Open event
Open events are large, open-field Magic: The Gathering tournaments that provide acces to the Pro Tour. Introduced in 2023, it is the first type of official tournament since the demise of the Grand Prix to be open to all players, with no need to qualify for the event. As of yet, the Top 8 is not counted as a Top Finish. It isn't counted as a Grand Prix Top 8 either.
Limited Open
A "Limited Open" was first featured at MagicCon Barcelona on July 28-30, 2023.[1]
This multi-day Premier Event features eight rounds of Sealed on Day 1, two three-round drafts on Day 2, and a single-elimination draft in the Top 8 on Sunday.
The tournament has a limit of players (ranging from 1,200 to 2,000) and a total of money prizes ranging between $75,000 and $100,000. All players who finish with 36 match points or higher will earn a Pro Tour invite. All participants must have badges for the MagicCon on Friday and Saturday (Top 8 competitors will be given a Sunday badge if they do not already have one) and pay the entry fee of (about $160) for the event.
History
The first Limited Open te be announced was the one for MagicCon Las Vegas on September 22–24, 2023, with a prize pool of $100,000.[2] Although the return of open tournaments was lauded, players noticed that the price to play ($65 for a badge + $160 entry fee) was prohibitive. In contrast, Grand Prix used to cost around $50-60 to participate.[3][4] Some of the cost could be attributed to economic stress after COVID, but the premium location of Las Vegas played a part, and the choice to bring back the Open in one of the most high-profile locations in America was something that was questioned.
However, due to the apparent popularity of the Las Vegas event, Wizards of the Coast added a similar event to the ticketed play offerings at MagicCon: Barcelona on the earlier date of July 28-30, 2023, replacing the Pro Tour Qualifier.[1] This event had a smaller players limit and prize pool, but a similar ranged entry fee.
Format
Each tournament has a limit of 1500 players and a total of money prizes up to $75,000.
The structure of the tournament is generally run as:
Day 1 – Sealed Deck using the latest set release.
- Eight Rounds of Swiss.
- Players with 18 or more match points advance to Day 2.
Day 2 – Booster Draft using the latest set release.
- Two three-round drafts.
- Top 8 players advance to a final draft on day 3.
- All players with 36 match points, a match record of 12–2 or better, or a Top 8 finish, whichever is greater, qualify for the Pro Tour.
Day 3 Top 8 – Single-Elimination Booster Draft.
Standard Open
A "Standard Open" was introduced at MagicCon: Chicago 2024, as part of Wizards of the Coast's attempts to revitalize Standard play participation.[5]
Modern Open
A "Modern Open" will be introduced at MagicCon Amsterdam 2024.[6]
Format
Each tournament has a limit of 1500 players and a total of money prizes up to $75,000. Eight invites to the first Pro Tour of 2025 will be awarded to the top players at the end of day 3. The first tournament day will feature eight rounds of Modern. Day 2 features six rounds of Modern while day 3 is a Modern single-elimination Top 8.
References
- ↑ a b Wizards of the Coast (June 28, 2023). "The MagicCon: Barcelona $75,000 Limited Open". Magic.gg.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (June 13, 2023). "Introducing the $100,000 Limited Open at MagicCon Las Vegas". Magic.gg.
- ↑ PleasantKenobi (June 13, 2023). "I don't think a $225 weekend tournament is what people were asking for when they said "bring back GPs".". Twitter.
- ↑ PleasantKenobi (June 14, 2023). "This is an event run by WotC, as their big tent pole event. A billion dollar company can take a hit on costs.". Twitter.
- ↑ William Jensen (September 24, 2023). "The Next Steps in Revitalizing Standard: Play". Magic.gg. Archived from the original on September 24, 2023.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (January 26, 2024). "MagicCon Amsterdam: Gathering Beyond the Horizon/". Magic.gg.