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.

In this episode of The Upside | Happy Questing, Andrew Buchmann and Brandon Barba are joined in the studio by Upside Team Member, Josh Adams, for a candid discussion on the timing of Lorcana set releases and how it collides with the competitive grind of Set Championships. They reflect on their recent trip to Encounter in PA, where the team faced tough matchups and only one player reached Top 8. The group also shares their thoughts on managing expectations, learning from tough losses, and how to keep the game fun even when the results don’t always go your way.

Plus, hear all about The Upside’s upcoming 2K Tournament on June 14th at the Tyrol Club in Solvay, NY – a must-attend event for any serious Illumineer.

Happy questing! 🌟

Join The Upside Team Co-Founders Danny Tripodi and Andrew Buchmann as they dive into all things Lorcana in this episode. They break down the latest Ravensburger announcements, including set rotations and fresh details on the highly anticipated Fabled set 9.

Plus, they reflect on the highs and lows of recent Set Championships, share insights on competitive play, and preview The Upside's upcoming 2K tournament. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just curious about the world of Disney Lorcana, this episode has something for you!

On this episode of The Upside | Happy Questing, Danny, Brandon, and Andrew crack open Japanese Rise of the Floodborn packs and share stories from Andrew’s trip to Japan (and Star Wars Celebration!). They dive into the excitement around Return of Jafar, the future of Lorcana’s meta, dream cards they want to see, the potential for a Lorcana digital client, and a bit of lore deep-dive. Plus, big updates on the Upside 2K Tournament — including new sponsors and prize pool boosts!

In our debut episode, co-founders Danny Tripodi and Brandon Barba dive into the magic of Disney Lorcana and chat about our upcoming $1K tournament on June 14th. Danny and Brandon give their thoughts on the recent Hiram Flaversham and Fortisphere ban, and reflect on how they got into the game. Whether you're a Lorcana veteran or just curious, this is the perfect place to start your journey with us!