Interview:
Richard Di Castri, A Yu-Gi-Oh! Tournament Player

I’m here today with one of our top local (Victoria-area) players for Yu-Gi-Oh!. Richard Di Castri has traveled multiple times to compete at Yu-Gi-Oh!, and has done well at the game. This article shares some of his many experiences at the game, and explores some advice he has to other players.

Alltern8: Please introduce yourself to us!

Richard Di Castri: I'm a professional driver, martial artist, and duelist. I've been playing ever since the game was released in Canada, back in 2001. I've played other card games, but Yu-Gi-Oh is the only one I've had any motivation to practice seriously.

Alltern8: What accomplishments have you had with regards to gaming?

RDC: Regarding Yu-Gi-Oh!; before there were any stores holding proper tournaments, I started, organized, and ran a weekly tournament as part of U-Vic's gaming club. It operated for two-and-a-half years with an annual championship, which I won in year two. I won/completed an Upperdeck mall tour event in Burnaby. Two years ago, I placed sixth at the Canadian Nationals. This last year, I won one of the championship events at Skyhaven Games, and the December 5th regionals in Vancouver.

Alltern8: When did you decide to start playing Yu-Gi-Oh?

RDC: I started watching the original TV show and thought, 'if that game existed, I would play it'. On a side note, I'm a big fan of the original, couldn't stand GX, and I haven't seen 5D's yet, but I have it under good authority that it's worth watching.

Alltern8: What drives you to continue playing?

RDC: I enjoy playing. I love winning. I want to continue improving my skills.

Alltern8: Do you have any advice for new players?

RDC: First: recently, the Machinae starter deck is the best thing Upperdeck/Konami has done for new players getting into the game. All you need to do is buy three of them, and you have almost everything required for a top-tier deck. It's quick, affordable, and allows new players to gain experience and familiarity with the game without getting demolished every round.