Las Vegas was buzzing with energy as the Pro Tour Magic: The Gathering®—FINAL FANTASY™ entered its second day at the expansive MagicCon: Las Vegas. With over 300 players gathered in the desert to compete, the event showcased the largest Magic convention ever, complete with an entertaining pop-a-shot competition held at the coverage desk. As the first day came to a close, 209 players had performed exceptionally well, securing their spots for Day Two of the tournament—a critical juncture where a solid performance can transform into a legendary achievement.
Among the competitors, Christian Baker stood out, pacing the field with an impressive 8-0 record, backed by a strong draft and the most powerful Standard deck, Izzet Prowess. However, the competition remained fierce, as the field tightened behind him. With three more rounds of Magic: The Gathering—FINAL FANTASY Draft and a decisive final sprint through Standard, the race for Day Two was wide open.
The Magic: The Gathering—FINAL FANTASY Draft format has been praised for its engaging gameplay, presenting players with balanced color strengths. Success in the draft hinged primarily on patience; competitors needed to identify the most open color pairs and capitalize on them swiftly. For instance, Jody Keith excelled with a mono-black deck, showcasing the depth of removal available in the format, including cards like Cornered by Black Mages and Sephiroth's Intervention.
Connor Mackenzie, a Regional Championship winner, also demonstrated the effectiveness of a well-structured deck. He navigated the Draft rounds with a strong mana curve that allowed him to maintain a competitive edge. Only three players—Edgar Magalhaes, Ha Pham, and Ian Robb—managed to secure wins in the second round of drafts, illustrating that mastery of multiple archetypes was essential in this strategic format.
As the competition transitioned into Standard, the spotlight shifted to Izzet Prowess, the deck deemed the most formidable. The inclusion of Cori-Steel Cutter bolstered its power, but many wondered if any team could disrupt the established meta. The addition of Vivi Ornitier became a game changer, leading over 90% of Izzet Prowess players to incorporate it into their decks, especially for countering the popular Azorius Omniscience combo.
Some players, however, opted for unique strategies, including notable Pro Tour veteran Eli Kassis, who led a strong charge with his Golgari Insidious Roots deck. Kassis emphasized the benefit of not conforming to expected deck choices, stating that unpredictability can often yield significant advantages. His deck's enchantment-based win condition posed challenges for the Izzet Prowess players, allowing him to navigate the competition effectively.
As Saturday progressed, the competition intensified, revealing remarkable performances from various players. Nick Odenheimer, a champion from the first-ever Magic Spotlight Series, continued to impress with his Izzet Prowess deck, securing his invitation to the next Pro Tour. Meanwhile, recently crowned US Regional Champion Percy Fang maintained his momentum with a Mono-Red deck, achieving a deep run alongside teammate Quinn Tonole.
Hall of Famers also made their presence felt, with Paulo Vitor Damo da Rosa returning to the Pro Tour and finishing with an 8-2 record. Patrick Chapin and Bob Maher also showcased their skills, with Maher enjoying a spectacular undefeated streak on Friday.
As the tournament reached its climax, the Top 8 contenders began to emerge. With 12 wins required to secure a spot, the competition was fierce. The first to qualify were Ian Robb and Ken Yukuhiro, both utilizing Izzet Prowess to their advantage. Yukuhiro, in particular, showcased his talent with an impressive victory over Shuhei Nakamura, marking his eighth career Top Finish.
As the final rounds unfolded, players such as Yuchen Liu and reigning Regional Champion Percy Fang clinched their places in the Top 8. The final lineup featured a mix of Mono-Red and Izzet Prowess decks, highlighting the dominance of these strategies in the current meta:
Ken Yukuhiro (Mono-Red)Ian Robb (Izzet Prowess)David Rood (Izzet Prowess)Percy Fang (Mono-Red)Yuchen Liu (Mono-Red)Toni Portolan (Izzet Prowess)Christian Baker (Izzet Prowess)Anthony Garcia-Romo (Mono-Red)The atmosphere at MagicCon: Las Vegas was electric, and the Pro Tour Magic: The Gathering—FINAL FANTASY™ demonstrated once again why it's a must-see event for fans and players alike. With exceptional performances, innovative deck strategies, and a thrilling Top 8 reveal, this tournament will be remembered as a highlight in the Magic: The Gathering community.
