Magic RCQ round 3 starts December 11 with Strategic Betrayal promo

Round 3 of the 2026-27 Regional Championship Qualifiers (RCQs) for Magic: The Gathering runs from December 11, 2026 to March 28, 2027. Every participant receives a borderless non-foil Strategic Betrayal promo, and top finishers earn an Archenemy's Charm promo.

Wizards of the Coast also laid out the Regional Championships that these qualifiers feed, including the Modern events for Pro Tour Noctis and the Standard events for the Pro Tour at MagicCon: Tokyo, with organizers and cities for each region.

Round 3 RCQ formats and promos

At Wizards Play Network (WPN) stores, round 3 RCQs are played in Standard constructed or Sealed Deck. Special qualifier events held at large venues, such as hotel ballrooms or convention centers, may use other constructed formats.

The round spans the release of several booster products, so the set used for Limited RCQs depends on when an event is held. Players are advised to ask their organizer which set is in use.

The promos are tiered:

• Every participant: a borderless non-foil Strategic Betrayal, with art by Ian Permana.
• Top finishers: a borderless non-foil Archenemy's Charm, with art by Bene Rohlmann.
• Players who qualify for a Regional Championship from a round 3 RCQ: a traditional foil Archenemy's Charm as well.

Distribution is limited to available stock and ends when copies run out. Prize promo availability may differ by region and may change at Wizards' discretion, so players should check with local organizers and stores.

Pro Tour Noctis: Modern Regional Championships

The Regional Championships leading to Pro Tour Noctis run from September 11, 2026 to November 1, 2026, and this round opened on September 11, 2026. They are played in Modern constructed.

Top finishers earn an invitation to Pro Tour Noctis, which takes place February 26–28, 2027.

Every participant receives a non-foil textless Kozilek's Command promo with art by Mike Burns, and top finishers receive a traditional foil textless version.

MagicCon: Tokyo Pro Tour: Standard Regional Championships

The Regional Championships leading to the second Pro Tour of 2027 run from January 8, 2027 to February 14, 2027. They are played in Standard, and top finishers earn entry to the Pro Tour at MagicCon: Tokyo on May 14–16, 2027.

Every participant receives a borderless non-foil Elspeth, Storm Slayer promo with art by Molly Mendoza. Top finishers receive a traditional foil version.

Regional Championship dates and cities

Wizards lists Regional Championships in ten regions, each with an organizer:

• Japan: BIG MAGIC, February 6–7, Aichi Prefecture.
• United States: Star City Games, January 22–24 in St. Louis, Missouri, and February 5–7 in San Diego, California.
• Canada: Face to Face Games, February 5–6, Vancouver, British Columbia.
• South America: Devir Brasil, January 22–24, São Paulo, Brazil.
• Mexico/Central America/Caribbean: Necrotower, January 22–24, Mexico City, Mexico.
• Australia/New Zealand: Let's Play Games, February 5–7, Melbourne, Australia.
• Europe, Middle East and Africa: Fanfinity, February 12–14, Bilbao, Spain.
• China: Kadou, January 8–10, Shanghai.
• Taiwan: Game Square, February 14, Taipei City.
• Southeast Asia: Oracle Events, January 8–10, Bangkok, Thailand.

How round 3 fits the calendar

TCGKing's release calendar has the Star Trek set landing November 13 and Darkhold Destiny on April 9, 2027, which bracket the December 11 to March 28 window. Which set Limited RCQs use within it remains the organizer's call. See also TCGKing's coverage of the Star Trek previews. [F1,CTX]

What it means for players

• Ask your local organizer which Limited set your RCQ uses, because the answer can change with the event date.
• Players in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa have a Regional Championship in Bilbao, Spain, on February 12–14.
• Promo distribution is limited to available stock, and availability can vary by region. Confirm with your store before the event.
• The Modern route to Pro Tour Noctis and the Standard route to MagicCon: Tokyo use different formats and different promos. Check which one you are chasing.

What is still unknown

Which Limited set is used for Limited RCQs is not announced, nor are the number of promo copies per event or region, exact RCQ schedules, locations, and entry fees, which players must get from local organizers. Specific venues for the listed Regional Championships and the number of Pro Tour invitations per Regional Championship are also not announced.