This past weekend, Magic: the Gathering had it’s third Pro Tour for 2009in Austin, Texas. The Pro Tour drew in 418 participants from 50 different countries. An astounding 1,500 people attended the public events throughout the weekend, including challenging the Wizards of the Coast R&D (research and development) to Duels of the Planeswalkers on the Xbox Live Arcade and met the artists behind the cards. The lucky Brian Kibler from Carlsbad, California earned the $40,000 prize and the Pro Tour championship title.

The Magic Pro Tour is the highest realm of competitive play for the popular game. It’s a series of tournaments with high payout that are held all over the world. The next stop is the World Championships in Rome, Italy mid-November.