GRAND PRIX CHARLOTTE 2015

Michael Malone and his Collected Company of Elves made Modern history, defeating Wesley See's Blue-Red Twin in the finals of Grand Prix Charlotte.

GRAND PRIX CHARLOTTE 2015

TOP 8 COVERAGE

Dragons of Tarkir's impact on Modern was immortalized when Michael Malone matched Collected Company up with Elves for Grand Prix Charlotte. Defeating Wesley See's updated take on Blue-Red Twin in the finals, it was a finish in a flash for an event full of Modern's potential.

2,870 players started the weekend, and when Day 2's 311 players returned on Sunday there were still fifty-four archetypes vying for the Top 8. Potent staples like Blood Moon appeared in abundance throughout the weekend, but small adaptations like newer answers of Roast and Kolaghan's Command helped shape the final result.

Despite Modern's history of powerful strategies, its future is still wide open with players constantly looking for the next great deck. While Collected Company had a weekend to shine in Charlotte, this won't be the last of how Dragons of Tarkir affects the format. Congratulations again to Michael Malone, champion of Grand Prix Charlotte!

Article

June 15 2015

Top 5 Cards by Adam Styborski

What were the biggest cards of the weekend? Then read on to learn more about Grand Prix Grand Prix Charlotte's Top 5 Cards! #5 Blood Moon The last few weeks have witnessed the ascent of the...

Learn More

Article

June 15 2015

Finals: Michael Malone (Elves) vs. Wesley See (Blue-Red Twin) by Corbin Hosler

Both Michael Malone and Wesley See were competing in their first Grand Prix Top 8, and they swapped stories as they shuffled up for the match. And with neither player having faced the other’s...

Learn More

Article

June 14 2015

TOP 8 DECKLISTS by Wizards of the Coast

Want to see what rose to the top of Grand Prix Charlotte? Then take a look at the Top 8 competitors' decklists! ...

Learn More

Jun 15 2015

Article

Archetype Exemplars: Top Decks of Grand Prix Charlotte

by Adam Styborski

It's easy to recall the consistently powerful decks in Modern. With the classic take on Splinter Twin making the finals, as well as a semifinals appearance for the venerable Affinity machines,...

Jun 15 2015

Article

Semifinals: Andrew Wagoner (Affinity) vs. Wesley See (Blue-Red Twin)

by Adam Styborski

Andrew Wagoner and Wesley See seemed to have a lot in common. Each had earned their first Grand Prix Top 8, and each qualified for Pro Tour Battle for Zendikar. Both had defeated their...

Jun 14 2015

Article

Semifinals: Darien Elderfield (Ad Nauseam combo) vs. Michael Malone (Elves)

by Corbin Hosler

Darien Elderfield’s run was one of the major stories of the tournament, with his Ad Nauseam/Phyrexian Unlife/Angel’s Grace combo deck storming through Day 1 undefeated and confounding...

Jun 14 2015

Article

Quarterfinals

by Corbin Hosler

The Top 8 of Grand Prix Charlotte was set, and the field was a picture-perfect example of Modern’s diversity. With seven distinct archetypes spread among the field’s final eight players and...

Jun 14 2015

Article

Top 8 Profiles

by Adam Styborski

Learn more about Grand Prix Charlotte's Top 8 competitors by taking a look through their profiles! Name: Zach Jesse Age: 30 Hometown: Richmond, VA Previous Magic...

DAY 2 COVERAGE

Jund. Goryo’s Vengeance. Abzan Midrange. Elves. Abzan Company. Ad Naeuseam. Naya Burn. Red-Green Tron. These Modern decks are the Day 1 undefeated taste of the variety on display this weekend at Grand Prix Charlotte.

Far more options are resting within striking range.

With 311 players back battling for their chance at a Top 8 it’s a scramble to stay on top. Follow along the journey Top 8 with live coverage from Grand Prix Charlotte all day long at twitch.tv/scglive!

Article

June 14 2015

Controlling Modern with Patrick Chapin by Corbin Hosler

Patrick Chapin is known for a great many things in Magic. A prolific professional career that landed him a place in the Hall of Fame. Consistently strong content, including a pair of popular...

