Yeah, WotC should let the pros back into qualifiers. Would this really make the format unbalanced?

As they have with other tournaments, use this rule:
"In the event that a person winning (this event) already has an invitation to (a qualifying event), then the invitation drops to the next person in the standings who is not invited."

How many Magic players out there would enjoy playing against the pros? I would find it to be a really great experience if I got to play a match against someone like Ryan Fuller, Gary Wise, Terry Tsang, Gab Tsang, and so on.

Letting people like these, and other people referred to as "Pros," could possibly help the game out.


For Them, It Would Allow:
a} This can give them more practice in a field before the actual PT event. While almost everyone practices against their friends, you often know your friends' playing style and react accordingly. The only way to fix this is to go to some random unknown and challenge them to a game. A qualifier tournament would be the best place for them to a accomplish this, as their opponents have something on the line, and will play to win in a style the opponent has never seen before.

b} It may breed new decktypes. A pro may be playing against an opponent that has a new decktype, and notice how it plays. Afterwards, they may decide to play a deck like that in the actual PT.

c) It could have tournaments draw more people. Would this make you want to partake in a tournament?
"Finkel Participating. Come and have a chance to play against the world's top Magic player!"
I bet it would. Letting pros back into qualifiers could have this effect.

d) Contrary to some opinions, it may deter the "I'll lose to you to let you make it to the PT" effect. The more people entered, the less chance you have of playing against a friend. If you're not against a friend, there is less of a chance of an "intentional loss."

e) It can give a pro a chance to test out some new deck type. A pro already qualified doesn't have to worry about winning, so is more likely to try something new. Again, a qualifier would allow them to test these new decks against a PT similar field, and see how they fare.

For Us, It Would Allow:
a} It gives us a chance to get a taste of truly professional Magic, preparing us in case we make it to the Pro Tour.

b} It may have us try out some of the pros' "homebrewed" decks. This can help the pros, and us, as it gives their deck more publicity, and can allow you to (temporarily) have an edge over other areas by using an "unknown" deck type.

c} We may get advice. Some pros may (I hope) try to help out others by showing them afterwards why they won, lost, or drew. Yes, this may allow people to excuse themselves by saying, "They're a pro! Of COURSE they won!" But on the other hand... How would you feel if you beat someone like Mike Long? As long as you don't make a fool of yourself ("Nyah, nyah! I beat YYOOUU!!!"), a pro MAY be happy to discuss the outcome of the game. Likewise, you might be able to give them advice and tips: Why you would prefer to use card B in Blue Skies, as compared to the more popular card A, and so on.

d) It can make a qualifier seem more realistic. Knowing that a pro is willing to try to win a qualifier and is willing to play down at the level that you're playing at may encourage more people to give it a serious go.

Now, to rebut my own article, these are some of the things that some people might say if pros were allowed back in (Keep in mind that this is meant in a kind way; I apologize to any pro who I may offend in the course writing of this):

I beat Gary Wise in a Limited duel!

I beat David Price in the mirror match!

I won pre-sideboarded against Mike Long using a Rootwater Thief!

I beat Darwin Kastle with a Land destruction deck!

Going on with what was stated earlier, it would have a great effect for new decktypes. For Standard, if you want to qualify, you'll likely use a Rebel or Fires deck. Allowing a person who is already qualified to participate would allow him to use a "home brew" and see how it fares against a field of rebels and fires, as well as some rogue decks. This may result in more tournaments being won by "unknown" decks, and a PT field with a broader amount of decks.

Also, how does letting a pro into a Limited tournament effect the outcome? Having the pro there will help prepare for a draft in the big leagues. Draft against three friends: There is a chance you will be able to guess what they are going to do. Now, try drafting in a group with Gary Wise, and you'll encounter a whole new puzzle to deal with.

A funny comparison: Adding Pros would be like taking a square jigsaw puzzle and adding a smaller rectangle to the side. It changes the puzzle, but it is a puzzle nonetheless. It also makes the puzzle harder.

And this is what we want to accomplish with Magic: A game that is challenging.

Aaron Porath