The first Calling event of 2023 has come to an end with 481 players competing in the main event in Indianapolis!
The first Calling event of the year meant this was the first opportunity for a lot of player to text their skills in a large field. And for those who had not yet qualified, this event plus the Battle Hardened meant the chance to gain valuable PTIs to secure their shot at $200,000 USD in Pro Tour Baltimore.
This event was also a first with preview cards from the upcoming Outsiders set being featured in the vendors booths. Artist Mark Poole was also in attendance showing off the Quiver of Rustling Leaves artist proofs.
The community turned out in full force for another weekend packed full of action and comradery. Relive the event on the Man Sant Channel here.
A diverse field took to floor of the Indiana Convention Center, a wide array of heroes chosen by the competitors. All eyes were on this tournament to see which hero would prevail. Which players had changed strategies and who stayed the course?
After the banned and restricted announcement following ProQuest Season 3 there was a clear lack of ice in the field compared to previous events. Briar, Dromai and Fai representing the most played decks of the tournament. However the remaining Ice heroes gave the B&R list the cold shoulder and soldiered on through the competition making up 7 of the top 8 heroes for the tournament.
Check out DMArmada and Br33zy's meta analysis video where they dive deep into conversion rates and uncover the trends from ProQuest Season 3 followed up by the post B&R results from The Calling Indianapolis that surprised the world.
Day One Metagame
Other Heroes include Arakni, Azalea, Boltyn, Kano, Katsu, Levia
Day Two Metagame
Other Heroes include Azalea, Boltyn, Bravo, Kano, Katsu, Rhinar, Viserai
Top 8
1st: Michael Hamilton - Iyslander, Stormbind
2nd: Charles Dunn - Oldhim, Grandfather of Eternity
3rd-4th: Michael Jaszczur - Oldhim, Grandfather of Eternity
3rd-4th: Majin Bae Caleb Van Patten - Iyslander, Stormbind
5th-8th: Lucas Oswald - Oldhim, Grandfather of Eternity
5th-8th: Timothy Long - Oldhim, Grandfather of Eternity
5th-8th: Tariq Patel - Briar, Warden of Thorns
5th-8th: Aaron Shantz - Oldhim, Grandfather of Eternity
Michael Hamilton took out his 3rd Calling, piloting Iyslander to another victory. Proving that you can take the ice out of Iyslander, but not out of his veins. Coming off the back of a World Championship win, Michael has now become the first player in Flesh and Blood history to win three Calling events. People are for the first time asking the question... "When does a player become living legend?"
Battle Hardened
The Battle Hardened saw players battle it out in the Blitz format to see which of the young heroes would take the top spot. With a PTI and Gold foil on the line the competition was stiff. Peter Buddensiek piloted the young wizard hero Kano to victory, using the cunning trickster's instant arcane damage attacks.
Battle Hardened Top 8
- 1st: Peter Buddensiek - Kano
- 2nd: Ryan Rich - Chane
- 3rd-4th: Cory Lonas - Iyslander
- 3rd-4th: Eric Shoopman - Chane
- 5th-8th: Michelle Chmura - Dash
- 5th-8th: Noah Clark - Prism
- 5th-8th: John Zapata - Iyslander
- 5th-8th: Quinn Toulouse - Kassai, Cintari Sellsword
Cosplay
The Cosplayers were out too in thematically meta fashion! Dash, Iyslander and Oldhim taking to the floor and representing the growing community of Flesh and Blood Cosplayers.
The Judge team put in the hard yards once again, doing what they do best and making sure everything ran smoothly and in order.
Thanks to them for all of their hard work over the weekend!
