Belgian National Championships
National Championship tournaments were held annually in Belgium from 1995 through to 2011, then again in 2017 and 2018.[1][2] The winner of these events was named the Belgian Champion and headed the national team at that year's World Championship.
History
Officially, the first Belgian Nationals were held from 1995. However an unofficial event took place in 1994 at some point after the release of Legends. The winner was Frédéric de Thier, playing a black-based deck built around artifacts and The Abyss, who defeated Dominic Symens in the finals.[3] Symens would also participate in the 1994 French Nationals, which was an official tournament. He would again finish in second place, losing to Bertrand Lestrée.[4][5]
Belnats '98
The 1998 Nationals were controversially canceled after the second draft was held, with day 2 of the event being replayed the following month.[6] There were complaints that some eliminated players, teammates of two of the finalists, watching the final draft were suspiciously spaced out behind the six other contestants.[7][8] Then during the deck building stage these two players went to sit together in a side room, conversing with each other in French, despite the Head Judge asking that players find somewhere to sit individually during this process. After deliberation it was announced that the Top 8 draft would be redone. This led to further complaints, with things getting heated to the point that an ambulance had to be called when one of the finalists started having a panic attack.[8][9]
There were a range of different views of the cancellation, and of the circumstances leading up to it. Some claimed that the event wasn't very well run and that they were surprised to learn that it would be two days with both Standard and Booster Draft rounds.[10][11] There had been an expectation that it would follow the format of the 1997 Nationals with a Champion named after seven Swiss rounds of Standard. Other players, however, countered that everything was highly professional and that it was always going to be mixed limited and constructed as was the convention by that point for National Championships.[12]
Nor was there any consensus on the incident itself, or if it had been handled correctly. Opinions ranged from those saying the two players in question should simply have been disqualified and the finals played out.[7][13] Whereas others believed that nothing wrong had happened, teams were a feature of the competitive game, and that anyone sharing the composition of their deck was only putting themselves at a disadvantage. One person even suggested the original complainants were fanatical Flemish Independence supporters showing their biases for French speakers[14]. Upon reflection, that accusation was later retracted.[15]
Only 38 of the 48 players who originally made Day 2 in Brussels chose to attend the rescheduled event in Leuven.[16] The first draft was Mirage block as it had been a month earlier. However with the release of Exodus the second draft was now the full Rath Cycle instead of Tempest, Tempest, Stronghold. There weren't single elimination finals, so after the third round of the second draft Dominique Coene became Belgian Champion over Jean-Louis DíHondt due to better resistance.[16]
World Magic Cup
Between 2012 and 2016, the title Belgian National Champion was instead given to the Belgian player with the highest amount of Pro Points in a particular Pro Tour season. They also lead the National Team at the World Magic Cup, with the other three members having won individual qualifiers to earn a place.
National Championships (1995 to 2011)
National team members for the World Championships, where known, are marked in bold.
- Between 1997 and 2000, and in 2007, teams had 4 players.[17]
- Between 2001 and 2006, and 2008 to 2011, teams consisted of three players. The two losing semi-finalists would play off for 3rd place. 4th place still received an invitation as an Alternate. (Italicized)
Invitations could be formally declined and would be offered in turn to the next player in the standings.
Location: Antwerp
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Location:
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Location: Brussels
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Location: Brussels and Leuven
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Location: Brussels
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Location: Brussels
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Location: Brussels
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Location: Brussels
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Location: Brussels
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Location: Antwerp
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Location: Mechelen
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Location: Gent
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Location: Antwerp
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Location: Antwerp
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Location: Brussels
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Location: Brussels
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Location: Antwerp
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World Magic Cup (2012 to 2016)
| Year | Pro Points Champion | Qualifier 1 | Qualifier 2 | Qualifier 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Vincent Lemoine[76] | Christophe Gregoir | Peter Vieren | Marijn Lybaert[77] |
| 2013 | Vincent Lemoine[78] | Xavier Vantyghem | Marijn Lybaert | Emmanuel Delvigne |
| 2014 | Nicolas Vanderhallen[79] | Mark Dictus | Chris Tornero | Alexandre Darras |
| 2015 | Branco Neirynck[80] | Thomas Van Der Paelt | Johan Verhulst | Amand Dosimont |
| 2016 | Peter Vieren[81] | Pascal Vieren | Jerome Bastogne | Branco Neirynck |
National Championships (2017 and 2018)
Location: Namur
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Location: Antwerp
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References
- ↑ Helene Bergeot (February 9, 2017). "The Return of Nationals and Changes to Grand Prix". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2018-09-14.
