As a newcomer to competitive Disney Lorcana, my initial experience involves understanding the circuit's beginnings. This will reflect my personal journey through the early competitive scene and my feelings about being excluded from the invite-only Disney Worlds 2025 event.

The first DLC - Atlanta, Georgia May 25th-26th

Having finally secured a coveted invitation to Disney Worlds 2024's inaugural challenge event, I found myself uncertain of what to expect. It has been many years since my last competitive gaming event, which was for VS. System back in 2005. Given that, I was very optimistic. A few teammates and I planned our lodging and travel, and prepared for the event. After many nights of play-testing, we locked in and determined what we were taking to the event.

Even though I placed 691st and the event had some issues, the overall experience captivated me so much that I immediately started thinking about attending future events. The combination of the main event, the atmosphere, and the people created a truly magical experience that completely hooked me.

The Long Valley of Missed Events

I attempted to get tickets for the Chicago, Fort Worth, and Toronto DLC events. Due to waitlists or travel complications, I missed a significant number of events and felt a strong sense of FOMO as a result. Little did I know, this was an experience that I would share with many of you not only then, but now. It sucks, and you feel bad not seeing your friends, and the friends you made along the way and you miss them. Despite all of that, I was ready to try again and I made it to the DLC in Vegas.

My second DLC - Las Vegas, September 21st-22nd

My recent first trip to Las Vegas was unconventional. It wasn't focused on casinos, fine dining, or entertainment shows. Instead, my goal was a card game, albeit one that didn't use a standard 52-card deck. While that might sound strange, I felt significantly more prepared than before, thanks to extensive practice. For the first time, I was genuinely optimistic about making it to the second day.

Reflecting on the recent Disney Worlds 2024, my performance left me in 1018th place, a truly disheartening result. Despite this, I'm incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of my friends and teammates, who reminded me that setbacks are a part of any journey. Their encouragement also helped me achieve my ultimate goal for the series: obtaining the highly sought-after Cinderella - Stouthearted exclusive mat. So, while the championship eluded me, the strong bonds of friendship forged throughout the event made it feel like a win in and of itself. There was one last shot for me and it was in DLC Seattle.

The Last Shot, DLC - Seattle, October 26th-27th

Securing a ticket to DLC Seattle was surprisingly straightforward for me, and I accepted it was my final opportunity, as I wasn't aiming for a last-chance National qualifier. I committed to the team and achieved my best result yet, finishing 199th! A tough 2-0 defeat in round 8 prevented me from advancing to day 2. Nevertheless, achieving my best performance of the year left me satisfied with the overall experience, and I looked forward to celebrating with fellow Illumineers at Worlds in Orlando, practically in my own neighborhood.

The Announcement

Amidst speculation regarding the Disney Lorcana Challenge: Worlds, a prominent rumor suggested an invite-only format, contrary to earlier indications of a celebration inclusive of competitors and collectors. Greg Tito, Communications Director for Ravensburger North America, addressed these rumors during a sudden Twitch stream prompted by unofficial date leaks. He confirmed that Worlds would indeed be invite-only, emphasizing a focus on the experience for invited players while promising a high-quality broadcast for remote viewers.

Final Thoughts

While disappointed about Disney Worlds 2025 being invite-only, the news wasn't as devastating as anticipated, possibly due to prior rumors. This situation prompts reflection on the future of competitive events, especially considering the unexpected surge in interest for those competitive events. Ravensburger understandably needs to manage this growth. Although there is disappointment, a desire for continued support during the off-season until season 2 begins could be reassuring. The success of Steven Cooper, the new Senior Tournament Operations Manager for Ravensburger North America, is wished for, as is the overall success of Ravensburger and the eager Illumineers awaiting future DLCs. The competitive community misses playing Disney Lorcana at a competitive level above set championships and looks forward to its return.