Michael Kundegraber has been playing since 2000, back when rules consisted of semi-educated guesses and were always changed depending on whose parents’ kitchen table MtG was played at. Lately, he’s had some top results with a second place finish at Grand Prix Turin 2018 and a follow-up Top 16 performance at his first Pro Tour later that year. Michael lives in Vienna, Austria.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Michael Kundegraber when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep318

First Set

Planeshift

Favorite Set

Mirrodin

Favorite Card

Tahngarth, Talruum Hero

Early Challenge

Understanding the game at first was hard. Archetype matchups and other big-picture topics eluded Michael. He improved by playing matchups of the best decks with friends.

Worst Magic Moment

Playing for the top 4 at Austrian Nationals, Michael approached the match-up too confidently and played cautiously (even though he was favored to win). He lost and learned that you need to have a coping strategy. Find what works for you.

Proudest Magic Moment

Getting 2nd at Grand Prix Turin 2018.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Overthinking. Players sometimes try to wrap their mind around too much of the game at once. Break down the situation into smaller chunks and address them separately.

Parting Guidance

Keep having fun while playing Magic.

Magic Resource

CFB, SCG, Magic Podcasts, Jim Davis Stream

Connect With Michael Kundegraber

Michael 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

 

Zach Allen is a member of Team RIW from Farmington Hills, Michigan. He Co-hosts the podcast Turn One Thoughtseize and has 2 Grand Prix top 8s, a Pro Tour top 16, and 1 SCG top 8 in his record. He's a dedicated control player and Snapcaster Mage enthusiast.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Zach Allen when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep317

First Set

Urza Block

Favorite Set

Khans of Tarkir

Favorite Card

Snapcaster Mage

Early Challenge

Not being able to beat the best guy at his local store. This constant, ever-present challenge pushed Zach to improve.

Worst Magic Moment

Getting 9th at PPTQ's 6 times in a row. Zach learned that the results of tournaments are not indicative of your actual skill.

Proudest Magic Moment

Making top 16 of Pro Tour Guilds of Ravnica.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Making the play that sets you up for a win later. Make the best decision at the time with the information you have, but make a decision.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Getting out of the moment. Players need to focus on just the game in front of them. 

Parting Guidance

The people in Magic are what's most important. Relationships and friends are priceless.

Magic Resource

CFB, SCG, Cool Stuff Inc.

Connect With Zach Allen

Twitter:@A22en

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

 

Andrew Elenbogen has 3.5 Grand Prix top 8s. He recently won Pro Tour Guilds of Ravnica and still doesn't believe it. Andrew is a return guest to the show and lives in Ann Arbor, MI.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Andrew Elenbogen when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep316

Catching Up

Andrew plays about 15 Grand Prix a year!

Reflection

Andrew notices that in the last year he's played better than he ever has. He's stayed dedicated and has practiced extensively for each Grand Prix.

MTGO Preparation

When playing on Magic Online, Andrew plays in Leagues and sets. He uses Leagues as a way to get a broad view of the metagame. He'll develop a question and uses teammates and sets to answer specific questions.

Pro Tour Preparation

Andrew has cultivated a network of friends that he's able to reach out to and practice with.

Parting Guidance

Thank You! Andrew wants to say thank you to the Magic community.

Connect With Andrew Elenbogen

Twitter:@Ajelenbogen ‏

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

 

Kasper Nielsen has 2 Grand Prix top 8s and 1 Pro Tour top 8. He's also won 5 Prereleases. Kasper is from Denmark and is a returning guest to the podcast.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Kasper Nielsen when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep315

Kasper has been doing well in Magic and he attributes many things to that. He joined Hareruya Hopes and also has a more balanced life.

Pro Tour Preparation

Kasper started playing Limited as soon as Guilds of Ravnica came out. He learned a lot in those first few weeks. He decided to let "the machines" solve Standard while he developed a Limited strategy.

What Have You Learned From The Pro Tour

Kasper felt he made good choices this Pro Tour. His advice is to enjoy your preparation.

