Richmond, Virginia, recently hosted the Pro Tour for Lorwyn Eclipsed, kicking off the 2026 competitive Magic season. With over 300 players attending, the event had its share of challenges, including snowy weather that led to flight cancellations. However, the excitement of drafting and competition was unmistakable as players gathered and the tournament began.
Friday’s draft featured reigning World Champion Seth Manfield. He faced a tough start, ending up with a 1-2 record in a unique draft format. Unlike typical two-color pair drafts, Lorwyn Eclipsed introduced five major archetypes, creating new strategies for players to explore.
As the competition shifted to the Standard format, the spotlight shone on the rising star,
Italian player Marco Belacca emerged as a standout, unbeaten in his Jeskai Control deck that featured only one creature card. This unexpected approach paid off, leaving him at the top of the standings as the day concluded.
The drafting experience gained a layer of intrigue due to its unique nature. Teams like #LookingForTeam used creative methods to prepare. Their captain, Drew Debevoise, emphasized the importance of finding a clear lane in drafting or opting for vivid strategies. Many players were navigating their first Pro Tour, leading to careful practicing and strategizing.
Historical insights reveal that the competitive Magic scene has evolved significantly. In past years, players dominated by leaning heavily on established decks, but this year’s tournament showcased new strengths—from innovative draft strategies to fresh deck archetypes that surprised many.
Talking about reactions, social media buzzed with excitement as players shared their experiences of unexpected outcomes and new favorite strategies. The general consensus was that the format remains far from solved, hinting at an exciting future for upcoming rounds.
With the day’s leaderboard reflecting unexpected contenders and a shake-up of established deck types, all eyes are now on Day Two. Players await another chance to draft and finalize their strategies heading into the final rounds before the Top 8 are determined on Sunday. Coverage for the next day kicks off at 11:00 a.m. ET, promising more thrilling matchups.
