Old School 93/94 is a community-driven format of the trading card game (TCG) Magic: The Gathering, that focuses on the earliest years of Magic's history, specifically the cards printed in 1993 and 1994. It was created in Sweden in 2007 by Magnus "Mg" DeLaval and a group of friends who wanted to relive the experience of playing Magic as it was in its formative years.
Even though it is no longer formally the world championship (that title transitioned to Winc0n in 2022), N00bcon is still considered the OG and holy grail of Old School Magic. Unfortunately no longer held there due to fire regulations, the legendary Rotary Pub is still considered the Mecca of Old School.
Although I played in the tournament for years myself (first time in 2018), I've been attending N00bcon as a photographer since 2023. For me, it's a perfect setting to stealthily capture candid portraits of players fully immersed in the game, lost in thought, and sharing moments of joy together.
Mg established a ruleset that includes only the original sets — Alpha, Beta, Unlimited, Arabian Nights, Antiquities, Legends, and The Dark — and emphasizes aesthetics, nostalgia, and the social aspects of the game.
In recent years, Mg stepped down from organising N00bcon; it has since been organised by Christi Reinhard (Reindeer) and Mitja Held.
The format gained popularity through DeLaval's blog, Old School Mtg (The Blag), which became a central hub for the community. The blog features tournament reports, decklists, and discussions about the philosophy of Old School Magic. It also outlines the Swedish ruleset, which is known for its strict adherence to original printings and a conservative banned and restricted list.
Old School 93/94 is characterized by its emphasis on community and the enjoyment of the game over competitiveness (although the battles for the Sharks are indeed hard-fought). Tournaments are often held in informal settings, such as pubs or community centers, and players are encouraged to use original cards with the classic card frame and artwork.
The format has inspired various regional adaptations, each with its own rules and card allowances, but all share the core principle of celebrating Magic's early days. The two most prevalent ones being Swedish and Atlantic.
Today, Old School 93/94 has a global following, with communities and tournaments established in various countries. The format's enduring appeal lies in its blend of nostalgia, artistry, and camaraderie, offering players a unique way to experience the roots of Magic: The Gathering.
