244: GP Champion Andrew Baeckstrom Shares How Enjoying Getting Better and Focusing on Understanding Will Change Your Magic Career

Andrew Baeckstrom is a member of team Channel Fireball Fire and was on the US National Team in 2014. He’s made Silver for the last 3 years and has 3 Grand Prix top 8s to his name including a win at GP Providence 2017. Andrew lives in Denver, Colorado.

Click to Tweet: I got a ton of value from Andrew Baeckstrom when he shared his story on #MTGProTutor! Listen here: http://bit.ly/mtgprotutor-ep244

First Set

Prophecy

Favorite Set

Dragons of Tarkir

Favorite Card

Rancor

Early Challenge

Andrew struggled with the mindset that because everyone had been practicing for a long time that he had to come up with some crazy brew that no one was prepared for. He played really bad decks until his friend Gaby snapped him out of it. 

Worst Magic Moment

At Pro Tour Journey into Nyx, Andrew punted and lost his chance for top 8. 

Proudest Magic Moment

Qualifying for his first Pro Tour.

What Have You Learned From Magic

The journey from player to a game designer.

Magic Milestones

Winning a single match at a draft. First top 8 at a PTQ. At his second GP, Andrew made top 4. Winning World Magic Cup Qualifier 2014.

Biggest Mistake Players Make

Not looking for opportunities to learn from other players. Magic is a 'big ego' sport and that gets in the way of their improving.

Parting Guidance

Make sure you're having fun.

Connect With Andrew Baeckstrom

Twitter:@abaeckst

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

 

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