How I Won the HARDEST Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel Tournament!

My tournament review of the Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel 2nd Anniversary Invitational. I had to play against Paulo Gonçalves, one of the very best Yu-Gi-Oh players in the game! Everybody is doubting me, but with a bit of practice and strategy, I can still pull out a victory!
Decklist: imgur.com/a/EnwZaaC
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#YuGiOh #MasterDuel #VanquishSoul

[@TeamAPS]

*Thanks to all of you for your support during this tournament! It was a lot of fun and I'm glad I got to prove myself against such a strong opponent. Even us casual Yugitubers can cook sometimes!* 🔥 Decklist: imgur.com/a/EnwZaaC

[@mg_329]

❤❤❤❤

[@user-uv4kr7tn5r]

Duel

[@rhymestyle]

Paul actually carried. Those wins were pivotal in our W. 🙏🙏

[@itsjayn4538]

ofc he did , someone had to...

[@nevercrucifythisjohnson275]

Was having doubts about him winning too. Watched him get cooked by other youtubers one too many times. Can't blame the doubters lol but he really pulled through this time. Good on him

[@rileyanthony]

Figures

[@reeportdgg]

Can't Sleep! Paul's been true to this. At least 15 years.

[@Waffleswcheese]

Rhyme where is your video about your experience during all of this?

[@Houshamamas]

Paul beat the guy who was sitting in Konami headquarters. Legend.

[@lawrencemalone-px6qe]

He was playing Zoodiac. I’d be more surprised if that deck actually beat VS

[@Entropic_Alloy]

Just because your content is "aimed" at the casual player doesn't mean you don't know how to play at a high level, and you really showed the doubters up. Good work Paul.

[@ericford911]

Way to go Paul! Commentators in that little snippet seemed to be defending the other dudes loss instead of celebrating the great plays from Paul. Really showed your game knowledge and skill in this duel.

[@fernie6299]

yeah i hated how they diminished paul's win

[@CrisisBlaze]

Flexing the win with humility. This is actually really cool having the duelist run down their dueling tactics. Gives a great insight into strategy and decisions, also helps explain combo chains. Congrats Paul!

[@lucianopereira8798]

He really pulled a Joey Wheeler on an invitational

[@larhyperhair]

I'm proud of you Paul! Coughing baby defeats hydrogen bomb in the greatest upset of the century!

[@luckykiller911]

Seeing rhymestyle use verte anaconda to super poly his field then winning that game was amazing

[@rhymestyle]

I had to nerf myself (I misclicked horribly)

[@YarnLalms711]

Paul carried so much, he legitimately got sick. Congrats for the insane performance, I went out of my way to watch it and you played the deck and match up extremely well.

[@jasonwatson2334]

Some people don’t remember that Paul is a Big Time player. His stats may not show like Jesse Cotton but Paul has all the skills and talent to win any game, any match. Congrats to a great win Paul.

[@MrJayKay11]

you made us causals proud Paul

[@redsargent1]

Congrats paul you did so well in this straight up underdog win in consecutive sets though its a little annoying how after the 2nd win all the commentators could talk about was your opponants bad luck instead of your skill with the deck

[@ai2802]

Well done Paul!!! I love VS, just literally build it in Master Duel, Mid Range is by far my favorite way to play, hope to build it in real life too!

[@metalmariomega]

VS is a very execution heavy deck true to the kind of complex Fighters it's parodying, though it's ironic how the Rushdown/Shoto and Grappler archetype characters do most of the work when the feel of the deck seems closer to a Midscreen Zoner type of strategy.

[@DrHydro-pr5ox]

I wish I could play at this level, but the decks and strategies I like are all lower tier, probably even below rogue. In the first year of the game, I did get to Platinum rank (the highest at the time) with my dopey little Toon deck, which I'm still really proud of. Wish I had an IRL Toon deck, but oh well

[@Killthief99]

This was awesome Paul. Would love to see more videos like this and again, congrats on the win! It was hype.

