Sparky’s Gaming aims to make Ohio history with major tabletop tournament

MANSFIELD — More than 200 tabletop players will gather on March 7 at 10 a.m. at the Mid-Ohio Conference Center to chase strategy, connection and thousands of dollars in prizes.

Sparky’s Gaming owner Jacob Pflugfelder plans to host one of Ohio’s largest competitive Magic: The Gathering tournaments, drawing players from across the country and pushing toward a historic milestone for organized tabletop gaming.

In the high level competitive EDH (cEDH) tournament, players will compete for more than $5,000 in total prizes, including a first-place prize valued at over $2,000.

With over 200 people already registered, the event has been placed in the Platinum-tier territory, which includes tournaments with 100 to 249 players.

Players can register online at the Topdeck.gg website. The current cap is 300 — with $75 being the cost to participate.

Players travel miles to compete

“This is our first attempt at a Platinum-tier event, and the community support has been incredible,” Pflugfelder said.

Pflugfelder added the event may surpass expectations to reach Diamond tier, reserved for tournaments with more than 250 players.

“We are proud to share we will be the first store in Ohio to not only reach Platinum, but possibly exceed it,” he said. “We are just 16 attendees away from Diamond, and we’ve been averaging three to five new registrations per day.”

One of their major goals is to earn Wizards Play Network (WPN) status. Pflugfelder said WPN is the official organized play program supported by Wizards of the Coast, the publisher of Magic: The Gathering.

“We expect a strong turnout and a vibrant atmosphere,” he said.

He noted while the game itself is a fantasy-themed strategy card game, the heart of the event is the competition, local economic impact and growing popularity of tabletop gaming.

Event reflects growing tabletop gaming community

Competitive tabletop tournaments function much like traditional sporting events, with players preparing extensively and traveling long distance to compete at the highest level.

“These events bring together hobbyists, collectors and competitive players in a structured, sports-like environment centered around strategic gameplay and community engagement,” Pflugfelder said.

My favorite part of hosting events like this is building and growing communities.

Jacob Pflugfelder, owner of Sparky’s Gaming

“I want to express how thankful I am — to my wife, our community, head judge and my staff,” he said.

Pflugfelder took ownership of Sparky’s Gaming just over a year ago and has focused on growing the store’s competitive scene and community presence.

“My favorite part of hosting events like this is building and growing communities of people who genuinely enjoy tabletop gaming,” he said.

The event will also feature several vendors, including local businesses and creators.

Arynn, owner of Sweetest Victory, will sell custom cake pops, while Mike Saad of Sad Robot Alters will offer hand-altered trading cards.

Better Plays Gaming and Warp Gate will also attend as vendors selling high-end trading cards.

“We’re excited about what this event represents — not just for our store, but for competitive tabletop gaming in Ohio,” he said.