Some Magic: The Gathering events are held for glory, some for fun, and some to help others.
Next Wednesday, on the 16th of September, a special Magic event will be held for that final reason courtesy of Wizards of the Coast and TCGplayer.
The event, simply being called Magic: The Gathering Charity Tournament — TCGplayer vs Wizards of the Coast, is being held in support of two charities with TCGplayer playing to benefit MagiKids and Wizards of the Coast playing to benefit Extra Life.
WATCH: Playing for Charity: A Conversation with Reid Duke
"MagiKids, which we have a tight relationship with, collects and distributes Magic product to support...schools clubs, community, events and just gives that next generation of players opportunities," says Reid Duke, whom is playing for TCGplayer's team. "Extra Life...is a way for gamers to raise money and support their local children's hospitals."
At minimum, each charity will be receiving $25,000 in support courtesy of the two companies. There will also be options for spectators and members of the gaming community to further support the charities through eBay Live auctions and direct monetary donations to both MagiKids and Extra Life.
"We are going to be auctioning off very cool, unique items," says Duke. "[It's] some really exciting stuff you can't get anywhere else."
These items up for auction include an autographed Team TCGplayer jersey as well as an original, autographed, one-of-one piece of artwork by Magic artist Tyler Jacobson. All proceeds from the eBay Live auctions will be split evenly between MagiKids and Extra Life.
The event, which begins at 10a.m. PT, will be streamed live online and will feature a four-on-four team draft between TCGplayer representatives and Wizards of the Coast employees. TCGplayer's team consists of Magic: The Gathering Hall of Famers Reid Duke and Luis Scott-Vargas, as well as TCGplayer employees Allie French and Ahmad Zeaiter. Wizards of the Coast's roster features Magic Principal Designer Gavin Verhey, Magic Play Design Manager Cedric Phillips, Grace Zeng from Wizards' MTG Arena team, and Magic Play Designer Oliver Tiu.
"All eight players...these are the people who bring Magic to the wider community and I think it's really cool to see them in action and I think all eight of us are gonna showcase our love and passion for the game," says Reid.
The live stream of this special charity Magic: The Gathering even can be seen beginning at 10 a.m. PT on Wednesday, Sept. 16, on Magic's Twitch channel and Instagram page, as well as TCGplayer's YouTube channel.
