Magic: The Gathering has been around for over 30 years, but the game has only gotten bigger in recent years. In 2023, it became toymaker Hasbro’s first billion-dollar brand, demonstrating its lasting popularity over the decades. More than 50 million people worldwide have played the game, so it only makes sense for some celebrities to have joined in on the fun. Big names in the acting, music, sports industry, and beyond have helped take it from an underground game to a bestseller.
Here are some famous personalities who are big Magic fans.
Post Malone
Post Malone is well-known to most for his music, with rap and hip-hop hits like “Rockstar” and “Circles” under his belt. However, the artist is also known to be a huge Magic fan. He regularly collaborates with Wizards of the Coast and gaming channels like The Command Zone’s Game Knights, for which he even made a version of the theme song. He’s also dropped a pretty penny on some of the most expensive cards in the game’s existence. In 2022, he spent a staggering $800,000 on a Black Lotus signed by the late Christopher Rush, a card illustrator for Magic. He also made headlines when he bought the ultra-rare One Ring card valued at up to $2 million, surpassing Black Lotus as the most expensive Magic card ever. To honor his love for the game, Wizards of the Coast even created a one-of-a-kind Post the Enchanter card, a reinterpretation of Zur the Enchanter. a reinterpretation of Zur the Enchanter.
Nacho Barbero
Before Nacho Barbero became a poker pro, he was a master at another card game. In his teens, he was a professional Magic player and was even part of the Argentinian National Team. After six years, his love for Magic eventually led him to poker. His card skills and strategic mentality made him a natural at the game, helping him climb the online ranks. He had his first major wins at the Latin American Poker Tour and EPT London high roller, and eventually won a World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet in 2022. He joined America’s Cardroom as one of their pros, alongside other big names like Chris Moneymaker, Ana Marquez, and Michael Loncar. The online poker site was established in 2001 and boasts exciting tournaments and robust security. While he focuses mainly on his poker career, Barbero still loves playing Magic and considers the game to be part of who he is. He still plays competitively online and with friends with a friendly wager on the line.
Hank Green
Aside from being a YouTuber, entrepreneur, novelist, and comedian, Hank Green is also a long-time Magic fan and player. He often mentions playing the game on social media, in videos, and even in songs. The first thing he ever sold over the internet was a Shivan Dragon card, which he sold for $20.
Cassius Marsh
NFL linebacker Cassius Marsh has had a remarkable football career, but he regards Magic as the best game he’s ever played. The athlete has had a lifelong passion for trading card games, starting with Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! when he was a child. That love eventually blossomed into a full-blown dedication to Magic. He began seriously collecting after getting drafted into the NFL, as the career gave him more money to spend, and he even owned decks with a total value of $20,000. In 2022, Cassius Marsh co-founded and co-owns Cash Cards Unlimited with his business partner Nick Nugwynne, which sells trading cards and hobby products. Over the years, he’s become an iconic figure in the Magic and gaming community, as he helped make the game more mainstream and accepted. He’s helped break down the misconception of trading card games being nerdy or uncool, showing that even top athletes can enjoy playing.
Felicia Day
Aside from her acting career, Felicia Day is a popular figure in gaming communities. She founded the media company Geek & Sundry, which is best known for the Dungeons & Dragons webseries Critical Role. She also created and starred in the webseries The Guild, based on her experiences playing World of Warcraft. Magic is another one of her favorites, which makes sense considering her love for fantasy games. She also became something of a meme for hating on the game’s white cards in a Geek & Sundry vlog where she expressed her love for Magic. The game even has a card in the Fallout Commander deck that depicts the character she voiced in Fallout: New Vegas: Veronica Santangelo.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt has an impressive filmography, from blockbusters like Inception to cult classics like 10 Things I Hate About You, but many would be surprised to find out that he’s an enthusiastic nerdy guy who loves Magic. He’s been featured on the Geek & Sundry channel, playing the game with host Erika Ishii, and has talked about it on the YouTube show Hot Ones, discussing the most valuable card in his collection. He’s even competed in tournaments and events, showcasing his passion beyond mere hobby.
Magic: The Gathering has continued to evolve over the years, aiming to retain its long-time playerbase and attract new people. Celebrities who love the game have played a massive role in keeping it in the mainstream.
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