AuthorBrad Nelson

2010 Player of the Year Brad Nelson started his Pro Tour career as FffreaK on Magic Online and quickly catapulted to the top of international Magic success. He won GP DC, the 2014 Star City Games Players' Championship, and was 2nd at PT Amsterdam. He conquered Grand Prix Omaha in 2017 without dropping a single match, one week after winning the SCG Tour event in Baltimore. He now lives in the Pacific Northwest producing top-notch video and article content.

Creating Healthy Goals for 2020

The wrong goals can set you back in Magic. Brad Nelson shares how to set healthy goals and what yours might look like in 2020!

Examining The Mechanics Of Theros Beyond Death For Constructed

Brad Nelson breaks down the four known mechanics of Theros Beyond Death. How will escape, devotion, constellation, and Sagas affect Standard?

What Led To My Runner-Up Finish At Mythic Championship VII

Brad Nelson reached the finals of Mythic Championship VII! Get his sideboarding guide for Simic Flash and advice on the optimal tournament mindset.

How Paradise Druid Changed Everything About Preparing For Mythic Championship VII

Brad Nelson details the process that led to him and his team registering Simic Flash Ramp for Mythic Championship VII. Good luck, Brad!

The Eleventh Hour

With time running short to choose a deck for Mythic Championship VII, Brad Nelson breaks down his top Standard options!

The Impact Of Twitch Rivals On Throne Of Eldraine Standard

Twitch Rivals sent top Magic players scrambling to solve post-ban Standard. Brad Nelson breaks down what worked, what didn’t, and where to go next!

Here’s What Should Be Banned In Standard On Monday And Why

The consensus is clear: something’s getting banned in Standard on Monday. But Brad Nelson isn’t convinced it’s Oko, Thief of Crowns, and no, he hasn’t been replaced with an Elk! His reasoning is a click away!

Pilgrimage Out, Adventure In: Selesnya’s Time To Shine!

Getting ready to battle in Standard? Brad Nelson has your essential guide to post-banning Selesnya Adventures, including his latest list, the key to mulliganing, and sideboard notes!

My Prep And Thoughts Leading Into Mythic Championship V

Brad Nelson takes a moment ahead of Mythic Championship V to discuss open decklists, how coverage can take advantage of them, and what he thinks of various players’ builds. Good luck, Brad!

The Best Standard Deck’s Best Tech

Brad Nelson is not only calling the best deck in Throne of Eldraine Standard, he’s sharing the tech that’s let him win every Game 1 of every mirror match he’s played to date! A must-read ahead of SCG Philadelphia!

First Impressions Of Throne Of Eldraine From The Early Access Event

Brad Nelson made the most of his time streaming the Early Access Event for Throne of Eldraine on Magic Arena! He discusses his findings … and the soul of competitive Magic.

Figuring Out Fabled Passage And The Rest Of Throne of Eldraine Standard’s Mana

We’re all excited for the release of Throne of Eldraine, but we definitely aren’t ready to lose the great manabase we have currently in Standard. Brad Nelson takes a look at the new, rare Evolving Wilds, and the rest of the Lands we have to work with post-rotation!

Magic Mirror Magic Mirror On The Wall

Brad is back this week with a brand-new preview card from Throne of Eldraine! Several aspects of this card surprised him, and if a card can surprise “the best Standard player in the world”, you definitely won’t want to miss this!

Playing Against Rampaging Ferocidon In Core Set 2020 Standard

While PVDDR has insights into how to play with Rampaging Ferocidon now that it’s back in Standard, Brad Nelson’s on the other side! Learn how to protect yourself against the dangerous Dinosaur!

Success Versus Mastery

Magic superstar Brad Nelson meditates on the fleeting hollowness of success, the lasting rewards of mastery, and how he went from chasing the first to seeking the second.