unrivaled, and he's an on-curve (4cp 8000 power) forward with an outstanding pair of effects. I'm certain I've won more games with Amon than any other card. That fluffy-feathered hat of his has made many an opponent tremble with fear.
6. Do you have any Motto when playing FF TCG?
I don't have a motto exactly, but my beliefs and ideals related to the game are all encompassed by my personal take on Sazh's pose from FFXIII, variants of which can be seen in most photos depicting me from offical tournaments. Kageyama-san even did me the honor of mirroring my pose in a photo from the European Championships! The pose is meant to demonstrate that having fun should always come first in this game.
7. According to you, what is the key to win with the 3-deck system which SQEX announced for the world final?
Though there's a bunch of complicated technical aspects, the primary key is to bring 3 decks you feel comfortable with that are consistent, have the tools to combat almost anything, and hopefully have some interesting card choices that are outside of the norm to give you some surprise factor. Beyond that there's simply the luck of the draw aspect - hoping that what you pick matches well against what your opponent picks each round.
8. It’s the first ever FF TCG World final, what are your thoughts on this?
All those involved in the organised play have managed to make all of this happen in the game's first year. That's fantastic. I can't say much more than that other than how excited I am to be participating in the game's inaugural World final and have my efforts this past year pay off so thoroughly. I can only hope and assume this conclusion to the competitive season will set the game up for an even better year next year.
9. Do you have a message for other FF / FFTCG fans or card gamers out there?
Fans and collectors, keep doing what you do best and support the game. So far FFTCG has been the best card game I've had the pleasure of playing and it deserves to keep going for many years yet. Players, do all of that too, but also remember that you should be playing this game primarily for fun, no matter how good or competitive you are. I do my best not to take myself too seriously, and it's been a recipe for success so far. I've also never played a game where the players are as friendly as they are in FFTCG, and I'd really like for it to stay that way. So keep building cool decks and practicing hard, but never forget to enjoy as much of it as you can.”
Arvin Bernardo

PLAYER NAME: Arvin Bernardo

1. Hometown/Residence
Riverside, CA
2. Are there any local stores you frequently play FFTCG at?
Card Game Coliseum
3. Are there any FFTCG communities you are a part of?
Final Fantasy TCG - California
4. How did you obtain your ticket to enter the World Championship?
Semi-finalist - North American Championship
5. What is your favorite FINAL FANTASY game?
Final Fantasy Tactics/Final Fantasy Crisis Core
6. What is your favorite FFTCG card and why?
Odin 1-124, the EX burst!
6. Do you have anything you are particular about when it comes to playing FFTCG?
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7. As you get ready to take on the World Championship, what do you think will become the focal point of the three deck format?
Trying to balance all the different elements between the 3 decks.
8. This will be the inaugural FFTCG World Championnship, but is there anything you are particularly conscious about?
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9. Can we please receive a message for the FFTCG fans who may be viewing your profile?
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Joseph Leszczynski

PLAYER NAME: Joseph Leszczynski

1. Hometown/Residence
Milwaukee, WI
2. Are there any local stores you frequently play FFTCG at?
Citadel Games – Milwaukee, WI & Game Universe – Franklin, WI
3. Are there any FFTCG communities you are a part of?
Various FFTCG Facebook groups mainly, but I’ve written an article on for FFTCGMognet.com, and I’m an avid user of ffdecks.com as well.
4. How did you obtain your ticket to enter the World Championship?
Champion - North American Championship
5. What is your favorite FINAL FANTASY game?
Final Fantasy XI. I was a very serious player when I was in high school; many fond memories of exploring and hunting notorious monsters with friends!
6. What is your favorite FFTCG card and why?
Bartz (3-065). It has fantastic artwork by Yoshitaka Amano, and it helped me win the North American Championship!
7. Do you have anything you are particular about when it comes to playing FFTCG?
It might sound strange, but I really like it best when both me and my opponent are having fun as we play—especially in very serious matches!
8. As you get ready to take on the World Championship, what do you think will become the focal point of the three deck format?
I think the deck choices each player will make at different stages of their matches will become the focal point of the three deck format. I strongly believe that the best players will be the ones that will know how to both predict their opponents deck choices, and fool their opponents into making poor deck choices by watching what they play, and how they play.
9. This will be the inaugural FFTCG World Championship, but is there anything you are particularly conscious about?
Of course, I’m excited to be participating in the inaugural FFTCG World Championship, but I’m also excited that this will be my first time visiting Japan. I’ve wanted to visit Japan ever since I studied Japanese in high school, but as I got older, I never had the chance to do so. I’m glad that I’ll be marking this off of my bucket list!
10. Can we please receive a message for the FFTCG fans who may be viewing your profile?
Wish me luck! I’ll do my best to keep the matches as exciting for you as they will be for me!
Nathan Perez

