After fifteen rounds of Standard, nearly 750 players were eliminated, leaving only eight players behind. Let's get to know them a little more!
Qi Wentao
Hometown: Beijing, China
Age: 29
Occupation: Poker Player
Previous Magic Accomplishments: Top 8 at Grand Prix Beijing 2015, Finalist at Grand Prix Shizuoka 2017.
Score on Day 1: 8 – 1 (2 byes)
Score on Day 2: 5 – 0 – 1
What deck did you play, and why?
Esper Vehicles. It's powerful against Temur Marvelworks and Blue-Red Control, and also good against aggro decks after sideboarding.
What is your favorite card in Standard?
What was your favorite memory this weekend?
I played against many famous players and won.
Ryoichi Tamada
Hometown: Osaka, Japan
Age: 32
Occupation: Store Owner
Previous Magic Accomplishments: Pro Tour Battle for Zendikar finalist, 5 other Grand Prix Top 8s.
Score on Day 1: 9 – 0 (2 byes)
Score on Day 2: 3 – 2 – 1
What deck did you play, and why?
White-Blue Flash. It's strong against Temur Marvel.
What is your favorite card in Standard?
What was your favorite memory this weekend?
I made Top 8 this weekend after making Top 8 last weekend in Grand Prix Kobe. I feel very lucky!
Cholo Pascual
Hometown: Makati, Philippines
Age: 19
Occupation: Student
Score on Day 1: 8 – 1 (2 byes)
Score on Day 2: 4 – 1 – 1
What deck did you play, and why?
Mardu Blue, because this deck is where I think my skill belongs.
What is your favorite card in Standard?
What was your favorite memory this weekend?
My opponent attacked for lethal damage but I was able to flash in Spell Queller, block, and then swing back for the win.
Mark Anthony Biala
Hometown: Manila, Philippines
Age: 30
Occupation: Facilities Engineer
Previous Magic Accomplishments: Top 64 at Grand Prix Manila 2015
Score on Day 1: 9 – 0 (No byes)
Score on Day 2: 3 – 2 - 1
What deck did you play, and why?
Mono Black Zombies. It's the best deck of the format.
What is your favorite card in Standard?
Cryptbreaker (and Fleetwheel Cruiser)
What was your favorite memory this weekend?
9-0 in Day 1!
Imman Van Valerio
Hometown: Cainta, Philippines
Age: 26
Occupation: Civil Servant
Previous Magic Accomplishments: Grand Prix Trial Top 8
Score on Day 1: 8 – 1 (1 bye)
Score on Day 2: 4 – 1 – 1
What deck did you play, and why?
Temur Marvelworks. I love Aetherworks Marvel.
What is your favorite card in Standard?
What was your favorite memory this weekend?
Attacking with 2 Glorybringer for the win.
Wee Pang Ming
Hometown: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Age: 37
Occupation: Finance Director
Previous Magic Accomplishments: Top 16 at 2016 World Magic Cup, 2001 Grand Prix Brisbane Top 8
Score on Day 1: 8 – 1 (1 bye)
Score on Day 2: 4 – 1 – 1
What deck did you play, and why?
Red-Green Pummeler. It is faster than Marvel.
What is your favorite card in Standard?
What was your favorite memory this weekend?
Having my opponents read Uncaged Fury when it was going for lethal damage.
Coo
Hometown: Iloilo City, Philippines
Age: 34
Occupation: Web Developer
Score on Day 1: 8 – 1 (No byes)
Score on Day 2: 4 – 1 - 1
What deck did you play, and why?
Black-Green Energy. It's straightforward and powerful. If the snake (Winding Constrictor) survives, you usually win.
What is your favorite card in Standard?
What was your favorite memory this weekend?
Making the Top 8!
Dunstan Tauli
Hometown: Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines
Age: 29
Occupation: Student
Score on Day 1: 8 – 1 (No byes)
Score on Day 2: 5 – 1
What deck did you play, and why?
Mardu Vehicles, because my older brother suggested it knowing that I've played it before.
What is your favorite card in Standard?
What was your favorite memory this weekend?
Winning a match against Tomoharu Saito.