Welcome to the fourth Community Corner Creator Spotlight! In this article series, we interview and spotlight creators within the Magic community. We showcased MTGRookies and Garage The Gathering in <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/community-corner-creator-spotlight-mtg-rookies-and-garage-the-gathering">our previous Community Corner Creator Spotlight</a> article.
Today, we are happy to present two more interviews, this time with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@BlueCollarCommander" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Blue Collar Commander</a> and members of the team behind <a href="http://twitch.tv/CMDRsealed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Commander Sealed</a>, below. They bring the perspectives of their time within the Magic community in its many forms. They also have a few events upcoming that you'll appreciate learning more about!
<h2 data-slot-rendered-content="true">Blue Collar Commander</h2>
<a href="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/image11.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-186886" src="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/image11.jpeg" alt="Image credit: Blue Collar Commander" width="745" height="559" srcset="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/image11.jpeg 2016w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/image11-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/image11-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/image11-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/image11-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 745px) 100vw, 745px" /></a>
<a href="https://bccmtg.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Blue Collar Commander</a> is a relatively new Commander content creator, having started their content in December of 2024. However, despite the channel's age, in their first year of content creation BCC managed to fundraise over $17,000 for The Trevor Project in conjunction with Commander Sealed. This month, they worked with over 30 other creators to raise over $10,000 in charity funds as well. Such a philanthropic juggernaut cannot be overstated!
How did you first get into Magic, and what is the first set release you remember playing?
I first got into Magic through an old friend showing me the card <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Damn" href="#" target="_blank">Damn</a>. I had played some card games in the past, but never Magic. My friend was going through cards and showed me the card. I loved the card art and wanted to learn more about the game! They took me to the local game store for a prerelease that weekend which was for the Phyrexia: All Will Be One set! I have been absolutely hooked ever since.
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Damn"></div></div>
What is your favorite card/commander and why?
My absolute favorite card is <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Phyrexian Obliterator|NPH|68" href="#" target="_blank">Phyrexian Obliterator</a>! Specifically, the Todd Lockwood art. The card art is absolutely amazing, and what the card does is insanely brutal. I was definitely one of the ones running Golgari fight club when it was Standard legal! Phyrexian Obliterator, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bushwhack" href="#" target="_blank">Bushwhack</a>, and a dream!
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Phyrexian Obliterator|NPH|68"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bushwhack"></div></div>
Why do you create content for Magic instead of other games? 
I am a man of many hobbies. I’ve always jumped from one thing to another. Guitars, drawing, restoring vehicles, you name it. Magic is the one hobby I have ever had that has completely kept hold of my busy brain. There’s just so much to do. So many different ways to play, collect, and most importantly, gather. Through my content, I’m able to really show my love of the game and just be myself while I do it!
What is the goal of your content?
This is an ever-evolving question. I feel like the content creation journey comes in phases. The first phase goal, you’re not sure if you can even do it. If you’ll be successful enough or have the time. You have your passions, the things you like to do or talk about, but you’re still figuring it out. Your goal is just to make it there.
In phase two, you realize that you’re more than capable. You’ve conquered your fears and worries. That’s when the true content comes. The stuff that doesn’t take 30 takes because you were so nervous to get it just right when it truly doesn’t make that much of a difference. Your goal is to just figure out your lane. Start to iron out what your content is about and why.
The third phase comes naturally. You’re past the nervousness for the most part. You’re confident. Eager. You can look at and track your growth. Set goals. But most importantly, your community is now full of individuals who share your passions, morals, and values. You have a team. You have people who have your back, no questions asked. People who take consistent time out of their lives to be a part of what you’ve created. Your goal is now to never let that community down. To stay passionate, stay true to yourself, and to rally your community towards aligned morals and passions.
<a href="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/image2.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-186909" src="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/image2.jpeg" alt="" width="741" height="494" srcset="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/image2.jpeg 1320w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/image2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/image2-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/image2-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 741px) 100vw, 741px" /></a>
What about life outside Magic influences your content?
My blue-collar job! I’m a Master Electrician! Construction workers work very, very hard all day long, most often out in the elements. Guess what? We’re nerds too! Many times did we leave job sites to go straight to the LGS just to hang out and catch some games. Bringing our deodorant, of course… My channel represents the blue-collar workers within the community.
What is one thing you would change about Magic?
Although I do enjoy Universes Beyond sets, I think they should be limited to twice a year. I understand the business need for drawing in new players, etc. But too much can be bad. I was brought in, all bright-eyed, learning about multi-dimensional/planar war with Phyrexians and all sorts of beings. Can we bring more of that stuff back, please?
Are you attending/hosting any upcoming events where players could meet you?
Absolutely! I’ll be attending the following later this year!
MagicCon Atlanta
Commander Sealed
Commandfest Toronto
More to be announced!
<h2>Commander Sealed</h2>
<a href="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Dean-Gootee.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-186726" src="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Dean-Gootee.jpg" alt="Image credit: Dean Gootee" width="419" height="559" srcset="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Dean-Gootee.jpg 1536w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Dean-Gootee-225x300.jpg 225w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Dean-Gootee-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Dean-Gootee-1152x1536.jpg 1152w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 419px) 100vw, 419px" /></a>
An effort between a collective of Magic players in Rochester, NY, and the host of the event, Just Games Rochester, <a href="https://commandersealed.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Commander Sealed</a> is one of the East Coast's biggest Commander events not run or sponsored by Wizards of the Coast. The event has grown massively since its seriously grassroots beginnings in 2019. Its philanthropic side also cannot be overstated, as it raises funds for both <a href="https://www.thetrevorproject.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Trevor Project</a> and <a href="https://translifeline.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Trans Lifeline</a>. Founder Dean Gootee and Social Media Manager Michael Bauman-Sarchet represent Commander Sealed as they spoke with us.
How did you first get into Magic, and what is the first set release you remember playing?
DG: I first played Magic in high school. I believe OG Kamigawa and Mirrodin were in Standard at the time. I recall playing a friend’s deck and everyone dumping on him for running four <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sensei&#039;s Divining Top" href="#" target="_blank">Sensei&#039;s Divining Top</a> (because the card was soooo bad). I picked up cards and played very casually through college, but didn’t actually seriously start playing until Mirrodin Besieged came out. The first prerelease I remember playing in was New Phyrexia, where I recall being impressed by <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Slash Panther" href="#" target="_blank">Slash Panther</a>.
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sensei&#039;s Divining Top"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Slash Panther"></div></div>
MBS: My local video store had some boosters alongside the NES Games. They made me super curious because some had elves and dragons on them. I didn’t have much money, so I bought the boosters that were only $1.99 instead of the ones that were $2.99. So I owned a lot of Homelands and Fallen Empires cards when I could have been paying $1 more for Legends and Revised.
What is your favorite card/commander and why?
DG: It’s really hard to choose a favorite. I completed the Chromatic Challenge, building a deck for every color combination, and have continued building…yet more decks anyway, for whatever unholy reason. I feel like each of my decks has its own unique personality based on the way it plays and how I was feeling as I built it. Recently, I have been reaching for <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Oskar, Rubbish Reclaimer" href="#" target="_blank">Oskar, Rubbish Reclaimer</a> more than most of my other decks. I really enjoy building around an innocuous mechanic like looters and being allowed to pull off some weird tricks with discarding cards to get around timing restrictions.
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Oskar, Rubbish Reclaimer"></div></div>
MBS: My favorite card is <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Intruder Alarm" href="#" target="_blank">Intruder Alarm</a>; I’ve been trying to break that one for about 15 years. My favorite commander is either <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Balthor the Defiled" href="#" target="_blank">Balthor the Defiled</a> or <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Oji, the Exquisite Blade" href="#" target="_blank">Oji, the Exquisite Blade</a>. I’ll say Oji because that’s the commander that I top 4’d at a Commander Sealed event with, and I still have the deck.
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Intruder Alarm"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Oji, the Exquisite Blade"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Balthor the Defiled"></div></div>
Why do you create content for Magic instead of other games?
DG: It’s a pretty straightforward, maybe even dumb, reason: I just like Magic. A lot. Or at least that’s why I started making content. I suppose it’s evolved somewhat since my beginnings. 
MBS: Well, I also create content for the Zelda 1 (NES) Randomizer Community, alongside working as an admin on the tournament Discord. But Magic is the one game where it’s so deep that you can spend a weekend playing competitive Standard on Friday, a Premodern charity event Saturday, and playtest for a budget cEDH tournament Sunday.
What is the goal of your content?
DG: The goal of Commander Sealed’s content is ultimately to make things better for everyone. All of our content, despite how cool Magic is and how fun our format is, is centered on trying to raise money for The Trevor Project and Trans Lifeline. We strongly believe in queer folks’ right to a bright and happy future, and we are fighting towards that in our own small way.
MBS: Our goal is to raise awareness for our charities, Trans Lifeline and Trevor Project. I tell people that if you are not being proactive in helping others around you who need help, you are failing at being a good person. There are so many opportunities to help fight poverty, discrimination, disease, miseducation, hatred… Now’s the time to step up, whether it’s time, money, voice, or even just making your loved ones and family talk about topics they avoid so they learn.
<div id="attachment_186910" style="width: 2058px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/MG_2393.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-186910" class="size-full wp-image-186910" src="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/MG_2393.jpg" alt="" width="2048" height="1053" srcset="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/MG_2393.jpg 2048w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/MG_2393-300x154.jpg 300w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/MG_2393-1024x527.jpg 1024w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/MG_2393-768x395.jpg 768w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/MG_2393-1536x790.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" /></a>Commander Sealed 2024 (Photo by Nick Wolf)</div>
What about life outside Magic influences your content?
DG: There’s a certain punk ethos to Commander Sealed’s approach to content. We aren’t afraid to be a little bit edgier in our approach and say what we’re thinking, though we have become more focused and professional about it in recent years. 
MBS: Too much! We are starting our annual ramp-up to our September convention soon, with weekly Bracket 1 Commander content featuring our team of content creators who are raising funds for the two charities. So, coordinating my schedule, finishing my bachelor’s degree, finding new work, and taking care of my wife and our friends. And I need to find a way to get to Dean’s house for his weekly game at some point in between all that, so we can playtest this year’s end-of-round event.
What is one thing you would change about Magic?
DG: I would kill Universes Beyond. Hands down, that is the best thing that could happen for Magic.
MBS: The Reserved List is an easy one, but something a little more Hot Take is to stop trying to make every set “for everyone”. Companies like Games Workshop and Lego have done well scaling back and focusing more on the players' well-being for a few years, and then following up with big splashy things when the player base expands. I think that strategy would help Wizards of the Coast because it feels like their decisions don’t have a 3-, 5-, or 8-year plan, and I’d like to see that. And I think going back to some specialty products like another Commander-based set, a new Modern Masters, or a Pioneer Masters would do a great job of grabbing people who are starting to get disenfranchised. Oh, and let them unionize, seriously, Wizards.
Are you attending/hosting any upcoming events where players could meet you?
DG: I will be at Commander Sealed, but I won’t be at any other events this year in particular.
MBS: I’ll be at the Bufftown Bullies Charity Fundraiser on June 13th in Buffalo, NY, at the Mana Bar, and I’m trying to find a way to attend the Excalibur Events cEDH Tournament in Pittsburgh, PA, in July. And of course, you can find us at Commander Sealed September 18th to 20th in Rochester, NY.
<div id="attachment_186911" style="width: 2058px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/MG_2397.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-186911" class="size-full wp-image-186911" src="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/MG_2397.jpg" alt="" width="2048" height="1056" srcset="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/MG_2397.jpg 2048w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/MG_2397-300x155.jpg 300w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/MG_2397-1024x528.jpg 1024w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/MG_2397-768x396.jpg 768w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/MG_2397-1536x792.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" /></a>Commander Sealed 2024 in full swing. (Photo by Nick Wolf)</div>
<h3>Read More:</h3>
https://edhrec.com/articles/community-corner-creator-spotlight-mtg-rookies-and-garage-the-gathering
https://edhrec.com/articles/community-corner-interview-with-dianaoftherose
https://edhrec.com/articles/veterans-the-gathering-brings-vets-and-magic-together

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Creator Spotlight: Commander Sealed and Blue Collar Commander

Welcome to our third Community Corner Creator Spotlight! In this article series, we interview two content creators within the Magic: The Gathering community and get their perspectives on various topics. We've covered many creators already, from <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/community-corner-creator-spotlight-uberguitardude-and-cats-and-commander?utm_source=edhrec" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UberGuitarDude and Cats and Commanders</a> to <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/community-corner-creator-spotlight-guild-pack-and-kylegathersmagic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Guild Pack and KyleGathersMagic</a>. Today, we are interviewing <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MTGRookies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MTG Rookies</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@GarageTheGathering" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Garage The Gathering</a>!
<h2>MTG Rookies</h2>
<a href="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mtgRookies_banner2.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-185147" src="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mtgRookies_banner2.jpeg" alt="MTG Rookies Banner" width="652" height="367" srcset="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mtgRookies_banner2.jpeg 2561w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mtgRookies_banner2-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mtgRookies_banner2-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mtgRookies_banner2-768x432.jpeg 768w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mtgRookies_banner2-1536x864.jpeg 1536w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mtgRookies_banner2-2048x1152.jpeg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 652px) 100vw, 652px" /></a>
Blake and Jake, also known as MTG Rookies, host <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MTGRookies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a YouTube channel</a> and <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@mtgrookies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a TikTok account</a> where they put on skits, give advice for aspiring Magic players, and provide news about the game as well.
<h2>Who/What introduced you to Magic? What is the first set release you remember playing?</h2>
Blake: I was introduced to Magic from a streamer that I watch, Paymoneywubby. I had some friends who also played, so once I started playing myself, they were great resources for all of the beginner questions that I had. Unfortunately, they did not live nearby, so I had to go down to the local game store for games, but that was also a great experience due to the knowledge and friendliness of the players that I met there. 
Jake: Blake was actually my introduction to Magic! He and his wife taught Bailee and me how to play through a game of Commander. <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pantlaza, Sun-Favored" href="#" target="_blank">Pantlaza, Sun-Favored</a> holds a special place in my heart as my learner deck, which Blake graciously let me borrow and play until I got a grasp on the rules. I’m someone who loves learning new things, being with friends, and competing, so I’ve always been a huge fan of strategy games. All I needed was an invitation from a friend and a sick <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/dinosaurs">Dinosaur</a> deck to get hooked.
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pantlaza, Sun-Favored"></div></div>
<h2>What is your favorite card/commander and why?</h2>
Blake: My favorite commander has been the same for a while, and that is <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arcades, the Strategist" href="#" target="_blank">Arcades, the Strategist</a>. I love the fact that you are able to just take these huge walls and throw them at your friends. The built-in card draw is also a nice plus.
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Arcades, the Strategist"></div></div>
Jake: I have SO much trouble picking favorites, so I’ll just give a few. My newest commander is <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Xyris, the Writhing Storm" href="#" target="_blank">Xyris, the Writhing Storm</a>, which I built specifically because my wife bought me the foil Secret Lair print of <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Time Reversal|SLD|1499" href="#" target="_blank">Time Reversal</a> with the flying goose horse on it.
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Time Reversal|SLD|1499"></div></div>
My hope is that it grows into a deck that has a reputation for accelerated gameplay and big swings in momentum, so that everyone sees a ton of their deck and has fun when it’s at the table. The first Commander deck I bought for myself was the <a href="https://edhrec.com/precon/miracle-worker">Miracle Worker precon</a> helmed by <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aminatou, Veil Piercer" href="#" target="_blank">Aminatou, Veil Piercer</a>, which I’ve heavily upgraded over the last few years. <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shark Typhoon" href="#" target="_blank">Shark Typhoon</a> and <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Starfield of Nyx" href="#" target="_blank">Starfield of Nyx</a> are two strong and absurdly fun cards that I always love to draw into.
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Xyris, the Writhing Storm"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Shark Typhoon"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Aminatou, Veil Piercer"></div></div>
<h2>Why do you create content for Magic? What is the goal of your content?</h2>
Blake: Our channel mainly focuses on creating content for beginners to the game, but we also want to make sure that veterans of the game can find enjoyment in it as well. 
Jake: We want to share the joy that can come from every facet of this game: the art, the deckbuilding, the strategy, the gameplay, and the gathering. We hope that this kind of content will invite new players to try Magic and grow to love it as well. When they do, we also want to be a resource that makes learning the game simple, approachable, and fun.
<div id="attachment_185144" style="width: 382px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Blake_Photo.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-185144" class="size-full wp-image-185144" src="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Blake_Photo.png" alt="Blake MTG Rookies" width="372" height="496" srcset="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Blake_Photo.png 372w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Blake_Photo-225x300.png 225w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 372px) 100vw, 372px" /></a>Blake of MTG Rookies (photo provided)</div>
&nbsp;
<h2>What sets your content apart from other creators?</h2>
Blake: As beginners ourselves, we try to bring that energy and perspective into the content that we make. When we started thinking about making Magic content, we noticed there didn’t seem to be a lot of creators making content for beginners who were actually beginners themselves. We saw that and thought beginners might like to see others in the same boat making content about the game they were beginning to love. 
Jake: Since we ourselves are new to the game within the past five years, we are still actively discovering new things. That “rookie experience” colors our content with a sense of discovery, wonder, and fun. And because Magic is always evolving, there will always be new mechanics, art, and characters to learn and connect with - even for vets.
<div id="attachment_185146" style="width: 517px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Jake_Photo.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-185146" class="size-full wp-image-185146" src="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Jake_Photo.png" alt="Jake of MTG Rookies" width="507" height="541" srcset="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Jake_Photo.png 507w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Jake_Photo-281x300.png 281w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 507px) 100vw, 507px" /></a>Jake of MTG Rookies.</div>
<h2>What about life outside Magic influences your content?</h2>
Blake: A lot of the ideas for the skits that we make come from real situations we have run into with our pod. We try to play it up a little, but usually it isn’t too far off from what actually happened. 
Jake: I come from a family of teachers, and I’ve always been a learner, so I love the process of teaching. I find it so rewarding to help others learn new skills and explore new ideas, but also discover new things about themselves as they grow in their character. I’m also a musician, and my wife is an artist (she actually did all of our branding), so we constantly have a hunger to create.
<h2>Are you attending any upcoming events where players could meet you?</h2>
Blake: We are planning on attending MagicCon: Atlanta later this year and would love to meet anyone and everyone there. 
Jake: You can find us on TikTok LIVE every Wednesday at 8 p.m. CST! We rate commanders, answer questions, give stuff away, and mostly just yap about Magic.
<h2>What is one thing you would change about Magic?</h2>
Blake: It is hard to say what I would want to change with the game without having a long-standing history with it. From the small amount of time I have been playing, though, I have noticed a shift in Magic sets seeming to be more focused on selling product versus focusing on the playerbase and what they want. I am not going to pretend to know the backend business of a TCG, though, so I try not to harp on it too much. 
Jake: Since I entered the game, Universes Beyond has shifted from a dessert to the main course. I don’t foresee Wizards of the Coast completely axing UB, and I’m not advocating for that. However, I would love to see a higher ratio of in-universe sets to UB sets. The feedback from the community seems to support this, as well as releasing fewer sets per year - especially when it comes to standard, because who on Earth can keep up these days?
<hr />
<h2>Garage The Gathering</h2>
<div id="attachment_185148" style="width: 1012px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Copy_of_D2R68078-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-185148" class=" wp-image-185148" src="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Copy_of_D2R68078-scaled.jpg" alt="Dom of Garage The Gathering" width="1002" height="668" srcset="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Copy_of_D2R68078-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Copy_of_D2R68078-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Copy_of_D2R68078-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Copy_of_D2R68078-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Copy_of_D2R68078-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Copy_of_D2R68078-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1002px) 100vw, 1002px" /></a>Dom of Garage The Gathering.</div>
Dom of Garage the Gathering is a creator who, alongside his buddy Joel, plays Magic from the comfort and familiarity of the garage. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@GarageTheGathering" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Their YouTube channel</a> has nearly 7,800 subscribers invested in the sacred tradition of garage Magic.
<h2>Who or what introduced you to Magic? What is the first set release you remember playing?</h2>
Joel (of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@joelaremagic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Joel are Magic</a>) actually introduced me back in college! He did that thing where he handed me a box of bulk to make a deck from and then immediately blew me up with a Red Deck Wins monstrosity. Big statement to the game that I still wanted to play after that, haha. I came in at the end of the Alara block, so Zendikar is the set I call my true first. So many fond memories of <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kor Firewalker" href="#" target="_blank">Kor Firewalker</a> and Caw-blade.
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kor Firewalker"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Squadron Hawk"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sword of Feast and Famine"></div></div>
<h2>What is your favorite card/commander and why?</h2>
My absolute favorite card is <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Authority of the Consuls" href="#" target="_blank">Authority of the Consuls</a>. I have no idea why that card has so many words on it for one mana, but they all speak to my heart. I like control, I like a long game where I outvalue everyone, and Authority enables that in maybe the best way.
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Authority of the Consuls"></div></div>
<h2>Why do you create content for Magic? What is the goal of your content?</h2>
I am very fortunate to have made a slew of friends who were already into content creation- so when they started gathering in my garage (get it?) to play, I threatened to start filming them… and they were ok with it. The rest is history!
<h2>What sets your content apart from other creators?</h2>
The Garage is a special place; it represents the part of the Commander pod that doesn’t get enough recognition: the location. The Garage has become its own character in a way, and it sort of informed all the decisions we’ve made along the way. Everything we do is about being a REAL pod and being relatable. It’s almost like the filming is secondary to the camaraderie, which is totally intentional.
<a href="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Copy_of_D2R67560-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-185149" src="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Copy_of_D2R67560-scaled.jpg" alt="Dom of Garage The Gathering 2" width="784" height="1176" srcset="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Copy_of_D2R67560-scaled.jpg 1707w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Copy_of_D2R67560-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Copy_of_D2R67560-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Copy_of_D2R67560-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Copy_of_D2R67560-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Copy_of_D2R67560-1365x2048.jpg 1365w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 784px) 100vw, 784px" /></a>
<h2>What about life outside Magic influences your content?</h2>
My biggest influences that seep into GtG content would be my family. It’s really my Garage, you know? That’s my holiday storage, that’s where our keepsakes are put away, where my kids and I play on the weekend. I am so proud of what we’ve built while always making sure to put my wife and kids first. Also pretty heavily influenced by food. I love food.
<h2>Are you attending any upcoming events where players could meet you?</h2>
Yeah! Catch me at MagicCon: Atlanta! And stay current on anything else by checking socials.
<h2>What is one thing you would change about Magic?</h2>
I would axe Bracket 1 as it’s explained now. Exhibition doesn’t need its own bracket; it’s making everything else worse. I’d also reduce Universes Beyond releases to Secret Lairs only.
Read More:
https://edhrec.com/articles/magic-players-honor-tsc-global-awareness-day
https://edhrec.com/articles/an-interview-with-the-metal-band-planeswalker
https://edhrec.com/articles/community-corner-creator-spotlight-guild-pack-and-kylegathersmagic

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