The Pro Tour Murders at Karlov Manor in Chicago showcased intense competition with first-time qualifiers, masterful Magic matches, and a diverse Top 8 lineup. Draft played a crucial role in determining success, with five players going undefeated. Rakdos Vampires and Izzet Phoenix emerged as top-performing Pioneer decks, while Simon Nielsen secured his fourth consecutive Top 8 finish. The Sunday stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.
The Pro Tour Murders at Karlov Manor for Magic: the Gathering's Pioneer format is set to begin, featuring 258 top players competing for prizes and invites. The Pioneer metagame breakdown reveals Izzet Phoenix as the most-played deck, with new cards from Murders at Karlov Manor impacting various archetypes. Notable developments include the rise of Azorius Control, Jeskai Creativity, and Niv to Light, as well as the revamp of Lotus Field Combo and surprises like Boros Heroic and Vampires. New cards like No More Lies and Archdruid's Charm have made significant impacts, adding depth and diversity to the format.