DCI
From M:TG Archive, a library of Magic: The Gathering information
The DCI (formerly, Duelists' Convocation International) is the official sanctioning body for competitive Magic: The Gathering game play. The DCI provides game rules, tournament operating procedures, and other materials to private tournament organizers and players. It also operates a judge certification program to provide consistent rules enforcement and promote fair play.
In order to play in sanctioned events, players must register for membership and receive a DCI number (PIN). The DCI maintains a global player ratings database using the ELO rating system and members have access to their entire tournament history online. If a member commits frequent or flagrant rules infractions, his or her membership can be suspended for variable amounts of time depending on the severity, from one month to lifetime.
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[edit] Major tournaments
[edit] Pro Tour
Multiple Pro Tours are run every year around the world. A typical Pro Tour season begins in late autumn, with an event held roughly every six weeks culminating at the World Championship. In the months proceeding each Pro Tour, local qualifiers (PTQs) are held around the world, where invitations are earned. Players accumulate Pro Points by attending these events and can receive many more by placing highly. Pro Tours are invitation-only events, and only players with a either a PTQ invitation, high number of Pro Points, or high DCI ranking can attend.
Winning a Pro Tour is every competitive Magic player's dream. Currently, each Pro Tour carries a total purse of US$200,000, with the winner receiving $30,000. Beginning with the 2003-2004 Pro Tour season, the 50 top-ranked Pro players at the conclusion of the season will receive additional cash prizes totaling $635,000.
[edit] World Championship
[edit] Grand Prix
[edit] Invitational
A non-sanctioned event held for the 16 highest performers of the year.
The event was originally held in locations like Sydney and Cape Town, but in recent years, the Invitation has been held using Magic Online. Matches can be viewed live as they are played, or replayed by the software.
[edit] Other tournaments
Prerelease tournaments are held in hundreds of locations around the world approximately two weeks before each new expansion, or set, is available for sale in stores. The prerelease provides a casual play atmosphere and provide an enjoyable atmosphere to sneak peek new cards.
Friday Night Magic (FNM) and Arena Leagues are offered in many stores, allowing players to compete for special foil DCI cards and other prizes. These tournaments are mostly for amateurs and are a good place to start your Magic-playing career, but are only available at stores with Wizards of the Coast Premiere status.
Many other stores, school clubs, and community groups hold DCI-santioned events on a regular basis. Events are also held at almost all gaming conventions, such as Origins and GenCon.
