The scheduling window for the first wave of Preliminary Pro Tour Qualifiers (PPTQs) is right around the corner. Players, judges, and store owners are all looking forward to these events which will crown a champion for each advanced level store during a PPTQ season, culminating in all the store champions dueling it out at the Regional Pro Tour Qualifier for a chance to earn a spot on the Pro Tour. These events will be great for all involved if everyone plans accordingly. Let’s look at this from three perspectives and include suggestions for each.
The Store Owner Perspective
In the past Pro Tour Qualifiers were regionally run events hosted by select TOs allowing players to earn a spot on the Pro Tour. While the new setup is similar, an additional step has been added allowing each advanced level store to host their own PPTQ and help bring new players from surrounding communities. Obviously this is a great opportunity for stores to host a premier event and widen their customer base. Here are a few things to consider when planning a PPTQ:
Judge Staffing
Choosing a Date
Numerous stores will be scheduling PPTQs in a small window of time meaning numerous events might overlap. Be sure to speak with other store owners in the area to determine when they are looking to host their event. Players would like to play in as many PPTQs as possible and making sure you give them the opportunity to play in your event is key. You also want to make sure judges are available for your event as they cannot work every weekend and their schedule should be taken into consideration.
Venue and Logistics
Prizes
Players like knowing the prizes they have for the event before they attend. While you do not have to lock in 100% what you’re giving out, be transparent with how you will provide prize support. “Prizes based off attendance” versus “3 booster packs per player” goes a long way in a player deciding which event they will be attending in a weekend.
I would recommend fostering an in-house judge staff that you can use for larger events. This will assist you in making sure you always have the proper staffing for your PPTQs in the future. Simply put, there will be too many events and not enough judges to go around so make sure your shop is prepared. This can be a great time for you to widen your customer base and players from outside your area will be heading to your location for the event be sure to make a good first impression. Encourage your local judges to connect to the greater judge community in their region and get the help they need to develop their skills and assist the stores in running these events.
The Judge Perspective
As a judge, let me go ahead and put this out there for you: things are about to get real! I have already been contacted by thirteen store locations to assist them in getting their PPTQ together. These are the stores I consider being ahead of the game and best prepared. Lots of stores are going to be asking for help. It is OK to say no. You cannot work every event, nor should you be expected to. I recommend helping stores that may need assistance running a bigger event and guiding them with your experience, but remember you are being compensated to be a judge, not the tournament organizer. The relative roles are described in MTR Section 1.
The Player Perspective
Conclusion
Hopefully this primer will generate discussion between the three parties. Feel free to pass along this article and discuss topics with your players, stores and fellow judges!