During The Game Awards show, Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast announced their investment into Magic: The Gathering esports for 2019 with a new completely restructured competitive program featuring a massive $10 million prize pool. The new program introduces a new focus on digital Magic plus the new Magic Pro League offering competitive player contracts worth $75,000.

“Today is an extremely important day for Magic: The Gathering as we announce our commitment to esports and our Magic players by introducing a new tournament structure with a $10 Million prize pool.” said Chris Cocks, President of Wizards of the Coast.” We have worked diligently to create a program that will establish Magic as a major player in esports, particularly with Magic: The Gathering Arena in the collectable card game category.”

The new 2019 Magic Esports Season is also designed as an open platform allowing all Magic players the opportunity to compete. There will be 10 Mythic Championships plus partner events with $5 million in prizes dedicated to MTG Arena and $5 Million for tabletop Magic. The MTG Arena esports program kicks off with a $1 Million invitational Mythic Championship at PAX East 2019.

Also announced part of the new Magic Esports season is the Magic Pro League which will feature 32 of the best Magic players in the world. Magic Pro League members are automatically qualified for each Mythic Championship, and in addition to playing for the massive prize pool, each player will receive competitive pro contracts. Players outside the Magic Pro League also have the ability to climb the ranks to qualify for the League.

“The past 25 years of Magic competition has led us to design this comprehensive esports program that would support Magic: The Gathering Arena, while increasing our investment in tabletop Magic,” said Elaine Chase, Vice President of Esports at Wizards of the Coast. “Magic Esports will catapult the game to new heights while providing support to the players by giving them the platform to build their brand and bring Magic to a broader audience.”

If you want to check out more information about Magic: The Gathering esports, check out the site.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vlsm4BZtgIc