The Magic: The Gathering Store Championship is a recurring in-store event that brings local players together for competitive play and special promotional prizes. Among the many promos featured in different seasons, few have sparked as much conversation as the Void Winnower Store Championship promo. Known for its unusual ability and intimidating presence on the battlefield, Void Winnower has long been a staple in Commander and high-powered casual formats. Its appearance as a Store Championship prize made waves in local game stores, attracting attention from seasoned veterans and newer players alike. Understanding why this card is so sought after and how it shaped the Store Championship experience is key for anyone interested in Magic’s community scene.
What is Void Winnower?
Void Winnoweris a colorless Eldrazi creature card first printed in the Battle for Zendikar set. It costs nine mana to cast and has a power and toughness of 11/9. The card’s infamous text reads: Your opponents can’t cast spells with even converted mana costs. (Zero is even.) Your opponents can’t block with creatures with even converted mana costs.
This ability is both oppressive and unique. It doesn’t counter or remove spells directly but outright prevents specific types of cards from being played or used in combat. That alone makes Void Winnower a powerhouse in the right decks, particularly in Commander, where odd or even mana costs can drastically affect deck strategy.
Key Attributes
- Mana Cost: 9 colorless
- Power/Toughness: 11/9
- Card Type: Eldrazi
- Special Ability: Prevents opponents from casting or blocking with even-costed cards
The Appeal of Store Championship Promos
Store Championships are community-driven Magic events held at local game stores around the world. They typically occur at the end of a set’s season and often feature special prizes, including full-art promotional cards that cannot be obtained elsewhere. WhenVoid Winnowerwas chosen as a Store Championship promo, it immediately stood out due to both its gameplay impact and its eye-catching new treatment.
Reasons Players Wanted the Promo
- Exclusive art and foil treatment not available in standard boosters
- High utility in Commander and colorless ramp decks
- Low supply and strong secondary market interest
- It signaled a shift toward more powerful cards in Store Championship rewards
Collectors and competitive players alike saw this as a must-win prize. The inclusion of a card like Void Winnower elevated the profile of Store Championships and gave even casual players extra incentive to join their local event.
Void Winnower in Competitive Play
Although not a staple in Standard or Pioneer, Void Winnower finds a home in formats where high-cost cards are easier to cast, such as Commander and Cube. Its presence in games is often game-defining, especially when combined with ramp strategies or cards likeTooth and Nail,Green Sun’s Zenith, orElvish Piper.
Decks That Use Void Winnower
- Mono-Green Ramp: Uses mana acceleration to drop big creatures early.
- Colorless Eldrazi: Synergizes with other Eldrazi likeKozilekandUlamog.
- Commander Decks: Particularly strong in decks with commanders likeOmnath, Locus of ManaorSelvala, Heart of the Wilds.
These decks are designed to bypass the card’s high mana cost and leverage its disruptive effect to control the battlefield. In multiplayer formats, especially, preventing even half of your opponents’ spells from being cast can be the edge needed to secure a win.
How the Store Championship Works
Store Championships are typically held in a single day, usually on a weekend. They are run as Swiss-format tournaments followed by a Top 8 bracket in most cases. Prizes vary depending on store policy, but Wizards of the Coast often provides the promotional cards for Top 8 and the winner. In the case of theVoid Winnower Store Championship, the winner would receive a full-art foil version of the card with a unique stamp to mark the occasion.
What Players Can Expect
- Competitive environment, often including seasoned players
- Decks that represent the meta of the current format
- Great opportunity for testing tournament strategies
- Participation promos and potential store credit for top finishers
The chance to earn a card like Void Winnower adds a level of prestige to these events, turning a local store competition into a meaningful achievement for many players.
Tips for Winning a Store Championship
Success at a Store Championship requires preparation, deck knowledge, and familiarity with the local meta. While the promo card is a great incentive, strong play and sideboarding strategy are essential. Players hoping to earn theVoid Winnower promoshould consider the following tips:
Know Your Deck Inside Out
Mastering your deck is more important than bringing the most powerful netdeck. Understanding your lines of play, knowing when to mulligan, and practicing key matchups all contribute to better performance.
Study the Local Meta
Each local store has its own environment. Pay attention to what other players tend to bring. If Mono-Red Aggro is popular at your location, build your deck to withstand early pressure.
Bring Strong Sideboard Options
A solid sideboard can make or break your run. Anti-aggro tools, graveyard hate, or enchantment removal may help you turn the tide in Game 2 or 3 of a match. Cards likeDuress,Rest in Peace, orUnlicensed Hearseare common inclusions depending on the format.
Community Reactions to the Void Winnower Promo
The Magic community was divided but largely positive when Void Winnower was revealed as a Store Championship promo. Many players applauded the decision, citing a return to more meaningful and desirable promos. Others felt the choice was slightly odd given the card’s lack of play in most sanctioned competitive formats.
However, the card’s popularity in Commander helped smooth over most criticism. Players welcomed a promo that had true utility in the most widely played format of Magic. The striking artwork and foil finish only added to the excitement.
Legacy of the Void Winnower Championship
Though Store Championships happen several times a year, few promos have left as big an impression as the Void Winnower edition. It marked a return to form for promotional cards, emphasizing not only uniqueness but also real in-game power. This particular Championship created buzz, increased store attendance, and reminded the community of the joy found in competing locally for special rewards.
Long after the event ended, the promo version of Void Winnower remains a coveted item for collectors and a potent threat in gameplay. It’s a trophy that tells a story a snapshot of when the Magic community came together to play, compete, and take home something both beautiful and battle-ready.
TheVoid Winnower Store Championshipwasn’t just another local tournament it was a celebration of competitive spirit, community, and collectible design. Whether you were there to compete for glory or just to add an incredible promo to your binder, the event stood out in the Magic calendar. For those who missed it, the lessons remain: show up prepared, play your best, and always keep an eye on what’s coming next in the world of Magic: The Gathering.