(Last One StandingLast One Standing | Svetlin Velinov)

GOOD MORNING MAGIC FANS! And welcome to the first annual March Magic Madness bracket challenge.

For your entertainment, the Arena RectorArena Rector and I have assembled a tournament featuring the top 64 most-built commanders of the past two years.

They will battle it out to see who the ultimate commander is. The winner will be featured in a deck tech showcasing everything that makes them the best.

Now, let's talk seeding. Seeding for the tournament was a simple task. The top four most built commanders were granted one seed for each region.

Out of the Shards Region, we have Atraxa, Praetors' VoiceAtraxa, Praetors' Voice, and from the Wedge Region, we have The Ur-DragonThe Ur-Dragon.

From the Guild Region, we have Edgar MarkovEdgar Markov, and from the Blind Eternities Region, we have Krenko, Mob BossKrenko, Mob Boss. The NecrobloomThe Necrobloom, Xyris, the Writhing StormXyris, the Writhing Storm, Baylen, the HaymakerBaylen, the Haymaker, and Magda, Brazen OutlawMagda, Brazen Outlaw round out the tournament as the lowest seeds. Enough talk, let's get into our round of 64.

Shards Region

(1) Atraxa, Praetors' VoiceAtraxa, Praetors' Voice vs. (16) The NecrobloomThe Necrobloom

If you thought you knew how this tournament would go, then this first round must have you rethinking if you knew anything at all.

In what might be the biggest upset in March Magic Madness history, our sixteenth-seeded The NecrobloomThe Necrobloom emerges victorious in a nail-biter battle.

Final Score: Praetors 97 - Blooms 101.

(8) Ghyrson Starn, KelermorphGhyrson Starn, Kelermorph vs. (9) The Wise MothmanThe Wise Mothman

The eight versus nine match is always one to watch. It's typically close most of the time in these tournaments. However, in the battle of Universes Beyond, the man with three arms comes out on top in a one-sided stomp. Ghyrson Starn, KelermorphGhyrson Starn, Kelermorph advances.

Final Score: Kelermorphs 105 - Moths 75.

(5) Aragorn, the UniterAragorn, the Uniter vs. (12) Urtet, Remnant of MemnarchUrtet, Remnant of Memnarch

Generally, I am a fan of the twelve seed in matches like this, but I would be beside myself if I were to pick against the king of men.

This was a surprisingly close match when considering the seeds of each opponent, but in the end, Aragorn, the UniterAragorn, the Uniter, emerges from the battlefield with the win.

Final Score: Fellowship United 88 - Myrs 80.

(4) Nekusar, the MindrazerNekusar, the Mindrazer vs. (13) Thalia and The Gitrog MonsterThalia and The Gitrog Monster

Experience can often outshine the newcomer to the table. And this is the case for the grizzled veteran Nekusar, the MindrazerNekusar, the Mindrazer, as they grab themselves a decent victory over the decisive duo of Thalia and The Frog.

Final Score: Mindrazers 90 - Cathartic Frogs 78.

(6) Arcades, the StrategistArcades, the Strategist vs. (11) Atraxa, Grand UnifierAtraxa, Grand Unifier

Trying to grab a win for "Phyrexian pride" but coming up very short in what turned out to be a massive stomp, Atraxa, Grand UnifierAtraxa, Grand Unifier, was defeated by "The Wall" Arcades, the StrategistArcades, the Strategist.

Final Score: Walls 123 - Unified Praetors 80.

(3) Kaalia of the VastKaalia of the Vast vs. (14) Queen MarchesaQueen Marchesa

Two teams with similar game strategies bring us the most exciting matchup in this region. The queen fell at the end of it all, and Kaalia of the VastKaalia of the Vast moved on to the next round.

Final Score: The Vast 90 - Assassins 89.

(7) Animar, Soul of ElementsAnimar, Soul of Elements vs. (10) Hakbal of the Surging SoulHakbal of the Surging Soul

A typal tangle between two teams that know how to maximize everyone on their roster. The unpredictability of Animar, Soul of ElementsAnimar, Soul of Elements was simply too much, and star player WillbenderWillbender shined in a victory.

