This week we travel to Spain to meet David, a judge who not only develops a strong community but also an innovator on the GP circuit.
Name: David Larrea Baeza
Level: 2
Location: Granollers, Spain
Judge start date: L1 03/20/2010, L2 3/18/2011
Occupation: Software developer
Favorite card: Enduring Ideal
Least favorite card: Martyr of Sands
Favorite format: Commander
Commander General: Horde of Notions
Favorite non-Magic Game: Diablo saga
Best tournament result: 2nd at Regionals when we had Nationals
Why do you Judge?
I love rules, for any game. Even for sports.
Tell us your favorite Judge story.
I remember a funny one from GP Bologna. During round 2 a player called a judge because his opponent was playing Legacy cards in a Standard GP. His opponent thought it was Legacy GP because TO’s name is Legacy and got confused. Both players had won round 1, the legacy player’s opponent didn’t show for round 1.
You were nominated for being a pillar in your community, how do you do it?
I do things I like and enjoy doing. If I didn’t like working on the projects that I am, or participating in my community, or even being a judge, I would quit.
What are some tips you have for other Judges?
Enjoy what you do, and don’t overload yourself with more things than you can do.
What challenges have you faced or are you facing to become a better judge, and how have you worked to overcome them?
Now it’s hard to work with other judges in our local communities. We have more tournaments but they are smaller. That doesn’t help judges to learn from each other and grow, improving is harder now.
Who have been some of your biggest mentors in the Judge Program, and what did they teach you?
Raül Rabionet, he taught many things about how to be a good judge.
What positive aspects has the Judge Program contributed to your everyday life?
Many qualities important for judges are important for my real life, like professionalism, share our knowledge, leadership, reliability, provide constructive feedback…
What’s the best part about your local Magic community?
We have become friends and our relationship goes beyond Magic, we meet for meals, beers, etc.
What is your favorite non-Magic hobby?
I’m starting to learn more about photography.
How did you get involved in Magic in the first place?
A very good friend introduced me into the game when I was 14.
Two Truths and a Lie
Two of the following statements are true and one is false. Figure out which!
- I’m not easy to wake up. My roommates may have an issue with my mobile alarm.
- I haven’t missed watching a Super Bowl live on TV since 1997.
- When I was 17, I had an accident while riding my bicycle. I crashed into a van and spent weeks at hospital.
If there is a judge who is also doing something exemplary, please nominate a judge TODAY!