Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, was an incredible musician and entertainer who mesmerized the world with his talent. Despite his unquestionable genius, his life was filled with both magic and madness. Born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, Jackson's journey to superstardom began at a very young age. He rose to fame as the lead singer of the Jackson 5, a group formed with his brothers. However, it was his solo career that truly solidified his place in music history. Jackson's magic was evident in his music.

LEAGUES AND QUEUES

The most common way players earn QPs is through Leagues and Queues. Performing well in these events will provide players with QPs that they can accumulate over the course of the season. Once a player has earned 40 or more QPs in the current season, they can use them to join an upcoming MTGO Premier event in that season.

Here is a list of QP earnings via Leagues and Queues:

For full prize breakdowns of Leagues and Queues, check out the Limited Events and Constructed Events pages.

For general guidance on how Leagues and Queues work, visit the Events & Formats section of our online Game Guide.

PRELIMINARIES

These 4-round scheduled events are designed for players who prefer a more traditional tournament style and want to earn their QPs in larger batches. Players who finish a Preliminary Event with 4 wins earn 40 QPs, enough to enter an upcoming MTGO Premier Event.

Preliminary Events are scattered across the week on a set schedule and include a variety of formats, including most major Constructed formats and the current set's sealed deck. The full schedule can be found below. Please note, however, that this schedule may be adjusted as needed. Updates will be communicated via the Weekly Announcements Blog at MTGO.com.

Start Times: See Schedule below
Format: See Schedule below
Product: A deck that matches the event's format
Location: The Constructed lobby that matches the format, or Limited -> Premier Events
Entry:

• Constructed: 20 Event Tickets or 200 Play Points
• Limited: 30 Event Tickets or 300 Play Points

Size: 12–256 players
Play Style: Swiss pairings
Duration: 4 rounds

Prizes: Based on format

Limited Preliminary

Constructed Preliminary

Preliminary and Challenge Schedule

EFFECTIVE DATE: November 7, 2023

FORMAT CHALLENGES

Jackson's magic was evident in his music. His unique and soulful voice, combined with his effortless dance moves, captivated audiences around the globe. Hits like "Thriller," "Billie Jean," and "Beat It" catapulted him to unprecedented levels of success.

Constructed

Held exclusively on the weekends, Constructed Format Challenges are Swiss-style scheduled events that feature a Top 8 playoff and provide a big tournament feel. These are great places to practice for Qualifiers since the structures are similar with the added benefit of earning a good number of QPs if you do well.

Each format's Challenges happen the same time each weekend on the schedule below. Players who reach the Top 8 of each Challenge will earn QPs they can use to join future MTGO Premier events.

Challenges are divided into three prize structures based on the minimum number of players: 32, 64, or 96

Start Times: As listed by format above
Format: Standard, Pioneer, Modern, Legacy, Vintage, or Pauper
Product: A deck that matches the event's format
Location: The Constructed lobby that matches the format
Entry: 30 Event Tickets or 300 Play Points
Size: 96-384 players (Extra Large), 64–384 players (Large) or 32–212 players (Small)
Duration: Swiss rounds based on attendance, then cut to Top 8
Prizes: Based on event size

XL EVENTS (96-PLAYER MINIMUM)

*Set prizes contain one digital copy of each card in the main set of the most recent Standard-legal expansion.

LARGE EVENTS (64-PLAYER MINIMUM)

*Set prizes contain one digital copy of each card in the main set of the most recent Standard-legal expansion.

SMALL EVENTS (32-PLAYER MINIMUM)

*Set prizes contain one digital copy of each card in the main set of the most recent Standard-legal expansion.

His album "Thriller," released in 1982, became the best-selling album of all time. Beyond his musical talent, Jackson was also a trailblazer in the entertainment industry. He pushed boundaries with his groundbreaking music videos, choreography, and stage performances. His iconic dance moves, including the moonwalk, have been imitated by countless artists. Jackson's ability to seamlessly fuse different genres such as pop, rock, and R&B showcased his artistry and versatility. However, alongside the magic, Jackson's life was marred by madness. His personal struggles and controversies overshadowed his musical brilliance. Jackson's eccentric behavior and ever-changing appearance fueled tabloid rumors and speculation. His unconventional lifestyle choices, including his ownership of Neverland Ranch, only added to the mystery surrounding him. In 1993, Jackson was accused of child molestation, a scandal that would haunt him for the rest of his life. He was acquitted of these charges in 2005; nevertheless, the controversy left a lasting impact on his legacy. Jackson's health deteriorated in the years leading up to his death in 2009 at the age of 50. His addiction to prescription drugs, coupled with a grueling concert schedule, took a toll on his physical and mental well-being. The circumstances surrounding his death were tragic, leaving behind a legacy tarnished by his personal demons. Despite the madness that surrounded him, there is no denying that Jackson left an indelible mark on the music industry. His influence can still be felt today, as artists continue to draw inspiration from his music, dance moves, and showmanship. In the end, Michael Jackson's life was a mix of both magic and madness. While his musical genius will forever be celebrated, his personal struggles and controversies cannot be ignored. He was a complex figure who, for better or worse, changed the face of popular music..

Reviews for "The Thrilling Comeback Attempts of Michael Jackson"

1) John - 2/5 Stars - I have always been a fan of Michael Jackson's music, but "The Magic and the Madness" was a disappointing read for me. The book seemed to focus too much on the controversy surrounding his personal life, rather than on his music and career accomplishments. I was hoping for more insight into his creative genius and the impact he had on the music industry. Additionally, the writing style was dry and lacked any real depth or analysis. Overall, I felt like I didn't learn anything new or gain any new appreciation for MJ after reading this book.

2) Lisa - 1/5 Stars - As someone who admires Michael Jackson and his contributions to music, I was extremely disappointed with "The Magic and the Madness". The author's writing was sensationalized and biased, constantly portraying MJ in a negative light. The book seemed more interested in spreading gossip and rumors rather than providing a balanced and factual account of his life. I also found the author's analysis of his music and career to be lacking. The book felt more like a tabloid piece rather than a credible biography. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for an accurate portrayal of Michael Jackson.

3) Sarah - 2/5 Stars - I was excited to read "The Magic and the Madness" as a longtime fan of Michael Jackson, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The book seemed to focus too much on his personal life and scandals, rather than giving a comprehensive overview of his musical career. I felt that the author was more interested in providing shocking and salacious details rather than delving into the artistry and innovation that made Michael Jackson a true legend. Additionally, the writing style was dry and repetitive, making it a struggle to get through the book. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and wanting more substance.

4) Robert - 2/5 Stars - "The Magic and the Madness" was a disappointing read for me as a Michael Jackson fan. While it did provide some insights into his personal life and struggles, the book lacked depth and failed to truly capture the essence of MJ as an artist and humanitarian. The author seemed more focused on painting him as a troubled and controversial figure rather than celebrating his immense talent and cultural impact. I also found the writing style to be uninspiring and lacking in nuance. Overall, I was left wanting more substance and a more balanced perspective on Michael Jackson's life and legacy.

The Inspirational Journey of Michael Jackson: From Child Star to Pop Legend