- ↑ Elaine Chase (December 6, 2018). "The Next Chapter for Magic: Esports". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2018-12-11.
- ↑ beatsandskies.bsky.social (November 1, 2025). "Posting this here so I can reference it on the wiki! :)". Bluesky.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (November 28, 2005). "A Different Worlds (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Retrieved on October 6, 2025.
- ↑ Monty Ashley (August 23, 2004). "Convocation News: World Championships (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on October 11, 2004. Retrieved on October 5, 2025.
- ↑ a b Wizards of the Coast (1998). "Belgian nationals day 2 (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on June 27, 1998. Retrieved on October 29, 2025.
- ↑ a b Peter Gysemans (May 4, 1998). "Subject: Belgian Nationals: Tourney Report (very, very long) (.txt)". hebel.net. Archived from the original on November 5, 1999. Retrieved on November 1, 2025.
- ↑ a b c Jan Mortelmans (1998). "Tourney report of the Belgian Nationals. (website)". Magic in Belgium. Archived from the original on August 25, 1999. Retrieved on October 30, 2025.
- ↑ Peter Gysemans (May 8, 1998). "Subject: nationals (.txt)". hebel.net. Archived from the original on November 5, 1999. Retrieved on November 1, 2025.
- ↑ Raf Geusens (May 5, 1998). "Subject: A report!! (.txt)". hebel.net. Archived from [www.hebel.net/~ehanuise/tournaments/reports/raf_geusens/belnats98.txt the original] on May 11, 1999. Retrieved on November 1, 2025.
- ↑ Tim Vervliet (May 3, 1998). "Subject: Tournament report (.txt)". hebel.net. Archived from the original on November 9, 1999. Retrieved on November 1, 2025.
- ↑ Jean-Louis DíHondt (May 1998). "! ! ! (French) (.txt)". hebel.net. Archived from the original on August 25, 1999. Retrieved on November 1, 2025.
- ↑ Sheldon Menery (March 9, 1998). "Subject: Belgian Nationals Report (.txt)". hebel.net. Archived from the original on November 5, 1999. Retrieved on November 1, 2025.
- ↑ Marc Fournier (May 5, 1998). "Subject: Report Nationals (.txt)". hebel.net. Archived from the original on November 5, 1999. Retrieved on November 1, 2025.
- ↑ Marc Fournier (May 10, 1998). "Subject: Nationals Report 2 (.txt)". hebel.net. Archived from the original on November 5, 1999. Retrieved on November 1, 2025.
- ↑ a b c Sam Goutsmit (July 4, 1998). "Belgian Nationals, day 2 (website)". Magic in Belgium. Archived from the original on November 5, 1999. Retrieved on October 30, 2025.
- ↑ Tim Willoughby (2007). "Feature: The Teams Competition Explained (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on June 2, 2009. Retrieved on October 26, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (September 1995). "The Duelist Companion (pdf)". mtghistory.info. Retrieved on October 21, 2025.
- ↑ Corey Smith and Henk Coppelmans (1995). "The Duelists' Convococation (pdf)". The Duelist #5. Wizards of the Coast. Retrieved on October 29, 2025.
- ↑ Van der Zwalmen Patrick (March 8, 1996). "Magic in Belgium / lots of them (Usenet post)". Newsgroup: rec.games.trading-cards.magic.misc. Usenet. Retrieved on October 31, 2025.
