HBMO 2026: The Complete Schedule

We’ve got a massive weekend ahead at the Hurst Conference Center. Here is the play-by-play for every event, including the entry fees and exactly what you’re playing for.

Friday, March 13th


Saturday, March 14th


Sunday, March 15th


The Prize Wall

Most of the “Challenge” events (Standard, Modern, etc.) pay out in Prize Tokens:

  • 10 Tokens for entering.
  • 20 Tokens per win.
  • For the Chaos Sealed, the stakes are doubled: 20 for playing / 40 per win.

Why We Do This

Beyond the cards, we’re here to support suicide prevention. Take a second between rounds to check out the info booth or chat with the staff or even check out a panel!

Blue Collar MTG x InkMats for HBMO 2026

Magic from the working class. Unfiltered, inclusive, and unforgettable.

If you’ve been following the journey of Blue Collar MTG (BCCMTG) over the last year, you know that this community is built on more than just high-level plays and deck techs. It’s built on representation, hard work, and the belief that Magic: The Gathering belongs to the people who keep the world turning.

After an explosive first year—reaching 15,000 followers and being featured at major events like DreamHack Dallas—we are ready to take that momentum and turn it into a positive impact for the community.

Supporting HBMO 2026

We are thrilled to announce a special partnership between Blue Collar MTG and InkMats to support HBMO (Hunter Burton Memorial Open) 2026.

Artist-Forward. Anti-AI. Community-Driven.

InkMats was founded on a simple principle: supporting the humans who make this game beautiful. As an “Artist-Forward” company, InkMats stands firmly against the use of AI-generated art, ensuring that every playmat you buy supports a real person who has dedicated their life to their craft.

In honor of HBMO 2026, we have set up a dedicated landing page for this special event. A portion of the proceeds from purchases made through InkMats will go directly toward supporting the Hunter Burton Memorial Open and our vital work in the gaming community.

Explore the InkMats HBMO Collection Here

Why This Matters

Whether we’re on a construction site, in a warehouse, or at a tabletop, the Blue Collar MTG community stands for looking out for one another. By partnering with HBMO, we are extending that “working class” solidarity to mental health advocacy.

We’ve already raised over $17,500 for The Trevor Project, and we know this community can step up again. Let’s show the world that the working class of MTG has the biggest heart in the game.

Get Involved

  • Shop with Purpose: Visit the InkMats Special Event Page to grab a high-quality, human-made playmat that gives back.
  • Follow the Journey: Catch us on twitch for more during HBMO 2026.
  • Spread the Word: Use the hashtag #BCCMTG and #HBMO2026 to let people know how they can support artist-forward gaming and mental health awareness.

Riftbound Learn-to-Play at HBMO!

Since its launch, Riftbound has taken the TCG world by storm. With a surging competitive scene and a unique tactical approach to card combat, it’s quickly becoming a staple at major events. If you’ve seen the hype online or watched the high-stakes matches at Regional Qualifiers, now is your chance to see what the buzz is about.

Learn-to-Play Schedule

Friday: Special Guest Sessions

  • Time: 1:00 PM – Close
  • Led by: Anna Margaret and Zabracus
  • Kick off the weekend by learning from two of the most knowledgeable players in the community. They’ll be on hand to walk you through the basics and share some high-level tactical tips.

Saturday: Open Demos

  • Time: All Day
  • Led by: HBMO Staff
  • Swing by the Riftbound area anytime. Our staff will have decks ready and tables open for anyone wanting to jump into a quick demo.

Sunday: Open Demos

  • Time: All Day
  • Led by: HBMO Staff
  • Last call! If you haven’t experienced the “move-and-conquer” mechanics yet, come grab a seat before the weekend ends.

No Deck? No Problem.

We provide everything you need to play. You don’t need to bring a collection or even have prior TCG experience. Just show up with a competitive spirit and get ready to see why Riftbound is the talk of the tabletop world right now.

Welcome Our 2026 Casting Team!

We are thrilled to announce the voices behind the mic for this year’s Hunter Burton Memorial Open coverage. Please join us in welcoming back a legacy fixture of our community and a fresh face from the Southeast scene!

David Palmer

A true cornerstone of the DFW Magic community and a longtime friend of Hunter, David’s history with this event goes back to the very beginning—where he Top-8ed the first-ever HBMO. With over half a dozen Pro Tour qualifications and a Top-32 finish at PT Sydney under his belt, David brings elite-level analysis to the booth. This marks his 6th year on our casting team, and as one of the only people on earth to own a complete set of HBMO Commemorative Dice, his dedication to the cause is unmatched.

