Meet the LEGO MASTERS USA contestants: Manny and Nestor

Brick Fanatics is speaking to the LEGO MASTERS USA contestants to find out more about them and their passion for the hobby. Manny and Nestor are using their family bond for the ultimate teamwork

LEGO MASTERS USA is about to begin. Some of the best builders in the US are competing to see who will receive the title of LEGO MASTERS as they face tough challenges that will push their building ability to the limit.

Brick Fanatics is speaking to the builders who have their sights on the ultimate LEGO prize to get to know them better. In this exclusive interview with the ‘Father and Sons BFF’ team, Mannie explains his life-long love of LEGO and Nestor reveals his own creative streak.

What is your LEGO background?

Mannie: My first encounter with LEGO was when I was three, turning four. I remember being in K-mart, getting lost in the toy aisle and coming across the 1987 castle, which I begged my mom to get me for my birthday. My parents spent the whole night building it, then in two weeks it was all in pieces. That was our family’s first encounter with LEGO.

What are your favourite types of models to build? Where do you do your building?

Mannie: My favourite types of LEGO models to build are LEGO Creator sets because every year there are different sets and you can customise them, add and make your own creations in your own LEGO world. I also enjoy LEGO Technic sets and old sets from my childhood.

I enjoy building my own creations and my own modular buildings the most, I do all of my building in my room in the attic.

Do you collect LEGO sets and/or bricks?

Mannie: I collect LEGO sets, not so much bricks. I recently started collecting antique LEGO sets from my childhood, I tend to keep intact present day sets that I like a lot.

Do you have any other creative hobbies?

Mannie: I cut hair, I’m a barber. That started as a teenager having an older brother, he started me early cutting his hair. In my 20s it developed into a hobby which turned into a full time career. Besides that I’m a father of two daughters, I love the beach and I collect sneakers.

Nestor: I had an artistic talent all my life and now that I’m retired I paint. When I’m not painting I take my wife to our favourite beach spots in our RV campers.

LEGO MASTERS will premiere on Fox in the USA on Wednesday, February 5 at 9.00pm ET/10.00pm PT.

More LEGO MASTERS USA coverage

LEGO MASTERS: The road to the USA

Episode reviews:
Episode 1: “Dream Park Theme Park”
Episode 2: “Space Smash Challenge”

Exit interviews:
Episode 1: No elimination
Episode 2: “Space Smash Challenge”

Meet the judges:
Jamie Berard
Amy Corbett

Meet the contestants:
Sam and Jessica
Krystle and Amie
Mel and Jermaine
Flynn and Richard
Boone and Mark
Manny and Nestor
Travis and Corey
Tyler and Amy
Jessie and Kara
Christian and Aaron

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