[@davidsosa6056]

It comparison to last year's, I could tell you totally came to win this time. You were more casual with chat last time. You deserve that win

[@Lucario1121]

Honestly compare to last year UDS, where Paul was racing the clock to complete his turn with his Labyrinth deck while dueling Dzeff, he did much better this year, its impressive man excellent job

[@Ragnellrok]

Honestly seeing paul duel in the casual match videos really made me see hes actually knows what hes doing lol

[@OBEYFMH187]

Please do more play by plays like this 🤩🤩🤩👍

[@albertorodriguez2750]

Congrats Paul. I’m glad my YugiTubers are out here dueling and winning.

[@jugemujugemugokounosurinantoka]

I dunno why Paul was underestimated in this tourny. If any one watches his vids, they'd know that Paul is really good at the game and has a pretty smart play style. Just because he loves to play casual/rogue decks and makes casual content doesn't mean he should be underestimated.

[@michaelshumaker6515]

Great job Paul! Love your style so glad that you won!

[@axeldbz94]

People tend to understimate you because you content is considered "casual" but damn you prove them wrong, congrats Paul!

[@agentlemanknight411]

You got your own Jaden moment, awesome!

[@ckokomo808]

Thanks for this video. I been watching y’all for a while and finally started playing master duel last month. I’m learning a lot and slowly climbing the ladder. This is helpful to have you talk through HOW you think about your plays rather than just ripping through combos. My deck has a few staple lines to play but if I’m disrupted or don’t have a great hand, I have to think about how to get what I need out while also trying to understand what the other person is trying to do. Thank you and awesome job in the tournament!!

[@AnRuixuan]

This was such a fun match to watch live! Congrats on the win!

[@chrissypunch]

Mannn that Persona music always hits 😩 also I'm glad you made this into a video! Had the livestream on, in the background but never got to give it my full attention so this was a great watch!

[@gonzalezpaco19]

This was pretty awesome to see man. I've been binge watching all your videos and you definitely have the skills to pay the bills lol

[@georgeforbus1313]

I love this format, man! It works so well.

[@TheGoldengoats]

Yeah your analysis videos over gameplay is really captivating. Please keep making them 🎉

[@TeamAPS]

I'd like to, but unfortunately these niche competitive breakdowns don't seem to be very popular.

[@MechaTamago]

You tapped into the heart of the cards and won. i am proud of you.

[@Archivist42]

GZ Paul, the "casual" player comes in and cleans up!

[@VictorTAnderson]

Nice work! 💪

[@themasterblaze7563]

This was so fun to watch live. Good Games, duelist.

[@codyturk2305]

I watch both tournaments. Both were great tournaments and you guys did great. I started playing Master Duel not to long ago. Just finished the 2024 Acceleration event today.

[@SDREHXC]

Nice to see Paul putting up some really nice results! Congrats!

[@anthonyporter5093]

Hell yeah. I’m sure dude is a cool guy, but he mos def had some instances where had smiled in a patronizing way. Love a good underdog game.

[@no_russiangaming8841]

Paul was the sanji to the team, doesn't get much attention for his lvl of skill so every now and again, he's gotta show everyone what's really up lol. 😎

[@IPLayedVR42Long]

This was a crrrrraaaazzzy match! Fun commentary too!

[@mgreen1003]

I never doubted you for an instant, Paul! You rock, brah

[@MABfan11]

damn, amazing plays from Paul

[@iocyber]

I have only dueled family members and some friends, I feel like I wouldn’t do good in a public setting like that. Props to you bro

[@GutiTheJ]

Nice thumbnail also VS is based

[@Instinct3000x]

1:00 how Joey felt battling yugi

[@jeffreywarf]

Playing a variety of casual decks and challenges makes you a better, more well rounded duelist then those who ONLY focus on the meta

[@Muddatang]

Heck yeah Paul, awesome job!

[@lordyubel9845]

Kick ass Paul , good to see yugitubers showing people that they can duel

[@thomasthorsett3132]

Power level revealed.

