Hunter Burton Memorial
Gaming to Prevent Suicide
2025 HBMO Recap – Setting New Records & What’s to Come In 2026!
Every year that we host the Hunter Burton Memorial Open, it’s a truly special event. Having the ability for our team of volunteers to connect with the HBM family, seeing so many familiar faces, meeting new members of the community, and maybe most of all hearing the incredible stories about how suicide has affected those in attendance, is such an overwhelming feeling.
With that incredible and deep feeling in mind, we felt that there’s no better time to give the 2025 HBMO Recap than on Mental Health Awareness Day.
Before we get started, we want to say how thankful we are to the sponsors that help make the event possible. This year we had incredible supporters on board and it was absolutely one of the most successful events in our history. It also goes without saying, but we are so grateful to all of our volunteers that spend several days helping us make the event run smoothly. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you all!
Now, what you have all been waiting for… it’s time to give you the amazing news about the 2025 event!
This year we set records in almost every category. Our total amount of money raised for the foundation, the number of silent auction donations, the number of total events hosted, and overwhelmingly the number of total attendees all grew significantly! Yes, you read that correctly, our 2025 event not only broke some records, but it truly shattered them.
Our 2025 total earnings for the foundation were just over $140,000!
The total number of 2025 attendees was close to a turnstile of 1,500 across the weekend!
These numbers grew by more than 25% over our 2024 event which is absolutely incredible. This allows our foundation to grow the quantity of community impact kits produced and shipped to stores and increase our ability to attend other gaming events and spread awareness about suicide and suicide prevention.
Given the success of 2025, we have a lot to look forward to in 2026! Plans are already in the works about new events, new prizes, and some amazing new features to our community programs. Ready to hear the date for 2026? We are so excited to share that we will return to the Hurst Conference Center for our next event. Make sure to mark you calendars for…
* Drumroll please…………………………………. *
2026 Hunter Burton Memorial Open
March 13th – 15th
Hurst Conference Center, Hurst TX
Event listings and pre-registration coming soon! Subscribe to the blog to make sure you get all the updates real-time and don’t miss out on your favorite events!
Announcing the HBMO Commander Package for 2025!
Did somebody say Commander?
Introducing the HBMO Commander Package for the Commander enthusiasts! That’s right, we now have a package just for the players who want to live that pod life for the weekend!
What is the HBMO Commander Package? Glad you asked!
You will receive:
1 – Set of HBMO Sleeves
1 – HBMO Custom Tote Bag
1 – Random HBMO Playmat
1 – Collector Booster pack OR Secret Lair (while supplies last)
4 – On-Demand Commander Event Entries
To sign up, visit the preregistration page. This package is extremely limited and will sell out at only $50.00 !
Grab yours today so you can play Commander pods all weekend long!
PURCHASE YOUR PACKAGE HERE
Hunter Burton Memorial Open
March 14th – 16th 2025
Hurst Conference Center
1601 Campus Dr
Hurst TX
Flesh and Blood 2025
This year Flesh and Blood is back again, and HBM is excited for the continuing support from Legend Story Studios, and the FAB community.
This year we our headline FAB event is a Classic Constructed ProQuest+ held on Saturday morning at 9:30 AM. We will also have Armory events on Friday and Sunday, as well as other scheduled events throughout the weekend.
Announcing the Jarrod Keys Memorial $5k Pioneer MTG Event!
2025 brings some amazing new events and opportunities to the Hunter Burton Memorial Open! One of the coolest events added to the weekend is the new Magic the Gathering Pioneer $5k event (The Jarrod Keys Memorial Tournament sponsored by Common Ground Games) being held on Friday March 14th.
