It's that time again; the Invitational 2003 Player's Ballot has been posted at the Sideboard. Anticipation is somewhat dampened by the news that due to budget restrictions, this years invitational will be held in what used to be the Menswear section of a now defunct Bradlees' in Renton, WA. Skeptics have suggested the move might be because of Mark Rosewater's fond memories of Bradlees, but he was quick to defend the move, as well as his passion for corduroy.

A betting man would have to place his money on the following four men to be voted in by the fans: Finkel, Wise, Kibler, and Mowshowitz. And while each of these men has a most impressive list of credentials to support their inclusion in the event, perhaps we are examining the wrong criteria. The other twelve invitations have already been given to luminaries of the game, players who skills as well as percentage of body fat soar well above those of mere amateurs. The question then becomes how to fill out these last four slots. Some of my own votes:

Ken Krouner: Misetings own KK. His appearance on a magic card is just the kind of rebound the homosexual community in this country needs after the blatant gay exploitation on television. Just think of the cards he would submit! Stromgald Decorateur?

Peter Szigeti: Ah PTR. If you're going to add the spice, why not go for the paprika. I don't believe the invitational is even sanctioned, so I am quite curious to see how Magic's perennial bad boy would be kept in line. "Mr. Szigeti, I am afraid if you urinate on your opponent one more time."

Alex Shvartsman: An accomplished writer himself, Alex's true skill lies on schizophrenic fits of anarchistic rage, most frequently occurring during booster drafts. Years of international magic diplomacy could be swept away with one vicious series of hate drafts. Besides we need a Russian in there to balance out the teeming hordes of Germans.

Chris Benafel, Noah Boekhen, Ed Fear, Anyone with the last name Ruel, Tom Guevin: A nod to the PTR school of Magic, considering voting for people known to throw tables, chairs and insults. A little personality conflict goes a long way into making a match exciting.

It is the fan vote, after all, and when all is said and done we should include players we want to see play. And as a final thought, players will have to look at the mug of whoever wins for years to come so in the case of a tie, cast your vote for looks!

Discuss this article in the Magic: the Gathering Forums!

It's that time again; the Invitational 2003 Player's Ballot has been posted at the Sideboard. Anticipation is somewhat dampened by the news that due to budget restrictions, this years invitational will be held in what used to be the Menswear section of a now defunct Bradlees' in Renton, WA. Skeptics have suggested the move might be because of Mark Rosewater's fond memories of Bradlees, but he was quick to defend the move, as well as his passion for corduroy.

A betting man would have to place his money on the following four men to be voted in by the fans: Finkel, Wise, Kibler, and Mowshowitz. And while each of these men has a most impressive list of credentials to support their inclusion in the event, perhaps we are examining the wrong criteria. The other twelve invitations have already been given to luminaries of the game, players who skills as well as percentage of body fat soar well above those of mere amateurs. The question then becomes how to fill out these last four slots. Some of my own votes:

Ken Krouner: Misetings own KK. His appearance on a magic card is just the kind of rebound the homosexual community in this country needs after the blatant gay exploitation on television. Just think of the cards he would submit! Stromgald Decorateur?

Peter Szigeti: Ah PTR. If you're going to add the spice, why not go for the paprika. I don't believe the invitational is even sanctioned, so I am quite curious to see how Magic's perennial bad boy would be kept in line. "Mr. Szigeti, I am afraid if you urinate on your opponent one more time."

Alex Shvartsman: An accomplished writer himself, Alex's true skill lies on schizophrenic fits of anarchistic rage, most frequently occurring during booster drafts. Years of international magic diplomacy could be swept away with one vicious series of hate drafts. Besides we need a Russian in there to balance out the teeming hordes of Germans.

Chris Benafel, Noah Boekhen, Ed Fear, Anyone with the last name Ruel, Tom Guevin: A nod to the PTR school of Magic, considering voting for people known to throw tables, chairs and insults. A little personality conflict goes a long way into making a match exciting.

It is the fan vote, after all, and when all is said and done we should include players we want to see play. And as a final thought, players will have to look at the mug of whoever wins for years to come so in the case of a tie, cast your vote for looks!

Discuss this article in the Magic: the Gathering Forums!