One of the Largest Magic: The Gathering Tournaments in the World is Happening in RVA this Weekend

by | Mar 6, 2014 | POLITICS

Get your life counters and your decks in order – The Magic: The Gathering Grand Prix is happening at the Richmond Convention Center this weekend. With about 3900 registered players so far, and a max cap at 5K, this weekends event is, literally, set to be one of the largest MTG events in the world.

Get your life counters and your decks in order – The Magic: The Gathering Grand Prix is happening at the Richmond Convention Center this weekend. With about 3900 registered players so far, and a max cap at 5K, this weekends event is, literally, set to be one of the largest MTG events in the world.

Many of you may be chuckling at the idea – a room full of neck beards hunched over card tables, fighting over mana counts and game rules. But don’t be fooled by your preconceived notions of MTG or card games in general – How many of you have spent a saturday night with a case of cheap beer and a deck of Cards Against Humanity?

Think of MTG as the same thing, but with almost 20 years of cards under its belt, and a fan base significantly more loyal.

And as with any game that pits one man versus another, the chance to show you’re the best, to compete, can be all the fuel someone needs to get involved.

Personally, I haven’t picked up a Magic deck since I was 12, but to watch modern tourneys today, you see the same amount of commitment and intensity that you’d see in the Superbowl.

Alright, maybe not quite like the Superbowl, but there’s real money on the line. This weekend promises $54K in cash split among winners (and the chance to compete at the pro level)

There will also be guest speakers, artist signings, and a mess of chances to trade and learn from other MTG players.

We’re excited, and it might help explain why no one can drive downtown this weekend. Here’s a video explaining additional details, or head on over to the event’s website.

Brad Kutner

Brad Kutner

Brad Kutner is the former editor of GayRVA and RVAMag from 2013 - 2017. He’s now the Richmond Bureau Chief for Radio IQ, a state-wide NPR outlet based in Roanoke. You can reach him at BradKutnerNPR@gmail.com




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