This past weekend, over 250 players traveled to São Paulo, Brazil, for South America's Regional Championship. Competitors qualified for this event over the preceding weeks and months, either by finishing well at the last Regional Championship or garnering an invitation at a Regional Championship Qualifier.
At the end of nine Swiss rounds and a single-elimination Top 8, Rafael Kenji Marques emerged victorious, earning invitations to the Pro Tour and Magic World Championship 32. The event featured Standard Constructed, and Marques piloted Dimir Excruciator to victory, defeating Diego Almeida on Izzet Prowess in the finals.
Meet South America's Top 8
Congratulations to the Top 8 of South America's Regional Championship. Each of these players earned invitations to the Pro Tour. The Top 8 included the region's newest champion, Rafael Kenji Marques, finalist Diego Almeida, his brother Danilo Almeida, Gabriel Alfonso, Francisco Cedeño, Marcelo Cavalcante, Jean Zveibil, and Cristian Hernández.
Congratulations as well to all the players at the event who earned invites to the Pro Tour. You can see their decklists here.
The Top 8 consisted of a mix of the Izzet decks that were popular going into Pro Tour Secrets of Strixhaven several weeks ago and some Selesnya Landfall decks, which saw quite a bit of success at the last Pro Tour. There were a few returning powerhouses like Dimir Excruciator and perennial favorites like Jeskai Control.
"I really enjoy strategies that involve resource trading, board development, and card advantage," Marques said of his choice to play Dimir Excruciator. "Excruciator felt like the right choice for that style of play."
Gabriel Alfonso, who finished in 4th place, played Jeskai Control. His deck was supercharged by a new addition from Secrets of Strixhaven,
The Regional Championship Cycle Continues!
It was another great Regional Championship in São Paulo. Find out more about how you can qualify for your Regional Championship by finding your regional organizer here.
