Magic: The Gathering took center stage in Las Vegas from June 20–22 as thousands of fans, cosplayers, pro players, and content creators converged at the Las Vegas Convention Center for MagicCon 2025. The weekend was anchored by the Pro Tour: Magic: The Gathering – FINAL FANTASY, but the three-day celebration offered far more than just high-level play. From exclusive preview panels to crowded cosplay contests and artist alley walk-throughs, this was Magic in all its multifaceted glory.

The biggest story of the weekend came from the Pro Tour floor, where Japanese powerhouse Ken Yukuhiro claimed the championship title with a blistering Mono-Red Aggro deck. Yukuhiro, a veteran of the game, methodically dismantled the competition, culminating in a hard-fought finals win over Ian Robb. The Top 8 was packed with top-tier talent, many of whom leaned heavily into the Mono-Red and Izzet Prowess archetypes that defined the event’s metagame. With his win, Yukuhiro secured not only a hefty portion of the $500,000 prize pool but also a seat at the 2025 World Championship and a coveted invite to Pro Tour: Edge of Eternities.

Beyond the battlefield, Friday's Preview Panel was a fan favorite, drawing a massive crowd eager for a glimpse into Magic’s future. Hosted by Riley Knight, the panel featured Wizards insiders Jadine Klomparens, Mike Turian, Sarah Wassell, and Roy Graham. Attendees were treated to the first official look at Edge of Eternities, a science-fantasy expansion set to release August 1. The set promises spacecraft-themed Commanders, vibrant alien civilizations, and interstellar lore that pushes Magic in bold new directions. The panel also revealed upcoming sets for 2026, including a return to Strixhaven with Secrets of Strixhaven, and a darker reimagining of Lorwyn titled Lorwyn Eclipsed.

MagicCon Las Vegas wasn’t just about new cards and elite competition—it was a full-fledged festival of the game’s culture. Saturday’s cosplay contest turned heads, with dozens of detailed and dazzling costumes taking to the Mana Stage. The Best in Show award went to a jaw-dropping rendition of Elesh Norn, complete with mechanical headpiece and custom LED effects. Fans crowded the aisles of Creator Central to meet beloved content creators, snap selfies, and swap Commander stories. For aspiring artists, Wizards of the Coast hosted portfolio review sessions, offering one-on-one feedback from professional art directors—a rare opportunity that could launch future careers.

The event was packed with ways for casual and competitive players to dive in. Side events ran nonstop all weekend, including everything from Chaos Drafts and Pauper Showdowns to Sunday’s massive “Sealed and Stacked” event where players cracked 18 packs from across multiple sets. The excitement reached a fever pitch during the Pro Tour finals on Sunday afternoon, broadcast live in a massive hall filled with cheering spectators. Those not qualified for the Pro Tour still had a shot at glory through the MagicCon Cup series, which crowned champions in Modern, Legacy, Standard, and more.

MagicCon also provided some unforgettable moments for fans of the game’s legacy. Hall of Famers like Paulo Vitor Damo da Rosa and Bob Maher made appearances, reminding the community that Magic’s history remains as vital as its future. Rising star Nick Odenheimer, winner of the inaugural Magic Spotlight Series, stunned the field with a ten-win debut performance that hinted at a promising career to come. And throughout it all, the buzz of new cards, familiar faces, and community connection gave the convention its heart.

MagicCon: Las Vegas 2025 wasn’t just a tournament or a trade show—it was a living, breathing celebration of a game that continues to evolve and thrive. Whether you came to chase a trophy, show off your latest cosplay, or just sling some spells with new friends, Vegas delivered an unforgettable weekend of Magic.