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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 to 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 1,500 players and a total of money prizes up to $75,000 or $100,000. The structure of the tournament is generally run as:
Day 1Sealed Deck using the latest set release.

  • Eight Rounds of Swiss.
  • Players with 18 or more match points advance to Day 2.

Day 2Booster 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" was introduced at MagicCon Amsterdam 2024.[6]

Format[ | ]

Each tournament has a limit of 1,500 players and a total of money prizes up to $75,000. Eight invites to the first Pro Tour of 2025 would 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[ | ]

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