Welcome to the 2024 Magic season, where the Pro Tour Murders at Karlov Manor has kicked off in style. It’s hard to believe that it has already been five months since Jean-Emanuel Depraz won the Magic World Championship XXIX and Simon Nielsen claimed the Player of the Year title. Now, both players are back and ready to defend their titles at Pro Tour Murders at Karlov Manor in Chicago.
However, things didn’t start smoothly for Nielsen. Wanting to center himself before the tournament, he decided to bike to the venue from his lodgings. Unfortunately, he took a wrong turn along the way and had to pedal furiously to make it in time for the Pro Tour.
The Pro Tour is a critical time for these high-level Magic players. It’s an opportunity to start the year off with a bang, earn rolling points, and qualify for future Pro Tours. While everyone dreams of a heroic Top 8 finish, it’s the consistent performances that are crucial for staying in the game between big wins.
The field of 258 players at Pro Tour Murders at Karlov Manor is not just made up of battle-hardened veterans. There are also several competitors making their first-ever Pro Tour appearances. One such player is Talia Bael, a former judge from Seattle who recently entered the competitive circuit. Bael sees this Pro Tour as an opportunity to establish herself in the Magic community as a player and expand her relationship with the broader community.
The tournament kicked off with six rounds of Draft, which is often overlooked compared to the Constructed formats. However, a strong showing in Draft can significantly impact a player’s chances of success throughout the tournament. The top testing teams recognize the importance of Draft and have dedicated time to perfect their strategies.
The new boosters and mechanics introduced in Murders at Karlov Manor have added new twists to the game. Early indications suggest that aggressive white-based decks have been successful on Day One of the Pro Tour. Notable undefeated drafters include former world champion Yuta Takahashi and previous Pro Tour Regional Championship victors like Luis Scott-Vargas and Jake Beardsley.
In addition to Draft, the Pro Tour also features the Pioneer format. With the removal of Karn, the Great Creator and the addition of new key cards, Pioneer is going through a transition phase. The format is divided into three tiers: combo decks with Amalia and Lotus Field, “fair” decks like Azorius Control and Rakdos Midrange, and the unique archetype of Izzet Phoenix.
While most players believed there was no dominant deck in Pioneer, one team had a surprise up their sleeves. The tournament promises to be an exciting battle of wits and strategy as players navigate through the different formats and strive for success.
As the Pro Tour Murders at Karlov Manor unfolds, it’s clear that this year’s Magic season is off to an exhilarating start. With seasoned veterans and newcomers alike competing for glory, the stage is set for thrilling matches and unexpected twists. Stay tuned as the tournament progresses and the Magic community witnesses the rise of new champions and the continued dominance of established players.