Final Score: Elementals 113 - Merfolk 96.

(2) Sauron, the Dark LordSauron, the Dark Lord vs. (15) Zaxara, the ExemplaryZaxara, the Exemplary

Not as award-winning as when he faced off against the forces of The Fellowship, but with the same result: defeat. Zaxara, the ExemplaryZaxara, the Exemplary, dispatches Sauron, the Dark LordSauron, the Dark Lord, to close out the Shards Region.

Final Score: Dark Lord's Forces 71 - Hydras 139.

Wedge Region

(1) The Ur-DragonThe Ur-Dragon vs. (16) Xyris, the Writhing StormXyris, the Writhing Storm

Down goes another #1 seed. In what ends up being a dominant victory, a second 16 seed gets the upset victory as Xyris, the Writhing StormXyris, the Writhing Storm, storms their way into the second round.

Final Score: Dragons 75 - Snakes 115.

(8) Korvold, Fae-Cursed KingKorvold, Fae-Cursed King vs. (9) Sidar Jabari of ZhalfirSidar Jabari of Zhalfir

The tournament has not been kind to members of the monarchy so far. An extremely close matchup sees Sidar Jabari of ZhalfirSidar Jabari of Zhalfir come out on top, defeating the baddie from the Brawl decks: Korvold, Fae-Cursed KingKorvold, Fae-Cursed King.

Final Score: King Dragons 117 - Knights 128.

(5) Esika, God of the TreeEsika, God of the Tree vs. (12) Urza, Chief ArtificerUrza, Chief Artificer

An old border beatdown from the Chief himself. The three-color version of one of our oldest teams in the tournament, Urza, Chief ArtificerUrza, Chief Artificer, delivers a DispatchDispatch to the dual-sided duo Esika, God of the TreeEsika, God of the Tree and The Prismatic Bridge.

Final Score: Trees 103 - Constructs 136.

(4) Giada, Font of HopeGiada, Font of Hope vs. (13) Ulalek, Fused AtrocityUlalek, Fused Atrocity

Do not let the seeding of these teams fool you; there is nothing but hate on this battlefield. Angels vs. Eldrazi. Monocolor vs. Colorless. A tale is as old as time. When the dust settles, and the smoke clears, a bright light shines, and Giada, Font of HopeGiada, Font of Hope, comes out on top.

Final Score: Angels 148 - Eldrazi 109.

(6) Chatterfang, Squirrel GeneralChatterfang, Squirrel General vs. (11) K'rrik, Son of YawgmothK'rrik, Son of Yawgmoth

Squirrels vs. Sons isn't something you see every day. On paper, this was an upset, but both of these teams are known to have explosive capabilities. Today on the court, it was K'rrik, Son of YawgmothK'rrik, Son of Yawgmoth, capturing a win.

Final Score: Squirrels 130 - Sons 112.

(3) Miirym, Sentinel WyrmMiirym, Sentinel Wyrm vs. (14) Prosper, Tome-BoundProsper, Tome-Bound

It's a matchup that truly has no real winners. There might have been more people in the crowd who came just to boo both competitors. In the battle of "I wish both teams could lose the game," the winner is Prosper, Tome-BoundProsper, Tome-Bound.

Final Score: Wyrms 96 - Treasures 89.

(7) Muldrotha, the GravetideMuldrotha, the Gravetide vs. (10) Henzie "Toolbox" TorreHenzie "Toolbox" Torre

A real battle of value near the bottom of the bracket. Unfortunately, for Henzi fans, the real "Toolbox" deck ended up being Muldrotha, the GravetideMuldrotha, the Gravetide as they sweep the victory handily.

Final Score: The Grave 122 - "Toolbox" 108.

(2) Yuriko, the Tiger's ShadowYuriko, the Tiger's Shadow vs. (15) Mr. House, President and CEOMr. House, President and CEO

How do you deal with a President and a CEO? In this case, it seems that all you need is a Ninja. The most brutal of beatdowns on the battlefield as Yuriko, the Tiger's ShadowYuriko, the Tiger's Shadow, dominates on their way to the second round.

