#018 - Michael Bonde talks about military life, passions, and raising the bar for his community

“When I get a challenge, I really just want to be the best at what I do.” Michael Bonde is a fixture in the Danish Magic scene, and one of the game’s most outgoing personalities. He created Magic history by becoming the first European player to win a Star City Games Open. He has also enjoyed two Top 4 finishes in Grand Prix events, along with a 17th place finish at Pro Tour Madrid. Through skillful play and collaboration with the game’s top talent, Michael has become a powerful force to be reckoned with. In this no-holds-barred conversation, I speak to Michael about his lifelong passions for learning, teaching, and competition. He shares his earliest childhood memories, and explains how joining the military contributed to his personal and Magic development. Michael also talks openly about staying true to his goals, and the dedicated life of the grind. The overarching theme is that of self-improvement — Michael is constantly looking to raise the bar, both for himself and others. Tune in for an inside look at one of the game’s fiercest competitors. Time stamps: [4:20] Introduction [7:15] The Pro Tour grind [9:18] Childhood and family background [11:15] Sibling rivalry and love of sport [14:11] Rifle skills // The art of the grind [17:20] Earliest Magic memories [21:22] Discipline and the Danish military [26:33] The power of routine // New experiences [30:28] A burgeoning military career // Learning to lead [35:29] Kosovo [41:11] Transitioning back to civilian life [43:20] Adjusting to the academic world [48:02] Balancing life priorities [49:55] Leveling up in competitive Magic // Love of the game [55:53] Thomas Enevoldsen, Martin Dang, and the Secret Society of Good Magic Players [1:01:07] American life and the allure of the Pro Tour [1:07:26] Playing all the time and its positive impacts [1:09:32] Magic goals [1:11:06] Breakthrough: 17th place at Pro Tour Madrid [1:14:56] How Michael plans to further improve his game [1:17:35] Preferred style of play [1:20:02] Helping friends succeed [1:22:40] Detrimental effects of being committed to the game [1:26:25] “Magic is the place where I want to be” [1:28:58] Gratitude // Conclusion