The Team
The Upside is a dedicated Disney Lorcana team built on community, strategy, and a love for the game. Whether we're competing, collecting, or just having fun, we aim to uplift each other and grow together, on and off the table.Click on an Upsider's name to learn more about them!
Danny Tripodi
Danny is a lifelong trading card game enthusiast whose love for Disney brought him into the magical world of Disney Lorcana. With a background in competitive TCG play, he was instantly drawn to the game's rich lore and enchanting artwork — and along the way, found a community of incredible friends who share his passion.He’s traveled to Toronto, Disneyland, and Richmond to compete in high-level events like the Disney Lorcana Challenge and NA Last Chance Qualifier. While he missed the cut for Nationals, Danny remains driven to grow as a player and bring his best to every match.Outside the game, Danny channels his creative energy into volunteer work with RetroGameCon, where he helps design graphics and branding each year. He’s also happily engaged to his wonderful partner Katie, and together they share life with their beloved pup Remy — named after the culinary genius from Ratatouille — who’s truly the star of Danny’s world. 🐾
Andrew Buchmann
Andrew is a Senior Academic Success Advisor in the Advisement Center at the State University of New York at Oswego, serving students from Communication Studies and Cinema and Screen Studies. Having earned both his B.A. and M.S from SUNY Oswego, Andrew is a lifelong learner dedicated to student success.In addition to advising a caseload of students, Andrew is the Starfish App Admin for the campus and the co-facilitator for the SUNY Early Alerts Community of Practice. Andrew also serves as a course instructor for GST 104 Experiential Learning in College, EDU 104 Strategy Instruction in the disciplines, and his personally developed first-year signature course GST 198 This is the Way- Life Lessons from a Galaxy Far, Far Away.Outside of his vocation, he enjoys all things Star Wars, Disney Lorcana, LoL Esports, and adventures with his partner Leslie.
Brandon Barba
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Anthony Barba
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The Parry
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Josh Adams
I’m Josh, a dedicated Disney Lorcana player who jumped into the game just before the release of Rise of the Floodborn.I’m a fan of Toy Story and Aladdin, with Genie and Goofy being among some of my favorite characters. I’ve spent many years playing Magic: The Gathering and collecting retro Nintendo video games, which has helped me develop a strong foundation in strategy and nostalgia that I bring to Lorcana.For me, the best part of trading card games is the mix of competitive play and the chance to connect with others who share a passion for strategic gameplay.
Josh Chubb
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Mike Fielding
My name is Mike.I have been playing trading card games casually since my youth starting with Magic the Gathering and Pokemon. Eventually learned Yu-Gi-Oh! before exclusively playing Hearthstone.I picked up Disney Lorcana just a couple weeks after Set 6 - Azurite Sea released and was instantly hooked. Come set championship weeks, I participated in three set championships - posting a Top 4 finish and a Champion finish.Some personal notes about me... I am a dad to a toddler (yikes!) and a husband. We have two dogs and a parakeet. In the summer time I support my wife as she runs her family business at Big Don's Wild River Mini Golf!
Dylan Bibik
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Marquis Simmons
I’m a longtime Yu-Gi-Oh fan who’s always loved card games that reward thoughtful deck building and creative problem-solving. While most of my competitive Yu-Gi-Oh! experience came through Master Duel, I was first introduced to card games playing casually on paper as a kid. There was even a time where my friend and I made our own card game using index cards in 6th grade. Disney Lorcana is my first competitive physical card game, which I discovered through a former Yu-Gi-Oh player (some DKP guy) and I was immediately drawn to how fresh the game felt and how much room it gives players to explore new ideas.I enjoy looking for gaps in the meta and building midrange decks that feel prepared for the field while still surprising opponents. I like understanding what others are playing just as much as refining my own lists, and I take pride in bringing decks that balance planning, flexibility, and personality.After taking a break from fighting games, Lorcana has reignited my competitive drive. My goal is to become a well-rounded player who can confidently pilot any deck, while continuing to improve my in-game decision-making alongside my love for deck building.
Matt Ulrich
Matt is a newcomer to the competitive TCG space, but has always been drawn to card collecting, to strategy games, and to Disney! Lorcana has aligned perfectly with all three of those interests, and has provided the opportunity to meet and join in this amazing community of talented card games enthusiasts.Matt traveled to the Toronto DLC for the first season of competitive play, and hopes to continue to attend high level tournaments into the future. Matt enjoys deck building, and loves the feeling of seeing his opponents need to read the card he just played.Outside of Lorcana Matt, his wife Loren, and son Miles love to sing together, play with their dog Penny, and to visit Disney. His favorite soundtrack is Moana and favorite movie is Hercules.
Steve Dodge
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Bailey Campbell
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Luke Campbell
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Craig Rugari
Craig has played all types of TCG’s growing up but could never truly get into them until Lorcana. That nostalgia of Disney characters combined with a fun trading card game didn’t get him to just buy some cards and play, but actually made him want to play competitively.He is a six time set champion and finally made his way down to DLC Richmond to try his hand on a larger scale. Although started good didn’t get the success of making day two just yet. Going to an event like that just fueled the fire to want to do way more. On the bright side he made new friends whom share the same passion.Personally Craig has a beautiful wife Katelin and two golden doodles who are his world. I am always down to rip some packs and play some games. Just be patient because he is indecisive, and never knows what deck to play!
Chris Gilson
Chris is new to playing TCGs competitively, but was charmed by the beautiful artwork from Disney Lorcana. After being introduced to the game by a friend, he quickly immersed himself in the game and found a great local playerbase. The stellar members of The Upside help push Chris to be the best player he can be.Chris spends time travelling around the country and tinkering with computers. When not away from home he also plays trivia with friends.
Connect
Have a question or want to connect with The Upside? Email us directly we're always happy to chat!
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