United States National Championships
| United States of America | |
|---|---|
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| National Championships | |
| Years held: |
1994 to 2011 2017 & 2018 |
| Host cities: |
Atlanta, Georgia Baltimore, Maryland Chicago, Illinois Columbus, Ohio Indianapolis, Indiana Kansas City, Missouri Minneapolis, Minnesota Orlando, Florida Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Richmond, Virginia San Diego, California San Jose, California |
The United States was one of only three countries, along with France and Belgium (unofficially), to hold a National Championship event in 1994.[1] Tournaments were held annually each following year until 2011,[2] and again in 2017 and 2018.[3] The winner of these events were named US Champion and headed the national team at that years' World Championship.
Between 2012 and 2016, the title United States Champion was instead given to the American player with the highest amount of Pro Points in a particular Pro Tour season.
United States National Championships
National Championships (1994 to 2011)
National team members for the World Championships, where known, are marked in bold.
- Between 1995 and 2000, and in 2007, teams had 4 players.[4]
- 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. (Italicised)
Invitations could be formally declined and would be offered in turn to the next player in the standings.
Note: An asterisk (*) after a player's name indicates their exact placing is unknown.
Location: San Jose, California
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Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Location: Columbus, Ohio
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Location: Columbus, Ohio
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Location: Columbus, Ohio
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Location: Columbus, Ohio
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Location: Orlando, Florida
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Location: Orlando, Florida
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Location: Orlando, Florida
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Location: San Diego, California
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Location: Kansas City, Missouri
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Location: Baltimore, Maryland
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Location: Atlanta, Georgia
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Location: Baltimore, Maryland
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Location: Chicago, Illinois
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Location: Kansas City, Missouri
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Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
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World Magic Cup (2012 to 2016)
| Year | Pro Points Champion | Qualifier 1 | Qualifier 2 | Qualifier 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012[72] | Brian Kibler | Alex Binek | Luis Scott-Vargas | Joe Pennachio |
| 2013[73] | Josh Utter-Leyton | Jason Gulevich | Joe Spanier | Daniel Cecchetti |
| 2014[74] | Owen Turtenwald | Isaac Sears | Andrew Baeckstrom | Neal Oliver |
| 2015[75] | Mike Sigrist | Joel Sadowsky | Tom Martell | Neal Oliver |
| 2016[76] | Owen Turtenwald | Soohwang Yeem | Lee Marino | Kevin Jones |
National Championships (2017 and 2018)
Location: Richmond, Virginia
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Location: Columbus, Ohio
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Puerto Rico National Championships
| Puerto Rico | |
|---|---|
 | |
| National Championships | |
| Years held: |
2008 to 2011 2017 & 2018 |
| Host cities: |
Caguas San Juan Toa Baja |
| Repeat titles: | Danilo Prieto |
Despite Puerto Rico being an unincorporated territory of the United States, and Puerto Ricans being US Citizens, a separate Puerto Rican National Championship was established in 2008.
History
From 2008 to 2010 qualification was required to compete in the Puerto Rico National Championship, and a team of three players (plus an alternate) went to compete at Worlds. In 2011, this was changed to open entry, and only the Champion qualified for the 2011 World Championships.
In 2012, under the new World Magic Cup system, Puerto Rico had its most successful season. The National Team of Jorge Iramain, Jonathan Paez, Gabriel Nieves, and Cesar Soto, made it to the grand final of the 2012 World Magic Cup. They were ultimately defeated by another small island nation: Taiwan.[85]
National Championships (2008 to 2011)
National team members for the World Championships, where known, are marked in bold. Alternates are italicised.
Location: Caguas, Puerto Rico
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Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
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Location: Toa Baja, Puerto Rico
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Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
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World Magic Cup (2012 to 2016)
| Year | Pro Points Champion | Qualifier 1 | Qualifier 2 | Qualifier 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012[86] | Jorge Iramain | Jonathan Paez | Gabriel Nieves | Cesar Soto |
| 2013[87] | Gabriel Nieves | Danilo Prieto | Jorge Iramain | Adrian Marquez |
| 2014[74] | Nicolas Cuenca | Ramon Santos | Alberto Pagan | Gabriel Nieves |
| 2015[88] | Gabriel Nieves | Christopher Estapa | Jean Baez | Adrian Marquez |
| 2016[89] | Gabriel Nieves | Adrian Marquez | Cesar Soto | Luis Delfin Prieto |
National Championships (2017 and 2018)
Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
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Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
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American World Champions
Individual
Seven Americans have been World Champion:
- Zak Dolan won the 1994 World Championships.
