Going into the 2019 Magic World Championship from the MTG Arena

Matias Leveratto is an experienced player from Argentina. He used to compete in Pro Tours along with Luis Salvatto and Sebastian Pozzo from Argentina, but as lifestyle changes he put distance between Magic and himself. However, when MTG arena was introduced, his disappeared enthusiasm started burning again and he came back to the professional scenes like a phoenix.

He came through MCQs successively, and defeated the world’s best players in the 2019 Mythic Championship III held in Los Vegas using the Simic Nexus. He faced Brad Nelson in the final match and he was at the brink of defeat when he drew 《Nexus of Fate》 that changed the whole game leading him to victory.

He has his seat in the 2019 Magic World Championship as the champion of the 2019 Mythic Championship III.

Arena Phoenix

――Why did you decide to come back to the world of competitive Magic even though you once abandoned it?

Image Copyright : Wizards of the Coast

“When I quitted Magic, it wasn’t because I gave up playing competitive Magic, but because I didn’t have time to play due to changes in life. One day, a friend of mine encouraged me to play MTG arena. That was the beginning of everything.”

“The fact that you can play according to your lifestyle was just what I needed. It took no time to get to the mythic rank. I realized myself fascinated by this game once again. Above all, I got the achievement I used to seek for. It’s no exaggeration to say that MTG arena made me come back to Magic.”

Rome Was Not Built in a Day

――Some players give up Magic when changes in life happen. Although MTG Arena was introduced, it isn’t easy to come back. How precisely did you restart?

“You don’t need to think it the difficult way. All you need to do is to continue doing what is fun.”

“You can brush up your sideboarding techniques and understand the rolls cards have in a precise match up as an example. If you get eager to win and change the deck you’re using too often, you go to the next deck without understanding your deck enough.”

Double Roll

――It’s splendid that you made it to the Mythic Championship (and won it) while you’re studying as a student. Are there any things that you did to make time?

“It’s really hard. Once you get a seat in a big tournament, I start thinking about it every moment. That hasn’t changed from when I was playing Magic in the past.”

“The fact that I can control myself is different from the past. I concentrate myself on doing each thing I need to. Making plans like the next thing to study about as a student as well as the next play test as a Magic player.”

Dreams Come True

――You’re going to be in the Rivals League from this season. Please tell us your ambitions.

“I feel wonderful. It has been a dream from last time I was playing Magic, and when I abandoned playing Magic, I thought it would never come true! I should play through the year and remain in the Rivals League at least.”

“Luis Salvatto and Sebastian Pozzo got good results in a row so I thought I want to get one too and share the experience. So this experience is valuable and I’m thanking the two of them.”

《Together Forever》

――You look like you’re always in good relations with Luis Salvatto and Sebastian Pozzo.

“They are my teammates from last time I was playing Magic. Our friendship has been a long one!”

――Do you still practice Magic together?

“We share information and prepare together for tournaments. We have several friends in common so we have fun together in private times too.”

Next Level Arena Phoenix

――There could be other players that have put distance from Magic that are trying to play Magic again sighting your achievements. Do you have any messages for them?

“Many players say the same thing, but when you achieve something you feel unexplainably good. I think there are many great players around the world that haven’t had the chance to prove themselves yet.”

“If there is any advice that I can give to them, you shouldn’t give up. Then you should concentrate yourself on your daily practice and doing better. Above all, enjoy the way through it!”

“The results would follow your effort. Don’t get focused on the results too much and don’t get frustrated when results aren’t good. Magic is a game that has many factors you cannot control. You shouldn’t be concerned too much about things you cannot control.”

《Curtains’ Call》

Unfortunately, Matias Leveratto couldn’t make it to day 2. It is extremely hard to win against the 16 players from around the world. Even if you are a Mythic Championship winner.

This is only the start for Matias Leveratto. He is the man that once retreated from competitive Magic but was able to come back again through playing MTG Arena. We would see him even stronger after learning from this defeat in the Rivals League.