WPN members soon will have the opportunity to apply to host a Mythic Championship Qualifier (MCQ). Applications to host qualifier events for the first Mythic Championship of 2020 will open Monday, April 22, 2019*.

Here's what you need to know:

Mythic Qualifiers: The First Step Toward the Peak of Competitive Magic

Mythic Championship Qualifiers are a way for players to earn a Mythic Championship slot with a single victory at a best-in-class WPN member store. It's similar to the Pro Tour Qualifier system we retired in 2015.

The first MCQs, which begin in May, earn players an invite to the championship in Barcelona, Spain; the second MCQs earn them an invite to the championship in Richmond, Virginia. Wizards hand-selected stores to host these MCQs, to make sure the new system is as smooth as possible before it goes live.

For the third round and all rounds going forward, WPN members will have the chance to formally apply.

Which leads us to:

Mythic Championship #1 of 2020: Apply for Qualifiers April 22

The first qualifiers for which stores will be chosen via open applications will be for the first Mythic Championship of 2020. Applications will open Monday, April 22, with events to follow shortly thereafter, finally culminating at the Mythic Championship early next year.

There will be a minimum of 140 MCQs globally. These events will be open to all players who meet a certain Planeswalker Point threshold (currently 200, although this may change). Note that Friday Night Magic competitive events will receive a 2x PWP multiplier starting April 1, and the PWP season for these qualifiers will run from April 1 to June 30.

Applications: Experience and Capacity Are Key

When we review applications, we'll be looking for stores that can accommodate between 129 and 226 players, comfortably seated, either in the store or an approved offsite location, and a demonstrated aptitude for running first-class events at competitive rules enforcement level.

Here are a few more things we look for in applicants:

The application will also include a request for photos of your store. Applications will remain on file for at least a year, so there's no need to apply each season.

Now's the time! If you're interested in hosting an MCQ, start prepping your pitch so you can be ready for applications in April. We want these qualifier events to be the best possible competitive gaming experience. We're looking forward to seeing your plans.

_{*In Asia Pacific, Wizards will continue to hand-pick stores to host MCQs until further notice.}