Learn More

Article

June 14 2015

Going Rogue in Charlotte by Corbin Hosler

The concept of "going rogue" has a long and storied history in Magic's history. From the early days when a "Sligh" deck (these days known as Red Deck Wins) shook up an unprepared format,...

Learn More

Article

June 14 2015

Day 2 Archetype Breakdown by Adam Styborski

It's not an exaggeration that Modern is packed with a diversity of archetypes. Small samples from invitation-based events like the Pro Tour help tell the tale but the breakdown of what made Day 2...

Learn More

Jun 14 2015

Article

Day 1 Undefeated Decklists

by Corbin Hosler

Modern is a format where you can play nine different decks in Day 1 of a Grand Prix, and our selection of undefeated decks show that on any given day a skilled player wielding a deck they know...

DAY 1 COVERAGE

2,780 players – more than our last visit to the Queen City – came to Charlotte for a Modern format full of options. Jund was returned and renewed thanks to options like Terminate and Kolaghan’s Command. Splinter Twin made a splash with its vanilla (classic blue-red), Temur (Tarmogoyf-inclusive), and Grixis (Tasigur, the Golden Fang) varieties. Amulet Bloom continued its post-Pro Tour Fate Reforged pop in popularity.

And that’s not yet scratching the surface of decks seen this weekend.

With 311 players returning for the Sunday showdown, and a whopping nine undefeated players vying to remain on top of the standings, a day full of excitement awaits. Follow along the battle for Top 8 with live coverage from Grand Prix Charlotte continues beginning at 9 AM EST (6 AM PST; 2 PM CEST) at twitch.tv/scglive!

Article

June 14 2015

The Top Tables – Day One by Corbin Hosler

Tarmogoyfs, Tasigurs and Titans. That describes what I saw as I browsed the top tables at the end of Day One at Grand Prix Charlotte. There were plenty of unexpected decks still floating around...

Learn More

Article

June 14 2015

Worlds Near and Far Away by Adam Styborski

The clock is ticking, and for many pros it's a sound heard around the world. With the window of opportunity begin to close on securing Pro Players Club levels and benefits, every Grand Prix...

Learn More

Article

June 13 2015

OVER THE MOON by Corbin Hosler

When Justin Cohen made the Top 8 of Pro Tour Fate Reforged playing Amulet Bloom — the deck that uses Amulet of Vigor and Summer Bloom to make outrageous amounts of mana to take over the game...

Learn More

Jun 13 2015

Article

Modern History

by Adam Styborski

Friday, September 2, 2011. It was a unique day in Magic history, the first day of Pro Tour Philadelphia and the debut of Modern at its highest level of play. Hundreds of the game's greatest...

Jun 13 2015

Article

Dragons of Tarkir Hits the Modern Scene

by Corbin Hosler

If there's ever been a slow-burner of a set, it's Dragons of Tarkir. Initially looked at as a set with some powerful-but-difficult-to-implement cards, it wasn't immediately clear when it...

Jun 13 2015

Article

"People are going to start respecting Lands."

by Corbin Hosler

Since its inception, Modern has been a format defined by many things. The "Turn 4" rule (no deck should consistently win before Turn 4). The "Liliana test" (Can your deck beat a third-turn Liliana...

Jun 13 2015

Article

Grand Prix Trial Winners: A Medley of Modern Decks

by Adam Styborski

Modern is a format of flux. The decks at the top of the metagame food chain shift and change as the answers do, and new cards are introduced to nudge (or knock) the status quo around. Grand...

