This week on Happy Questing, Danny Tripodi is joined by Andrew Buchmann and Brandon Barba for a deep dive into the wild world of Set Championships. We break down Danny’s meta-busting Amber/Sapphire aggro deck that earned him another championship mat, dissect the rise of Ruby/Emerald discard decks shaking up Central NY, and call out some of the event logistics that need fixing (read the rulebook, people!).

But it’s not all decklists and top cuts—we also get real about tournament burnout, learning from losses, and finding joy in the grind. From slow play stigma to reprint fatigue and why best-of-two should make a comeback, this episode is part strategy, part therapy.

If you’re prepping for your next championship run or just looking to stay grounded in the madness, this one’s for you.

🗓️ Plus: Pre-release plans, community shoutouts, and Brandon's "Be a Goldfish" mindset tip.

Happy Questing.

The boys are back! After a short hiatus, Danny, Andrew, and Brandon dive deep into all things Lorcana in this jam-packed episode of Happy Questing. From recapping the very first Lorcana World Championship to celebrating DKP’s big win (and his hilarious deck box hustle), we explore what this moment means for the community and how the competitive scene is evolving.

We break down the upcoming Challenge Championship Qualifiers (CQs), year two DLC structure changes, and why third-party support might be the game-changer competitive players need. Plus, we share our personal Set Championship prep, deck dilemmas, and candid advice for players of all levels—including the importance of confidence, communication, and community at your local events.

And yes, there’s plenty of laughs, bracket banter, and even a little Magic: The Gathering shade.

Whether you're grinding for a top cut or just in it for the foil promos, this one’s for you.

🎯 Topics Covered:

• Lorcana Worlds recap & DKP’s win
• Triple deck format + sealed gameplay takes
• Ravensburger’s organized play roadmap
• The future of third-party qualifiers
• Set Champs prep: deck choices & mind games
• Tips for competitive play (and not losing your cool)
• Why this community matters more than ever

✨ Come for the cardboard, stay for the camaraderie and remember, Happy Questing!

In this special tournament recap episode of Happy Questing, Danny Tripodi is joined by Upside co-founders Andrew Buchmann and Brandon Barba to relive every twist, turn, and top deck from The Upside’s first-ever $2K Lorcana tournament in Solvay, NY.

From deck diversity and spicy top 8 tech, to unexpected mind games and tournament format insights, the crew breaks down what made this 30-player event unforgettable—including highlights from Ivan Annamaria’s championship run and why "for the players, by the players" wasn’t just a motto—it was the mission.

You’ll hear about the meta breakdown, standout decklists, strategic plays, the power of best-of-two Swiss rounds, and how this grassroots effort united communities from across Upstate New York.

Whether you're a seasoned Illumineer or just love a good underdog story, this is an episode you won't want to miss.