TOP 8 COVERAGE
It was a long finals with many twists and turns. But here in Oakland, fifteenth-ranked Reid Duke took the third game away by casting only one Rally the Ancestors the whole game. The man found a way. That's what he does.
He took the trophy from Pro Tour Hall of Fame member, Ben Rubin. But Ben has put himself back on the map with this finals finish—his first Grand Prix Top 8 since right here in Oakland back in 2004!
This weekend was an impressive final showing for Battle for Zendikar Standard. Along with tuned, gorgeous lists from the big decks like Jeskai, Abzan, and Esper, there was still plenty of innovation going on, like the Mardu Thopters deck in the Top 8. And we saw a great Oath of the Gatewatch World Premiere Two-Headed Giant Sealed on the second day.
All in all, a great weekend.
From everyone here in Oakland, have a great night!
DAY 2 COVERAGE
The second day of Grand Prix Oakland is underway! This first Grand Prix of 2016 has the largest non-Vegas Day 2 field ever. 517 players are converging to fight the last major Battle for Zendikar fight before Oath of the Gatewatch will drastically color the landscape (or de-color, perhaps).
Sitting atop the field are five 9-0 players. Two-time Pro Tour Top 8 finisher Matt Sperling is the veteran of the crew. And Sean Irwin, Oliver Polak-Rottman, Josh Herran and Jonathan Page join him as leaders. But will a larger-than normal field, that means larger-than normal Pros closely stalking them.
As a special bonus today, there’s a Two-Headed Giant Sealed tournament with the super-new Oath of the Gatewatch! Teams have been qualifying for the tournament all weekend, and it will certainly start 2016 with a bang.
DAY 1 COVERAGE
After the first day of the last Grand Prix of Battle for Zendikar Standard, Sean Irwin, Oliver Polak-Rottman, Matt Sperling, Josh Herran and Jonathan Page sit atop the heap with an unblemished record.
However, they will have a lot of people chasing after them in just a few short hours. The Grand Prix changes will have 511 players hot on their heels in the second day.
The battle for Zendikar is just beginning. Sunday will bring five more rounds of Standard, a Top 8, and a special Two-Headed Giant Sealed tournament with the soon-to-be-released Oath of the Gatewatch!
SOCIAL MEDIA
TWITTER
The hashtag for Grand Prix Oakland is #gpoak. Join the conversation!
TWITTER: #gpoak
FACEBOOK
Community manager Nate Price will be in attendance at Grand Prix Oakland! Check out the Magic: The Gathering Facebook page for player stories, photos, and more!
MTG FACEBOOK