At The Game Awards 2018, Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro announced Magic The Gathering will be making a massive expansion into esports with a new tournament structure. The new structure will include a prize pool for $10 million and provide pro Magic players with lucrative opportunities.
The Magic Pro League will get its start next year, and the best players will be offered contracts worth $75,000 to play. The MPL will be made up of 32 of the top-ranked Magic players in the world who will compete in both Magic: The Gathering Arena and the physical version of the game.
The flagship format for Magic Pro League will be Mythic Championships. They’ll kick off with a $1 million invitational tournament at PAX East 2019 where Magic Pro League Players will take on challenges from within the Magic community. Details on how players can join the Magic Pro League will come in early 2019. The MPL is envisioned as an open platform so Magic players around the world can get a chance to play and compete in the new league.
During the lead-up to the Mythic Championships Magic Pro League players will participate in weekly matches in Magic: The Gathering Arena.
Wizards of the Coast Vice President of Esports Elaine Chase had this to say about Magic’s latest push into esports:
“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. Our investment in 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.”
Over 35 million people in 70 countries play Magic The Gathering worldwide and this new tournament format will introduce the game to even more players.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vlsm4BZtgIc