Jun 09 2015

Article

FACT SHEET

by Wizards of the Coast

TOP 8 DECKLISTS

Select a Deck

Sam Pardee – Blue-Red Twin

Decklist Stats Sample Hand

Creature (11)

4 Deceiver Exarch 2 Pestermite 1 Vendilion Clique 4 Snapcaster Mage

Sorcery (5)

1 Roast 4 Serum Visions

Instant (17)

2 Cryptic Command 2 Electrolyze 4 Remand 4 Lightning Bolt 1 Spell Snare 1 Spell Pierce 2 Dispel 1 Peek

Enchantment (4)

4 Splinter Twin

Land (23)

4 Misty Rainforest 4 Scalding Tarn 4 Island 1 Mountain 1 Stomping Ground 3 Steam Vents 3 Sulfur Falls 1 Cavern of Souls 2 Desolate Lighthouse

60 Cards

Sideboard (15)

1 Roast 1 Grim Lavamancer 2 Blood Moon 2 Ancient Grudge 1 Negate 2 Keranos, God of Storms 1 Teferi, Mage of Zhalfir 1 Jace, Architect of Thought 2 Anger of the Gods 1 Rending Volley 1 Spellskite

Deal Another Hand

Donald Smith - Burn

GRAND PRIX CHARLOTTE 2015

Decklist Stats Sample Hand

Creature (14)

4 Monastery Swiftspear 4 Eidolon of the Great Revel 4 Goblin Guide 2 Grim Lavamancer

Sorcery (8)

4 Rift Bolt 4 Lava Spike

Instant (18)

4 Skullcrack 4 Boros Charm 3 Searing Blaze 1 Flame Javelin 2 Lightning Helix 4 Lightning Bolt

Land (20)

4 Arid Mesa 1 Stomping Ground 4 Sacred Foundry 4 Bloodstained Mire 4 Wooded Foothills 3 Mountain

60 Cards

Sideboard (15)

2 Deflecting Palm 1 Searing Blood 4 Destructive Revelry 1 Torpor Orb 3 Kor Firewalker 2 Path to Exile 2 Molten Rain

Deal Another Hand

Wesley See – Blue-Red Twin

GRAND PRIX CHARLOTTE 2015

Decklist Stats Sample Hand

Creature (12)

4 Snapcaster Mage 4 Deceiver Exarch 1 Vendilion Clique 2 Pestermite 1 Grim Lavamancer

Sorcery (6)

1 Roast 4 Serum Visions 1 Sleight of Hand

Instant (13)

1 Spell Pierce 1 Cryptic Command 1 Spell Snare 2 Electrolyze 4 Remand 4 Lightning Bolt

Enchantment (6)

4 Splinter Twin 2 Blood Moon

Land (23)

1 Desolate Lighthouse 3 Sulfur Falls 1 Tectonic Edge 4 Misty Rainforest 4 Scalding Tarn 1 Ghost Quarter 3 Steam Vents 1 Stomping Ground 4 Island 1 Mountain

60 Cards

Sideboard (15)

1 Blood Moon 1 Keranos, God of Storms 2 Anger of the Gods 1 Jace, Architect of Thought 1 Dismember 1 Spellskite 1 Batterskull 1 Dispel 2 Negate 1 Sower of Temptation 2 Ancient Grudge 1 Teferi, Mage of Zhalfir

Deal Another Hand

Andrew Wagoner - Affinity

GRAND PRIX CHARLOTTE 2015

Decklist Stats Sample Hand

Creature (28)

4 Vault Skirge 2 Spellskite 4 Signal Pest 2 Etched Champion 2 Memnite 4 Steel Overseer 2 Master of Etherium 4 Arcbound Ravager 4 Ornithopter

Instant (4)

4 Galvanic Blast

Artifact (12)

4 Mox Opal 4 Springleaf Drum 4 Cranial Plating

Land (16)

4 Inkmoth Nexus 4 Darksteel Citadel 4 Blinkmoth Nexus 2 Glimmervoid 1 Mountain 1 Island

60 Cards

Sideboard (15)

1 Spellskite 2 Etched Champion 3 Torpor Orb 2 Whipflare 3 Thoughtseize 3 Ancient Grudge 1 Tormod's Crypt

Deal Another Hand

Ian Bosley – Abzan Company

GRAND PRIX CHARLOTTE 2015

Decklist Stats Sample Hand

Creature (30)

4 Birds of Paradise 3 Noble Hierarch 2 Viscera Seer 2 Wall of Roots 2 Melira, Sylvok Outcast 2 Anafenza, Kin-Tree Spirit 2 Scavenging Ooze 1 Spellskite 1 Qasali Pridemage 4 Kitchen Finks 3 Eternal Witness 1 Fiend Hunter 1 Murderous Redcap 1 Linvala, Keeper of Silence 1 Reveillark

