Magic Standard Regionals: Bilbao hosts EMEA February 12–14

Wizards of the Coast has laid out the full competitive path for the next stretch of Magic's 2026-27 organized play. Round 3 of the Regional Championship Qualifiers (RCQs) runs from December 11, 2026 to March 28, 2027, and the Standard Regional Championships that feed the MagicCon: Tokyo Pro Tour will be held in ten regions, with the Europe, Middle East and Africa event in Bilbao, Spain, on February 12–14.

What RCQ round 3 offers

During round 3, WPN stores and large-event organizers run the RCQs that lead into the Regional Championships held in 2026-2027. At WPN stores, these qualifiers use either Standard constructed or Sealed deck. Special qualifier events at large venues, such as hotel ballrooms or convention centers, may use other constructed formats.

Because the round spans the release of several booster products, the set used for Limited RCQs can change depending on when an event is held. Players are told to ask their organizer which set applies.

There are two promo tiers. Every participant receives a borderless non-foil promo of the card whose Japanese name translates literally as 'Strategic Betrayal', illustrated by Ian Permana. Top finishers receive a borderless non-foil promo of a charm card whose Japanese name translates literally as 'Great Antagonist's Charm', illustrated by Bene Rohlmann. Players who earn a Regional Championship qualification also get a traditional foil version of that charm.

Regional Championship paths and promos

The Regional Championships come in two waves in this announcement, each with its own format and Pro Tour destination.

• Pro Tour 'Noctis' (name transliterated from Japanese): Regional Championships run from September 11, 2026 to November 1, 2026 and opened on September 11, 2026. They are played in Modern, and top finishers earn entry to the Pro Tour on February 26–28, 2027.
• Pro Tour at MagicCon: Tokyo: Regional Championships run from January 8, 2027 to February 14, 2027 and are played in Standard. Top finishers earn entry to the Pro Tour at MagicCon: Tokyo on May 14–16, 2027.

Every participant in the 'Noctis' Regional Championships receives a non-foil textless Kozilek's Command promo illustrated by Mike Burns, and top finishers receive a traditional foil textless version. At the MagicCon: Tokyo qualifiers, every participant receives a borderless non-foil Elspeth, Storm Slayer promo illustrated by Molly Mendoza, with a traditional foil version for top finishers.

Standard Regional Championships: dates and cities

The Standard Regional Championships feeding the MagicCon: Tokyo Pro Tour are organized region by region:

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

Why it matters

The schedule shows how the 2026-27 season connects its local and global levels. RCQs from December 11, 2026 to March 28, 2027 feed Regional Championships, and those events in turn decide who plays the Pro Tours. The Standard window of January 8, 2027 to February 14, 2027 ends before the Pro Tour at MagicCon: Tokyo on May 14–16, 2027.

TCGKing's separate report on the RCQ round 3 dates and the Strategic Betrayal promo covers the qualifier side of this announcement in more detail.

What is still unknown

Wizards of the Coast has not said which sets are used for Limited RCQs at different points of the round. Entry fees and prize details beyond the promos are also not announced. The exact venues for the Regional Championships are not announced, and the number of promos available has not been announced yet.

Promo distribution is limited and ends when stock runs out. Availability of prize promos may differ by region and may be changed at Wizards of the Coast's discretion, with details available from regional tournament organizers and stores.

What it means for players

• Ask about the format and set early. Store RCQs are Standard or Sealed, and the Limited set can change during the round, so confirm it with your organizer before an event.
• Note the promo tiers. Participation brings the 'Strategic Betrayal' promo, while top finishers get the 'Great Antagonist's Charm' promo and qualifiers also get its foil version.
• Europe, Middle East, and Africa players should note Bilbao, Spain, February 12–14, run by Fanfinity, for the Standard Regional Championship.
• Check promo stock with your organizer. Supply is limited and can differ by region.