The much-anticipated biannual tournament organized by Lotusinhand is approaching its climax. The final bracket has just been announced: Dabi (@the_villain.131) vs. Santiago Hernández (@santiagoraly).
If that pairing rings a bell, it’s because this isn’t the first time the brothers have gone head-to-head. In the 2023 Lotusinhand Singles finals, Santiago emerged victorious, while Dabi took home the “Move of the Tournament” award. Two years later, the story continues—with Dabi looking to even the score in what is shaping up to be one of the most iconic battles in cardistry history.
What began as a “what if” has turned into an unprecedented reality. As Santiago reflects:
For the first year of singles, being in the finals with my brother was just a crazy idea, a “what if”, but now being here for a second consecutive time also with my brother is just insane, this literally has never happened in Cardistry history. And it’s funny cause I didn’t even want to compete this year since I was a bit worn out from doing my solo video Lluvia, so huge thanks to Daniel for convincing me to compete again this year. I’m just happy for what we as brothers have accomplished, any result that may come in this finals I’ll be proud of.
Dabi shares a similar sentiment, but with a competitive spark:
I couldn’t be more happy and proud of getting a final round rematch with Santiago, it’s something that had never happened before in a cardistry competition and making It happen with my brother is as perfect as It gets for me. Still, there is one more round to go and I plan on taking the Baton from Santiago’s room, so look out for the final battle!
This year’s Lotusinhand Singles jury features three respected figures from the cardistry scene, the same trio as the 2023 edition:
Shivraj Morzaria (@shivshuffles)
Lars Mayrand (@larsmayrand)
Daniel Lin (@daniel96928)
The prize pool for 2025 adds extra heat to the competition:
🥇 1st Place: $2,000 + A signature deck released with Lotusinhand + Name immortalized on the Baton & given the baton to keep until the next singles + Mixed bricks of Lotusinhand decks + Direct invite to Singles 2027
🥈 2nd Place: $400 + Mixed brick of Lotusinhand decks + Direct invite to Singles 2027
🥉 3rd Place: $200 + Mixed brick of Lotusinhand decks + Direct invite to Singles 2027
The 2025 Lotusinhand Singles champion will be decided on May 10, when one brother will earn the right to etch his name onto the Baton. The grand final will be a best of 3 moves, with each cardist bringing up to three of their best to the table. Whatever the result, we congratulate all the talented participants who made this year’s tournament unforgettable.
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