Jarrod Keys Memorial Pioneer $5k (Sponsored by Common Ground Games)
Friday March 14th, at 12:00pm
$50 Entry Fee / 64 Player Cap
1st Place: $800, Invite to RC Minneapolis/Hartford, Championship Belt, and commemorative HBMO die
2nd Place: $600
3rd/4th Place: $400
5th/8th Place: $300
9th/16th Place: $100
17th/32nd Place: $50
*All prizes are guaranteed
This is a special event, not just because it’s an added $5k event on the calendar, but because it is set to recognize a prominent member of the local gaming community that recently passed due to suicide. The HBMO is honored to recognize someone that meant so much to so many players.
“Jarrod Keys was a beloved member of the Common Ground Games community. Jarrod was a force of joy whose humor and zest for life was infectious. At the start of the Pandemic Jarrod had found us as he and his friends had been looking for some board games. By the time we had reopened for events, Jarrod was enthusiastically, and completely, a Magic the Gathering player.
Jarrod made friends in the community easily. He was always positive and upbeat and came to the store at least 4 nights a week. He quickly became one of those people that most everyone knew and looked forward to seeing. Some of our regulars introduced Jarrod to Pioneer, and he was hooked. He loved the larger card pool without having to know EVERY Magic card like Modern or Legacy. Soon he had his whole group of friends hooked on pioneer and pioneer was firing every week and continuing to grow.
Our Pre-release events at Common Ground Games on Friday nights are done as a big event, with a theme following the set and foods. Jarrod loved to lean into the big events and roped a bunch of the community into leaning into it as well. Having someone walk into our Outlaws of Thunder Junction in full cow print regalia including a cow print hat was astonishing. Having multiple people dressed like that made it a party.
Losing Jarrod was unexpected and left a massive hole in our community. It’s a stark reminder to always check in on your friends, as you never know how much they may be hurting. His joy was a gift to all of us and its something we never want to forget.”
– Jamison Sacks, Owner of Common Ground Games in Dallas TX
In addition to the amazing cause behind hosting this memorable $5k event, we have another great partner on this year’s HBMO that wanted to add some additional spark to such a special event. The Crew3 podcast which specializes in Pioneer Magic coverage will be onsite and doing some live coverage and events, including contributing an awesome Wrestling Championship Belt as a trophy for the winner of the event!
Why a championship belt you ask? C3W is also well known for it’s uniquely creative take on using the WWE 2k Game Engine to create Magic the Gathering Characters and have them compete in wrestling matches, complete with fantastic commentary and wrestling enthusiasm. Chris Cline, Ricky Linn, and Zack Ruckman make up fantastic episodes that we highly recommend.
Interested in finding episodes of the C3W podcast to listen to? Find them on Spotify or anywhere you consume podcasts by searching Crew3: A Pioneer Podcast.
Preregistration is available for this event on the HBMO website under the event details page.
Showcase: 2025 HBMO Playmat Design Reveal!
For the 2025 Hunter Burton Memorial Open, we are proud to announce the new playmat design by Carl Braun! Our 10th Anniversary design was so well received that we asked Carl to come back on board for 2025 and design our next playmat.
This year’s design was a collaboration with Erin Giddings and Carl Braun. Together they worked out a design that embodied characteristics for the charity and that would resonate with players. Here’s what Erin had to say about the playmat and design concept:
“I am personally partial to wolves and have wanted a wolf on our playmat for a long time. Not just because I’m a nerd and loved to play wolf themed decks in Magic, but because it’s a prime symbol for what we stand for at the HBMO. Wolves are strong and have proven they can endure harsh conditions… To me this is the type of strength men and women show when they work to overcome the dark thoughts of suicide each and every day. A wolf is a pack animal and thrives in a community… no different than the community we work to build through kindness and inclusion here at the HBMO. To me, it was a perfect theme to carry us into our next decade of the Community Impact Program and the annual event!”
– Erin Giddings (Charity Operations Executive Director)
Other elements included in the mat are the image of a watch face in the background. This is paying homage to the iconic watch the foundation awards each year in memory of Hunter Burton (our namesake). Keeping with last year’s theme, we have it set at night because one of our favorite sayings is “It’s always darkest just before the dawn!”
