What do you know about Organized Play?

[Machinus]

Since March (as part of an article that has been difficult to work on), I have been trying to research the origins of the Organized Play system and the policies designed to structure sanctioned tournaments. Right now, I am specifically trying to find out who was around at the beginning of the PT system and what they contributed to creating sanctioned play, including tournament structures, qualifiers, ratings, and everything related to those topics. I have spoken to a couple of members currently involved with the DCI, but I have not had much success in getting the information I am looking for, because I don't know/can't find the people who actually created the Organized Play system. I am finding it difficult to get more information about this.

So, if anyone has any information that might help me out, I would really appreciate it. Right now I'd just like to find out who was around to set up Organized Play, and who actually created the mechanics of it.

[Godder]

I suspect Skaff Elias is the man to talk to, since he invented the Pro Tour. Beyond that, much of the organisational aspect (tournament structures, pairings, ratings etc) is adapted from chess.

[Machinus]

Yes, I knew that they borrowed heavily from chess. I am also trying to get a lot of information about things peculiar to the magic system, that I can only find out from someone who was in the DCI ten years ago (such as Skaff Elias). Thanks for that lead.

[Dozer]

Have you contacted Mark Rosewater? He was heavily involved in the early Pro Tour, and might give you a lead to who else was important during that time. Digging through my Duelist 5-year-anniversary issue (the only issue I ever kept), I found Tom Wylie was the headjudge of Pro Tour Columbus 1996, the one Olle Rade won. Godder already mentioned Skaff Elias. I'm pretty sure Beth Morsund could send you on the right track, too, if you can track her down somehow. The current high-level judges are a veritable information mine, and most notably Scott Larrabee of WotC should be able to give you helpful hints. Oh yeah, and Henry Stern, formerly of R&D, should also be pretty informative.

I can't think of or find anything else that might lead you to your information right now, but I'll say good luck in your research! I'm definitely interested in the outcome.

[Machinus]

I've been emailing Scott for months, but he apparently has very little information to offer.

Thanks for the names, I'll see what I can find with this information.

[matt_v]

I've been emailing Scott for months, but he apparently has very little information to offer.

Thanks for the names, I'll see what I can find with this information.

You can try tracking down Jeff Donais as well. He worked in WotC OP for many years and before that he was a TO.

-Matt

[Piley]

The correct answer to your question?   ANDREW FINCH and SKAFF ELIAS.

The original Oraganized Play and Tournament Manager for the Duelist Convocation was Andrew Finch, and he was responsible for writing, creating, instituting, and enforcing the original rules for all Tournaments.  Eventually, he re-wrote them all and started to adapt more and more of the Chess constructs in the process. He worked under Skaff @ WotC, and collectively they got the job done.

Skaff Elias was the creater of the Professional Tournament Circuit, later called the Black Lotus Professional Tour, then the just The Pro Tour.

Eventually, Scott Larabee was hired out of LA<?>, when he was just a Tournament Organizer, cause of his connections from Mark Rosewater, Dan Grey, etc.... and became the Pro Tour Manager after Skaff was no longer interested in doing that job exclusively.

Another important historical figure that you could ask questions of, and might be helpful in your writings cause of his involvement and associations, was David Delaney.

[Machinus]

Well, I can't get Skaff Elias's email address. Does anyone know what it is?

Everyone I have spoken to so far, including customer service, has been uncooperative in providing me with any information at all. Does anyone know where I can get contact information for the people in this thread? First.last@wizards doesn't always work.

[Mr. Fantazy]

Someone who may be able to help get you in contact with people would be Stephen D'Angelo over at Crystal Keep. I don't know if he keeps in contact with any of the original people but it's worth a try.

Donias is over at Upper Deck I belive, you might be able to get ahold of him there.
BethMo, wow I haven't seen her in ages.

I'll look around in my notes from previous research on DCI history and see if I have anything that may help you. Researching different aspects of MTG


-Shawn

[Godder]

I'm not sure if this will help or not, but here's some stuff about the original PT: NY.