DCI & WPN News

Wizards Explains 2010 Grand Prix Schedule

By ManaNation.com ⋅ November 10, 2009 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅

ManaNation was eagerly awaiting the 2010 Grand Prix schedule, eagerly predicting a banner year for the accessible Grand Prix events. We had heard rumors that the success of Magic this year what with Magic 2010′s record sales, Zendikar’s sales, successes online with Magic Online and the Duels of the Planeswalkers.

When the Grand Prix schedule was released we were shocked to see a schedule shorter than the 2009 schedule. This announcement was met by some surprise and upset by the competitive and casual players. Trick reached out to Wizards asking about the schedule:

Trick’s Email:

On Tuesday, 11/10/09 we received a response from Wizards giving us their official answer:

The answer they provide is quite telling. The fluctuation of one event is considered, by our understanding to Wizards, to be a non-change. One of the major points, and something we neglected to consider was the fact that Grand Prixes feed into the Pro Tour, and the player spaces at those events must be limited or else it becomes unwieldily to run in three days. If the Grand Prix were to jump to 29 events, it would mean at the least, 20 more Pro Tour competitors, which to maintain balance would come off of the Pro Tour Qualifiers elsewhere. And so the change can’t be as dramatic as we had initially dreamt of.

Never the less, we wish we could see a return of the Fourth Pro Tour stop which would allow then an increase in Grand Prixes and PTQs to match our dreams and expectations. With the continued success of Magic through 2011, we may see just that happen in 2012, but not before.

Thanks to Wizards for answering our question and hopefully this satisfies you all as it has us at ManaNation.

Comments are disallowed for this post.

1. thanks for getting a response out of them, i was wondering as to why they would do that too.

   S. Mann | November 11, 2009, 12:43 pm | #

2. I disagree with “geographical balance” when there isn’t a GP in South America next year

   Tom Ross | November 11, 2009, 4:17 pm | #

3. Or a GP in Asia after June… (Australia is just as far and expensive from Japan as America is Wizards.) Yes, we’re getting Worlds, but America is getting almost twice the GP’s all of Eastasia is in addition to its 1.5 PTs. Yes, I realize the ratio of players to events may be closer than any of us imagine, but at least give us semi-spikes something to do for 6 months!! (i.e. balance your schedule better) Besides, if they’re trying to keep the balance as in previous years like they claim…How about giving us something to do for six months that doesn’t require a flight around the world. One last final note…They talked about how they made GP’s in the same area before all of the PTs. Where’s the GP in Asia before Worlds? Oh wait…It’s in Europe.

   I honestly have no complaints about next year’s schedule size, but at least follow through with what you’re preaching. Sorry for being so negative, but for someone in Asia who’s trying to break onto the PT it’s becoming harder, not easier.

   P.S. Thanks for making the one tourny cut be from Asia.

   Hal | November 11, 2009, 6:40 pm | #