Instant (8)

4 Collected Company 4 Chord of Calling

Land (22)

4 Windswept Heath 4 Verdant Catacombs 2 Temple Garden 2 Razorverge Thicket 2 Horizon Canopy 2 Overgrown Tomb 2 Gavony Township 1 Godless Shrine 1 Swamp 1 Plains 1 Forest

60 Cards

Sideboard (15)

4 Fulminator Mage 4 Tidehollow Sculler 2 Abrupt Decay 1 Burrenton Forge-Tender 1 Eidolon of Rhetoric 1 Orzhov Pontiff 1 Kor Firewalker 1 Kataki, War's Wage

Deal Another Hand

Darien Elderfield – Ad Nauseum

GRAND PRIX CHARLOTTE 2015

Decklist Stats Sample Hand

Creature (4)

4 Simian Spirit Guide

Sorcery (8)

4 Serum Visions 4 Sleight of Hand

Instant (16)

4 Ad nauseam 3 Spoils of the Vault 4 Angel's Grace 2 Lightning Storm 3 Pact of Negation

Artifact (8)

4 Lotus Bloom 4 Pentad Prism

Enchantment (3)

3 Phyrexian Unlife

Land (21)

1 Temple of Enlightenment 4 Temple of Deceit 4 Gemstone Mine 4 Seachrome Coast 4 Darkslick Shores 2 Plains 2 Dreadship Reef

60 Cards

Sideboard (15)

1 Pact of Negation 3 Darkness 1 Gigadrowse 1 Slaughter Pact 4 Leyline of Sanctity 1 Laboratory Maniac 1 Repeal 2 Esper Charm 1 Patrician's Scorn

Deal Another Hand

Zach Jesse – Goryo's Vengeance

GRAND PRIX CHARLOTTE 2015

Decklist Stats Sample Hand

Creature (14)

4 Griselbrand 4 Worldspine Wurm 2 Borborygmos Enraged 4 Simian Spirit Guide

Sorcery (10)

4 Night's Whisper 2 Tormenting Voice 4 Faithless Looting

Instant (17)

4 Goryo's Vengeance 4 Through the Breach 4 Nourishing Shoal 1 Noxious Revival 2 Manamorphose 2 Desperate Ritual

Land (19)

4 Temple of Malice 2 Blood Crypt 2 Blackcleave Cliffs 4 Bloodstained Mire 2 Mountain 5 Swamp

60 Cards

Sideboard (15)

4 Blood Moon 2 Thoughtseize 3 Pyroclasm 1 Defense Grid 1 Pithing Needle 1 Torpor Orb 3 Pact of Negation

Deal Another Hand

Michael Malone - Elves

GRAND PRIX CHARLOTTE 2015

Decklist Stats Sample Hand

Creature (34)

4 Nettle Sentinel 4 Elvish Mystic 4 Llanowar Elves 4 Heritage Druid 4 Elvish Visionary 4 Elvish Archdruid 3 Ezuri, Renegade Leader 1 Spellskite 1 Scavenging Ooze 1 Fauna Shaman 1 Eternal Witness 1 Reclamation Sage 1 Elvish Champion 1 Thragtusk

Instant (8)

4 Collected Company 4 Chord of Calling

Land (18)

5 Forest 4 Razorverge Thicket 4 Cavern of Souls 3 Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx 1 Okina, Temple to the Grandfathers 1 Pendelhaven

60 Cards

Sideboard (15)

1 Spellskite 1 Reclamation Sage 3 Kitchen Finks 3 Beast Within 2 Fracturing Gust 2 Dismember 1 Bow of Nylea 1 Hushwing Gryff 1 Burrenton Forge-Tender

