What does it mean to be a leader?
Well, definitions, semantics and philosophy aside, in the BeNeLux it means you are an L3 or have been appointed as ‘Leadership’ because you took on a particular responsibility. That responsibility was being an Area Captain up until now, where people would reign supreme over a part of the region the size of 2-5 provinces.
When the call came for Area Captain applications it became clear that we would be running into a few problems. One was that the state of development of the area and the options for strong Area Captains are an inverse correlation. In easy words: an area lacking judges would generally lack many good candidates. With that came the issue that many great judges applied that were competing for the same position and many of them would have to be turned down.
In addition, many of the applications came with a very specialised motivation to be able to do very specific things rather than being responsible for a generalist position.
And thus the Sphere system was born, to let all the people that were or wanted to do more for the region, do it and get the recognition for it they deserve. It allows them to specialise and implies they will need to work together to create a nice coherent whole.
For people that want to read up on the description of the spheres, go here.
Without further ado, allow me to introduce you to our Regional Sphere Leaders.
L1 Testing
My name is Floris De Baerdemaeker. I am a level 2 judge from Ghent, Belgium.
Why did you want to lead this sphere?
I have already mentored a number of candidates and I was a close observer/helping hand to the mentoring of more. To this end, I have created a lot of tools for myself and for others. I applied to lead this sphere because I have an idea of what I want to achieve and how I want to achieve that. I am looking forward to building the tools that will help people to become a magic judge and the tools that will help people with their mentoring.
What Guild of Ravnica do you associate with?
My favourite guild is probably Azorius. They’re the colours I first started playing with, and the ones that feel most comfortable to me.
Which Magic Sphere would you lead?
Probably Detention Sphere. Out of all the spheres, it’s the one I have probably cast the most. Sometimes target nonland permanent just needs a time-out and to think about what it has done.
What don’t we know about you?
When I’m not playing or judging Magic, I play Dungeons and Dragons. I play and have played in a number of groups, but one of them has been going on for about twelve years now.
If you have any questions for me, you want to become a judge, you want to mentor a judge or you just know someone who does or you have an entirely different question, feel free to drop me a note. You can easily contact me via JudgeApps or on Facebook.
L2 Testing
I am Niels, also known as the guy that wrote the introduction. I started playing magic in 2000, judging the game in 2007 and since 2015 I am a L3 judge. I live in Gent and really like the community building and developmental aspects of judging. I work full-time (and often more than what that officially means) in different card game events and the logistics surrounding it.
Why did you want to lead this sphere?
To be completely honest, I was hoping someone would take up this mantle so I could have a more overseeing role, but as the RC, it is my responsibility that all these Spheres do a good job. That said, the L2 testing Sphere is probably the one I would have chosen for myself if I were to pick one, so I guess that ended up pretty neatly.
What Guild of Ravnica do you associate with?
That is a really interesting question and true to my red side I am going to ignore the fact you limit me to a single guild and will branch out into a full wedge. I am Temur. Gruul is my strongest identity, the red side being passionate about what I do and having a decision process that is about doing what feels good first, the green aspect is how I see community building, in that interaction between members is the road to greater success of both the group and the individual. Add in some blue for simic and izzet for tinkering, experimentation and a curiousness to understand how and why things work and you have… me.
Which Magic Sphere would you lead?
I am in doubt between Myr Battlesphere and Chaosphere, but I think the Myrball wins out based on actual usefulness.
What don’t we know about you?
Back when I had time to be bored, I used to write poetry and short stories. I even started a novel that I am 66000 words in but have not touched in 4 years.
L3 Preparation
Hey all! I’m Dustin De Leeuw, L3 from Amsterdam. I certified for L1 10 years ago and for L3 5 years ago. As a teacher by trade, I’m passionate about mentoring and maintaining/developing a healthy community.
Why did you want to lead this sphere?
L3 preparation is an intense, yet very direct and personal co-operation, which I enjoy best.
What Guild of Ravnica do you associate with?
I like Green and White, but Selesnya doesn’t click with me. Despite me despising Blue, I think the flavour of Azorius fits me best.
Which Magic Sphere would you lead?
Detention Sphere. We temporarily exile cheaters, but they can come back after a period of contemplation.
What don’t we know about you?
I quit smoking 4 years ago, and now spend the money I used to spend on cigarettes in fine dining. This combines very well with the traveling life of a GP regular: where better to taste the cuisine locale than in one of the best restaurants of the city?
Mentoring
I’m Rory Tans a L2 judge from Boxtel. I started playing magic with Shards of Alara, after which I stopped before the next set arrived. Then I really started playing when Zendikar got released. I studied mathematics and applications and am a business engineer in day to day life.
Why did you want to lead this sphere?