- ↑ a b c d e f Zongo.be (2025). "Belgian Nationals (continued) (website)". Zongo.be. Retrieved on October 25, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (1997). "European Nationals (last update: 10/7/'97) (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on June 17, 1997. Retrieved on October 29, 2025.
- ↑ Carl Devos (May 18, 1997). "Subject: [tourney report] Belgian Nationals (Usenet Post)". Newsgroup: rec.games.trading-cards.magic.strategy. Magic in Belgium. Archived from the original on November 3, 1999. Retrieved on October 29, 2025.
- ↑ Carl Devos (1997). "1997 tournaments (website)". Carl's Nest. Retrieved on 31 October, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (1998). "National Championships in Europe (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on June 27, 1998. Retrieved on October 29, 2025.
- ↑ Magic in Belgium (1998). "Untitled Document (website)". Magic in Belgium. Archived from the original on October 23, 2000. Retrieved on October 29, 2025.
- ↑ Magic in Belgium (1999). "Untitled Document (website)". Magic in Belgium. Archived from the original on October 23, 2000. Retrieved on October 29, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (1999). "1999 Nationals Tournament Results (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on August 27, 2000. Retrieved on October 12, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (1999). "Results Belgian Nationals May 22-24th, 1999 (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on September 2, 2000. Retrieved on October 29, 2025.
- ↑ Carl Devos (May 26, 1999). "Subject: Report: Nationals (website)". Magic in Belgium. Archived from the original on August 26, 1999. Retrieved on October 30, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2000). "Belgian Nationals Brussels - July 1-2nd 2000 Results (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on January 9, 2003. Retrieved on October 29, 2025.
- ↑ Mark Wraith (2000). "Top 8 Interview - Gert Coeckelbergh (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from [hhttps://www.wizards.com/sideboard/article.asp?x=EURO00/818t8coeckelbergh the original] on June 2, 2009. Retrieved on October 31, 2025.
- ↑ Carl Devos (2000). "2000 tournaments (website)". Carl's Nest. Retrieved on 31 October, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2001). "2001 European Nationals (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on April 22, 2001. Retrieved on October 12, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2001). "Day 4 Player List (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on October 29, 2004. Retrieved on October 31, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2001). "Team List (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on April 14, 2001. Retrieved on October 31, 2025.
- ↑ Carl Devos (2001). "2001 tournaments (website)". Carl's Nest. Retrieved on 31 October, 2025.
- ↑ Rui Oliveira (2002). "National Champions (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on June 2, 2009. Retrieved on October 13, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2002). "European Nationals 2001-2002 (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on October 31, 2002. Retrieved on October 24, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2002). "National Teams (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on June 2, 2009. Retrieved on October 31, 2009.
- ↑ Carl Devos (2002). "2002 tournaments (website)". Carl's Nest. Retrieved on October 31, 2025.
- ↑ Quinten Cauwelier (2002). "Belgian Nationals Coverage (website)". pandora.be. Archived from the original on Aoril 30, 2003. Retrieved on October 31, 2025.
- ↑ magicworldchampionship.com (2003). "Top 8 Nationals (website)". magicworldchampionship.com. Archived from the original on October 7, 2003. Retrieved on October 12, 2005.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2003). "National Team Rosters (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on June 3, 2009. Retrieved on October 31, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2003). "Player List (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on June 3, 2009. Retrieved on October 31, 2025.
- ↑ Carl Devos (2003). "2003 tournaments (website)". Carl's Nest. Retrieved on 31 October, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2004). "2004 Magic: The Gathering ® World Championships (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on March 1, 2005. Retrieved on October 12, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2004). "National Championships (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on February 7, 2005. Retrieved on October 14, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2004). "Pictures - Belgian Nationals 2004 (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on August 26, 2005. Retrieved on October 31, 2025.