Final Score: Ninjas 137 - Underlings 73.

Guild Region

(1) Edgar MarkovEdgar Markov vs. (16) Baylen, the HaymakerBaylen, the Haymaker

The #1 seeds of this tournament have had it rough. However, the squad of the night was able to dispatch what seemed to be an endless horde of hares, granting Edgar MarkovEdgar Markov the first victory in the one-seed vs. 16-seed matchup of the tourney so far.

Final Score: Vampires 116 - Hares 114.

(8) Atla Palani, Nest TenderAtla Palani, Nest Tender vs. (9) Go-Shintai of Life's OriginGo-Shintai of Life's Origin

Two unique squads featuring a lot of cycling of the ball on one side and a team with a great deal of structure behind them. In an ending that only a mother could love, victory goes to Atla Palani, Nest TenderAtla Palani, Nest Tender.

Final Score: Dinosaurs 130 - Shrines 71.

(5) Shorikai, Genesis EngineShorikai, Genesis Engine vs. (12) Voja, Jaws of the ConclaveVoja, Jaws of the Conclave

Never has there been a more significant bias by the fans than in this matchup. One of the most unloved in the tournament, Voja, Jaws of the ConclaveVoja, Jaws of the Conclave, meets a swift end against Shorikai, Genesis EngineShorikai, Genesis Engine.

Final Score: Pilots 128 - Wolves 92.

(4) Isshin, Two Heavens as OneIsshin, Two Heavens as One vs. (13) Urza, Lord High ArtificerUrza, Lord High Artificer

Isshin might have had two heavens behind their team, but that was not enough to defeat the Urza State team led by Urza, Lord High ArtificerUrza, Lord High Artificer.

Final Score: Samurais 78 - High Artificers 141.

(6) Frodo, Adventurous HobbitFrodo, Adventurous Hobbit / Sam, Loyal AttendantSam, Loyal Attendant vs. (11) Breya, Etherium ShaperBreya, Etherium Shaper

Most people would think a true Sam and Frodo duo could take on anyone. But what happens when they run into someone who has the power to shape metal at will? They end up taking the proverbial "L" and giving the "W" to Breya, Etherium ShaperBreya, Etherium Shaper.

Final Score: Hobbits 103 - Shapers 109.

(3) Pantlaza, Sun-FavoredPantlaza, Sun-Favored vs. (14) Oloro, Ageless AsceticOloro, Ageless Ascetic

In one corner, we have the new and improved version of the Cascade Offense against the originator of the Eminence Defense. It was closer than the game made it appear, but after outlasting their opponent, Oloro, Ageless AsceticOloro, Ageless Ascetic came out on top.

Final Score: Sun-Favored 111 - Giants 142.

(7) Rin and Seri, InseparableRin and Seri, Inseparable vs. (10) Eriette of the Charmed AppleEriette of the Charmed Apple

They say every dog has their day, and cats always land on their feet. It's also said that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. But with a man's best friend on their side and a house cat that "actually loves you." No amount of fruit, enchanted or otherwise, will keep Rin and Seri, InseparableRin and Seri, Inseparable from the second round.

Final Score: Cats & Dogs 111 - Poison Apples 103.

(2) Lathril, Blade of the ElvesLathril, Blade of the Elves vs. (15) Sisay, Weatherlight CaptainSisay, Weatherlight Captain

Who would win between all the Eves or a flying skyship? It's a pretty easy question if you ask me and if you ask the two competitors here today. We both have the same answer in Lathril, Blade of the ElvesLathril, Blade of the Elves, taking the final spot into round two of the Guild Region. Final Score: Elves 136 - Weatherlight 97.

Blind Eternities Region

(1) Krenko, Mob BossKrenko, Mob Boss vs. (16) Magda, Brazen OutlawMagda, Brazen Outlaw

It is a battle of two mono-red titans of the tournament. Evening the series at 50/50Krenko, Mob BossKrenko, Mob Boss fights to only the second win for the number one seeds in the first round.

Final Score: Goblins 137 - Dwarves 135.