[@rarmas17]

Thanks for the video. I was watching you on the tournament and I was like I'm not sure what is happening but I love it So thanks for the explanation and congratulations!!

[@danieljstanley5547]

Dont play yugioh anymore, BUT BUZZING FOR YOU PAUL!!! honestly always watch your casual content as thats the only way i can enjoy YGO (except edison kek) honestly you smashed this!!!

[@sslashs]

Great match! I enjoyed watching it!

[@chaseradke2018]

I love this video!! Id love to see more like this this makes me wanna join a tournament too i have built a deck to try and do something just like this always been casual but wanna show we can duel just as good too way to go!!

[@kelvinsantiago7061]

Bro went from casual to sweat! What good character developement!

[@Jgt612]

Commentary was a touch biased, couldn’t be happier for the win though man good stuff. Much love from Scotland

[@big-tese]

Congrats on the win!!!

[@gtafan110010]

you played so well, man

[@EdwardSanchezProductions]

Congratulations 🎉

[@Rossco1010]

While I felt you were the underdog, you played very well and winning those two games to put your team ahead was very important for your teams eventual win, watching your wins on stream was very hype.

[@ComiCBoY000]

Im surprised you were thought of as an underdog. I feel like youve mentioned before you compete/competed in tournaments and also you play against Trell who is basically a boss monster every episode he shows up in. :)

[@inakimendiberri2226]

The thumbnail goes hard

[@klaystaccs]

You carried imo, announcers leading into the match definitely sided with Paulo and to get the first 2 out of the 3 I was hype af .

[@shidokasagi5406]

34:07 long video about how Paul shut up the doubters on twitter. good game.

[@supermarioblacktiger]

I have no idea what happened here, but I did enjoy the play by play.

[@itsjayn4538]

congrats brother , VS is always a strong deck ... I am pretty sure noone has figured the ceiling of the deck out yet...

[@numberoneappgames]

Paul was like, it smell like bih in here. lols

[@blackfistxu7953]

Congratulations!

[@albaalister5044]

okay never consdiered vaquish soul but paul made it look rather fun might try and build thos and see how it plays for me

[@Hmty2383]

Wait, I always thought Paul was a competitive player, for real, and that he is the strongest duelist of Team APS. Anyways, congratulations for your victory!

[@crysiswarxx3440]

Way to go Paul show them who's the boss :)

[@dantegallardo1974]

i always knew you had it in you

[@jacobmiller3165]

I know im four days late but congratulations paul!

[@MasuLW]

Wanted to watch this live, but I had to leave for work before your match began. Congrats on the win! 🎉

[@jaevoningram]

I didn’t appreciate how they downplayed you at all. My favorite of team APS Paul the MF GOAT.!

[@Grid433]

Most impressive.

[@Reluxthelegend]

24:37 if Paul played MtG he would play a Black Discard deck lol

[@DJelNukaAdicto]

Hungry burgers .... Man i love that name 😊

[@elipticshiny4435]

I hate when they said, "The hands just weren't there for him" like nah Paul just played really good and baited. What would have been pretty decent hands. It takes away from Paul's win basically saying he got lucky

[@christian6037]

I just started playing yugioh master duel for the first time in my life today. And i love it but there is one problem for me. The cards descriptions are very confusing (I wanna note ive never played yugioh) and i dont know how to play competitive correctly. I get body almost all the time. I search for tutorial but i just cant win agains decks that combo in 5-7 minutes. Can someone please give me tips, i really want to give the game a chance.

[@MessiahKnight]

Jesse needs to get a Proactive skin solutions Sponsorship

[@f1r3hunt3rz5]

Pretty cool ngl

[@Guy1189]

Paul, where are you posting the decklist for this? Inquiring minds want to know.

[@TeamAPS]

In the video description!

[@Guy1189]

​@@TeamAPS Sick. I'll check it out.

