Hello Everybody!

This week’s Judge of the Week is none other than Francisco Javier Iramain-Acevedo, L2 from Puerto Rico! Fancy!

Fransico was nominated by Guarocuya Batista, L1 from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He has this to say:

“I am nominating Francisco due to his constant strides towards improving the state of Magic in developing countries. He has been a constant force in promoting Magic all throughout Dominican Republic and other developing markets for WOTC. He has arranged for constant travel to Judge at our Competitive REL events even when he has had to bear a part of the cost. All while suffering non-accommodating hotels and inexperienced players. All the while having a smile and being diplomatic and courteous, something that most people forget to do in these day and era. If it weren’t for Francisco and his willingness to aid the Dominican Magic community, we would have no Judges in Dominican Republic, no constant Competitive REL events and, generally speaking, an overall lower level of Magic playing in this country.” 

Fascinating! Let’s find out a little more about Francisco…

Occupation: Studied Engineering but current work in a different field
Favourite card: Dark Confidant! (The perfect card!)
Least favourite card: Bonfire of the Damned (too swingy!)
Commander general: Grand Arbiter Augustin IV (I seldom play though)
Favourite non-Magic Game: I used to play a lot of WoW
Random fact about yourself: I will try (mostly) anything once.

Why did you become a judge?
When I was starting out as a player I used to see a great gap in experience and level of play in the community. This was also the case with our only Judge who was also the PTO at the time. I got interested in judging when I kept getting bad calls and decided to do something about it and help out the community grow.

What motivates you to continue being a judge?
There’s always something else to do, someone else to help out. The Program keeps evolving, keeps being interesting.

If you could chat with one person, real or fictional, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
James T. Kirk, he’s too awesome.

What would you be doing now if Magic no longer existed?
Probably not playing any card games at all and most definitely not answering this email. 🙂

What is the best part of your local Magic Community?
It has started flourishing again mainly because of a top 8 at GP Orlando, Finals at the WMC, and recently a top 8 at SCG Atlanta. People want to play more and they can see its possible to do well.

What is your favourite non-judging moment that happened with other judges? 
There are 2 recent ones that are amazing: The Pyramids of Teotihuacan which we visited after GP Mexico City and the trip to the Rainforest in Costa Rica after the GP.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Stay classy, San Diego.

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

1. I’m a Salsa Dancing master!
2. I have a Master degree in Engineering.
3. I got demoted to L1, then re-certified to L2.

Thanks to Francisco for the excellent interview! We here at Judge of the Week encourage you all to develop your communities in the best possible way you can!