I've got a dirty secret. I'm a Texan.
I was born in Bryan, grew up in Dallas, and went to Rice University in Houston. Since then I've bounced back and forth between Texas and California, but whenever I can I try to make it back to Austin.
Over the next three weeks I'll be updating the OP blog daily with some of my favorite things to see, do, and eat while you're in Austin for the World Championships.
Volunteer Gifts
Today is going to be a little different.
Almost exactly 10 years ago I took my first judge exam at Grand Prix: San Diego. I don't judge anymore, but I racked up almost 40 professional events and countless qualifiers and local tournaments before I put away the comfortable black shoes. It was hard work, but I met a bunch of great people and got to travel all over the world.
So when I say we wouldn't be able to run Organized Play without the help of hundreds of dedicated judges and specialists, I know exactly how much time they put into the game. Not only do they give up the chance to win awesome prizes at tournaments, but they also put in hours of work scheduling events or studying rules. It makes me very happy that we get to give back to these ladies and gentlemen by putting together an awesome set of Extended Art promo cards for them.
For the World Championships, judges and specialists that volunteer for all four days will receive two of each of the EAs listed below, along with an "El Pollo Grande" Loot card.
If you are still interested in helping out, we have a few slots left for help with public events and the Darkmoon Faire Championships. Head over here and put in your application by Friday!
We'll be discussing these posts and other things to do in Austin in this thread. The local players have put together an awesome PDF of Austin info as well, so be sure to check that out.
See y'all tomorrow!
Ben