RIW PAUPER 1K TOP 8 DECKLISTS
RIW Hobbies hosted an incredible Pauper 1K event last weekend that drew 59 players from across the midwest to compete for $1000 in cash prizes! The field was diverse in terms of strategies and today’s article will feature the Top 8 decklists from the event, so let’s take a look at what put up winning records in the paper Pauper format.
But, before I get to the decks and meta, I first have to acknowledge what an incredibly fun afternoon of Magic this was and what an amazing community of players we have here at RIW Hobbies. Thanks to everybody who attended and made this a special afternoon for Pauper.
You all know I’m a huge fan of putting together and talking about metagame analytics, especially when thinking about the difference between online MTG and a large signature paper event like the 1K. Here’s a quick breakdown of the 1K metagame:
KILN FIELD “HOT DOGS” BURN 5%
Overall, not too far off the online metagame with the biggest divergences being Tron checking in a whopping 10% of the meta (as opposed to 4% and rising in the MTGTOP8 aggregated meta). Dimir Terror and Orzhov Ephemerate also clocked in a few ticks ahead of the online meta at the 1K as Paup-ular choices.
I didn’t play in the event. I instead decided to observe the event and take notes for today’s article and I did spell-sling games of Pauper and Pauper Commander in between rounds. I gave away a pack to every player who wanted to duel with me, so be sure to take advantage of playing against our featured spell-slinger at future events. I may have played the most Pauper games of anybody in the room because I gave away half a box in additional prizes on behalf of RIW.
Not only did I get to play a bunch of matches, but I got to observe an outstanding event both in terms of being fun and friendly, as well as dynamic strategically. In addition to me giving out packs at the spell-slinging table, there were also some additional non-competitive prizes:
-Farthest Travelled received a $50 gas gift card.
-Youngest Participant received a swath of packs from the year they were born (Lorwyn, Morningtide, Shadowmoor, and Eventide). It’s really cool to see the next generation of players enjoying the game. The youngest player, Jackson S., legitimately defeated me in our spell-slinger duel. Keep your eyes out for this one, maybe we’ll be watching him on the tour in a few years!
-Most Sportsman-like Player – also received a bunch of sweet promo packs, which you love to see rewarded especially in a competitive cash event.
And, of course there was the legendary RIW Hobbies Free Taco Bar for all players registered in the event.
I’ll get to the lists in just a second, but before I do, here’s a breakdown of what made Top 8 after 6 rounds of Swiss.
The players chose to play out the event all the way to the final two before Vivek Soi (4 Color Ephemerate) and James Newman (Dimir Terror) split in the finals. Vivek didn’t lose a game with his 4-Color deck until the semis and even after opting not to ID the last round of Swiss for higher seeding in the Top 8.
Vivek’s list is really cool, so let’s start with his list from the finals of the event.
1st, MARCH 11 RIW PAUPER 1K
3 Guardian of the Guildpact
1st, MARCH 11th RIW HOBBIES PAUPER 1K
3rd-4th, MARCH 11th RIW HOBBIES PAUPER 1K
4 Implement of Combustion
4 Experimental Synthesizer
3rd-4th MARCH 11th RIW HOBBIES PAUPER 1K
DECKLIST MISSING IN ACTION
TOP 8 MARCH 11th RIW HOBBIES PAUPER 1K
4 Implement of Combustion
4 Experimental Synthesizer
TOP 8 MARCH 11th RIW HOBBIES PAUPER 1K
TOP 8 MARCH 11th RIW HOBBIES 1K
TOP 8 MARCH 11th RIW HOBBIES PAUPER 1K
Congratulations to all the players who made Top 8 of the event! It was an absolute blast of a Saturday filled with lots of MTG Pauper, Tacos, and fun at RIW Hobbies. RIW would also like to invite all the readers to participate when our $1K series returns on June 24th and the format will be PAUPER COMMANDER! I hope to see you all there.
