The Many Ways to Play Magic at MagicCon: Atlanta
The Many Ways to Play Magic at MagicCon: Atlanta
From competitive events to casual games, discover how to make the most of your MagicCon weekend.
™ & © 2026 Wizards of the Coast LLC
Artist Credit is Ekaterina Burmak
MagicCon: Atlanta is nearly here, and with just a few months to go, Ticketed Play registration is officially open! Whether you're looking to test your skills in competitive or challenging formats, try something completely new and chaotic, or play alongside some of the biggest personalities in Magic: The Gathering, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the show.
With so much to choose from, we've put together this guide to help you navigate the different ways to play at MagicCon: Atlanta and find the experiences that are right for you. Some Planeswalkers arrive at the show with every game mapped out. Others find their next table along the way. Either way, the weekend is yours to build, and we're here to help!
What Are the Different Ways to Play?
There’s actually more to playing Magic at MagicCon: Atlanta than scheduled Ticketed Play. Here’s a quick look at some of the other options available to you at the show.
Command Zone
The Command Zone is a free-play area dedicated to Commander. It's a great place to find a game, and Judge staff are available to answer rules questions and assist with matchmaking.
On Demand Events
On Demand Events, also known as ODEs, are quick-play experiences that run throughout each day of MagcCon. They're a great option if you want to get in a game without planning your entire day around it.
Free Play Areas
It really wouldn't be a MagicCon without the ability to just sit down and find a table to play at. There are several Free Play Areas throughout the show, each offering dedicated space for open and unstructured Magic games.
Scheduled Ticketed Play Events
Now, let's get into the main event: Ticketed Play. There are more than 100 scheduled events to choose from, so Ticketed Play is where you can truly start building your MagicCon weekend around the types of games, experiences, and products you're most excited about.
If you're not sure where to start, it's important to know that Ticketed Play events are grouped into three play categories: Social, Challenging, and Competitive. These categories give you a quick sense of what to expect from each event and help you find the experiences that best match how you like to play.
Social
If you're playing for the fun of it, Social events are for you. These experiences put the focus on having a great time, with unique formats you won't find anywhere else.
Challenging
If you're looking to put your skills to the test, then Challenging events strike a balance between playing to win and keeping games approachable and enjoyable.
Competitive
Competitive events are for players who enjoy playing to win, making tough decisions, and navigating complex interactions. Note: A Competitive tag does not necessarily mean an event requires decklists or is run at Competitive Rules Enforcement Level. Check the individual event description for details.
Now that you know what you're looking for, let's take a closer look at some of the events waiting for you in each category. There's plenty to discover in the Ticketed Play schedule!
Magic: The Menu
For our first course of Ticketed Play, we're serving up Magic: The Menu, a multi-course play experience where the next round is always a surprise. Over several hours, players can dig into a rotating mix of formats and products, from Play Boosters and Collector Boosters to promos and more.
MagicCon: Atlanta will feature two sessions of Magic: The Menu, with Brian David-Marshall and Numot the Nummy each stepping into the role of Chef and serving up their own take on the experience.
Magic: The Menu with Brian David-Marshall
Saturday, November 14 | 12:30 PM – 5:25 PM
Magic: The Menu – Brunch with Numot the Nummy
Sunday, November 15 | 11:30 AM – 4:25 PM
Commander Sealed Draft with Commander at Home
Following its announcement at MagicCon: Amsterdam and appearance at Gen Con, Mystery Booster Commander Edition is now making its way to Atlanta with several ways to play, including this special Commander event with Commander at Home. If you've been waiting to get your hands on all things MBC, this is the perfect opportunity to jump into the action.
The best part is you don't need to bring a Commander deck to participate. Instead, you'll build and play with Mystery Booster Commander Edition and other sets, while enjoying one of Magic's most beloved formats with the iconic Commander at Home crew.
This also isn't the only way to play MBC at the show. On Demand Drafts featuring the set will also be available throughout MagicCon, giving you another chance to play if these scheduled events don't fit your plans.
Commander Sealed Draft with Commander at Home
Friday, November 13 | 11:30 AM – 3:25 PM
Prismatic Pride Commander Sealed – Presented by Wizards Pride
Speaking of Mystery Booster Commander Edition, Prismatic Pride is using the set to celebrate the characters, players, and community that make The Gathering so special. Presented by Wizards Pride, this special Commander Sealed event combines MBC with a one-of-a-kind Pride Playtest Packet created specifically for the experience.
Players will build a Commander deck from six MBC boosters, any number of basic lands, and playtest cards from their Pride Playtest Packet. Each packet features LGBTQ+ Magic characters who can serve as commanders, with a special event rule allowing eligible commanders to be treated as though they have partner.
The event is also a chance to meet members of the team behind Magic and this experience. Studio X Designer Arya Karamchandani, who led the design of the Pride Playtest cards, will be on-site to celebrate the community and share more about how the event came together.
Prismatic Pride Commander Sealed – Presented by Wizards Pride
Friday, November 13 | 4:30 PM – 8:29 PM
Unknown with Gavin Verhey
You never quite know what you’re getting into with Unknown. This fan-favorite MagicCon event returns to Atlanta with Magic Lead Designer Gavin Verhey, ready to take players on a journey where the only certainty is that the game won't go quite as expected.
MagicCon: Atlanta offers more than one way to enter the Unknown. Choose from the classic Unknown with Gavin Verhey, a special Unknown for Charity session supporting a charitable cause, or team up with a friend for Two-Headed Giant (2HG). Whatever version you choose, expect a few surprises along the way.
Unknown with Gavin Verhey
Friday, November 13 | 11:30 AM – 3:59 PM
Unknown for Charity with Gavin Verhey
Saturday, November 14 | 2:00 PM – 5:55 PM
2HG – Unknown with Gavin Verhey
Sunday, November 15 | 12:00 PM – 3:59 PM
Oops All Jace – Sealed: Reality Fracture
Finally, Reality has fractured, and apparently, Jace is everywhere. Oops all Jace gives players the chance to experience Reality Fracture in a format built to embrace all the what ifs of the multiverse.
Players will build a Sealed deck from six Reality Fracture Play Boosters, then add a little Jace-fueled unpredictability to every game. Throughout the event, players can spend mana to trigger a random ability from a Jace Planeswalker card, meaning you never quite know what spell or trick will come next. It's Reality Fracture Sealed with a twist and a perfect way to dive into the fractured reality that's taking over MagicCon: Atlanta.
Oops All Jace – Sealed: Reality Fracture
Sunday, November 15 | 1:00 PM – 3:59 PM
This is only a glimpse at everything in the Ticketed Play schedule. With so many events to choose from, there's plenty more for you to discover, from unique formats and special guests to competitive challenges and experiences you can only find at MagicCon: Atlanta.
Are you ready to start planning? Check out the full Ticketed Play schedule, find the events that fit your weekend, and reserve your spots before they fill up (because they can fill up fast)!
A MagicCon: Atlanta badge is required to register for and participate in Ticketed Play. If you haven't secured yours yet, make sure you get your badge before choosing your events. We can't wait to see you in Atlanta!