ManaNation was eagerly awaiting the 2010 Grand Prix schedule, eagerly predicting a banner year for the accessible Grand Prix events. We had heard rumors that the success of Magic this year what with Magic 2010's record sales, Zendikar's sales, successes online with Magic Online and the Duels of the Planeswalkers.

When the Grand Prix schedule was released we were shocked to see a schedule shorter than the 2009 schedule. This announcement was met by some surprise and upset by the competitive and casual players. Trick reached out to Wizards asking about the schedule:

Trick's Email:

On Tuesday, 11/10/09 we received a response from Wizards giving us their official answer:

The answer they provide is quite telling. The fluctuation of one event is considered, by our understanding to Wizards, to be a non-change. One of the major points, and something we neglected to consider was the fact that Grand Prixes feed into the Pro Tour, and the player spaces at those events must be limited or else it becomes unwieldily to run in three days. If the Grand Prix were to jump to 29 events, it would mean at the least, 20 more Pro Tour competitors, which to maintain balance would come off of the Pro Tour Qualifiers elsewhere. And so the change can't be as dramatic as we had initially dreamt of.

Never the less, we wish we could see a return of the Fourth Pro Tour stop which would allow then an increase in Grand Prixes and PTQs to match our dreams and expectations. With the continued success of Magic through 2011, we may see just that happen in 2012, but not before.

Thanks to Wizards for answering our question and hopefully this satisfies you all as it has us at ManaNation.