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Panelists of MTG X Final Fantasy Collab Shine at PAX East 2025

ByJCDynasolutions@gmail.com

The Magic: The Gathering and Final Fantasy crossover has fans buzzing, and the MTG X Final Fantasy, PAX East panel on May 10, 2025, turned that excitement up a notch. Held in the Main Theatre, this two-hour Debut Showcase featured an impressive lineup: Ben Starr, Gavin Verhey, Zakeel Gordon, Daniel Holt, Dillon Deveney, and wrestling stars Kenny Omega and Adam Cole. The event, streamed on Magic’s YouTube, gave attendees and viewers a deep dive into the set’s design and development. For more on the scoops, check out Total Apex Gaming.

A Diverse Lineup of Experts

MTG x Final Fantasy
Image of MTG x Final Fantasy, courtesy of Wizards of the Coast.

The MTG X Final Fantasy, PAX East panel brought together talent from gaming and beyond:

  • Ben Starr, voice of Clive Rosfield from Final Fantasy XVI, hosted with flair, likely unveiling cards tied to his role.
  • Gavin Verhey, a Wizards of the Coast designer, explained the set’s vision, calling it a “perfect fit” for MTG.
  • Dillon Deveney discussed working with Square Enix to keep the set true to both franchises.
  • Zakeel Gordon broke down how they fit 37 years of Final Fantasy lore into MTG cards.
  • Daniel Holt, Commander Lead, showcased thematic Commander decks, like Final Fantasy VII’s equipment focus.
  • Kenny Omega and Adam Cole, wrestling pros and Final Fantasy fans, added a fan’s perspective. Omega tweeted, “You know I had to be there since it’s FINAL FANTASY” .

Insights from the Panel

The panelists shared plenty:

  • Verhey noted the set’s wide appeal, even among non-fans during playtests.
  • Deveney highlighted Square Enix’s hands-on role.
  • Gordon tackled the challenge of adapting Final Fantasy’s massive history.
  • Holt detailed the Commander decks’ unique flavors.
  • Omega and Cole kept the energy high, connecting with the crowd.

Over 20 cards were revealed, including Cloud and Sephiroth, with mechanics like Saga creatures.

Fan Reactions and Controversy

Fans are calling MTG X Final Fantasy the best-selling MTG pre-release ever, according to Nerdist. PAX East attendees loved the Chocobo mascot and card displays. But not everyone’s happy—some on Reddit question the set’s Standard legality and its effect on competitive play. Still, the hype is undeniable.

Looking Ahead

Set for release on June 13, 2025, with pre-releases on June 6, this collab is poised to dominate. Pre-order now at Wizards’ retailers. Stay updated at Total Apex Gaming. This panel was more than a reveal—it was a love letter to two legendary franchises.

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