Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Alert Heedbonder Art Magic Ikoria Lair of Behemoths
Image via Wizards of the Coast Magic: The Gathering
Category:
MTG

Jan Merkel wins Rivals Gauntlet, earns final invitation to Magic World Championship XXVII

Izzet Control has a big weekend.
Image of Xavier Johnson
Xavier Johnson
|

Published: Sep 5, 2021 08:22 pm

Jan Merkel won the Rivals Gauntlet by defeating Gavin Thompson in the finals, earning the last invitation to the Magic World Championship XXVII.

Recommended Videos

Piloting Izzet Control, Merkel defeated Thompson and his Gruul Adventures in an upper bracket semifinals rematch to come out on top of this weekend’s Rivals Gauntlet. Merkel also defeated Shota Yasooka, Lee Shi Tian, and Kai Budde in his top-eight run.

Merkel’s victory locks in the final spot at the upcoming Magic World Chamionship XXVII on Oct. 8 to 10. He will join 15 other players for the opportunity to compete in Standard and Draft for the world championship.

Here is every player qualified for Magic World Championship XXVII:

  • Ondřej Stráský: 2020-21 MPL Season
  • Paulo Vitor Damo Da Rosa: 2020-21 MPL Season
  • Gabriel Nassif: 2020-21 MPL Season
  • Seth Manfield: 2020-21 MPL Season
  • Eli Kassis: 2020-21 Rivals League Season
  • Stanislav Cifka: 2020-21 Rivals League Season
  • Matt Sperling: 2020-21 Rivals League Season
  • Yuta Takahashi: 2020-21 Rivals League Season
  • Sam Pardee: Challenger Gauntlet
  • Noriyuki Mori: Challenger Gauntlet
  • Arne Huschenbeth: Challenger Gauntlet
  • Keisuke Sato: Challenger Gauntlet
  • Rei Sato: MPL Gauntlet
  • Yoshihiko Ikawa: MPL Gauntlet
  • Jean-Emmanuel Depraz: MPL Gauntlet
  • Jan Merkel: Rivals Gauntlet

Budde, Thompson, and Tian will earn an invitation to the MPL next season alongside Merkel. All other players in the Rivals Gauntlet will be invited to the Rivals League next season.

The top-eight decks from the Rivals Gauntlet were another diverse field. Izzet Control, Mono-Green Aggro, Naya Adventures, Gruul Adventures, Jeskai Mutate, and Dimir Rogues all had their representation in the top eight. Sultai Ultimatum struggled against Izzet Control throughout the tournament, making it a tough final run for the boogyman of Standard for the past few months.

Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
related content
Author
Image of Xavier Johnson
Xavier Johnson
My name is Xavier Johnson and I'm a freelance writer who covers Magic: The Gathering. I love control decks and my favorite card is Teferi, Hero of Dominaria.