- ↑ Gathering Stats (2025). "Nationals Belgium 2004 (website)". Gathering Stats. Retrieved on November 1, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2005). "2005 National Champions and Teams (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on June 4, 2009. Retrieved on October 12, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2005). "National Championships (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on November 27, 2005. Retrieved on October 14, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2005). "National Championship Belgium 2005 (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on March 4, 2006. Retrieved on October 31, 2025.
- ↑ FlyingFreak (September 10, 2005). "Nats 2005 (Forum post)". Fastasybel. Archived from the original on June 12, 2008. Retrieved on October 31, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (November 25, 2006). "2006 Magic: The Gathering World Championships (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on May 10, 2007. Retrieved on October 12, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2006). "2006 National Championships (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on January 1, 2007. Retrieved on October 14, 2025.
- ↑ Bernardo da Costa Cabral (2006). "Finally... (Belgian Nationals Report *3rd*) (website)". MTG Belgium. Archived from the original on February 22, 2013. Retrieved on October 31, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (November 29, 2007). "2007 Magic: The Gathering World Championships (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on June 1, 2008. Retrieved on October 12, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2007). "2007 National Championships (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on August 9, 2007. Retrieved on October 14, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2007). "National Championship Belgium 2007 (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on November 16, 2007. Retrieved on October 31, 2025.
- ↑ Carl Devos (2007). "2007 tournaments (website)". Carl's Nest. Retrieved on 31 October, 2025.
- ↑ Philippe Massart (2007). "2007 Nats *top 8* Report (website)". MTG Belgium. Archived from the original on June 12, 2008. Retrieved on October 31, 2025.
- ↑ Brian David-Marshall (September 21, 2007). "Nationals Round-up (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on June 3, 2009. Retrieved on October 31, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2008). "2008 World Championships Invitation List (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on October 9, 2008. Retrieved on October 12, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2008). "2008 National Championships (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on October 22, 2008. Retrieved on 10, October 2025.
- ↑ Geoffrey Siron (September 18, 2008). "Belgian Nationals, Part 3 (Blog post)". Blogspot. Archived from the original on April 8, 2009. Retrieved on October 31, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (September 12, 2008). "Belgium and Argentina Nationals (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on September 14, 2009. Retrieved on October 31, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2010). "2009 World Championships Invitation List (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on October 14, 2009. Retrieved on October 12, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2009). "2009 National Championships (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on August 31, 2009. Retrieved on October 12, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2010). "2010 World Championships Invitation List (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on December 10, 2010. Retrieved on October 12, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2010). "2010 National Championships (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on October 21, 2010. Retrieved on October 12, 2025.
- ↑ Marijn Lybaert (July 9, 2010). "Feature Article – Rocking Red at Belgian Nationals (Top 8) (Website)". Star City Games. Retrieved on October 31, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2011). "2011 National Championships (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on October 25, 2011. Retrieved on October 12, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2011). "2011 World Championships Invitation List (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on October 7, 2011. Retrieved on October 12, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2011). "2011 Belgium National Championship (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on March 7, 2012. Retrieved on October 31, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2012). "2012 World Magic Cup Invitation List (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on August 18, 2012. Retrieved on July 11, 2025.
- ↑ Marijn Lybaert (August 29, 2012). "Team Belgium’s Prep For The World Magic Cup (website)". Star City Games. Retrieved on October 31, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2013). "2013 World Magic Cup Invitation List (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on August 8, 2013. Retrieved on July 11, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2014). "2014 WORLD MAGIC CUPINVITATION LIST (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on December 22, 2014. Retrieved on July 12, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2015). "2015 WORLD MAGIC CUPINVITATION LIST (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on May 2, 2021. Retrieved on July 11, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2016). "2016 World Magic Cup Invitation List (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on November 20, 2016. Retrieved on July 11, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2018). "2017 Nationals (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on May 21, 2022. Retrieved on October 5, 2025.
- ↑ /u/Hahahopp (September 11, 2017). "Results from Nationals (please post if you have anything) (Social media post)". Reddit. Retrieved on October 31, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2018). "2018 Nationals (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on March 15, 2018. Retrieved on October 5, 2025.