This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Netoholic (talk | contribs) at 15:59, 28 June 2004 (Some big rewrites to update the information. More expanded information to come.). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 15:59, 28 June 2004 by Netoholic (talk | contribs) (Some big rewrites to update the information. More expanded information to come.)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Duelists' Convocation International (or DCI) is the official sanctioning body for competitive Magic: The Gathering game play. The DCI provides game rules, tournament operating procedures, and other materials to private tournament organizers and players. It also operates a judge certification program to provide consistent rules enforcement and promote fair play.
In order to play in sanctioned events, players must register for membership and receive a DCI number (PIN). The DCI maintains a global player ratings database using the ELO rating system and members have access to their entire tournament history online. If a member commits frequent or flagrant rules infractions, his or her membership can be suspended for variable amounts of time depending on the severity, from one month to lifetime.
Major tournaments
Pro Tour
Multiple Pro Tours are run every year around the world. A typical Pro Tour season begins in late autumn, with an event held roughly every six weeks culminating at the World Championship. In the months proceeding each Pro Tour, local qualifiers (PTQs) are held around the world, where invitations are earned. Players accumulate Pro Points by attending these events and can receive many more by placing highly. Pro Tours are invitation-only events, and only players with a either a PTQ invitation, high number of Pro Points, or high DCI ranking can attend.
Winning a Pro Tour is every competitive Magic player's dream. Currently, each Pro Tour carries a total purse of US$200,000, with the winner receiving $30,000. Beginning with the 2003-2004 Pro Tour season, the 50 top-ranked Pro players at the conclusion of the season will receive additional cash prizes totaling $635,000.
World Championship
The most prestigious tournament of all is the World Championship, where the best of the best play against each other until the world champion is crowned. World Championships are played over five days, and an invitation is required to be eligible for play. An invitation is obtained either by placing very highly in a National Championship, or having a high enough DCI ranking. The World Championships are normally held in late summer.
Grand Prix
Grand Prix tournaments are open to everyone, both amateurs and professionals. The payout isn't as big as for a Pro Tour and winning a Grand Prix is not as prestigious, but they still attract international competition. Grand Prix tournaments are also held both in the United States and in other countries. Some recent Grand Prix events have been in: New Orleans, Los Angeles, Brussels, Yokohama, Taipei, Utrecht, and other diverse cities. Many players enjoy traveling to Grand Prix tournaments simply to travel and to see the sights around the world.
Invitational
The Invitational is a non-sanctioned tournament held for the 16 highest performers of the year. The winner of the World Championship, the Pro Tour player of the year, and several fan-voted players are among the contestants in a who's-who of professional Magic play. The prize of this tournament is not money but rather the opportunity to design a new card for an upcoming expansion. When the card is printed, it typically bears a likeness of the victor as well. The event was originally held in locations like Sydney and Cape Town, but in recent years, the Invitation has been held using Magic Online. Matches can be viewed live as they are played, or replayed by the software.
The Invitational winners and the cards they took part in designing so far is:
- 1996 Olle Råde, Sylvan Safekeeper
- 1997 Darwin Kastle, Avalanche Riders
- 1998 Mike Long, Rootwater Thief
- 1999 Chris Pikula, Meddling Mage
- 2000 Jon Finkel, Shadowmage Infiltrator
- 2001 Kai Budde, Voidmage Prodigy
- 2002 Jens Thorén, Solemn Simulacrum
Other tournaments
Prerelease tournaments are held in hundreds of locations around the world approximately two weeks before each new expansion, or set, is available for sale in stores. The prerelease provides a casual play atmosphere and provide an enjoyable atmosphere to sneak peek new cards.
Friday Night Magic (FNM) and Arena Leagues are offered in many stores, allowing players to compete for special foil DCI cards and other prizes. These tournaments are mostly for amateurs and are a good place to start your Magic-playing career, but are only available at stores with Wizards of the Coast Premiere status.
Many other stores, school clubs, and community groups hold DCI-santioned events on a regular basis. Events are also held at almost all gaming conventions, such as Origins and GenCon.