- Brian Selden won the 1998 World Championships.
- Jon Finkel, who was the current US Champion, won the 2000 World Championships. He also captained the US to victory in the Team competition.
- Seth Manfield won the 2015 World Magic Cup.
- Brian Braun-Duin won the 2016 World Magic Cup.
- William Jensen won the 2017 World Magic Cup.
- Nathan Steuer won in 2022
Team
The United States has won the team competition at Worlds eight times:
- Mark Justice, Henry Stern, Peter Leiher and Mike Long at the 1995 World Championships.
- Dennis Bentley, George Baxter, Mike Long and Matt Place at the 1996 World Championships.
- Matt Linde, Mike Long, Bryce Currence and Jon Finkel at the 1998 World Championships.
- Kyle Rose, John Hunka, Zvi Mowshowitz and Charles Kornblith at the 1999 World Championships.
- Jon Finkel, Chris Benafel, Frank Hernandez and Aaron Forsythe at the 2000 World Championships.
- Trevor Blackwell, Brian Hegstad and Eugene Harvey at the 2001 World Championships.
- Justin Gary, Gabe Walls and Joshua Wagener at the 2003 World Championships.
- Michael Jacob, Paul Cheon and Sam Black at the 2008 World Championships.
References
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (November 28, 2005). "A Different Worlds (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Retrieved on October 6, 2025.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ a b c d e f g Brian David-Marshall (August 5, 2011). "Teaming Up for US Nationals (website)". The Week That Was. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on January 22, 2021. Retrieved on June 27, 2025.
- ↑ a b Mark Rosewater (February 12, 2007). "When the Going Gets Bluff (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Retrieved on June 27, 2025.
- ↑ Bo Bell (November1994). "The Winning Deck (And how to build one) (pdf)". Shadis #16, pp. 63. Shadis. Archived from the original on January 12, 2020. Retrieved on June 27, 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.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (July 1996). "Duelist Companion 23 - Road to the World Title (pdf)". mtghistory.info. Retrieved on June 4, 2025.
- ↑ Jeff J. Lin (September 1996). "Fireworks Over Columbus: Dennis Bentley Wins ’96 Title (.pdf)". The Duelist Sideboard #2, pp. 6. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on September 24, 2019. Retrieved on June 27, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (1999). "Pro Tour-Los Angeles 1999 Player Profiles". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on May 31, 2001. Retrieved on June 27, 2025.
- ↑ MTG Top 8 (2025). "Nationals - US 1997 #2 4CB - Kyle Bigos (website)". MTG Top 8. Retrieved on June 27, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (August 1997). "For the Glory of the game (pdf)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on March 10, 2023. Retrieved on June 28, 2025.
- ↑ MTG Top 8 (2025). "Nationals - US 1998 #1 White Weenie - Matt Linde (website)". MTG Top 8. Retrieved on June 27, 2025.
- ↑ MTG Top 8 (2025). "Nationals - US 1998 #2 Pros Bloom - Mike Long (website)". MTG Top 8. Retrieved on June 27, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (October 1998). "Player Profiles: Semifinalists (pdf)". The Sideboard #18, p. 3. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on August 18, 2025. Retrieved on September 7, 2025.
- ↑ Mario Robaina (November 1998). "Nationals inside out (.pdf)". The Duelist #30, pp. 68-73. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on August 7, 2022. Retrieved on June 28, 2025.
- ↑ Monty Ashley (October 1998). "The Right Stuff Nationals Recap (pdf)". The Sideboard #18, p. 1. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on August 18, 2025. Retrieved on September 7, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (July 4, 1999). "U.S. Nationals 1999 Reports (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on April 17, 2002.
- ↑ Gary Wise (1999). "U.S. Nationals 1999 Reports First Draft Overview (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on March 5, 2002. Retrieved on June 27, 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.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2000). "Finals Recap - Jon Finkel vs. Chris Benafel (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on February 22, 2002. Retrieved on June 27, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (July 4, 1999). "U.S. Nationals 2000 Coverage (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on October 3, 2008. Retrieved on September 7, 2025.
- ↑ Gary Wise (June 8, 2000). "Sealed Deck US Open (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on December 17, 2002. Retrieved on June 27, 2025.
