By Matko Ferenca, 1st place in the eCup2

At just 26 years old, Zagreb-based automation engineer Matko Ferenca brought focus, discipline, and a clear plan to the eCup2, finishing at the top after a month of very solid play.

Matko first discovered bridge in high school thanks to lessons run by a local club. Once he learned the basics, he moved online almost immediately. “It became a habit to play a daylong tournament almost every morning while having breakfast,” he says. With BBO being the main place to play freely and easily at the time, it quickly became his training ground.

For the eCup2, Matko approached the month with intent. He set an ambitious target average in the opening days, reached it early, then monitored the leaderboard closely and returned during the final stretch to secure his win. “Finishing at the top feels satisfying, both because the plan worked and because it shows that hard work pays off,” he reflects.

When it comes to learning, Matko has a clear sense of what works for him. He finds online bridge especially useful for improving declarer technique, encouraging players who want to grow to “play the boards fully concentrated and work on your declarer play.” He values the consistency and volume that online practice provides.

At the same time, his heart belongs to club bridge. “Playing bridge live is the best way for learning and socializing,” he says. For Matko, the atmosphere of a real-life bridge table is something special, and it is where he feels newer players can benefit from guidance, conversation, and the warmth of a club community.

That blend of online fluency and face-to-face passion is central to his advice. Use online platforms to practice and build strong declarer habits, he says, and complement that with club sessions to meet people, exchange ideas, and enjoy the human side of the game.
 “Go to a local club, meet people, socialize, and play bridge live,” he says. “Everybody will be willing to help and give advice.”