Without further delay, we are proud to show you the 2025 HBMO Playmat design!
*Black & White variation will be available and limited to /50
**Stitched edge version available for all VIP Registered Players
Want to get your playmat autographed by the artist? Carl Braun will be at the event with Studio Aries and ready to autograph your mat, or any of his published comic books! Want to learn a little more about the artist? Follow this link to see all of Carl’s other work including game design and comic books!
VISIT CARL BRAUN’S INSTAGRAM HERE
Carl Braun is a published comic book artist and game designer. He has been a creative director and graphic designer for companies such as Score Entertainment, Funimation, and Crytptozoic. He was an original graphic designer for the OG Dragon Ball Z Trading Card Game in the late 90’s and early 00’s. He also helped with creative design on the Inuyasha TCG, YuYu Hakasho TCG, and many others!
Some of Carl’s most recent published works for Studio Aries include the S.E.A.L.S comic book and also the Front Towards Enemy playing card game which debuted at the 2024 HBMO.
2025 cEDH Announcement
Welcome cEDH fans! The HBM is excited to announce our partnership with Crimson Lion Games to host our best competitive commander event ever. This year we will have amazing prizes, donated by Crimson Lion, and one of the biggest cEDH events in the country.
Crimson Lion Games has been part of the cEDH community for years, and the Magic community for decades. They lean in strongly towards community building, especially in the cEDH space, and that matches HBM’s goals for growing community. We’re excited about the partnership, and hope to see a lot of wonderful powerful Commander decks out to play in March.
Preregister Now!
Guaranteed Prizes
10 Revised dual lands guaranteed.
Bonus Prize
An Unlimited Timetwister will be added to the prize pool near the cap of 196 players.
Announcing the Generation X Commander Area at the 2025 HBMO
The Hunter Burton Memorial Open stands for kindness, inclusion, and community. The work we do is about using these ideas as a way to spread awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. For years, Generation X Games and Comics has been a staple supporter and contributor to the HBMO because of their belief in the mission and how it resonates with the vibe they strive for in their store. So much so, that in 2023 they won the HBM Community Impact Award for the work they do in multiple gaming communities.
This year is no different! We are so excited to announce the Generation X Commander Area at the 2025 HBMO. This area will be a free play area dedicated to the commander format where casual players can connect and enjoy their favorite hobby format.
In this area players are encouraged to connect with others in the truest sense of bringing the community together. An area for fun, casual, and free play that people can meet others from all across the country, enjoy their favorite format, and truly connect in the spirit of kindness and inclusion.
“Our vision is simple… we want a fun and casual area that players can relax and meet others in the community. A place people can just show up and get in a game of Commander, allowing them to feel the true sense of community and take them away from the craziness of the outside world.“
– Tabitha Armstrong & Wayne McNeil (Owners of Generation X)
How will you find this area? Have no fear! We have specialized banners that will clearly show you where to go!
Looking for organized play Commander events? We have announcements coming up for both the HBMO Commander Package AND the CEDH Mega Event so stay tuned!
HBMO Hotel Room Block Now Open
Are you making your final plans to attend the 2025 Hunter Burton Memorial Open? Great news! The room block for the HBMO at the attached Hilton Hotel is now available.
Benefits of staying at the Hilton are tremendous. First, it is literally just a quick elevator ride downstairs and through the door to the main event space. This makes it super easy to get to your desired activities on time. Second, there is a parking garage that literally connects to every floor of the hotel, so you can park your car on whatever floor your room is on for easy access to your vehicle. Additionally, the hotel offers an indoor pool, full bar and restaurant, as well as a snack shop for late night cravings!
Interested in what’s nearby? Several great places to eat within walking distance and plenty more within a one mile radius of the hotel. Convenient Target and Wal-Mart nearby for any shopping needs, and of course a Starbucks just around the corner for those that need that morning coffee.
