Season 11 Wildcard Round Player Showcase
After 7 weeks, it’s finally time for playoffs! The winners of each division got a bye into top 32, but the division runner ups and the 16 wild card players have to play an extra round to make it there. Let’s meet some of these players
Mythic Mikaela
A veteran of the VML, Mikaela has played in many past seasons, including a 2nd place finish in season 7. This week, she’s playing Azorius Control vs NessaMeowMeow’s Rakdos Midrange deck.
Why did you choose your deck this week?
I figured my opponent would likely be on Rakdos or aggro and wanted a deck that was reasonable against either.
What does your testing process look like?
Just jam some games. Also chatted with Mrtoolshed before the match since it’s a deck I haven’t played much recently.
What has been your hardest match this season?
I had two weeks Esper Midrange against Domain Control this season that were rough. I knew how the matchups could go and the draws just never seemed to line how up I wanted.
What goals did you have going into the season?
Qualify for VML playoffs. Maybe finally win after multiple high finishes.
NessaMeowMeow
Coming out of Division 11 with a 5-2 record, Nessa has been crushing with Rakdos Midrange all season.
Why did you choose your deck this week?
I have been playing the same deck the entire tournament and figured I should just keep it going.
What does your testing process look like?
I don’t have a lot of free time or a testing group so I just play on arena a lot and go to Friday Night magic (I have the same deck in paper)
What has been your hardest match this season?
So far, the match against Nicole Dubin was the most difficult. I won but only just barely.
How did your match go?
I felt confident about my match because Azorius Control is the deck I have the most practice against and my sideboard is great in the matchup. Ob Nixilis has been so good the last two weeks I’ve gone up against the deck. I won both my games against Azorius Control so far this week and the last.
What goals did you have going into the season?
My goal was to top 32 and I’m here!
Talia Bael
Playing in her third VML season with a top 4 finish in Season 9, Talia finished her division with a 4-3 record. This week she’s playing 4 Color Ramp vs Temur Ramp.
Why did you choose your deck this week?
I was pretty sure that my opponent would try to go over the top of me and because I’m necessarily on the draw a tempo deck wasn’t a particularly exciting option. Sultai ramp is pretty well equipped to just sidestep grinder games.
What does your testing process look like?
I generally just play a few rounds of my match after the decklists are released so that I can get a sense of what it means to win games in it.
What has been your hardest match this season?
My hardest match was definitely week 3 vs Piper, each game in it ran on tight margins that I ultimately lost on.
What goals did you have going into the season?
While I’d love to get a second VML top 8, I’m mostly playing this season because I love the league and am excited to play in it again!
Have those goals changed now that you’ve made playoffs?
Not really, top 8 is within sight now but it’ll take some work to get there and I’m not ready to hold myself to it.
How do you feel about your match this week?
I’m feeling pretty optimistic, I’m in a pseudo-mirror but I have interaction in ways my opponent doesn’t.
Chaisaurusrex
Playing in their first VML season, Chaisaurusrex ended their division at 4-3. This week, they’re playing Azorius Soldiers vs Domain Control
Why did you choose your deck this week?
I chose Azorius Soldiers because it is the Standard deck I’ve played most often on arena and irl. I love the Modern Merfolk vibes and bouncing Knight-Errant.
What does your testing process look like?
I play on the arena ladder and also signed up for the testing teams. The testing team was very helpful for advice and seeing other lists.
What has been your hardest match this season?
My hardest match was against Simic Cookies, that week I was on a Jeskai Convoke list I had not played much. She played very well and I made several mistakes, underestimating how quickly the unblockable creatures would kill me.
What goals did you have going into the season?
My goal going into VML was meeting new people and continuing to play magic because my town’s lgs closed last year so I have been looking for more online community.
Have those goals changed now that you’ve made playoffs?
Did not expect to make playoffs, I would love to win one more game!
How do you feel about your match this week?
I am very nervous about this upcoming match! Domain is a decent matchup, but I’m on the draw and I will have to hope my interaction is there for angels and board wipes.