Parting Guidance 

It is important to focus and work hard at Magic, but if it becomes an obsession rather than a passion then beware and maybe take a step back.

Guidance Part 2

Have fun no matter where you are or what your goods are.

Magic Resource

Article about Dustin Wade Roberson

Connect With Kasper Nielsen

Twitter:@ks_nielsen

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

 

Zac Turgeon is a New England MTG grinder, who has top 8ed 1 Grand Prix and won an SCG Legacy Classic. He also enjoys cooking, music, writing and hopes to one day open an Ice Cream Shop. Zac lives in Dracut MA.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Zac Turgeon when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep314

First Set

Ice Age

Favorite Set

Khans of Tarkir

Favorite Card

Trinisphere

Early Challenge

Not sure what he was good at. Zac started to critically analyze his own games to learn what he was good at.

Worst Magic Moment

Zac struggled for an entire Standard season. He realized he was misevaluating the meta and kept losing to cards he thought was bad.

Proudest Magic Moment

Making top 8 for the first time at Grand Prix New Jersey.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Zac has learned to try and be very accepting of others.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Not being critical enough of your own games. Players sometimes think they're favored when they're not. 

Parting Guidance

Be kind to people. You feel better and the people around you feel better. It eventually circles back and keeps growing.

Magic Resource

SCG, CFB, TCG Players, Twitch.tv

Connect With Zac Turgeon

Twitter:@The_Amazing_Zac ‏

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

 

 

William Courson has been to 5 Grand Prix and has made top 64 twice, top 8 once and 1st place once when he became the champion of Grand Prix Detroit. He also has multiple top 64 finishes at SCG open events and has made day 2 of every invitational he's attended. William lives in Jacksonville, FL.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from William Courson when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep313

First Set

M11

Favorite Set

Innistrad

Favorite Card

Cabal Therapy

Early Challenge

William had to overcome his own arrogance. He eventually realized he wasn't the best and he learned to take input from others.

Worst Magic Moment

Playing for a top 8 position at an SCG open event and William lost after his opponent mulligan to 4 cards. Will learned mulligan more.

Proudest Magic Moment

Winning GP Detroit 2018 with his teammates.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Conceal your information as long as possible. This also helps in certain life situations (like Sales).

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players commit to lines that play them into a hole. Give yourself another draw step whenever your back against the wall.

Parting Guidance

Get sleep! Before events make sure you sleep. And eats good breakfast!

Magic Resource

Friends within Magic community.

Connect With William Courson

Twitter:@Willcourson94

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

 

Eli Kassis returns to MTG Pro Tutor for the 3rd time as he keeps growing his accomplishments and notoriety. Eli now has 6 Grand Prix top 8s and is the Champion of Grand Prix New Jersey 2018. He has won an SCG Invitational and has 2 Pro Tour top 32’s. Eli lives in Vestal, NY and is a member of team Face to Face Games.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Eli Kassis when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep312

Eli Kassis comes back to MTG Pro Tutor for the 3rd time. He was episode 101 and 206 and now is back on episode 312.

Key To Success

Teams have been Eli's key to success. Have a thirst for knowledge to find unique lines of play.

Tips To Minimize/Spot Cheating

1. Look at their eyes when they're shuffling your deck.
2. Note how long they are shuffling.
3. Ask for them to end with a cut.
4. Always shuffle their deck and end cut.

Parting Guidance

Pivot and look to others to manage tilt. There's a lot that can be learned from the experiences of others.

Connect With Eli Kassis

Twitter:@Eli_Kassis

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

 

Kellen Pastore is a 3 time Grand Prix Top 8 Competitor, a full-time grad student, and a noted enthusiast of linear aggro decks. Kellen lives in MAPLE GLEN, Pennsylvania.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Kellen Pastore when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep311

First Set

Carrion Ants

Favorite Set

Zendikar

Favorite Card

Bellows Lizard

Early Challenge

Getting used to the inconsistency of Magic because Kellen came from a game that was more consistent.

