1996

The year 1996 was the fourth year of existence for Magic: The Gathering.

Events

Date		Event
February, 16-18		First Pro Tour held in New York City. Won by Michael Loconto. Start of the Junior Pro Tour
March, 4		First publishing of the Reserved List.
April, 13		Opening of the Wizards of the Coast Official Tournament Center.
May		Release of the Pro Tour Collector Set.
May, 5–7		Pro Tour Los Angeles, won by Shawn "Hammer" Reigner
June		Release of Alliances, after an expansion hiatus of eight months.
Summer		Black Summer, dominated by Necropotence-based decks and anti-Necropotence decks like Turbo Stasis.
July, 4		Debute of the Arena League
July, 6-7		Pro Tour Columbus, won by Olle Råde
July		Release of the Rivals Quick Start Set, the first box set.
July		First issue of the Sideboard magazine
August, 14-18		1996 World Championships in Seattle, won by Tom Chanpheng. Team champions: United States of America.
September, 13-15		Pro Tour Atlanta (Season 1996-1997), won by Frank Adler.
October, 7		Release of Mirage, the first set in the new block model. Cosmetic changes to the cards, including a slightly expanded text box and border, more visible power/toughness numbers and reminder text.
November		Release of the Multiverse Gift Box, previewing Visions
November, 22-24		Pro Tour Dallas, won by Paul McCabe.
End of 1996		Release of the Introductory Two-Player Set for European and Asian markets.
		Player of the Year: Olle Råde