Disney Lorcana's second Set Championship, featuring Ursula's Return, is underway! These events are a step up from your usual local or league play, promising a more intense and rewarding experience. In this article, we'll dive into what sets these championships apart and provide essential tips to ensure you not only perform your best but also have a blast throughout the competition.
Finding a Location
The first step on your championship journey is finding a store in your area that's hosting the event. If you're lucky, your local game store (LGS) might be one of the chosen venues. If not, don't worry! The folks at Melee.gg have created a handy public Google map listing all participating locations. You can check it out here.
Unlike the Into the Inklands Stitch Set Championship, which allowed stores to host events throughout the month, the Ursula's Return Set Championships are strictly weekend affairs. This change has sparked some debate in the community, so be prepared to adjust your schedule if you plan on attending multiple events.
Once you've found a location that suits you, head over to Melee.gg to register. You'll usually find contact information there if you need to reach out to the store directly. Some locations handle payments through Melee.gg, while others prefer in-store payment, so be sure to double-check to avoid any surprises on the day of the event.
Preparing Your Deck(s)
Set Championships attract a higher caliber of competition compared to local events. You'll likely face off against skilled players from your area and those who have traveled from regions without hosting championships. To maximize your chances of snagging those high-level prizes, consider using a deck that has proven its mettle in recent events like Disney Lorcana Challenges.
However, simply copying the winning deck from another tournament isn't a foolproof strategy. While it's a good starting point, it's important to consider your own experience with different decks and the specific metagame of your local scene. Some decks naturally counter others, so research and choose a deck you're comfortable with and that has a favorable matchup against what you expect to see at the championship.
If you've already attended a few Set Championships, analyze your performance and make adjustments to your deck based on your experiences. Learning from your wins and losses is a crucial part of improving as a player.
Preparing the Day Of
Set Championships tend to be longer and more demanding than your average local game night. With more rounds and tougher competition, you can expect to spend a good chunk of your day at the event. To stay sharp, prioritize a good night's sleep before the championship and fuel up with a nutritious breakfast.
Pack plenty of water or a sports drink to stay hydrated throughout the day. Don't forget to bring some healthy snacks like granola bars to keep your energy levels up.
As for your deck, make sure your card sleeves are in pristine condition, preferably new. Worn-out sleeves can split or tear, leading to unnecessary distractions during your matches or a possible judge ruling on marked cards. While the official Lorcana app is great for scorekeeping, not all stores may allow its use. Bring a pen and notepad as a backup, especially if you need to address any discrepancies with lore count scoring.
During the Event
Upon arriving at the event, check in with the organizer to confirm your registration and payment. Prize structures can vary depending on the location, but each store hosting a Set Championship receives the following prize support:
- 1st place: Ursula - Sea Witch Queen - Enchanted (Set Championship version) and an Ursula's Return Set Championship Play Mat with Champion on it
- 2nd place: Ursula - Sea Witch Queen - Enchanted (Set Championship version) and an Ursula's Return Set Championship Play Mat
- 3rd-4th place: Ursula - Sea Witch Queen - Enchanted (Set Championship version)
Many stores go above and beyond, offering additional prizes based on attendance. I've even seen top players walk away with entire booster displays, making the competition even fiercer.
Speaking of competition, remember that every player comes to Set Championships with their own goals and expectations. You'll encounter a wide range of personalities and playstyles. Maintain a respectful attitude towards your opponents, play your best, and most importantly, have fun. TCGs are all about the thrill of the game, the camaraderie, and the learning experiences they offer.
Post-Event and Wrapping Up
After the championship concludes, take some time to reflect on your matches. What were your highlights? Where did you face challenges? Use these insights to refine your playstyle, tweak your deck, or even try out a new one altogether.
Engage in conversations with fellow players to gain different perspectives and learn from their experiences. The Lorcana community is a treasure trove of knowledge and support, and interacting with other players is a valuable way to grow and improve.
I hope this guide helps you conquer your next Set Championship. Remember to share your own tips and tricks with the Disney Lorcana community! I would love to hear them on Twitter/X@@EmeraldWeapon_.
This article was brought to you by CoolStuffInc, the best place for Lorcana product and content. Check us out weekly for great Disney Lorcana content, whether it's new deck brews or in-depth reviews.