Worst Gaming Moment

Before Kellen got into Magic, he lost a miniature game and really lost his cool. Since then, he has gotten better at regulating his emotions by reminding himself that his opponent is trying, just like he is.

Proudest Magic Moment

When Kaladesh was released, Kellen created a Red-Black Zombie deck that ended up impacting the metagame at that time.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Meeting and making friends.

Biggest Mistakes of Players

Ever committing into sweepers. Playing too many creatures when the opponent has a board wipe.

Tournament Preparation

Kellen practiced a lot with his deck leading up to events. He looks to make sure that his deck holds up against the top decks.

Parting Guidance

Never play a deck you don't like to play.

Magic Resource

Misplaced Ginger (twitch.tv) for Standard; MTG Goldfish

Connect With Kellen Pastore

@TheOddEngineer ‏

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

 

Giordano Fagiolo is a rising star in competitive Magic and made it to the finals at his first Grand Prix ever! (GP Bruxelles 2018) Giordano lives in Albano Laziale, Rome, Italy.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Giordano Fagiolo when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep310

Favorite Set

Battle for Zendikar

Favorite Card

Insult // Injury

Early Challenge

At a Standard and PPTQ, Giordano felt upset and nervous, but when he sat down to play it all went away.

Worst Magic Moment

Giordano lost in a final at a PPTQ and learned you can't win every time.

Proudest Magic Moment

Making it to the final match of his first Grand Prix ever.

What Have You Learned From Magic

Thinking ahead. Planning.

Worst Mistake He Makes

Playing fewer lands than they should. Giordano takes a deck and replaces the worst card wit a land.

Tournament Preparation

Giordano picked his deck the day before the GP. He found an article by Brad Nelson and changed 1 card.

Parting Guidance

Ask Brad Nelson.

Magic Resource

SCG Premium, CFB, Playing with teammates/friends in person.

Connect With Giordano Fagiolo

Gordano 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

 

Max Margolis has been playing Magic competitively for 22 years. He has multiple Grand Prix day 2s with close cash finishes. Richmond 2018 was his first deep run to attempt to qualify for the Pro Tour. He barely missed qualifying for Cleveland by one win - but he did get 19th place. His biggest finish was at GP Denver where his team got top 4. He's had multiple top 8s in PPTQs and IQs. He's primarily a midrange player who has been playing since Urza's block was legal in Extended. Max lives in Maryland, USA.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Max Margolis when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep309

First Set

Fallen Empires

Favorite Set

Ravnica: City of Guilds

Favorite Card

Pernicious Deed

Early Challenge

Max faced tilt early on and learned how to manage wins and losses.

Worst Magic Moment

Wanting to quit Magic because of bullying in the community.

Proudest Magic Moment

At Grand Prix Denver, Max and his team made it to the top 4.

Best Format

Modern

Parting Guidance

Never judge a book by its cover.

Magic Resource

"Have a Plan" episode on Limited Resources.

Connect With Max Margolis

Twitter:@maximummagic87

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

 

Luis Salvatto is currently tied in the Player of Year race (with Seth Manfield) and is the Pro Tour Rivals of Ixalan champion. He has 7 Grand Prix top 8s which include 2 wins and was also the Sunday Super Series champion in 2014. Luis lives in Argentina.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Luis Salvatto when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep308

Luis is a past guest of the show and you can find his origin story in episode 119.

World Travel

Luis spent 50 days traveling around the world. He spent 7 weeks in 7 different places. His secret was to travel Light. He had a modern deck and some clothes. That's pretty much it.

Pro Tour RIX

Luis friend approached him and suggested he play Lantern Control. After asking other friends what they think he went for it. After a rocky start, Luis got his steam and went all the way to take the championship.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Players don't play to win. They play to survive. Also, players don't bluff enough.

Parting Guidance

The best part of Magic is the people you play the game with. Surround yourself with good friends and soar.

Connect With Luis Salvatto

Twitter:@LuisSalvatto ‏

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