Magic: The Gathering has revealed that its popular Magic Presents: Pride event will return in June 2026, featuring a brand-new promotional card to mark the occasion. The multi-day in-store Commander celebration is designed to honor Pride Month and bring players together in an inclusive, community-focused environment.
According to the official announcement on the official Magic: The Gathering website, the Magic Presents: Pride event will run from June 5 to June 14, 2026, at participating local game stores in numerous regions worldwide. This extended timeframe gives stores flexibility to schedule sessions that best fit their communities while aligning with broader Pride Month observances. The event centers on welcoming players from all backgrounds to enjoy casual Commander games that emphasize creativity, personal expression, and shared storytelling.
At the heart of the event is a unique twist on the Commander format: every commander in play will feature the partner mechanic. This rule enables participants to pair any two legal commanders to form a single deck, encouraging innovative builds and thematic storytelling. Players can craft powerful combinations for competitive edge or lean into personal favorites—such as highlighting beloved character relationships from the Magic multiverse. Examples include pairing planeswalkers like Ral and Tomik, or Saheeli and Huatli, as well as more whimsical or unexpected duos like Gonti, Lord of Luxury with Gonti, Night Minister. The focus remains on joy, self-expression, and the vibrant diversity that defines both the Magic community and Pride itself.
To mark the occasion and reward participation, attendees will receive a traditional foil Gilded Lotus promo card while supplies last. This special version features artwork by Merlin G.G., depicting the beloved "Gruulfriends," Chandra and Nissa, sharing a peaceful and tender moment. The iconic mana rock gains added significance through this heartfelt illustration, tying the promo directly to themes of connection and support. As an additional surprise, participants will also receive an enamel pin showcasing the same artwork from the promo card, serving as a special thank-you keepsake.
Stores interested in hosting the event must register by March 27, 2026, to secure their spot and promotional materials. The initiative is available in a wide array of countries and territories, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and numerous European nations such as Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, along with others like South Africa and Israel. Players are encouraged to reach out to their local game store early to confirm participation, check for event dates, and begin preparing decks in advance. The official locator tool on the Magic website can help players find nearby participating stores.
This year's iteration continues the tradition of Magic Presents: Pride as an opportunity for local communities to come together in celebration. By blending gameplay with meaningful themes, the event underscores Magic: The Gathering's commitment to creating welcoming spaces where everyone feels represented and valued. More details, including any additional event guidelines or updates, are expected to be shared closer to the date.
With its combination of strategic deck-building freedom, exclusive collectibles, and community-focused play, Magic Presents: Pride 2026 promises to be a highlight of the year's in-store calendar. Players looking to participate should stay connected with their local stores and prepare for a month of colorful, partner-powered Commander battles.
