MATTHEW FOULKES

Hi everyone! I'm Marco Del Pivo, also known as PivoUlivo, although many of you probably know me for one simple phrase: "Buongiorno, Pivo!" I'd like to take a few minutes of your time to talk about @Mengu09 and explain why he's the very first name that comes to my mind when I think about the #mtgHoF. So, let's start from the beginning: "Who is Andrea Mengucci?" I could answer by saying he's my best friend. I could say he's family. Both would be true. But the first words that came to my mind were simply: THE GATHERING. Because Andrea isn't just someone who plays Magic: The Gathering. He represents everything that makes this game special. He is the purest expression of love for Magic - for the game itself, for its people, and for the community that has grown around it. I've never met anyone whose eyes light up the way Andrea's do when he starts telling a Magic story. It doesn't matter if he's talking about how a card was designed, the excitement of a new set release, an unforgettable tournament, a trip around the world, or a tiny decision in a competitive match. Every story reminds you why we all fell in love with this game in the first place. Of course, Andrea's competitive achievements speak for themselves. He has built one of the most impressive careers in Magic. But if you ask me, that's not what defines him. What defines Andrea is the impact he's had on people. Starting from the beautiful town of Senigallia, he helped inspire generations of players. He welcomed new players, challenged experienced ones, built communities across every format, and showed us that winning is important - but sharing your passion is even more important. He didn't just become one of the greatest players in Italy. He became one of the faces of Magic around the world. When people think of sportsmanship, dedication, kindness, and passion for this game, they think of Andrea Mengucci. To me, Andrea isn't just a champion. He's the friend who reminds you why this game matters. He's the person who brings people together. He's the reason so many of us are still here, still playing, and still believing that Magic is about more than cards. It's about people. So if you ask me, "Who is Andrea Mengucci?" My answer is simple. Andrea Mengucci is Magic: The Gathering at its very best. And I can't think of anyone more deserving of this honor.