Written by Jim Ziegler

There’s a lot going on at your favorite game escape this week. With the recent release of Pokémon’s  Temporal Forces, Magic’s release of Outlaws of Thunder Junction this week, and next week’s Legacy of Destruction for Yu-Gi-Oh, everybody is getting something new to add to their decks. But new cards aren’t the only thing to get excited about: There are plenty of big events to look forward to, too!

 

Pokémon players trying to earn enough points to participate in the World Championship in August will only get a couple more chances, including the League Challenge on Sunday at 3:00. For those who have already earned their points or are looking for a chance to test out their post-rotation decks in a competitive setting, this is another excellent opportunity before the final League Cup of the season on May 19th. 

 

Meanwhile, Magic players have had a chance to familiarize themselves with Thunder Junction, which means it’s time for a release draft! There’s no need to bring your own cards, since you’ll be building on the spot. Meanwhile, the new Commander decks will be on the shelf, offering new tools to add to your collection, or playable decks if you don’t feel like building your own. Personally, I’m looking forward to the Desert Bloom deck.

 

Things could get messy this weekend with the store’s first Lorcana Store Championship event. Following the story deep into the Inklands, you’ll battle other players for Lore… and for awesome promotional materials like a Store Championship playmat and Stitch promo cards.

 

And if those Illumineers track some ink back into the store after their adventure, maybe Chad can use it for the miniature painting workshop, back in the store on Sunday. Take your pick of any Reaper player figure in the store and use the provided paints to make it yours. Come early for the best selection, or you might end up with a gnoll.

 

MINIATURE PAINTING WORKSHOP

Sunday, 1:00 PM

The popular miniature painting workshop is back! Pick and Reaper character miniature in stock and get it ready for play, with brushes and paints provided. Chad will be teaching advanced painting techniques, so come ready to learn! Entry fee: $6.00

 

GATHER FOR MAGIC

OTJ - Outlaws of Thunder Junction Draft

Friday, 6:00 PM

Get ready for a rootin’ tootin’ good time in the Outlaws of Thunder Junction release draft. Your entry fee gets you three packs to draft from, packed full as a tick with outlaws and introducing the new Crime, Saddle, and Plot mechanics. There’s Loot for the takin’, so don’t miss your chance to take part in the next big heist. Prizes based on entries. Entry fee: $25

 

Standard Showdown

Saturday, 3:00 PM

It's boots and chaps, it's cowboy hats. It's spurs and latigo. It's the ropes and the reins, and the joy and the pain and they call the thing Standard Showdown! Bring your best deck, and battle it out for fun and prizes. Stick around afterwards for OTJ Open House and Commander! Entry fee: $7.

 

Outlaws of Thunder Junction Open House

Saturday, 5:00

Curious about Magic? Come in for the Open House event. See the newest set, Outlaws of Thunder Junction, meet other players, and ask for a lesson on how to play the game. Entry fee: $5

 

Casual Commander

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 6:00 PM.

The most popular format in Magic, Commander, is back on the table. Bring your favorite deck, or playtest a new one against other magicians. No entry fee: These battles are for honor, not prizes!

IN THE WORLD OF POKÉMON

League Challenge

Sunday, 3:00 PM

The first League Challenge of the 2024-2025 Standard format sees the loss of “E” regulation cards, so make sure your deck is updated! Best of 1 format, 30 minute matches, age divisions honored as much as possible based on participation. Deck lists are required, and must be submitted by 2:30 PM. Late and illegible deck lists may not be accepted. Prizes include packs, promos, and other Pokémon merchandise. Entry fee: $6.00

 

Pokémon League Casual Play

Monday and Saturday at 6:30 PM, Sunday at noon

The $6 entry fee comes with a pack of your choice from any in the store.

 

TIME TO DUEL! Yu-Gi-Oh!

Advanced Constructed Tournament

Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday, 7:00 PM

Duel for supremacy in the Yu-Gi-Oh Trading Card Game. Earn OTS Tournament Packs while demonstrating your skills as a duelist. Entry fee: $5

 

A WHOLE NEW WORLD

Into the Inklands Lorcana Store Championship

Saturday, 6:30 PM

Come into Gam3Escape to go Into the Inklands for the first Lorcana Store Championship. This tournament will be a core constructed format, so bring your 60-card deck (no more than two colors), put on your Mickey Mouse ears, and sing your way to victory. The winner will receive a booster box, top two will earn a Stitch playmat, and top four will earn promo cards. Full tournament rules can be found here. Entry fee: $35

 

 

Into the Inklands Lorcana League

Monday & Saturday, 6:30 PM

The adventures in the Inklands continue with Locana League. Bring your sealed deck, or join the fun! The initial entry fee includes a starter deck of your choice, a booster pack, and a 200-card deck box to keep

Also check out Jim's articles on The Gamer.  Here are his latest:  https://www.thegamer.com/magic-the-gathering-mtg-outlaws-of-thunder-junction-desert-bloom-commander-precon-deck-guide/

https://www.thegamer.com/magic-the-gathering-mtg-outlaws-of-thunder-junctions-most-wanted-commander-deck-guide/

https://www.thegamer.com/magic-the-gathering-mtg-commander-vraska-the-silencer-deck-guide/