PLAYER NAME: Nathan Perez

1. Hometown/Residence
Orange, CA
2. Are there any local stores you frequently play FFTCG at?
Card Game Coliseum
3. Are there any FFTCG communities you are a part of?
SoCal FFTCG Community
4. How did you obtain your ticket to enter the World Championship?
Finalist - North American Championship
5. What is your favorite FINAL FANTASY game?
Final Fantasy XIV
6. What is your favorite FFTCG card and why?
Argath. In FFT he definitely acts like a 2-drop so the card fits him pretty well.
7. Do you have anything you are particular about when it comes to playing FFTCG?
I ask my opponent how many cards he has in his hand like every turn. Sometimes multiple times a turn if there are a lot of plays. This game feels much more economy-based than other TCGs.
8. As you get ready to take on the World Championship, what do you think will become the focal point of the three deck format?
Exposure. In 3v3 there are 9 matchups you need to be proficient in instead of 1 in a 1v1. Being able to play that many matchups well takes a lot of game time and practice.
9. This will be the inaugural FFTCG World Championnship, but is there anything you are particularly conscious about?
That it would have been very easy for me to not have made it. There are a lot of amazing players that I will be representing that could have been here instead of me and I don't want to let them down.
10. Can we please receive a message for the FFTCG fans who may be viewing your profile?
I'm only here to see how the story unfolds. Any self-respecting leading man would do the same.
Devin Welzbacher

PLAYER NAME: Devin Welzbacher

1. Hometown/Residence
Toledo, OH
2. Are there any local stores you frequently play FFTCG at?
Checkmate Games and Frogtown Hobbies of Toledo Ohio
3. Are there any FFTCG communities you are a part of?
My Brother developed and my brother-in-law designed ffdecks.com (a community curated fansite). Additionally I am involved in the Ohio FFTCG Players Facebook group.
4. How did you obtain your ticket to enter the World Championship?
Semi-finalist - North American Championship
5. What is your favorite FINAL FANTASY game?
Final Fantasy 7
6. What is your favorite FFTCG card and why?
Opus 3 Legend Zack. He is one of my favorite characters from the FF7 series and I feel this card captures his story well. The artwork is also incredible.
7. Do you have anything you are particular about when it comes to playing FFTCG?
I am a theory crafter when it comes to deck building. I love seeking out combos and strategies that have not been tried yet. I also love trying to include my favorite characters in the decks I build.
8. As you get ready to take on the World Championship, what do you think will become the focal point of the three deck format?
Deck building will be the focal point of this format. It will be crucial to bring three consistent decks that have the capability of winning any match up so that all of the games, win or lose, are well fought.
9. This will be the inaugural FFTCG World Championnship, but is there anything you are particularly conscious about?
Three decks per player will present a wide variety of deck strategies. However I feel the limitation of three copies per card amongst all three decks will prohibit the use of the same strategy for each deck. I suspect only one hyper aggressive deck and one control oriented deck per player.
10. Can we please receive a message for the FFTCG fans who may be viewing your profile?
I want to shout out to the FFDecks team for giving me a place to upload my several dozen deck ideas and keep up with the tournament meta and to Brian Bronikowski for helping me get the Toledo FFTCG community going and for sleeving my cards when I am in a rush to try a new deck. I hope to represent both FFDecks and Toledo Ohio at worlds.

The names of the countries and entries are listed in alphabetical order.