Hello, judges! Today’s featured judge is Jorge Pinto (aka Jopinto or Jopi), L2 from Santiago, Chile. He got certified at the Scars of Mirrodin prerelease, and was recently leveled up at GP Sao Paulo. Why did he become a judge?

Basically because I enjoy Magic but I was not very good at it (that hasn’t changed much, though), so I wanted to help my community the best I could, and I like rules. 🙂

Occupation: Student
Favourite card: Daze Least favourite card: It has changed over time, but right now I can say that I really dislike Thragtusk.
Favourite format: Draft
Commander general: Uril, the Miststalker Favourite non-Magic Game: I’m not that much of a gamer, but I really enjoy Starcraft
Best tournament result: Won a couple of drafts and got 2nd at a standard event at my LGS
Random fact about yourself: I hate soccer

Tell us your favourite judge story.
When my friend Cristian Buzeta and I went to Brazil for GP Sao Paulo we found out that our last names were or sounded pretty similar to some Brazilian slang terms used to refer to the sexual organs, so a lot of players laughed about it. Daniel Ojcius asked us to hug in front of all the other judges at the conference, and the Brazilian crowd went wild. It was awesome, hahaha.

You were nominated because of your excellent progress towards L2 last year. What message would you give to your fellow judges who are working on or thinking about leveling up?
Try to be an example for other L1s, be reasonable, read and write reviews and try to take criticism well. Don’t engage in pointless discussions with players. Learn the rules!

What’s the best part about your local Magic community?
They’re fun and they enjoy doing things together, even if those things aren’t related to Magic.

If you could chat with one person, real or fictional, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Probably Ashleigh Brilliant, love his books and potshots.

What is your favourite non-judging moment that happened with other judges?
Seeing one of my judge friends so drunk that he puked on the door of Andres Abujatum’s car. The stain was so hard to remove that it was there for several months.

What would you be doing now if Magic no longer existed?
I’d be focused on getting my college degree.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Yes, please play more Magic! You’ll become a better judge, 🙂

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

1. I am obsessed with grammar.
2. I have seen the Backstreet Boys perform live twice.
3. I am related to Luis Guzman.

Thanks to Jorge for an excellent interview! See you all next week!