[@Impudentbatking]

That's a w indeed

[@rolla8124]

Aye W

[@munico6055]

I saw the razen art and for some reason I just associated that with Doto

[@trexdrew]

It’s disgusting that Konami banned what you mentioned but they left Maxx C legal! Ugh ban the damn bug Konami this is ridiculous! I’m glad you pulled off such an incredible win in the face of such a seasoned pro though. Great work Paul!

[@mg_329]

Cool❤

[@Darlinxkenshin]

Wow

[@sarahgomez1976]

Well played Paul, u did ur best n funny enough u showed these doubters that ur not just a random player; ur the best player that has great knowledge of the master duel/yugioh game. Hope to see some more of ur VS like this one. Ps: “Winning aren’t always simply the best but when u lose the game u still became a better player n winner for the next tomorrow plus being a pro” 🎉.

[@TeamAPS]

Thanks! I'll keep getting better! 😁

[@sarahgomez1976]

@@TeamAPS ik u will dude

[@tzyyliangchew]

Blackland Fire Dragon

[@VoliKnight354]

i dont get his explanation of why not popping maxx c earlier at 19:30

[@TeamAPS]

Sure, I can explain my thought process there. When he Normal Summons Zoodiac Ram Ram, I have the option of using Maxx C. However, if I did that, he could choose to stop completely and not Xyz Summon over it to avoid giving me the card, which means my Maxx C didn't get me a draw. But I knew he'd want to still make Drident anyway (which would net me 1 draw). The plan here was to let him make Hammerkong first, then use Maxx C. He'll still have to make Drident (getting me that same 1 draw) but now he's used up another Zoodiac Xyz monster (Hammerkong) from his Extra Deck for no additional benefit (since Drident's quick destruction effect is only once during my turn, it having 2 materials versus 1 makes no difference). If the game ends up getting grindy, then he's now down another Extra Deck resource for future turns (Hammerkong). It's a very minor thing, but can make a very big difference in an extended resource game.

[@VoliKnight354]

@@TeamAPS that was quick. thanks for the explanation. it helped.

[@TOONARTXD.1925]

vaquish soul ? i have not heard of /that scines i got started on yugioh tcg in 2017/2024

[@SkullEater78]

Paul Vs Paulo 😭

[@rileyanthony]

I was able to beat Numeron FTK

[@whodat4lyfekris]

As many hand Traps he used ya ask me he's not as good they claim. And yes all the shade, using that many hand traps is cowardly.

[@pptemplar5840]

You took A tier 5 strat to Master right? Like Dogmatica or something? I feel like if someone counted you out entirely it's because they aren't that familiar with you. Yeah, You were almost certainly the underdog, but I think people forget that making casual content definitely doesn't make that the Apex of your abilities, and that you've proved that more than once.

[@PCUnderdog]

Anyone know any good anti nordic decks to use against my friend who ADORES not using the banlist?

[@TeamAPS]

I've never thought specifically about the nordic matchup 🤔

[@rjan652]

I have a couple of recommendations. The first is Mikanko. It's a deck that features equip spells, which protects your monsters from destruction, in addition to a secondary effect. While equipped with these, the Mikanko monsters (with 0 attack) can't be destroyed by battle and reflect battle damage back to your opponent, in the same way as Amazoness Swordswoman. Additionally, the field spell allows you to send equip spells from your spell/trap zone to the graveyard to give your Mikankos additional attacks. The second is Predaplant. I'm not as familiar with this deck, but their main deck monsters have an easy combo that let's you search any fusion or polymerization card, including Super Polymerization. Guardian Chimera, Starving Venom Fusion Dragon, Greedy Venom Fusion Dragon, Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon (via Red-Eyes Fusion) and Rainbow Neos (via Neos Fusion) are some great fusion monsters this deck can make. Otherwise, cards like Dimensional Barrier are good for stopping synchro summoning.

[@yimyam7615]

Massive L on the commentators behalf but massive W on your part Paul!

[@RealCerealHero]

They thought you were a casual that just makes videos, they forgot at end of the day you're a duelist.