(8) Meren of Clan Nel TothMeren of Clan Nel Toth vs. (9) Tom BombadilTom Bombadil

One wants creatures to go in and out of the graveyard for value. The other wants to use sagas for value. Ultimately, Meren of Clan Nel TothMeren of Clan Nel Toth grinds Tom into the dust and emerges victorious.

Final Score: Shamans 101 - Sagas 79.

(5) Jodah, the UnifierJodah, the Unifier vs. (12) Omnath, Locus of CreationOmnath, Locus of Creation

The various schools of Omnath only sent two to the tournament this year, and both were disappointed with the committee's seeding. Nevertheless, Omnath, Locus of CreationOmnath, Locus of Creation, was able to OutmuscleOutmuscle Jodah for the win.

Final Score: Wizards 126 - Locus 141.

(4) Wilhelt, the RotcleaverWilhelt, the Rotcleaver vs. (13) Kinnan, Bonder ProdigyKinnan, Bonder Prodigy

A fan favorite in Wilhelt, the RotcleaverWilhelt, the Rotcleaver who brings a "never say die" fighting spirit with them to every matchup. Taking on a dark horse pick to win the entire thing in Kinnan, Bonder ProdigyKinnan, Bonder Prodigy. After facing an Army of the DamnedArmy of the Damned level onslaught, Kinnan emerged from the battlefield with an upset victory.

Final Score: Zombies 86 - Prodigies 99.

(6) Zhulodok, Void GorgerZhulodok, Void Gorger vs. (11) Omnath, Locus of AllOmnath, Locus of All

Opposites meet on the battlefield—zero colors vs. all five in a clash of powerhouses. Unlike elsewhere in the bracket, the Eldrazi come out on top thanks to a route put on by Zhulodok, Void GorgerZhulodok, Void Gorger.

Final Score: Void Gorgers 112 - ALL 86.

(3) Gishath, Sun's AvatarGishath, Sun's Avatar vs. (14) Captain N'ghathrodCaptain N'ghathrod

Every year, we see a Cinderella story in a tournament like this. Captain N'ghathrodCaptain N'ghathrod is this year's story. Sadly, no pages are left in this story for the captain as the book, the library, and the author were all eaten by the hungry Gishath, Sun's AvatarGishath, Sun's Avatar. Defeat at the hands of dinosaurs.

Final Score: Big Chickens 80 - Horror 74.

(7) Teysa KarlovTeysa Karlov vs. (10) Niv-Mizzet, ParunNiv-Mizzet, Parun

Two leaders of their respective guilds meet at the bottom of our bracket. When it was all said and done, the taxe and penalties were too high for Niv-Mizzet, and Teysa KarlovTeysa Karlov came to collect on their way to the round of 32.

Final Score: Oligarchs 112 - Izzet League 74.

(2) Kenrith, the Returned KingKenrith, the Returned King vs. (15) Alela, Artful ProvocateurAlela, Artful Provocateur

The final matchup of the round of 64 shows once again that no one respects the monarchy. King Kenny falls fantastically the very strong 15-seed Alela, Artful ProvocateurAlela, Artful Provocateur.

Final Score: Kings 60 - Faeries 150.

Then There Were 32

With a crazy first weekend of the tournament, tell us what your favorite [[Play of the Game]] was. Was it the [[Splendid Reclamation]] from [[The Necrobloom]], or maybe it was the teamwork featured between White KnightWhite Knight & Black KnightBlack Knight? Perhaps you loved to see the dominance on display out of Yuriko, the Tiger's ShadowYuriko, the Tiger's Shadow, or maybe you were heartbroken when Baylen, the HaymakerBaylen, the Haymaker, couldn't finish at the buzzer?

The round of 32 looks to have all the action and more that we saw here this first weekend. Who's your pick to win the tournament, and how busted is your bracket after just one round of games?

Let me or the Arena RectorArena Rector know, and we will see you at our location for the rest of the tournament in the heart of a college town packed with the best fans.

Nicholas Lucchesi

Player and lover of all Magic the Gathering formats. Forged in the fires of Oath of the Gatewatch expeditions. Always down to jam games with anyone and everyone. When not playing Magic I am doing something else equally, if not more nerdy.