My motivation for becoming a L2 was always being able to promote others to L1. I always loved the teaching aspect. The reason I really wanted the mentoring sphere is because I want to help others discover that joy of teaching. Teach others how to teach so to say.
What Guild of Ravnica do you associate with?
My favorite guild would be dimir. Surveil is a awesome mechanic and I’m a blue/black mage at heart.
Which Magic Sphere would you lead?
Would be a toss up between Damping Sphere, Trinisphere and Sphere of Resistance. I feel like we need more taxing. In the end I’ll take trinisphere because it has neat interactions with the rules.
What don’t we know about you?
I love to cook! I’m always excited to try new recipes. Day to day cooking is okay, but I love to make those things you don’t eat every day.
Quality and Maintenance
I am Jona Bemindt, officially from Ghent, but mostly found in airplanes, hotel rooms and convention centers. My focus within the judge-world is very much on events, both as a judge as well as as an organizer, which I do as my full-time job, with a secondary focus on presenting seminars at conferences. My so-called “real life”is very much entwined with my judging, but I try and make time for some hobbies, especially regarding sports, reading and playing games (both of the board as well as of the video kind).
Why did you want to lead this sphere?
I applied to lead this sphere because one of the first things one notices when looking at our region from outside, is that for a region of its size we have an incredibly skilled pool of judges going around. We are known for having many judges that are great at tournament logistics, which gives us an advantage in trying to make our names within the event-world (even if some people like to blame this on the illustrious BeNeLux mafia). Maintenance is something that has been put in place to create a certain sense of urgency in keeping up-to-date with what we as the Judge Program try to achieve, and we can use it as a tool to keep on improving ourselves, and to keep on showing to the world that BeNeLux judges are the cream of the crop.
What Guild of Ravnica do you associate with?
Simic, flexibility is how we humans got where we are
Which Magic Sphere would you lead?
I would like to start my speech by saying this is a Sphere of Safety
What don’t we know about you?
While I worked in a hospital as a Quality Manager before I went to running events full-time, Im secretly a veterinarian specializing in pigs.
Documents
Michiel Van den Bussche, L2 Judge from Sinaai. Between my teaching job, family and a love for games my days are quite full. What little time remains I gladly invest in the Judge Program.
Why did you want to lead this sphere?
The awesome thing about my sphere is that greatness is only achieved through collaboration with other spheres. This is what the Judge Program is all about for me.
What Guild of Ravnica do you associate with?
Izzet. Our boss is a Dragon, we draw a lot of cards and blow up your stuff. What’s not to love?
Which Magic Sphere would you lead?
Leading the Chaosphere sounds like a hoot.
What don’t we know about you?
I picked up Pokémon Go over the summer and have been completely addicted since then!
Content
Jonas Drieghe, a 30-something-year-old web developer from the Leuven area.
Why did you want to lead this sphere?
A couple of years ago, I approached Richard, our previous regional coordinator, about setting up a regional blog. I’ve been taking a leading role in publishing information there ever since and have the luxury to have some of the most wonderful people on board to help me write, edit and publish all this content. I’m looking forward to increasing our throughput and helping people write better articles along the way.
What Guild of Ravnica do you associate with?
5 color nonsense? If you really want to know, I suggest you read all about the Conferences sphere further down 😉
Which Magic Sphere would you lead?
For the content Sphere, it’s probably Aethersphere Harvester. Something about reaping and sowing in the judge community appeals to me and I try to sow as much as I can.
What don’t we know about you?
That I can play basic tunes on almost any instrument, except my own vocal cords.
Conferences
This sphere has multiple leaders, so we decided to ask both. Let’s go with Mark first:
I’m Mark Dragstra, 35 years old, a L2 since 2014 from Tilburg. I’ve been involved in Magic from the 4th edition.
Why did you want to lead this sphere?
I didn’t apply actually. I’ve been asked to keep doing what I already was doing, only now with more structure.
What Guild of Ravnica do you associate with?
Golgari, powerful but honest.
Which Magic Sphere would you lead?
Trinisphere, equality for everybody.
What don’t we know about you?
I play in two table tennis competitions together with my close friends.
And then there is Jonas:
I’m Jonas Drieghe, the guy from the content sphere. Scroll up if you missed it 🙂
Why did you want to lead this sphere?
Similar to Mark, I didn’t apply for this sphere specifically, but I’m happy to keep doing what I was already orchestrating in the south of our region. Looking forward to continuing the collaboration with all the wonderful people that are helping with mini-conferences in Belgium and to work closer together with Mark.
What Guild of Ravnica do you associate with?
I’m probably Izzet. I’m a sucker for knowledge and study, but mostly driven by passion.
Which Magic Sphere would you lead?
For the Conferences sphere, I’d love for it to be a Sphere of Safety. People should feel welcome and comfortable at all times. Especially at the mini-conferences, the barrier of entry to attend and present should be virtually non-existent, and I hope to help people become better presenters so they can hit the bigger conference stage with confidence.
