Back in the Magic Saddle

I've mentioned before that I play Magic: the Gathering competitively. My performances last year were the best I've ever had, and I'm looking forward to doing well again this year. I haven't competed lately, though. My last major event was almost three months ago.

I've found that the old saying is true. You don't realize how much you miss something until it is gone. I have really missed the competition over the last few months. I've played in some small tournaments at my local shop and I've played some online, but its not the same as the rush I get from a major tournament.

For those who are unfamiliar with the game or the competitive system, the event I'm going to is called a Pro Tour Qualifier. The Pro Tour is the highest level of competition for Magic. There are four Pro Tour events held each year, and you can only participate by invitation only. Winning this event will give me that invitation. In addition, Wizards of the Coast (the comapny that makes Magic) will pay for my airfare and hotel to attend the Pro Tour. This particular Pro Tour is in Atlanta, so the travel isn't that big of a deal, because I'm so close already. However, playing on the Pro Tour can lead to invitations to other Pro Tours which are held all over the world. The next one is in Hawaii. Free airfare and hotel to Hawaii is definitely something I can get behind.

I feel pretty good about my chances. Even though I have not played in a major tournament in some time, I've still kept up to date on the current results. The deck I will be playing is one that I have played in previous major events, so I have some experience with it. Plus, I will be doing some major preparation the rest of this week.

Magic is by far my greatest passion in life, and my friends and family have always supported me in this endeavor. I would love to be win Saturday and show them that all of the support has led to something. Hopefully, my blogpost on Sunday will be telling you how I won the tournament.

-Eddie