Deal Another Hand

Top 8 Bracket

Quarterfinals

(1) Zach Jesse

(8) Darien Elderfield, 2-0

(5) Donald Smith

(4) Michael Malone, 2-1

(3) Samuel Pardee

(6) Wesley See, 2-0

(7) Andrew Wagoner, 2-1

(2) Ian Bosley

Semifinals

(8) Darien Elderfield

(4) Michael Malone, 2-0

(6) Wesley See, 2-1

(7) Andrew Wagoner

Finals

(4) Michael Malone, 2-0

(6) Wesley See

Top 8 Players

1st Place $4,000

Michael Malone

See Profile

2nd Place $2,700

Wesley See

See Profile

3rd Place $1,500

Andrew Wagoner

See Profile

4th Place $1,500

Darien Elderfield

See Profile

5th Place $1,000

Zach Jesse

See Profile

6th Place $1,000

Ian Bosley

See Profile

7th Place $1,000

Samuel Pardee

See Profile

8th Place $1,000

Donald Smith

See Profile

Grand Prix Charlotte 2015 Finals: Michael Malone (Elves) vs. Wesley See (U/R Twin)

Grand Prix Charlotte 2015 Semifinals (Part 2)

Grand Prix Charlotte 2015 Semifinals (Part 1)

Grand Prix Charlotte 2015 Quarterfinals (Part 2)

Grand Prix Charlotte 2015 Quarterfinals (Part 1)

Grand Prix Charlotte 2015 Finals: Michael Malone (Elves) vs. Wesley See (U/R Twin)

Grand Prix Charlotte 2015 Semifinals (Part 2)

Grand Prix Charlotte 2015 Semifinals (Part 1)

Grand Prix Charlotte 2015 Quarterfinals (Part 2)

Grand Prix Charlotte 2015 Quarterfinals (Part 1)

PAIRINGS, RESULTS, AND STANDINGS

FINAL STANDINGS

Note: final standings reflect the number of players participating in the event, not the number of preregistered players.

PAIRINGS

DAY ONE ATARKA: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

DAY ONE DROMOKA: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

DAY ONE OJUTAI: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

DAY TWO: 10 11 12 13 14 15

RESULTS

DAY ONE ATARKA: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

DAY ONE DROMOKA: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

DAY ONE OJUTAI: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

DAY TWO: 10 11 12 13 14 15

STANDINGS

DAY ONE ATARKA: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

DAY ONE DROMOKA: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

DAY ONE OJUTAI: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

DAY TWO: 10 11 12 13 14 15

FULL COVERAGE ARCHIVE

article GRAND PRIX CHARLOTTE 2015 June 15, 2015

Top 5 Cards

by Adam Styborski

What were the biggest cards of the weekend? Then read on to learn more about Grand Prix Grand Prix Charlotte's Top 5 Cards! #5 Blood Moon The last few weeks have witnessed the ascent of the...

article GRAND PRIX CHARLOTTE 2015 June 15, 2015

Finals: Michael Malone (Elves) vs. Wesley See (Blue-Red Twin)

by Corbin Hosler

Both Michael Malone and Wesley See were competing in their first Grand Prix Top 8, and they swapped stories as they shuffled up for the match. And with neither player having faced the other’s...

article GRAND PRIX CHARLOTTE 2015 June 15, 2015

Archetype Exemplars: Top Decks of Grand Prix Charlotte

by Adam Styborski

It's easy to recall the consistently powerful decks in Modern. With the classic take on Splinter Twin making the finals, as well as a semifinals appearance for the venerable Affinity machines,...

article GRAND PRIX CHARLOTTE 2015 June 15, 2015

Semifinals: Andrew Wagoner (Affinity) vs. Wesley See (Blue-Red Twin)

by Adam Styborski

Andrew Wagoner and Wesley See seemed to have a lot in common. Each had earned their first Grand Prix Top 8, and each qualified for Pro Tour Battle for Zendikar. Both had defeated their...

article GRAND PRIX CHARLOTTE 2015 June 14, 2015

Semifinals: Darien Elderfield (Ad Nauseam combo) vs. Michael Malone (Elves)

by Corbin Hosler

Darien Elderfield’s run was one of the major stories of the tournament, with his Ad Nauseam/Phyrexian Unlife/Angel’s Grace combo deck storming through Day 1 undefeated and confounding...

