Magic Spotlight: The Hobbit™ Brisbane

FAQs

• When and where is the event?

  28–30 August 2026 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Grey Street, South Brisbane.

• What are the door times?

  Friday 28 Aug — 9:00am
  Saturday 29 Aug — 9:00am
  Sunday 30 Aug — 8:30am

• Is entry free?

  Yes. Entry to the event is free — you can walk the floor, visit artists, and browse vendors at no cost. Tickets are only required if you want to play in events, access CommandZone, or earn and redeem Prize Tickets at the Prize Wall. Tickets to side events and main event guarantee entry on the day.

• What tickets are available?

  Three options:

  • Main Event Ticket — $120 AUD. Entry into the Modern Constructed Main Event + non-foil promo card.

  • CommandZone Pass — $120 AUD. Full weekend Commander access + non-foil promo + 6 Game Tokens.

  • VIP Experience Add-On — $150 AUD. Enhances either ticket with front-of-line access, a playmat, The Hobbit™ Collector Booster, foil promo, and 6 Game Tokens. Not a standalone entry — must be paired with a Main Event or CommandZone ticket.

• What is Spotlight?

  Spotlight events are open-invite tournaments — no qualification needed — where anyone can compete for prize money, Pro Tour invites, and a trophy. Events are tied to Magic set releases, with the format announced well in advance so you have time to prepare.

  On the day, you'll compete across Swiss rounds aiming for a Top 8 finish. Even if you don't make the cut, the weekend has plenty to offer: vendors, side events, special guests, and more.

  Can't attend in person? Catch the action live on the organiser's Twitch or YouTube, or follow highlights via the PlayMTG social channels.

• What is the Main Event format and structure?

  Modern Constructed. Saturday 29 August. Player Meeting at 9:30am, Round 1 at 10:00am.

  Day 1: 9 rounds Swiss — players with 18+ match points advance.
  Day 2: 6 rounds Swiss, cut to Top 8.

  What is the prize pool?
  $50,000 USD total.

  • 1st: $10,000 USD + Pro Tour Invite

  • 2nd: $5,000 USD + Pro Tour Invite

  • 3rd/4th: $2,500 USD + Pro Tour Invite

  • 5th–8th: $1,000 USD + Pro Tour Invite

  • 9th–16th: $750 USD

  • 17th–32nd: $550 USD

  • 33rd–64th: $350 USD

  • Top 128: Foil Spotlight promo

  All participants receive a non-foil Spotlight promo.

• What is Modern Constructed?

  Modern is a non-rotating format where you build a 60-card deck from Magic: The Gathering cards released from Eighth Edition (2003) onwards. Unlike Standard, your card pool doesn't change with each new set rotation — meaning decks you build today remain legal for years to come.

  In a Constructed tournament, you arrive with your deck fully built and ready to go. You'll play a series of best-of-three matches, sideboarding between games to adapt your strategy against your opponent. Modern is known for its deep and varied meta — from aggressive combo decks to complex control strategies — rewarding both preparation and in-the-moment decision-making.

• I'm not big into competitive magic is there something for me?

  Yes! at Spotlight Brisbane there is something for everyone, whilst the main event is a competitive Modern constructed event. There are side events, a CommandZone and activities for every magic player. There will be photo opportunities, prizes, and anything you've come to expect at a premiere Magic event in Australia.

• What side events run all weekend?

  • Modern Constructed — $20. 3 rounds Swiss. Prizes: 3-0 = 80 Prize Tickets, 2-x = 40 Prize Tickets.

  • Regular Booster Draft — $30. 3 rounds Swiss. Available sets: Lorwyn Eclipsed, Secrets of Strixhaven. Prizes: 3-0 = 80 Prize Tickets, 2-x = 40 Prize Tickets.

  • Universe Beyond Booster Draft — $45. 3 rounds Swiss. Available sets: The Hobbit™, Marvel Super Heroes. Prizes: 3-0 = 100 Prize Tickets, 2-x = 60 Prize Tickets.

• What is the Limited Championship Qualifier?

  A Sunday side event qualifying players for the 2027 Magic Limited Championship.

  Start time: 9:00am | Entry: $120 AUD | Cap: 600 players (open, no qualification needed)
  Format: The Hobbit™ Sealed Deck — Swiss rounds + Top 32 cut, splitting into four 8-player single elimination Booster Drafts.
  Prizes: TBA.

• What are Game Tokens?

  $15 each (also included in some passes). They can be used as:

  • $15 discount on scheduled event entries

  • Entry into a Commander Pod (redeem with a Judge for 20 Prize Tickets)

  • Exchange at the Prize Wall for a Play Booster

  Note: Token sales may be restricted on the day.

• Can I use Game Tokens to pre-register for side events online?

  No — Game Tokens can only be used at the event, not during pre-sale. If a side event sells out online, additional spaces will be made available on the day.

  If you want to guarantee your spot in a specific side event ahead of time, you can purchase entry directly through the website.

• Is there a badge collection or early registration option?

  Yes. There will be a Badge Collection/Registration session on Thursday 27 August, 4:00pm–7:00pm, where you can collect your passes and register for events using Game Tokens before the weekend kicks off.

• What are Prize Tickets?

  Earned through events throughout the weekend. Redeemable at the Prize Wall for boosters, accessories, playmats, and more. Base value: 10 Prize Tickets = $10 AUD.

• Where can I find all the side events?

  For a full list of all side events and details about the whole main event you can find it at https://anzmtg.com.au/special-events/spotlight-brisbane-2026/