In October 1999, I attended PT: London - but was unqualified. Several friends of mine were playing, and since I got my ticket for a reasonable rate, I was happy to make the trip and get some time off of work.

I, unfortunately, got to see very little of the city, as I spent my time bombing out of drafts, and hanging out getting drunk in the local pubs. While I was able to see a couple of historical landmarks and tourist attractions, and ride on the London Underground (God, I love mass transit) I think that I missed out on what could have been one of the greatest trips of my life.

I was a twenty-year old kid from the Midwest, who at the time had never been further away than Montreal, Canada on a summer trip when I was fourteen. I continually feel like I squandered that opportunity to see a little bit of history, but now with my first Pro Tour qualification via GP Boston, I have a chance to make up for it in Barcelona in two short months.

I have hung out with Dan Bock before, and he has even been gracious enough to let Dustin Stern and I crash at his apartment on more than one occasion. I never figured Dan would play the deck he did at a Pro Tour... Didn't seem like his style. The "stunt" he pulled in Tokyo is something I could picture myself doing, just for the laughs and attention.

(For the record, Dan registered an all-land deck and played it in two matches before dropping. Needless to say, he lost because he didn't have a decent sideboard - The Ferrett, stealing a line from Chet Skolos)

Nonetheless, Dan Bock achieved more than what most players will at this Pro Tour. He had a round 1 Feature Match that had to be absolutely the most fun to watch ever. He had a chance to play and trade with people halfway across the world. Most importantly, he got a chance to view the beautiful country around him.

Japan is a country rich with history that most of us probably couldn't imagine. While Columbus was still a teenager, some of the greatest battles ever fought in the history of the world were going on in late 16th century in Japan. The city of Tokyo is one of the greatest in the world now, and what are most of these players going to see of it?! Their hotel room, the tournament site, and a McDonalds.

Perhaps some of the PT regulars make it a point to see some sites and take in local culture while there - but I'm sure that most don't.

I love playing Magic right now. At 22, I'm putting off a REAL job until later. How often will I have the chance to see friends all across the Midwest, and have a be able to travel to Milwaukee, Madison, Chicago, Indianapolis, Detroit, Kansas City, Iowa City, Des Moines, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, or Boston just for fun on an extended weekend? I'm just getting settled into life.

Some may say that Dan Bock had an opportunity slip through his fingers in Tokyo. After all, he had a chance to playtest with a great group of guys in Madison - but instead, he'll get more out of this Pro Tour than any other foreign competitor.

I salute you, Dan Bock. I envy you for getting to enjoy one of the greatest cities on this globe to the fullest extent you could.

Because of what you did, I'll be sure to stay an extra day or two in Barcelona, or get there a day or two early and have a chance to enjoy the sights, the culture, and the people that make IT a great city.

Congratulations, Dan. You've bested all of the other players in the event that is life.

Kurtis "Fat Man" Hahn