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An Interview With Aritakun, Edge of Paradise Cup Champion

June 14, 2022

Dive into the mind of SEAO Edge of Paraise Cup Champion, Aritakun/Rev! Read on to learn about their experience competing in SVO and what they did to earn the trophy!

1. What was the key to success during SVO?

Going into this tournament, due to some circumstances I actually didn’t get much practice in, so I had no high expectations. I think that helped me keep my cool throughout. Also, going 2nd every match and drawing Angel’s Blessing kinda helped too. You might want to try practicing that.

2. What are your training/practice methods? How did you get ready?

I did my dailies (!!!) on ladder everyday to familiarise myself with my decks, then tested out different combinations of lineups in scrims with partners and teammates. Granted I did not get a lot of practice this time round, and Spellboost in my lineup was a really last-minute inclusion, but the key takeaway is that daily practice adds up. So do your dailies!

3. Did you study the strategies of any of the players specifically?

Hmm, there weren’t any specific players this time round, although my Evo Rally Sword list was copied from my good friend and teammate Midnight. Otherwise, you could say I didn’t study at all. Buff Dragon and Spellboost lists were generic. And you can tell as I was the only one in top cut not to bring Shadow!

4. What advice do you have for players who want to compete?

Please don’t be afraid to participate in competitions! I myself am rather new to the competitive circuit, and I definitely understand the hesitation to compete and challenge yourself against some of the best players in the region. But I don’t think there’s anything to lose in attempting to compete. Buttercup, the WEST SVO winner for OOS, won the whole tournament in his very first competitive appearance! Even if you don’t consider yourself good enough to take the whole thing, it’s a very valuable experience that can build up for future success. So take the plunge!

5. What have been your favorite parts of Edge of Paradise?

I think the Edge of Paradise has been rather diverse, if you take a look at Ratings usage all classes had double digit representation near the start of the expansion. I can’t remember the last time we had such a situation. I enjoy the deck diversity as it makes the expansion stale less quickly.

6. What does this win mean to you and your team (if applicable)?

It’s been a long time since a REV SEAO member has taken the entire tournament (last being Maosama/CurryKaree in 2018!!) so it’s cool to have broken that dry spell. With Hishiro’s win completing the double over in WEST, I think it shows people that REV remains highly relevant in today’s Western competitive landscape and we look forward to posting more positive results.

7. What lessons have you learned from the tournament?

The best way to approach the game is to enjoy it. Relish the challenge and things will come to you more naturally. Don’t think about potentially misplaying, just focus on the game at hand and take it one game at a time.

8. What is your favorite card in this meta? Why?

For obvious reasons! Otherwise…

Her effect is really strong! and she shook up the mini a lot so it would have to be Mars :>

9. Were there any people who helped you get ready? Any additional shoutouts?

SHOUTOUTS TO MY DAUGHTER HAPPU AND MY BROTHER CRISOME FOR HELPING ME WITH PREP

and also thank you to my surgeon for giving me the collarbone surgery buff :> I have no idea what he implanted in me

10. Do you create Shadowverse Content?

https://aritakun.wordpress.com I write things.

11. What’s next for you?

I will kick back and relax for the time being, prepare for the next SVO in due time.

Studies are prioritised over SV! But I love being able to compete, so you’ll still see me in all the big tournaments.

12. Anything you’d want to promote?

uhh, I feel like my socials are easy to find, so just a big thank you to everyone for their support :>

Follow Aritakun on Twitter.

13. Watch Artiakun’s featured video here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ub82Xb1C8os

14. Watch the Grand Finals of Edge of Paradise in SEAO here: