GFCEU 2026 Champion Interview: Carl Waite

Our newest GFCEU champion is none other than long-time legend Carl Waite!

How did you prepare for today’s event? Did you practice with a specific person or team?
I actually didn’t practice at all. I know that’s weird because a lot of players scrim before big events, but I’ve been playing this game for decades. At this point, I trust my fundamentals more than practice. I’d rather rely on my experience than disappoint myself with scrims.

What deck did you play in this event and why?
I played Chaos Control. I don’t believe Chaos Turbo is the strongest deck anymore, and I was more than willing to go the distance with a strategy I’m comfortable with. Control has always been my strength in Yu-Gi-Oh, and I pride myself on managing my resources wisely.

What decks or players were you looking forward to playing against?
Honestly, I just hate any type of Burn variant. I don’t enjoy playing against them . I don’t think they’re very skillful or rewarding to face. As for players, I don’t really care who I’m matched against. We’re all human, and anybody can lose. Nobody puts fear in my heart.

What decks or players were you NOT looking forward to playing against?
Again, Burn variants. As for players, I really didn’t want to play Barcode and thank God I beat him. He’s an incredibly strong, unpredictable player who’s very difficult to read and outplay. Ivan Rossitto is also an amazing duelist with what feels like a rainbow pot of luck. Somehow he always finds a Trinity card while playing nearly flawless Yu-Gi-Oh!. I’m not gonna lie… thank God he lost in Top 4.

What card had been overperforming for you during the event?
Creature Swap is love. Creature Swap is life. That card put in so much work all tournament. I was able to make so many incredible plays with it. I absolutely love that card.

If you could go back, what (if any) changes would you make to your deck today?
I wouldn’t change a thing. The deck performed exactly how I wanted it to.

What does winning this championship mean to you?
It honestly means a lot. This year has been one of the hardest years of my life. I lost my daughter’s mother, started my career as a special education teacher and felt overwhelmed throughout the school year, went through a terrible breakup, and didn’t even get to fully enjoy graduating because of family and personal issues. Winning this championship reminded me and the community that Carl Waite still has it. It also gave me the confidence to return to Worlds, and I’m excited for that challenge.

Any shout-outs you’d like to make?
First, I want to thank Jared for always believing in me. Shout-out to the entire DX Locker Room-(Karujin, Freako, Simpson, Sanji, JCVD, Krebs, Cam, Goohlahz, Santi, Scrub and godotsyndrome.) Also Ivan, LaBounty, Sui, Tango, Ghostrider15, InsiDS, Picatron, Kerem, WGM, Duck Tracey, Pulse Slim, and everyone else who’s been part of the journey. A special shout out to my teenage daughter, who says I’m wack and refuses to acknowledge me. Daddy still loves you. And finally, thank you to everyone who’s supported me throughout the years. I truly appreciate all of you.