Greetings Judges!  This week’s Judge of the Week is Leonardo (Leo) Maros, L2 from Los Angeles, California!  Leo became a certified judge in July 2011, then ‘dinged’ to L2 in April 2012!  He was nominated by Jacob Faturechi, who had this to say:

“Leo has really devoted himself to the local Magic community. He has been very active in recruiting new judges and has been traveling all over to judge at events. He has made the personal sacrifice several times to go to Las Vegas to Head Judge PTQs and certify new judges there. He helped coordinate our recent Judge Conference and has been a mentor to many as they strive for Level 2.

Most importantly, however, he is a genuinely nice guy who helps keep our community together. He shows the kind of friendship and camaraderie that acts as a glue in making the Los Angeles Magic community fun. He is always smiling and it is infectious.”

Occupation: Project Manager for a creative agency.
Favourite card: Cheatyface Least favourite card: Goblin Guide Favourite format: Power Cube (Kevin Long‘s in particular)
Commander general: Cheatyface Favourite non-Magic Game: Tie between Starcraft 2 and Heroes of Newerth
Best tournament result: Top 8 in a 280 person PTQ
Random fact about yourself: I speak fluent Spanish, and pretty good Italian.

How did you get involved in magic in the first place?
I saw kids playing around with cards on the playground when I was in 5th grade. I got myself a starter and 2 boosters, Nevinyrral’s Disk was my 1st rare! (pretty awesome rare to be honest)

Why did you become a judge?
I wanted to officiate magic. As a player I had many interactions with judges where I either was confused as to why the judge was ruling the way he did, or why policy was written the way it is. I originally though that becoming a judge would allow me to appreciate the game more as a player, and it did! But it also made me realize that I actually like judging quite a bit too!

How has being a judge influenced your non-Magic life?

It gets me tons of ladies.

You were nominated by Jacob Faturechi because you have such an infectious smile, and use it to inspire judges!  What’s the secret behind the smile?
If smiling was the only requirement to be judge of the week, I’d say there were better candidates for this! However, yes I’ve been told I smile a lot and that’s just because I’m usually a happy person. I usually am enjoying myself at magic events, so I wear that expression on my face. Also genetics & science.

What motivates you to continue being a judge?
The community at large! There’s something really cool about being able to Head Judge a PTQ or higher level events and have everyone in the room trust you with the technical outcome of the tournament, because for some of the players, winning that event would mean everything. So, being able to use my experience and skills I’ve acquired through many a trial and error to help create that environment where players feel safe to sling their spells at a competitive level is my main reason. Meeting new and awesome judges is a VERY close second 🙂

 What is one tip you have for other judges?
Judge because you LIKE to judge. If you ever feel like you’re not enjoying yourself, or the experience is falling short of expectations, please explain this to whoever is overseeing your experience (HJ, mentor, RC, etc…)

What’s the best part about your local Magic community?
Kevin Long.

What is your favourite non-magic hobby?
Surfing on the Venice/Santa Monica beaches!

What is your favourite non-judging moment that happened with other judges?
Every Thursday I have power cube at my place from 8 to midnight and that night is just too awesome every week.

What’s the biggest rule-breaking play you’ve ever made as a player?
I had a player who played Nevermore, I let it resolve, and he says Doom Blade as it enters the battlefield. I cast Doom Blade “in response” targeting something rather… The player came up to me 2 rounds later and told me I couldn’t do that, knowing I was a level 1 judge and I was super apologetic. We’re friends now but he still likes to needle me about it every other time we see each other at tournaments.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Some of you may be confused as to why Cheatyface is my general in EDH. Well, that is because my entire EDH deck is made out of Unglued and Unhinged cards and basic (cheaty) islands (they tap for whatever mana i want).  So, obviously, my deck is not mean for any kind of “legal” commander play, but I really like the Un-Sets and those cards just get no love. So I thought EDH would be the best place to play cards like Topsy Turvy, or Burning Cinder Fury of Crimson Chaos Fire because the chaos level of those cards is over 9000. So if you ever play an EDH game against me, it’s strictly for entertainment value. BUT! I guarantee you will have an amazing amount of fun 🙂 Also, I rarely “win” with it, (as in being the last man standing), but I feel like I always win the hearts and patience of my opponents at least 🙂

Two Truths and a Lie
Two of the following statements is true, and one is false. Figure out which!

1. I’ve completed a 1/2 Ironman.
2. I’ve never snowboarded.
3. I take 2-3 showers a day.