This Week in Magic: Monday, June 2nd

Posted on June 2, 2025

Magic: the Gathering - Final Fantasy Previews Finish

As of today, Magic: The Gathering - Final Fantasy previews have wrapped up. The set is already the best-selling release of all time and it's not hard to see why. Players have been excitedly losing their minds for the incredibly flavorful cards of several classic gaming characters. Prerelease is right around the corner with the fun kicking off next weekend, so be sure to check with your local game store for all the details. Next week will also see early access streams taking place via MTG Arena and Magic Online so be sure to check out your favorite streamers as they showcase what the new set has to offer. If you're looking for anything in particular, be sure to check out the Magic: The Gathering - Final Fantasy page right here on CoolStuffInc for all your singles and sealed items you need.

Three More Secret Lairs Revealed

Following the announcement of the upcoming Final Fantasy Secret Lair drops, three more for the Summer Superdrop 2025 were revealed this week. First is Artist Series: Phil Foglio, featuring the legendarily goofy Phil's artwork on four classic cards. This one has been in the works since at least 2020 when an early sketch was shown off, so it's great to see it revealed at least. There's also a lair titled Featuring: Imiri Sakabashira showcasing kaiju artwork by the renowned Japanese artists. Capping things off is The Art of Frank Frazetta: The Second Exhibition, another showcase for the legendary fantasy artist's work after the previous one from 2022.

All six Secret Lair drops go on sale June 10 on the official Secret Lair store. This one's expected to be a doozy, so make sure you get there early if you want to lock in specific products!

John Avon Announces Semi-Retirement

John Avon is temporarily retiring from events and painting to focus on his health. His agent said he would honor any signing arrangements, so my Q3 signing with him is still happening. I expect it to take longer than normal, I wouldn't want John to strain himself.

#MTG #MagicTheGathering

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— MountainMage, Signature Wizard ???????? (@mountainmagesigs.com) May 26, 2025 at 2:32 PM

Announced earlier this week on his Facebook page, John Avon announced that he would be temporarily retiring. This is primarily so he can focus on his personal health without adding to the strain on his body that art and travel cause him. He hopes that he will be well enough by next year to get back to it, but isn't going to strain himself in the process. Anyone who has mail-in signings and other purchases is encouraged to be patient given the situation.

Decklist of the Week

Azorius Omniscience | TDM Standard | Linden Koot, 1st Place Canadian Regional Championship

Sorceries (6)
2 Stock Up
4 Abuelo's Awakening

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One more week of Regional Championships is in the books, with the latest taking place in the Canadian city of Montreal. Linden Koot took down the event piloting the powerful Azorius Omniscience deck. This deck wins by putting Omniscience into the graveyard and then reanimating it with Abuelo's Awakening, then casting several huge spells to lock down the game and win. Also notable at this event was Rei Zhang, perhaps better known as cftsoc3, making the finals as well. This is notable as they made it in on a LCQ after missing in both Minneapolis and Hardford, making for one heck of a showing for the weekend.

Congratulations Linden on your victory!

Paige Smith

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