Magic the Gathering: The Fun, The Competition, The Money

Since 1993, Magic the Gathering the card game has developed millions of players worldwide. Not only is it a fun fantasy card game, but it also has a competitive circuit where players can win thousands of dollars.

The game itself sees each player as a wizard, summoning amazing creatures and destructive spells in order to take out their opponents life points.

One of the major tournaments in Australia is the Magic Grand Prix, where thousands of players are competing for a ten thousand dollar prize.

One exuberant local player named Lewis Ophel fondly recalls his time at the Grand Prix.

“I remember competing in the Grand Prix last year; it’s really sweet; the environment is really competitive and fun. The first round is real tense and then if you’re doing well it’s really exciting,” said Ophel.

Manager of The Games Capital Glenn Doyle says it the game has grown to the point where the best players can make a living off it.

“It has its own pro tour, like golf or tennis it can be played as a professional game these days. There are also several people around the world who get paid to play Magic,” said Doyle.

Certain players can earn up to over $380,000 in career prize money.

Not only are the competitors reaping the rewards of the game, but its success and popularity has stores enjoying an increase in service, Canberra’s The Games Capital is no exception.

“In Canberra it’s pretty popular, it’s one of the largest genres of games we sell. Some of our biggest tournaments garner upwards of 250 to 300 players a weekend,” said Doyle.

Aside from the big tournaments and money on offer, Magic also breaks the language barrier by being printed in ten different languages worldwide.

With this fact alone the game is bringing cultures together. With players being able to travel anywhere around the world and communicate needing nothing else but this card game.