Over the past weekend, we kicked off the inaugural edition of The Edge-Man Championship! I organized this shindig not just to crown another Old School Magic champ but more so as a big ‘thank you’ to the incredible community that I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know over the past couple of years. For me it was always less about the cards on the table and more about the people around it.

As the day approached, though, a wave of restlessness and uncertainty hit me. The day before The Edge-Man Championship, I found myself questioning everything, feeling a bit anxious, and even second-guessing my decision to organize this gathering. Strange thoughts crept in: Did I cover all the bases? What if Tolaria decides to throw a curveball? Organizing my own tournament—what was I thinking? What if it doesn’t live up to expectations? Is it too late to reconsider?

However, despite the pre-tournament jitters, the moment The Edge-Man Championship unfolded, all those worries faded into the background. The buzz of excitement, the familiar faces, and the shared enthusiasm for Old School Magic quickly reminded me why I embarked on this adventure in the first place.

Wheel of Misfortune

The night before the tournament we went for dinner and drinks with a group of players from Switzerland, Itally, local heroes from Tilburg and my kid brother and our mutual friend from our childhood playgroup! I vaguely remember telling myself to take it easy on the beers but things escalated rather quickly when we discovered a bar with a Wheel of Fortune. The basic idea was very simple; you pay five euro to spin the giant wheel and either win a lot of free drinks or you are obligated to buy a lot of drinks. Eitherway you end of with alot of drinks. We drank a lot of drinks! I don’t quite remember how I made it home but I woke up from my alarm clock a few hours later ready to host my first tournament. Needless to say my jitters where gone. Well, I was a bit shaky but that was probably just the alcohol leaving my system.

Game-time!

As 64 players shuffled their decks it became evident to me that the “magic” of the event extended beyond the cards. As the initial pairings were announced, the room filled with the shuffling of decks, friendly banter, and the anticipation of what lay ahead. It was a sight to behold — a mix of seasoned players showcasing their iconic decks from Magic’s early days and newcomers eager to experience the thrill of this unique format.

Match after match, the atmosphere became charged with the energy of competition, but also the spirit of camaraderie. Old friendships were rekindled, and new connections were forged over shared stories of favorite cards, unforgettable plays and cheap beers. The genuine camaraderie, the laughter, and the enjoyment of everyone present, transformed The Edge-Man Championship into more than just a tournament—it became a celebration of our shared passion.
As the day progressed, the tension heightened, leading us into the climactic 6th and final round of straight Swiss. Henk & Clovis faced off in a battle that would determine the winner of first The Edge-Man Championship. In the end, Henk emerged as the first Edge-Man champion, hoisting his trophies amidst cheers and applause from fellow participants. Congratulations Henk!

Thank you!

To everyone who participated, thank you for making the first edition of The Edge-Man Championship a memorable success. Your enthusiasm, friendship, and shared love for the game created an atmosphere that surpassed any expectations I had. A special thanks to Nicolai, Peer, Edo and Wijnand for donating community prizes. You guys are the best.

Also a big shoutout to the two guys running the venue for us. Great hotst and perfect fit!

As I reflect on this experience, I can’t help but feel grateful for the vibrant community that came together for a day of cards, camaraderie, and good times. The Edge-Man Championship may have been my brainchild, but it was the fantastic individuals who attended that truly made it something special. Here’s to many more editions and countless more memories in the world of Old School Magic! See you next year!

Now, some deck pics!