Coleman Perret

Making his commentary debut this weekend is the “Baton Rouge Bad Boy” himself, Coleman Perret. A competitive mainstay and game designer well-known throughout the Southeast, Coleman is finally putting his Masters degree in “yapping” to professional use. Though his friends insist he “could still dribble” in the main event, the “Steam Vents King” is stepping out of the player seat and into the booth to provide expert insight on the constructed formats he’s spent a decade mastering.

Pro Tip: If you see Coleman around the venue, be sure to ask him about Super Battle.

Haven’t secured your spot yet? Head over to our registration page to sign up now and join us for an unforgettable weekend of gaming!!

Panel Announcement: Healing Made Human

At HBMO, we believe that the path to wellness should be paved with clarity, not confusion. This year, we are incredibly proud to bring you Healing Made Human: Making Sense of Mental Health Care—a specialized presentation designed to pull back the curtain on the often-intimidating world of mental health support. We recognize that while the decision to seek help is a brave first step, the “alphabet soup” of provider credentials and clinical jargon can often feel like a barrier to actually getting it. This panel is our commitment to helping change that.

Healing Made Human is your roadmap.

This session is not a conceptual discussion; it is a practical toolkit designed to break down the confusing world of therapy and levels of care so you can confidently find the right type of support for your needs.

What You Will Walk Away With:

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Decode Credentials: Recognize what different letters mean (LCSW, LPC, PsyD, etc.) and which one you actually need.
  • Assess Levels of Care: Determine the appropriate intensity of support for your specific situation.
  • Take the First Step: Gain the tools to confidently move toward booking your first appointment and starting your healing journey.

Healing is the goal; the process shouldn’t be the problem. Let’s make it make sense, together.

Panel Details

  • Date: Saturday, March 14th
  • Time: 2:00 PM
  • Location: Classroom at Hurst Conference Center

Join the Fight: Star Wars: Unlimited at the HBMO

The Hunter Burton Memorial Open is back from March 13th – 15th, and we’re expanding the galaxy! This year’s lineup features a dedicated Star Wars: Unlimited Championship, bringing the high-stakes action of the Outer Rim to North Texas.

Event Highlights:

  • SWU Championship: Test your skills in our premier competitive event.
  • Side Events: Missed the main event? We’ve got you covered with scheduled side events throughout Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Every entry fee helps the Hunter Burton Memorial’s mission to spread awareness and assist in the prevention of suicide. Come for the competition, stay for the community, and play for a cause that matters.

Secure your spot here: https://hunterburtonmemorialopen.com/2026-event-details/

Meet the Artists of the 2026 Hunter Burton Memorial Open

The artwork on our favorite trading cards is a massive part of what draws us into the game. At the Hunter Burton Memorial Open, it also represents the community that brings us together to raise awareness for suicide prevention.

As we prepare for the 2026 HBMO we are proud to host a lineup of artists who continually support this mission. Whether you are looking for card signatures, custom alters, or exclusive playmats, make sure to visit Artist Alley.

Here are the artists joining us for 2026:

rk post

A TCG Community Classic You can’t discuss trading card art without bringing up rk post. Known for his distinct style on iconic Magic: The Gathering cards like Morphling, Avatar of Woe, and Lightning Angel, he is a consistent draw for players. Beyond his official artwork, he is well-known for his custom tokens, unique alters, and long-standing support of charitable gaming events.

  • At the Booth: Bring your classic cards for a signature and browse his extensive collection of custom tokens.

Sarah Finnigan

Master of Landscapes & Character Art Sarah Finnigan brings highly detailed, classical painting techniques to the table. Her work for Magic: The Gathering frequently features atmospheric landscapes and expressive character subjects, making her traditional painting skills a standout in person.

  • At the Booth: View her artist proofs, prints, and exclusive playmats, and get your cards signed.

Carl Braun

A Dedicated Community Supporter Carl Braun is a regular fixture in the tabletop art community and a dedicated supporter of the HBMO cause. His reliable presence and direct connection with fans make him a staple of the event’s Artist Alley.

  • At the Booth: Get your cards signed, pick up exclusive event merch, and talk with Carl about his artistic process.

Chris Seaman

Illustrator of Worlds Chris Seaman’s fantasy illustrations have been featured across Magic: The Gathering, the World of Warcraft TCG, and the Harry Potter TCG. His dynamic compositions and classic fantasy style make his work highly recognizable to veteran players.

  • At the Booth: Bring your favorite Chris Seaman cards to get signed and browse his selection of prints and artist proofs.

Support the Art, Support the Cause

The artists attending HBMO help build the supportive environment that drives our mission. Every purchase and conversation at their booths strengthens our community.

When you join us this March, take a moment to visit Artist Alley, support their work, and remember why we gather: to spread awareness and prevent suicide in the gaming community.