article GRAND PRIX CHARLOTTE 2015 June 14, 2015

Quarterfinals

by Corbin Hosler

The Top 8 of Grand Prix Charlotte was set, and the field was a picture-perfect example of Modern’s diversity. With seven distinct archetypes spread among the field’s final eight players and...

article GRAND PRIX CHARLOTTE 2015 June 14, 2015

TOP 8 DECKLISTS

by Wizards of the Coast

Want to see what rose to the top of Grand Prix Charlotte? Then take a look at the Top 8 competitors' decklists! ...

article GRAND PRIX CHARLOTTE 2015 June 14, 2015

Top 8 Profiles

by Adam Styborski

Learn more about Grand Prix Charlotte's Top 8 competitors by taking a look through their profiles! Name: Zach Jesse Age: 30 Hometown: Richmond, VA Previous Magic...

article Grand Prix Charlotte 2015 June 14, 2015

Controlling Modern with Patrick Chapin

by Corbin Hosler

Patrick Chapin is known for a great many things in Magic. A prolific professional career that landed him a place in the Hall of Fame. Consistently strong content, including a pair of popular...

article June 14, 2015

Going Rogue in Charlotte

by Corbin Hosler

The concept of "going rogue" has a long and storied history in Magic's history. From the early days when a "Sligh" deck (these days known as Red Deck Wins) shook up an unprepared format,...

article Grand Prix Charlotte 2015 June 14, 2015

Day 2 Archetype Breakdown

by Adam Styborski

It's not an exaggeration that Modern is packed with a diversity of archetypes. Small samples from invitation-based events like the Pro Tour help tell the tale but the breakdown of what made Day 2...

article Grand Prix Charlotte 2015 June 14, 2015

Day 1 Undefeated Decklists

by Corbin Hosler

Modern is a format where you can play nine different decks in Day 1 of a Grand Prix, and our selection of undefeated decks show that on any given day a skilled player wielding a deck they know...

article GRAND PRIX CHARLOTTE 2015 June 14, 2015

The Top Tables – Day One

by Corbin Hosler

Tarmogoyfs, Tasigurs and Titans. That describes what I saw as I browsed the top tables at the end of Day One at Grand Prix Charlotte. There were plenty of unexpected decks still floating around...

article GRAND PRIX CHARLOTTE 2015 June 14, 2015

Worlds Near and Far Away

by Adam Styborski

The clock is ticking, and for many pros it's a sound heard around the world. With the window of opportunity begin to close on securing Pro Players Club levels and benefits, every Grand Prix...

article GRAND PRIX CHARLOTTE 2015 June 13, 2015

OVER THE MOON

by Corbin Hosler

When Justin Cohen made the Top 8 of Pro Tour Fate Reforged playing Amulet Bloom — the deck that uses Amulet of Vigor and Summer Bloom to make outrageous amounts of mana to take over the game...

article Grand Prix Charlotte 2015 June 13, 2015

Modern History

by Adam Styborski

Friday, September 2, 2011. It was a unique day in Magic history, the first day of Pro Tour Philadelphia and the debut of Modern at its highest level of play. Hundreds of the game's greatest...

article Grand Prix Charlotte 2015 June 13, 2015

Dragons of Tarkir Hits the Modern Scene

by Corbin Hosler

If there's ever been a slow-burner of a set, it's Dragons of Tarkir. Initially looked at as a set with some powerful-but-difficult-to-implement cards, it wasn't immediately clear when it...

article Grand Prix Charlotte 2015 June 13, 2015

"People are going to start respecting Lands."

by Corbin Hosler

Since its inception, Modern has been a format defined by many things. The "Turn 4" rule (no deck should consistently win before Turn 4). The "Liliana test" (Can your deck beat a third-turn Liliana...

article Grand Prix Charlotte 2015 June 13, 2015

Grand Prix Trial Winners: A Medley of Modern Decks

by Adam Styborski

Modern is a format of flux. The decks at the top of the metagame food chain shift and change as the answers do, and new cards are introduced to nudge (or knock) the status quo around. Grand...

article GRAND PRIX CHARLOTTE 2015 June 9, 2015

FACT SHEET

by Wizards of the Coast

show more articles

Malone's Company marches to the top!