China’s Top Magic Pro Player – James Zhi

James (Yimin) Zhi is a professional Magic player and streamer from Shanghai, China. He has one Pro Tour Top 8 and four Grand Prix Top 8s.

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SoundCloud

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

Timestamps

0:01:38 James’s Magic background and accomplishments
0:07:26 James enjoys the design of Limited formats
0:08:00 James’s thoughts about self-improvement
0:08:44 what does it mean to be one of the best Chinese Magic players?
0:12:55 how big is the Magic competitive scene in China?
0:13:55 how James committed to competitive Magic
0:17:39 James’s first major tournament win – GP Hong Kong
0:21:13 grinding Magic Online in a Chinese time zone
0:26:21 how to level up in Magic – surround yourself with the right people
0:30:50 James’s system of Limited Magic
0:35:24 reading the metagame – an anti-Oko story
0:39:25 testing against quality opponents, drawing the right conclusions
0:40:31 preparing for high-level Limited events
0:43:38 the mental game of Magic
0:48:05 on goal-setting, self-fulfilment and Chinese philosophy
1:03:44 coming back from tough Magic moments
1:12:43 taking inspiration from Reid Duke – ” it’s not all about you”
1:18:10 changing one’s mindset – applying poker coaching to Magic
1:19:50 crazy Yorion bug in Magic Arena // internet and external factors
1:24:31 China region-specific challenges – digital Magic
1:29:22 China region-specific challenges – paper Magic
1:33:29 Magic sales are strong in China, but the game needs to grow