- ↑ a b Wizards of the Coast (October 6, 2006). "Event Coverage Archive (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on October 6, 2006. Retrieved on September 7, 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). "2001 United States National Championship Coverage (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on June 6, 2002. Retrieved on June 27, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2001). "Magic: The Gathering US Nationals (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on February 10, 2002. Retrieved on June 27, 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.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2002). "2002 US National Championship Coverage (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on June 24, 2003. Retrieved on June 27, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2002). "2002 Magic: The Gathering US Nationals (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on October 19, 2002. Retrieved on September 7, 2025.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2003). "2003 Magic: The Gathering US National Championship (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on June 6, 2013. Retrieved on September 7, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (July 29, 2003). "Live Coverage of 2003 US National Championship (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on August 11, 2003. Retrieved on June 28, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2003). "2003 Magic: The Gathering US National Championship (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on August 14, 2003. Retrieved on June 28, 2003.
- ↑ 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). "Live Coverage of 2004 United States National Championship (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on August 3, 2004. Retrieved on June 28, 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 (August 12, 2005). "De Rosa Crowned U.S. Champion (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on October 11, 2008. Retrieved on June 27, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2005). "2005 U.S. National Championships (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on November 5, 2005. Retrieved on June 28, 2025.
- ↑ Ted Knutson (August 12, 2005). "2005 U.S. Nationals Blog (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on June 2, 2009. Retrieved on September 7, 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.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (July 30, 2006). "Cheon Conquers All at U.S. Nationals (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on September 26, 2015. Retrieved on June 27, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2006). "2006 U.S. National Championships (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on August 19, 2006. Retrieved on June 28, 2006.
- ↑ 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 (July 29, 2007). "All Hail Scott-Vargas the Omnipotent! (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on October 11, 2008. Retrieved on June 27, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2007). "2007 US National Championship (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on November 16, 2027. Retrieved on June 28, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2007). "2007 US National Championship (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on June 9, 2009. Retrieved on September 2007.
- ↑ a b 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.
- ↑ a b 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.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (August 3, 2008). "Jacob Re-ignites Great Chicago Fire (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on August 27, 2008. Retrieved on June 27, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (July 2008). "2008 United States National Championship (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on August 27, 2008. Retrieved on June 27, 2025.
- ↑ a b 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.
- ↑ a b 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 (July 26, 2009). "Nationals Showcase: United States, France, Italy (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on July 28, 2009. Retrieved on June 27, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (uly 24, 2009). "Gindy Gets US Lead! (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on December 17, 2009. Retrieved on September 7, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (May 17, 2009). "2009 United States National Championship (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on June 6, 2009. Retrieved on June 27, 2025.
- ↑ a b 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.
- ↑ a b 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.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (August 22, 2010). "Utter-Leyton Crowned U.S. Champ (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on August 23, 2010. Retrieved on June 27, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2010). "2010 United States National Championship (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on August 28, 2010. Retrieved on September 7, 2025.
- ↑ a b 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.
- ↑ a b 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 (August 7, 2011). "Float Like a Sphinx, Sting Like Ali (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on September 15, 2011.
- ↑ Monty Ashley (July 19, 2011). "Magic at Gen Con 2011 (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on August 23, 2011. Retrieved on September 7, 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 June 27, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2013). "2013 World Magic Cup Invitation List (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on August 13, 2013. Retrieved on September 8, 2025.
- ↑ a b 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 June 27, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (June 29, 2016). "World Magic Cup - National Champions (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on November 20, 2016.
- ↑ a b 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.
- ↑ a b Wizards of the Coast (2017). "2017 World Magic Cup Day One (Video)". Twitch. Retrieved on October 14, 2025.
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- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2017). "2017 United States National Championship (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on October 14, 2017. Retrieved on December 4, 2025.
- ↑ a b 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.
- ↑ a b Wizards of the Coast (2018). "2018 World Magic Cup - Day Two (Video)". Twitch. Retrieved on October 14, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (2025). "2017-18 Premier Play Leaderboard (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Retrieved on September 8, 2025.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (July 1, 2018). "2018 United States Nationals (website)". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on January 22, 2021. Retrieved on June 27, 2025.
- ↑ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynGAWznTqgA NZ World Magic Cup 2012 Finals: Chinese Taipei vs. Puerto Rico] (Video). Magic: The Gathering. YouTube (August 20, 2012).
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ 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 (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.