Click Here to Pre-Register for 2026 Events

Donate to the Hunter Burton Memorial Open

Meet Our 2026 Special Guests: Community, Creators, and Competition

The Hunter Burton Memorial Open is a celebration of the community that sustains us. This year, we are proud to host a lineup of guests who are talented creators and champions for the gaming community.

From world-class cosplay to high-stakes cEDH, here is who you can expect to see at the 2026 HBMO.


The Guest Lineup

Parker Bliss

Parker Bliss is a content creator, tabletop personality and cosplayer, currently based in Denver, Colorado. She has been creating content online since 2023. What began as a love of cosplay and conventions has blossomed into a lifelong passion that also includes TTRPGs, medieval reenactment, TCGs, ren faires, and all things high fantasy.

Anna Margaret

Anna Margaret is a nerdy lifestyle content creator, character actress, and gaming personality. With a Masters degree in teaching and decades of performance experience, Anna Margaret loves bringing characters and fandoms to life through costumes, photography, music, and video content. Best known for her bubbly personality, elaborate cosplays, and enthusiasm for introducing people to her favorite hobbies, she loves to host events, GM table top roleplaying games, and play trading card games!

PowrDragn

PowrDragn is a full time Magic content creator, but has ties to the gaming industry that go back over 25 years. He has been a part of the HBMO doing interviews and covering the event for several years now. He has just completed 6 years of daily content on YouTube, but you can also find him on most socials.

Zabracus

Zabracus (Za-Bruh-Cuss) is a celebrated figure in the geek and gaming community from Northern California. As a Twitch Partner and MTG Ambassador (2023 to present), Zab shares her chaotic misplays and adventures in Magic: The Gathering, and other TCGs and TTRPGs across Twitch, YouTube, and Instagram.

Known for her stunning cosplays, she has brought characters like Shadowheart (Baldur’s Gate 3), Zatanna (DC Comics), and Thalia (MTG) to life, earning her over 60 guest appearances at conventions across the U.S. and Canada. Beyond cosplay and streaming, she’s an accomplished voice and commercial actress. Zabracus co-founded Super Sonic Speed Dating and Nerdvana Talent, fostering geek communities and creative talent.


Where to Find Our Guests

Our guests will be active throughout the weekend participating in events and meeting with the community. Here are a few ways you can interact with them during the show:

  • Friday: Riftbound Learn to Play If you want to learn the ropes of Riftbound, stop by our dedicated learn to play area on Friday afternoon. Our guests will be on hand for a few hours to help teach the game and run some casual matches.
  • Saturday: cEDH Tournament Keep an eye out for our guests in the pods of the cEDH tournament on Saturday. They will be competing throughout the day and potentially into Sunday if they make the day 2 cut.
  • Cosplay Meetup and Prizes Whether you are a seasoned crafter or just wearing your favorite nerdy shirt, join us on Saturday for a community cosplay meetup. Come show off your work, grab photos with our featured cosplayers, and walk away with a special prize.

More to be Announced

This is just the first wave of friends joining us at HBMO this year. Stay tuned for more announcements regarding artists, additional guests, and the full event schedule.

Ready to Join Us?

The Hunter Burton Memorial Open is more than just a tournament—it is a community coming together to support one another through the games we love.

Pre-registration is now open! Secure your spot in the cEDH Championship, the Modern $10k, or any of our other featured events today.

Click Here to Pre-Register for HBMO 2026

Friday at HBMO: Pioneer $2K RCQ

The tradition continues! While Friday is packed with trials for the Modern $10K and the Lorcana Championship, it also marks the return of our annual Pioneer $2K RCQ.

Join us on Friday, March 13th at the Hurst Conference Center to battle for your Regional Championship invite and a piece of the $2,000 prize pool. This staple of our Friday lineup is back again for 2026, and we are proud to have the support of our incredible community partners.

Friday $2K Sponsors

A huge thank you to the sponsors making this tournament possible:

  • Crew3 Podcast
  • Happy Go Lucky MTG
  • Selling With The Snyder Group
  • Clockwork Games

Event Details

  • Date: Friday, March 13th, 2026
  • Time: 10:00 AM
  • Format: Pioneer
  • Entry Fee: $40
  • Prizing: $2,000 + Two RCQ Invites & Promos
  • Cap: 128 Players
  • Top cut matches may be played on Saturday morning depending on when the swiss rounds finish.

Preregistration is open now! This event is a fan favorite and frequently hits capacity, so be sure to secure your spot early.

Also Happening Friday

If you’re arriving early to get your weekend started, don’t forget the rest of the Friday schedule:

  • Ian Jasheway Memorial Sealed RCQ – 10:00 AM
  • Trials for Byes – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Modern, Lorcana, and cEDH)
  • