On Tuesday, has announced the Magic: The Gathering Limited Championship, a groundbreaking tournament set to spotlight the Limited format in 2027. This high-stakes, Limited-focused event promises a $500,000 prize pool, invitations to the Magic World Championship, and a global qualification structure through events in 2026. Designed to celebrate the strategic depth and excitement of Limited play, this championship marks a significant addition to the Magic: The Gathering competitive scene.
As William "Huey" Jensen first announced on today's episode of WeeklyMTG, Magic Limited Championship is a standalone, three-day tournament that will exclusively feature Limited formats, such as Sealed Deck and Booster Draft, mirroring the structure of the Magic Pro Tour. Scheduled for 2027, with the exact date and location to be confirmed, the event is poised to be a pinnacle of competitive Magic for players who thrive in the dynamic and skill-intensive Limited environment. Wizards of the Coast emphasized that this is not the launch of a new tournament series but a special, one-of-a-kind event aimed at showcasing the best of Limited play.
Players can expect a competitive experience filled with high stakes and substantial rewards. The championship will offer a $500,000 prize pool, with a payout structure similar to that of the Pro Tour. Additionally, the Top 8 finishers will earn invitations to the Magic World Championship in 2027, providing a pathway to one of the most prestigious events in Magic: The Gathering. Further prize details will be shared closer to the event, and updates will be available on Magic.gg and Magic’s social media channels.
Magic Limited Championship Qualification Pathways for 2026
To secure a spot in the 2027 Magic Limited Championship, players will have multiple opportunities to qualify through a series of Limited Championship Qualifiers (LTQs) held throughout 2026. These qualifiers will take place in various formats and locations, both in-person and online, ensuring accessibility for players worldwide. The LTQs will include:
Regional Championship LTQs: These qualifiers will be hosted as Sealed Deck Swiss tournaments, culminating in a single-elimination Booster Draft for the Top 8. The number of invitations awarded will vary by region and event organizer, so players are encouraged to check with their regional organizers for specific details. In some cases, these LTQs may replace existing “open” events that award Regional Championship invitations, with the original prize money and invitations still available alongside Magic Limited Championship invites.
Spotlight Series LTQs: Similar to Regional Championship LTQs, these events will feature Sealed Deck Swiss tournaments followed by a Top 8 Booster Draft. The Top 4 players at each Spotlight Series LTQ will earn invitations to the Magic Limited Championship.
MagicCon LTQs: Held at Magic’s premier fan events, MagicCon LTQs will vary in structure depending on the specific convention. These qualifiers will be part of the ticketed play schedule, with the first event scheduled for MagicCon: Las Vegas 2026. Players can find more information on mtgfestivals.com.
MTG Arena LTQs: For digital players, Wizards of the Coast will host online-only LTQs through MTG Arena. Details about these events will be shared via MTG Arena announcements on DailyMTG and the platform’s social media channels.
Beyond LTQs, additional qualification paths include:
The Top 16 players in Booster Draft match results across the six rounds of each Pro Tour and Magic World Championship in the 2025–2026 Premier Play season.
The winner of Magic World Championship 32.
Magic Pro Tour Hall of Fame members, who may use their annual invite to participate in either a Pro Tour of their choice or the 2027 Magic Limited Championship during the 2026–27 season.
A Focus on Limited Mastery
The Magic Limited Championship underscores Wizards of the Coast’s commitment to celebrating the artistry and strategy of Limited formats. Unlike Constructed formats, which rely on pre-built decks, Limited challenges players to build decks on the spot from sealed card pools or draft selections, testing their adaptability, card evaluation skills, and in-game decision-making. By dedicating a major tournament to this format, Wizards aims to elevate the profile of Limited play and reward the players who excel in this demanding discipline.
Players interested in competing are encouraged to contact their regional tournament organizers for registration details and to stay tuned for updates in 2026 regarding the championship’s specifics. All event details, prize structures, and qualification criteria are subject to official rules and may be modified or canceled at Wizards of the Coast’s discretion. Full eligibility information will be available on Magic.gg.
The announcement of the Magic Limited Championship has set the stage for an exciting chapter in Magic: The Gathering’s competitive history. With a robust qualification system, a substantial prize pool, and a focus on the beloved Limited format, the event promises to draw top talent from around the globe. As 2026 approaches, players are already preparing to hone their pack 1, pick 1 strategies and seize their chance to compete in this landmark tournament.
For the latest updates on the Magic Limited Championship and its qualifying events, visit Magic.gg or follow Magic: The Gathering’s official social media channels.
