All you need to know about the Ultimate Guard European Magic Series - Regional Championship
In this article you can find everything about the UGEMS Regional Championships. What exactly are they and how are they structured? Find out!
What are the Regional Championships?
The Regional Championships (RC) are a crucial stage in the Magic: The Gathering tabletop Premier Play system, where top players from local qualifiers come together to compete against each other. These championships are a key stepping stone, offering players the opportunity to qualify for the elite Pro Tour or even the prestigious World Championship.
Held across various regions, the Regional Championships bring together the best talent from each area in one highly competitive environment where only the most skilled and strategic players advance. Success in these events not only solidifies a player’s standing in their region but also opens the door to competing against the best players globally, making the Regional Championships a pivotal moment in the journey to becoming the Magic World Champion.
The event features a total prize pool of $130.000!
Structure
The Regional Championships are structured to offer a comprehensive competitive experience, featuring a Main Event and various side events. The Main Event is the centrepiece of the championship in which top players compete for significant rewards, including a cash prize pool and coveted invitations to the Pro Tour. The Regional Championships draw the most skilled participants who aim to advance further in the Premier Play system (see clickable graphic below). To learn more about qualifying to the RCs, check out this article.
Main Event
The main events of the Regional Championships will span over two days, with rounds of Swiss followed by a top-cut, where only players with the best records advance to the later stages.
Day 1 will consist of 8 rounds of Swiss. All players with 18 points or more will proceed to Day 2.
Day 2 will consist of 6 rounds of Swiss, followed by a Single Elimination Top-8.
Prize Pool
- All participants will receive a participation promo card. Given the fierce level of competition, the Regional Championships reward the top participants with prizes based on their final placement.
- The Top 64 players receive a cash prize.
- The Top 48 players earn an invitation to the next Regional Championship, ensuring their continued presence in the competitive scene.
- The Top 36 players are automatically qualified for the Pro Tour, where they will face off against the best Magic players from every region. The Top 36 players also receive an exclusive foil version of the participation promo card.
- Semifinalists are awarded invitations to the next three Regional Championships, securing their position in future high-stakes events.
- The finalists not only earn their spot in the Pro Tour but also automatically qualify for the prestigious Magic: The Gathering World Championship, where they compete for the ultimate title of the Magic: The Gathering World Champion
Side Events
Alongside the Main Event, players can participate in Side Events, which offer the chance to compete in different formats, showcasing their versatility in various formats. These side events provide additional opportunities for players to compete for small cash prizes, invites, and more prizes. Together, the Main Event and Side Events create a dynamic and engaging atmosphere, making the Regional Championships a highlight for the Magic community.
Last Chance Qualifiers
Additionally, there is a limited amount of on-demand and scheduled Last Chance Qualifiers (LCQs) held at the RCs on Fridays. The on-demand events share a format with the main event, the scheduled LCQs will be Sealed Deck. These will yield a limited number of invitations to the Regional Qualifiers.
Ultimate Guard Open
On the Sundays of the Regional Championships, there will be a tournament accessible to all participants. This event includes a total prize pool of $20,000. The Top 16 finishers will qualify to the next Regional Championship.
You can find more information on how to qualify for the Ultimate Guard European Magic Series – Regional Championship here !