TCO: Anthony, thanks for taking the time to join us here in studio. Just like “Next question†on off the record, anything you’re not comfortable answering simply respond with “next questionâ€. Tell us your story, let those readers who do not know you, or how you came to compete for this year`s world championship, just who Anthony Lurty is.
AL: I`m not a famous player, yet I`m not necessarliy unknown. I`ve had past achievements like getting 2nd in the Raw Draft Qualifier at Origins 2004 and top 16 in the Constructed Qualifier at Origins 2004 as well. Winning at Wizard World East 2006 had been the most incredible experience while I`ve been playing this game(since Mania). People start to treat you different. People I know even gave me gripe for winning with a "cheap deck" and they doubt me as a player. Oh well to them. Thanks to Scott M, Bryan P and Rob Tapp for the last minute tweaking to the deck.
TCO: We are now just two weeks before the World Championships, do you know who you are going to use?
AL: Almost immediately after winning I started contemplating who I would use. Only my afterburn superstar changed once about a month and a half ago. I agree with James, It`s all tweaking from now on.
TCO: What decks do you feel are your biggest threat?
AL: Probably Piper and Andre in afterburn. And Kennedy in All Axxess. Revo doesn`t matter to me. The Semi`s will never get to a third game.
TCO: We`ve managed to keep Psycho locked up in the padded room, but for whatever reason he wants $5. Can you hook him up?
AL: Of course, If said Admin approaches me while in Detroit, I`ll give him an extra $5 if he does a jig.
TCO: If you win the World Championship, you get to make your own card. Do you have plans already for what card you’re going to make? Are you willing to share it with us?
AL: If I win, I`ll wanna make a backlash deck card thats a Prematch/ Midmatch/ Maneuver/ Antic and Reversal all in one card. Let`s see something like that go through playtesting.
TCO: Have you been to the World Championships before?
AL: Never been here but I know I`ll be here next year.
TCO: That is confidence! Is it safe to say then that the late announcement of the formats for the worlds has not impacted your preparation at all?
AL: No, actually I was expecting AA and AB to begin with. I was angry that it was AA and revo. But with it being AA and AB, I`m sticking with my original plans.
TCO: Raw Deal seems to be becoming more political over the last year. Has this impacted you at all, do you see this impacting you at all?
AL: The only was it`s affected me was with the diminishing numbers at Dark Tower, I have no major tournaments to play in except for Qualifiers. I get bored and want to play other people.
TCO: People have said they want to know, what are your feelings on Revolution?
AL: Revolution Format=not so good. Revolution Cards in AA and AB=Awesome. Switching back to "The Old Raw Deal"=Should Happen
TCO: The Mark Laroche Xperience – a great party, or the greatest party?
AL: Haven`t Been, Nor Can I. Heard they are awesome. I don`t think he allows people under 21 to go. I`ll be 21 in August.
TCO: Besides yourself, is there someone that you’re cheering for this year at the World Championships?
AL: Laroche, Kandyman or Dre.
TCO: What are your plans for the future?
AL: Work, RD, Sleep, More Work, More RD, Death.
TCO: Which is better, Cake or Pie?
AL: COOKIES!!!
TCO: Will the Saints make it to the Superbowl next year?
AL: I don`t like football, So I don`t care. I`ll go with the Dolphins.
TCO: Thank you so much for taking time to join us! Are there any parting comments you’d like to share?
AL: Hmmmm.............. .........Lost my train of thought. There was a fly on the wall.