What don’t we know about you?
That I’m secretly Dimir.
Communication and Social Media
Hello, I’m Cécile Denaux, Sphere Leader of: Communications and Social Media Sphere. I judge in The Benelux and work in customer service at MagicFest. I’m very involved in my local community and it’s a pleasure for me to take a step forward in the development of my region.
What Guild of Ravnica do you associate with?
Izzet and Azorius: I’m a pure Jeskaï in the MTG color pie.
Which Magic Sphere would you lead?
The Protective Sphere at least I would try <3
What don’t we know about you?
I collect Turtles in MTG, I love animals and I have my personal scorekeeper. If you want an animal sticker for your name tag don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
Social + Diversion and Inclusivity
Hi, I’m Anouk Burny, a small but independent L1 judge from Ghent! (Although it’s difficult for me to reach high places and opening water bottles doesn’t go smooth as well, that’s why I mostly delegate these tasks.)
When I’m not judging I’m either annoying cats, playing the clarinet or sleeping. (Naps are great right?)
Why did you want to lead these spheres?
Social sphere – because I feel like we could see each other way more without the black shirts, you know, while actually playing Magic for example (BeNeLux judge regionals was awesome). It doesn’t even have to be Magic related! Remember the one time, at judge camp, where we went to Efteling before the actual judge camp?
I want more of that, because judges are awesome and it’s always nice seeing everyone again.
Also the sky is the limit here, if you have any ideas for the social sphere please let me know!
Inclusion and Diversity sphere – this theme was one of the reasons I wanted to be a judge in the first place. I just helped to start a Belgian LPS chapter, and since we wanted to do events how cool would it be to have female judges judging these events? This doesn’t mean we only staff females of course! Inclusion is for everyone, not just this gender or that skin color. And that’s what I want to help support in the BeNeLux region, everyone is welcome and should feel safe to express themselves. I’m not saying this isn’t happening already but a sphere dedicated to this is always a good idea!
What Guild of Ravnica do you associate with?
I actually really enjoyed playing Gruul on the prereleases, otherwise I’d just say the Guild with the most elves.
Which Magic Sphere would you lead?
Myr Battlesphere! It creates small things and the small things make Myr Battlesphere stronger! As a small person I can relate very much.
More philosophical; a tiny thing or act can possibly make a big difference! (One damage more to be exact)
What don’t we know about you?
This one is difficult because I talk a lot so people probably know a lot about me already.
But I’m a smoll herpderp who is only one treat away from being one of your best friends! (Unless the treat has raisins instead of chocolate!)
Development of Areas
I’m Marceau Depasse, a L2 Judge from Namur. I work in software development as a Test Analyst. I started playing during the Alara / Zendikar Standard and fell in love with the Zendikar’s Vampires.
Why did you want to lead this sphere?
I applied to the Development of Areas because it’s something I already started to do for my area, so I figured I might as well make it official and spread it to the whole BeNeLux.
What Guild of Ravnica do you associate with?
I’m a proud member of the Azorius Senate.
Which Magic Sphere would you lead?
I would be part of the Myr Battlesphere. I love big flashy things!
What don’t we know about you?
I have a whole bunch of passions and not enough time in a year to cram everything I would like to do. I play video games, am interested and try to keep up with a lot of science fields, listen to music and would love to find time to learn to play an instrument, have a whole bookcase waiting to be read, can’t find time to do sport again,.. So if you meet me on a GP or at your LGS, don’t hesitate to talk to me about any of those topics or anything else in fact 🙂
Recognitions
My name is Toby Hazes, I love the rules and I love Judge Tower (play with me at the next conference!). My favorite cards of all time are Surival of the Fittest and Birthing Pod, so I am quite excited about Prime Speaker Vannifar.
Why did you want to lead this sphere?
Exemplar encourages people to speak out more about positive things which I think is beautiful. Unfortunately our region is not praising as much compared to other regions and I don’t believe that’s because we’re less praiseworthy. So I like to encourage it even more.
What Guild of Ravnica do you associate with?
Dimir, because knowledge is power
Which Magic Sphere would you lead?
Seemingly paradoxically: Sphere of Truth, because knowledge is bliss
What don’t we know about you?
I collect masks. It all started with The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask. I especially love Venetian masks. And of course I collect all Magic cards with masks in the art.
Events
Technically Niels is the Sphere Leader but the Event Sphere currently is dormant until the new organised play structure becomes known and the true extent and need of this sphere becomes clear.
In its most active vision all applications for events requiring more than 1 judge could be going through this sphere and as such it will serve a great purpose in distributing learning opportunities throughout the region. In its most passive it will serve as a contact point for organisers to find an extra judge or two for their events.