Hello there!
This is Aky and today we are joined by a wonderful guest who is here to share his thoughts and experiences heading into the first european YCS of 2025.
(A): So, could you briefly introduce and share a few things about yourself?
(L): Sure! My name is Sebastian Lemke and in the Yu-Gi-Oh!-Community I’m also known under my nickname “Lampi”. I’m one of the European casters on the Championship Series events. Additionally I’m doing a bunch of German events and stream a lot on my personal twitch. And most importantly I’m still super competitive in the game myself!
(A): If you had to choose, what would be your favorite card and your favorite deck?
(L): Favorite deck and card go hand in hand as it’s Sky Striker & Sky Striker Mobilize - Engage!. Loved playing Striker mirrors when they were introduced. Nothing better than drawing an extra card with Engage.
(A): You have casted several high profile events for the TCG in your career. How does it feel working as a caster? Is there a part of it you are especially fond of?
(L): For me it’s the surprise factor that can happen at any event. The special stories where Rogue decks have a crazy tournament run or we see insane gameplay on feature match. It never gets old for me following the high profile players of the scene and give my commentary on their plays.
(A): You are also casting for YCS Birmingham this weekend. Are you excited for it?
(L): Incredibly excited as per usual! Format is still very young and everything can happen.
(A): As both a caster and a competitive player yourself, what's your opinion on the current TCG format? Do you feel SUDA had a significant impact on it?
(L): I didn’t expect SUDA to have a massive impact on the format when we got first infos on it. But with the reveal of the Mitsurugi cards that changed completely. That engine is so incredibly strong and viable in Ryzeal as we just saw with it reaching the finals in Orlando. Bao also changed completely how Maliss players are setting up their field. So I was definitely impressed on how much the format has changed with SUDA.
(A): If you had to change any one single thing in regards to the format, what would that be?
(L): In terms of changing things, I’m someone that doesn’t like to complain a lot. I’ll accept things as they are and try to find solutions to it. So that’s also why I don’t think about what I dislike in the format and rather just play more.
(A): I take it you have seen the results of YCS Orlando this past weekend. Was there anything that stood out to you that you didn't expect? Do you think the EU will have a similar top cut representation or will there be major differences?
(L): I certainly have followed the action in Orlando. I was mostly surprised by how little Rogue decks made it through even though they played Top 64. It was really a dominating showing by Ryzeal mostly. Also Pure Ryzeal getting first and second after Swiss is very noteworthy.
That also immediately brings me to the thing that will be different in Birmingham. Europe is famously known to have a good variety of decks in Top Cut. And I’m sure we’re going to have Crystron and others in there!
(A): What deck do you predict will win this time around?
(L): I always like to make some wild predictions but this time I feel like Fiendsmith Ryzeal really is super strong and consistent and therefore will have another victory this weekend.
(A): Are there any decks you are hoping to see represented in Birmingham's top cut that wasn't in Orlando's?
(L): Crystron. The deck was super unterrepreseted in Orlando but does have some upside in the current format. So that’s the one I’m hoping for.
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(A): If you were attending the event as a duelist rather than as a caster, which deck would you bring?
(L): As I’m competitively minded and think Fiendsmith Ryzeal will win, I would have also brought that deck.
(A): Are there any high profile players you expect to see both in attendance and in top cut? Could you name a few strong duelists, that you believe might even win the whole event?
(L): Dinh-Kha Bui the rogue god of Europe, Niko Schlierkamp is having an insane season at the moment. And some promising talents in Germany that are currently performing well and hunt for Worlds Points: Yuna Dicks, Tim Gräfe and Luca Marmulla. All upcoming talents that are very close to getting their breakthrough run. Maybe it is this weekend.
(A): Are there any single card techs or engines you feel might make a strong impact this weekend?
(L): Metaltronus all day long. Was already getting more and more popular in Orlando. But looks like a lot of people are picking up in that for this weekend.
(A): I assume each event you have casted is a valuable memory and experience to you. Is there anything in particular you are looking forward to this time around?
(L): Indeed it is. Sunday of the event will be my 30th birthday. So casting a YCS final on my birthday is certainly something I’m looking forward to!
(A): Is there anything you would like to say to viewers and duelists both at home and in attendance?
(L): Keep on trying! Even if you’re not seeing success right away it’s all about getting regular playtime and practice in. Every minute you spend on the game will pay off. Even if it’s just for the fun you have with your friends.
(A): Any special shoutouts?
(L): Shoutouts to everyone that enjoys Yu-Gi-Oh! My deep love for the game is the reason I’m able to spend so many hours in it and dedicate a lot of my life to it. If you like Yu-Gi-Oh! we’re already connected and you deserve a shoutout!
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Many thanks to Lampi for giving us both his time and insight today!
If you want to check out Lampi's own content, here are his Twitch and Twitter.
If you want to see Lampi casting the YCS alongside some other amazing people, here are the relevant Youtube and Twitch channels.
And if you want to have a look into what happened at YCS Orlando, here is an article with Renren's analysis of said event.
I wish you all a great weekend!