Ready to book your exclusive HBMO rate at the Hilton? Simply follow this link and lock in that room now before they are all gone!
CLICK HERE – BOOK YOUR HBMO ROOM NOW
Hilton Garden Inn Dallas at Hurst Conference Center
1615 Campus Drive Hurst, Texas 76054
Hunter Burton Memorial Open 2025 – Friday March 14th through Sunday March 16th
* Tournaments start Friday morning (March 14th) so make sure you don’t miss out! *
Community Impact Award Nominations – NOW OPEN!
The Hunter Burton Memorial Community Impact Award honors an individual or individuals who have used the power of games to foster community building, kindness, inclusion, and positive reinforcement. This unique award recognizes a person whose passion for games has become a transformative force, bringing people together, promoting empathy, and creating spaces where individuals can connect, learn, and grow in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Community Building Through Games: The recipient of this award demonstrates an exceptional ability to use games as tools to unite diverse groups of people. Whether through organizing game nights, tournaments, or social gatherings, they have created welcoming spaces where people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can come together, build relationships, and develop a shared sense of belonging. By integrating fun and play, they cultivate stronger communities, breaking down social barriers and encouraging collaboration among individuals who may not otherwise cross paths.
Kindness in Every Move: At the heart of this individual’s work is a deep commitment to kindness. They understand that games are not just about competition, but about fostering a positive, encouraging atmosphere where everyone feels respected and valued. The recipient’s kindness is evident in how they create environments where participants are treated with empathy, where good sportsmanship is celebrated, and where every player, regardless of skill level, is made to feel welcome. Through their actions, they demonstrate that the true spirit of play lies in building others up, not tearing them down.
Inclusion Through Play: The awardee has a strong focus on ensuring that games are accessible to everyone. They actively seek out ways to include individuals who may feel excluded or overlooked—whether due to disability, socioeconomic barriers, or cultural differences. By introducing games that are adaptable, inviting diverse groups to participate, and encouraging inclusive play, they ensure that no one is left out. Whether by offering modified game rules, providing free or low-cost game opportunities, or creating accessible spaces, this person is dedicated to making sure that all players, regardless of their background or ability, can experience the joy and connection that comes from playing together.
The Community Impact Award is not just about an individual’s love for games, but about the profound, lasting impact they make through using games as a vehicle for connection, kindness, and inclusion. This award celebrates the power of play to create positive change, enrich lives, and build stronger, more compassionate communities where everyone can connect, thrive and feel safe.
Feel like you know someone who represents these core values? A store owner or employee? The person who started a local gaming group at the library or at a school? A member of a gaming community that has taken the extra steps to make the events or space meet the above ideas? Now you can nominate them using the link below!
We will be taking nominations until February 8th, 2025, and choosing the winner for announcement by February 20th. The winner will receive two nights hotel at this year’s HBMO and some travel accommodations to attend the event on March 14th -16th. They will receive the Community Impact Award on Saturday the 15th in front of the main attendance on stage and be presented with the annual HBMO watch.
In addition, we will share their story and that of several runners up in the days after the event on our website and socials to celebrate all the amazing things those individuals do for their communities!
Ready to nominate someone? Follow this link to start: CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE
*Make sure you have an email address for the individual you are nominating and are prepared to write 1-4 paragraphs about the impact they have made in your local community.
We are so excited to celebrate these community champions making a positive difference! Get those nominations in and we’ll see you at the 2025 Hunter Burton Memorial Open on March 14th – 16th at the Hurst Conference Center in Hurst Texas!
Announcing the 2025 Hunter Burton Memorial Open
The best gaming event is back for 2025, and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever! Are you ready for the first details? Let’s jump right in:
Hunter Burton Memorial Open: March 14th-16th, 2025!
Join us again at the Hurst Conference Center in Hurst TX for 3 days of gaming, community and suicide awareness/prevention.
