The Gold Rush 2024 event by Ludus Distributors has once again cemented its place as the premier battleground for trading card and tabletop enthusiasts in the Philippines. Featuring marquee tournaments for games like Magic: The Gathering, Flesh and Blood (FaB), Altered, Marvel Crisis Protocol, and Conquest: The Last Argument of Kings, this year’s event was a spectacle of skill and competition. However, one team was celebrating more than the rest at the Flesh and Blood area of the event: Team Unbox secured both ProQuest+ titles in an incredible show of dominance during both days!

Day 1: Classic Constructed Glory

The first ProQuest+ tournament kicked off in the Classic Constructed format, showcasing the strategic depth that FaB is known for. Leading the charge was Justin Cu, the reigning National Champion and captain of Team Unbox, piloting the Runeblade hero, Viserai. With the recent Rosetta set introducing powerful Runechant-generating upgrades, Viserai has surged in popularity and effectiveness, offering a deadly combination of physical and arcane damage. Justin leveraged these tools masterfully, carving his way through a field of 50+ competitors.

In the finals, Justin faced his longtime rival and teammate, Andre See, who is also using Viserai. The showdown between the two elite players added yet another accolade to Justin’s already illustrious career, which includes victories at a Calling and a Battle Hardened. His win further solidified his reputation as the best FaB player in the Philippines.

The rest of the Top 8 featured a vibrant mix of veterans and rising stars. Players like Carlo Ople (Aurora), Jiggy de Asis (Dorinthea), and Mike Villano (Zen) represented the game’s seasoned community, while newcomers like Renz Mascardo (Florian), Arvin De Leon (Kayo), and Joshua Lim (Nuu) demonstrated the growing strength of fresh talent. In the end, the southern FaB community clashed with Manila’s finest, with the latter prevailing this time.

Day 2: Blitz Brilliance

The Blitz format took center stage on Day 2, where the spotlight shifted to Team Unbox co-founder Carlo Ople. Piloting Aurora, Carlo dominated the competition, proving his adaptability and skill across formats. His win was particularly noteworthy as Briar, once a powerhouse in Blitz, is no longer a factor in the metagame.

Carlo’s path to victory culminated in a finals match against Bryan Illana, an emerging talent who impressed with his Kayo deck. The Top 8 again showcased a healthy mix of old, new, and even international competitors, including Marcelle Fabie (Blaze), Raymond Baligaya (Zen), David Macas (Kayo), and Yu Fan Liao, who surprised everyone with Terra.

Notably, Carlo joined Justin Cu and Mike Villano as the only three players to Top 8 both ProQuest+ events—a testament to their consistency and skill.

A Bright Future for Flesh and Blood

Gold Rush 2024 highlighted the explosive growth of the FaB community in the Philippines. From established champions to rising stars, the local scene is thriving with diverse talent. The event also served as a reminder of how FaB’s evolving meta continues to push players to adapt and innovate.

Congratulations to Justin Cu and Carlo Ople for their incredible achievements at Gold Rush 2024! As we look toward 2025, the future of Flesh and Blood in the Philippines has never been brighter.

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