In recent months we have observed how Pioneer's meta (and at the same time the Explorer one as well) has increasingly polarized around Rakdos Vampires and Amalia Combo, two decks that have dominated the format for a long time. However, on 26th August WOTC announced the bans of Amalia Benavides Aguirre and Sorin, Imperious Bloodlord. The cards were obviously fundamental for these two archetypes: the first, in fact, defined the deck itself while the second made it possible to play Vein Ripper on turn 3.
The presence of two decks like Rakdos Vampires and Amalia combo has obviously limited the possibilities of deckbuilding because of their very high presence in the format. Now, thanks to the bans, there is a chance to review old acquaintances in the meta and open up completely new possibilities of deckbuilding compared to those of the last few months.
Two bans of such importance, occurring simultaneously, could cause a mess within the format that. As a result, it may have problems settling in quickly and it may take a few weeks or even months to get a clearer idea.
With the hope of having a healthier format than the one we had in the past months, I think it might be interesting to take a look at the first challenges held on MTGO in the days following the bans.
MTGO Challenge 32 on 29/08/2024
UW Control by Meals
In first place we have a fairly classic version of Yorion Azorius Control with the addition of Fountainport and Beza, the Bounding Spring (in the sideboard) from the last set released. The most particular change is perhaps the inclusion of Yorion, which had disappeared for some time in favor of slimmer versions of the archetype or versions with Lotus Field.
SELESNYA ANGELS by Fives
In second place we have Selesnya Angels: the deck has never been among the strongest of the format and has been completely unplayable from a competitive point of view for a long period of time. Again, there aren't many differences from the past versions and we can notice Bloomburrow didn't have any impact at all. The presence of the deck in past meta has certainly been influenced by both Rakdos Midrange and Amalia Combo as well as by the inevitable presence, in many sideboards, of lifegain hate that was targeting Amalia Combo while indirectly hitting this archetype as well.
MTGO Challenge 64 on 29/08/2024
IZZET PHOENIX by boytriton
Izzet Phoenix rises from the ashes and gets first place with a deck version completely identical to those we were already used to seeing in the past. In this case, we can notice the absence of cards released from Bloomburrow.
JUND SACRIFICE by SoulStrong
In second place we have an old friend: Jund Sacrifice/Food. In this case, Bloomburrow has made a big impact thanks to Ygra, Eater of All and Scavenger's Talent. The sacrifice archetype was completely erased from the meta due to the rise of Rakdos Midrange. Now it seems to be stronger than ever before thanks to the addition of two very synergistic cards. Ygra, Eater of All allows us to go in a loop with two Familiar Cauldrons: it will be enough to sacrifice one to start a loop that will lead us to a victory. The loop is not fundamental for the deck. In fact, in the past we have already seen the strength and resilience of the deck. On the other hand, Scavenger's Talent gives us the chance to mill our opponents: It is certainly a circumstance that will happen very few times and therefore is not essential, unlike its first ability which really helps our plan.
MTGO Challenge 32 on 30/08/2024
OMNATH RAMP by J_tekt
Omnath, Locus of Creation returns to the limelight thanks to a victory completely unexpected (in my opinion). The winning version is certainly very different from the versions we were used to seeing in the past and has many additions from the latest sets. Decks built around Omnath, Locus of Creation had long since disappeared as too slow for a format in which the power plays of greater impact were happening on average on turn 3. We can see many similarities with the recent version of Temur Rage in standard thanks to the presence not only of Nissa, Resurgent Animist and Worldsoul's Rage but also of cards like Ill-Timed Explosion, Spelunking and Ancient Cornucopia. On the other hand, among the new entries, the most interesting is definitely Lumra, Bellow of the Woods. I believe that this list still has a lot of room for improvement and it certainly needs to be monitored for future developments.
SELESNYA AGGRO by pokerswizard
In second place we have Selesnya Aggro instead, an archetype that had never been seen before in this version in the format. The deck has aggressive creatures that tax our opponents as well. Thalia, Guardian of Thraben, Anointed Peacekeeper, Archon of Emeria, Aven Interrupter and Elite Spellbinder all go in one direction: slow down our opponents while putting pressure at the same time (some even elusively). Thanks to the presence of 8 mana dorks we are able to develop in advance any of the countless 3 mana creatures available. At the same time, if we consider the effects of these creatures, we notice that on turn two this deck has very high potential thanks to numerous available tempo plays. Most likely, the creator of this list wanted to target mainly Izzet Phoenix but I do not exclude that the deck can shine in other matchups as well.
MTGO Challenge 32 on 30/08/2024
JUND SACRIFICE by levunga21
In this case, the winner is Jund Sacrifice/Food followed by Izzet Phoenix. Although there are maindeck and sideboard differences compared to the previous ones, we can still conclude that they are not too significant. Izzet Phoenix is a deck that has been in the format for a very long time. The sacrifice archetype has been present (but in a much limited share compared to Izzet Phoenix) for a decent amount of time in the format but the addition of some new cards definitely opens up new lines of play and it is therefore normal to see many differences between the various lists at least in this early period.
IZZET PHOENIX by VitorCarvalho01
MTGO Challenge 32 on 01/09/2024
JUND SACRIFICE by McWinSauce
Once again Jund Sacrifice/Food is triumphing followed by Izzet Phoenix. Are these two archetypes the new kings of the format?
IZZET PHOENIX by Navas
Conclusions
It's certainly been too little time to have an idea about the future of the format but it is correct to start from the certainties already available in the format: Izzet Phoenix. The presence of Vein Ripper (and in some periods of Archfiend of the Dross as well) had certainly weakened our beloved Phoenixes that seem to be taking off again despite the fact that they were never really gone. As often happens in these cases, I think that the bans offer the chance to experiment and have fun like it hasn't happened for a long time. The format had been in a stagnant situation for too long and a breath of fresh air can certainly help.
