NRG Series: Magic and the Case of the Three Leaderboards.

Last year an amazing, though based on this player's skill not unexpected, thing happened—2025 MVP Grayson Nemets won two Modern Showdowns. According to the Champs invite system, this meant that a slot needed to be opened to another at-large point holder.

Simple enough, the only question that needed research was: Does the invite go to the season in which Grayson won the second invite, or does it go to the overall, year-long board? It turns out, it goes to the year-long at large.

However, in 2026 there are three different leaderboards: Paper only, MTGO only, and Combined. So, if someone of Grayson's caliber does it again, how does the invite pass down?

The answer turns out to be rather elegant. Any pass-downs become an "at-large" invite from the board at which it happens. That is, if the same person wins an MTGO Sealed Showdown, an at-large MTGO only at-large will be added. If someone double queues from a paper Showdown, a Paper only at-large will be added.

This does mean that there cannot be a "Combined" at-large position will not be added except in extreme circumstances.

For a reminder, here's the breakdown of the invites.

Twenty-four players will qualify for NRG Champs: Magic.

• 1 Slot - Our 2025 winner, Matt Sikkink Johnson

• 12 Slots - Team Trios Showdown Winners (4 events X 3 players on a team)

• 4 Slots - MTGO Showdown Winners

• 3 Slots - Combined Leaderboard Points Leaders

• 2 Slots - Paper Only Leaderboard Points Leaders

• 2 Slots - MTGO Only Leaderboard Points Leaders