With Sorcery's first Grand Contest of Organized Play kicking off May 29-30 at 

, there's a lot building in the world of Sorcery Organized Play. But the game doesn't only live at the biggest events. It lives in the recurring gatherings, the local scenes, and the community-run initiatives that keep players connected week after week.

, an entirely community-run event series now in its second season. Spanning 16 stores across the United States, the Explorer Series brings communities together through a connected season of events featuring unique community prizing, familiar faces, and an atmosphere that's intimate, fun, and above all welcoming. 

We caught up with Kiel Wilson, one of the organizers behind it, to spotlight the work being done and the momentum it's building.

The Explorer Series didn't emerge from a mandate or a top-down structure. A completely community created and supported endeavor, it grew because someone cared enough to build it.

Kiel Wilson has been doing exactly that: organizing events, bringing players together, and creating a space where Sorcery can be played regularly, meaningfully, and with intention. For Kiel, it goes beyond logistics.

“It’s the fulfillment of how I want to experience and share a game with others,” he says. “The ability to just experience other’s joy and discovery…and maybe selfishly be involved with helping with that.”

That kind of stewardship matters. Because even as Sorcery's community events grow, with larger events and bigger stages, the game lives here: in local gatherings, in recurring play, and in the relationships built over time.

The Explorer Series is a reflection of that spirit. And if there's any doubt about whether it's landing, a recent moment put it plainly. A new player, paired against Kiel at a recent event, offered what Kiel calls the best compliment the series has received: "You guys have managed to really capture the excitement of wanting to gather together to play a game and meet people. And the fun is just superior to chasing a trophy."

Season 2 is already well in motion, with four events completed and players returning across multiple locations, and there's plenty more on the horizon. With 12 more events scheduled for this year, these are great opportunities to connect with other communities as you explore (pun intended) the realm. Players and prospective organizers can reach out to any of the council members directly through the Explorer Series Discord.

One of the upcoming highlights of the season is 

, an event that captures exactly what the Explorer Series is all about: players coming together for great games, shared experiences, and a growing sense of community.

 Midland Mayhem is hosted by Pete Hansen and Commander Games at Camp Childress in Joplin, Missouri. Whether you've been part of the series from the beginning or are just looking for a place to jump in, it's a great opportunity to get involved. Tickets are available 

The work of community champions like Kiel doesn't exist in isolation. It's part of something larger that's beginning to take shape across the realm.

Stores will soon be receiving more information on 

 scheduling, and how to take the next step in building their local communities. And with the first 

 on the horizon, Sorcery Organized Play is preparing to kick off in a big way - all of these efforts are connected. 

Community-run events like the Explorer Series and the organized play infrastructure being built around Cornerstones and Grand Contests aren't separate tracks; they're part of the same growing game.

It's easy to look ahead to the biggest events. But none of it happens without the people who show up early, who organize, who teach, and who create spaces for others to play.

Kiel is quick to share the credit. James Boo, Brandon Posey, and Tim Fandrei have each become indispensable to the series. James serves as a project manager and sounding board. Brandon brings passion and energy to sourcing original prizing through local and community artists. Tim handles the financial logistics that keep everything running. Over the past nine months, all three stepped up in ways that made it possible for the series to continue.

"I could not have done this without them," Kiel shares.

Josh Clark also deserves recognition, showing up to judge events with nothing expected in return, something Kiel says has meant more than he can easily put into words.

The Explorer Series, and Season 2 in particular, is a reminder of what makes this community special. Not just the game itself, but the people who bring it to life.

Want to get involved or stay up to date? Join the 

 to connect with the network of stores and players hosting Series events.

Stay tuned as we continue to spotlight community events across the realm.

Community Spotlight: Explorer Series Season 2 is Underway

SCG CON Washington DC marks the beginning of something new.

 kicks off the first Grand Contest of the 2026 Organized Play season at 

. Join players from across the region for a weekend of mastery, creativity, and wonder, as the first tables of the year are set and Sorcery Organized Play 2026 officially begins.

At the heart of the weekend is the Grand Contest, Sorcery's premier regional event and the first of the 2026 season. Taking place on Saturday, May 30, this Constructed tournament brings players together from across the region to test their mastery of the realm. Participants will receive exclusive Organized Play 2026 rewards, with additional prizes awarded to top finishers, including:

Beyond the Grand Contest, all three days feature a full slate of events for players at every stage of their journey:

: Build from sealed packs and dive straight into the fray.

 Bring your best Sorcery deck and test your mastery at the premiere regional level of play.

 Join forces with two other players and battle as a trio!

For those taking their first steps into the realm, our Learn to Play area offers a guided introduction to 

 using the Gothic Prophets of Doom decks. Join us anytime during the weekend, sit with a dedicated instructor, ask questions, cast your first spells, and depart with a booster pack to fuel the next chapter of your 

During the Preconstructed and Team events, players earn 50 SCG CON Prize Tickets for each round played. In Sealed and Constructed events, every player receives 100 prize tickets just for participating, plus 100 bonus prize tickets for each round they win. Spend them on the SCG CON Prize Wall to commemorate your weekend in the realm!

Whether you’re competing for the top spot or stepping into the realm for the first time, we’ll see you in Washington DC. Sharpen your spells we can't wait to see there!

SCG CON Washington DC: The First Grand Contest of 2026

Melbourne has been part of Sorcery's story since the very beginning. This July 25–26, 

 marks a new milestone in Sorcery Organized Play, hosting the Asia-Pacific's very first Grand Contest of 2026. Bringing together players from across Australia, New Zealand, and South-East Asia for a weekend of competition, creativity, and community. This is an event not to be missed!

plentyofgames.com.au/products/sorcery-grand-contest-weekend

Plenty of Games has been at the heart of Melbourne's Sorcery community from day one, and they welcome you to be a part of it with their Grand Contest.

The Grand Contest takes center stage across the weekend, with Swiss rounds on Saturday feeding into a Top 8 playoff on Sunday. Players will compete in a constructed tournament for exclusive Grand Contest prizes, including:

Non-foil Croaking Swamp promo (all participants)

Foil Silver Bullet promo for 1st and 2nd place

Non-foil Silver Bullet promo for 3rd through 8th place

The prize pool doesn't stop there. All Grand Contests in 2026 will include two Print sheets as part of their prizing. One for the top placement, and one awarded at the discretion of the organizer to recognize exemplars of fair play or a standout community moment across the weekend.

Furthermore, Plenty of Games is going above and beyond, having held onto an Alpha Pledge Pack for just the right occasion. What could be more fitting than a Grand Contest to use it for prize support!

Side events on Sunday are still being finalized, so stay tuned for more information and prizing 

For Jesse and the team at Plenty of Games, the Grand Contest is about more than just the competitive side of the game. "A huge priority for us is to make events feel welcoming and friendly," he shares. "Everyone is welcome at Plenty of Games."

That philosophy shapes how the prize structure is designed, with rewards spread throughout the standings so that everyone has a chance to walk away with something meaningful, not just the players at the top tables. Community champions who exhibit kindness and sporting play throughout the weekend will be recognized with foil Swap promos.

Plenty of Games sits in the heart of the Melbourne CBD, steps from food, coffee, and accommodation, with easy transport links from across the city. The store will have dedicated space carved out for the Grand Contest, and if past events are anything to go by, there will be no shortage of curious onlookers drawn in by the spectacle of sorcerers at work!

The Grand Contest comes to Melbourne

What to Expect

Special Prizing

Melbourne is ready for you

Secure Your Place in the Contest

More Articles

Community Spotlight: Explorer Series Season 2 is Underway

SCG CON Washington DC: The First Grand Contest of 2026