Featuring Lorcana, Pokemon, Flesh and Blood all return in 2025!
Pokemon returns with events all weekend! The main feature will be the HBMO Pokemon TCG Championship on Sunday morning.
Lorcana will hold a 2-day event starting Saturday (March 15th) in the afternoon, livestreamed on twitch, to crown our second Lorcana TCG champion.
Flesh and Blood will have a PQ+ on Saturday, as well as competitive challenge events all weekend long.
Have no fear, Magic the Gathering is here!
Our Main Event Magic tournament returns, ready for you to bring your cotton-balled opals and twins back to play in Modern, again playing for $15,000 over two days of competition.
Magic will also feature a Legacy $2k on Sunday, brought to you by CM games.
Standard $5k on Sunday, brought to you by Card Cache.
Vintage $1k returns as well, a highlight of the weekend for some of our most dedicated fans!
Pioneer $1k (Jarrod Keys Memorial) brought to you by Common Ground Games.
Free-Play Commander Area brought to you by Generation X Games & Comics! *
*Look for additional announcements about CEDH and Organized Commander events!*
Jeff Zandi Chaos Sealed
Speaking of dedicated fans, this event returns of course, with a plethora of new packs and sets and treatments to open in the most decadent tournament of the week. This fan favorite event has limited spots and is always the first event to sell out at the HBMO!
Expanded Trials
With Legacy moving to Sunday, and Lorcana a two-day event, we are able to offer byes in more events this year.
– Modern HBMO Trials are available on Friday, players can win up to two byes playing Modern or Draft
– Lorcana Trials are available on Friday, players can win up to one bye playing Core Constructed
– CM Games Legacy $2k Trials are available on Saturday, players can win up to one bye playing Legacy
Stores can still apply for in-store trials now.
Artists!
We have five artists booked already, you can check them out at the 2025 Event Details Page
Panels and Other Events
With panels under our belt from last year, we are expanding our offering for 2025. Some guests are already confirmed and we have some exciting podcast recordings that will be happening live
Stay tuned for updates to the page as we continue to add more events! Subscribe to our blog to get emails as soon as new posts go live.
Additional 2025 Information
– The Hilton Hotel room block is open now and you can BOOK HERE . You can also view the 2025 event details page.
– Preregistration can be found at THIS LINK or on the 2025 Event Details Page
– Community Impact Award Nominations are open now! NOMINATE HERE
Schedule
Friday – March 14th 2024
10am – Ian Jasheway Memorial Sealed RCQ (MTG)
3pm – Armory Flesh & Blood Event (FAB)
10am to 5pm – Lorcana and Modern/Draft trials for byes
7:30pm – Opening Ceremony Cocktail Party (Tickets Required)
Saturday – March 15th 2024
8:50am – Seating Begins – Opening Speeches
9am – $15k Modern HBMO (MTG)
9:30am – HBM cEDH Championship (MTG)
10am – Classic Constructed ProQuest+ (FAB)
10am-5pm – Legacy trials for byes
2pm – HBM Lorcana Championship
Sunday – March 16th 2024
9:00am – Card Cache Standard $5k (MTG)
9:30am – HBM Pokemon Championship
9:30am – Pioneer RCQ $1k Event (MTG)
10am – CM GAmes Legacy $2k (MTG)
10am – HBM and Lorcana Day 2
3:30pm – Jeff Zandi Chaos Sealed (MTG)
*On demand events such as Commander pods, booster drafts, and other events will be ongoing through out the weekend.
DONATE NOW
Charitable Donations
Donate to the cause! Every little bit helps us increase our outreach program, spread awareness, and help educate gaming community members about suicide.
$5.00
Make a Donation Now
Charitable Donations
Donate to the cause! Every little bit helps us increase our outreach program, spread awareness, and help educate gaming community members about suicide.
$5.00
Hunter Burton Memorial 