u/onthewaymedia

The 2026 World Cup kicked off today, and the energy here in Kansas City is electric! This tournament is deeply personal for me and brings back a massive rush of memories.

Back in 1993, I left my job to join the World Cup USA '94 Boston Organizing Committee. I served as the Venue Press Operations Manager at Foxboro Stadium alongside our Press Director (and now legendary commentator) Derek Rae. Setting up that media center for global journalists remains a career highlight that still gives me goosebumps 32 years later.

Now that the tournament is back in North America, I’m experiencing it from a totally different perspective: as a fan. While I had a little FOMO watching the local logistics machine move without me, I am so excited for what's ahead.

The absolute highlight? My home country, Ecuador, is playing right here in KC against Curaçao! Thanks to an incredible Christmas surprise from my daughters, I’ll actually be in the stands. Even better, my cousin and his friend are flying in from Ecuador to stay with us, and I’ve already been making amazing memories exploring the KC fan zones with my grandson.

From running the media ops in '94 to bleeding yellow in the stands with family in '2026—what a journey. ¡Vamos, Ecuador! 🇪🇨

#WorldCup2026 #KC2026

Some Mac Baren Vanilla Cream Flake in a vintage Lorenzo Flying Disc briar pipe to kick off the work week. What's in your bowl today?

Enjoying a Drew Dunn olive wood Belge and some Lane BCA. What's in your pipe this weekend?

A Longchamp France leather-wrapped billiard and some Gezvan, a signature house-blended bulk tobacco exclusive to Jon's Pipe Shop (historically associated with proprietor Gerard Ezvan) located in the St. Louis area. What's in your pipe on this hump day?

A beautifully Neerup Denmark 2 Basic and some Pipe Force Episode 5 on this hump-day mid-day break. What's in your bowl today?

A vintage Falcon (Ireland) with a customized and adapted corn cob bowl on this Cob Tuesday. What's on your bowl today?

I love me a work from remote day. I'm enjoying some Orlik Golden Sliced from 2020 in a rusticated Capitol Bruyere 812 Italy billiard. What's in your bowl on this weekend eve?

A beautifully rusticated Lorenzo Varallo 8720 made in Ascona, Italy and some Robert McConnell Scottish Flake on this mid-day break by the work neighborhood pond. What's in your pipe today?

A Morgan Bones Brandy I lovingly call "Scarface" and a Frankenblend of various Latakia based blends on this Monday mid-day break smoke.

I'm back in Providence for the 4th of July weekend and the FireWater event unlocked great memories for me. It was a beautiful evening! Did you get to go?

The Rhode Island State House in all its glory on the 250th anniversary of the nations Independence.

A vintage square-shanked Missouri Meerschaum Golfer from the mid 20th century and some G.L. Pease Union Square on this toasty Tuesday. What's in your pipe today?

Some Sutliff Birds of a Feather Paradoxical and an Algerian Briar The Bridge-Pipe to kick off the weekend. What's smoldering in your bowl?

What a fantastic experience!

Drowning my sorrows after a tough World Cup loss by my home country Ecuador in their opening match against Ivory Coast. Ugh! I'm trying to enjoy some Buttered Rum in a sandblasted Moonshine Devil Anse.

From managing media at World Cup Soccer USA '94 to cheering in the stands for WC2026—what a full-circle moment!

Some Sutliff Creme Brulee in a Mastro Geppetto Rusticato made in Italy on this hump day.

Enjoying a post mid-day meal smoke with a Czech made Prague Pipe in olive wood and some G.L. Peace Union Square on this hot summer day. What's on your bowl today?

A Molina made in Italy calabash shaped briar and some Gurkha Urban Legend for my mid-day smoke. What's in your bowl today?

A Charatan’s Make First Lane Era (1961-5) Special Extra Large Smooth Panel Acorn Estate Briar Pipe and some Lane BCA to kick off the work week. What's in your pipe today?

A GBD New Century 1353 D and some Missouri Meerschaum Missouri Pride on this overcast and drizzly mid-day break. What are you smoking today?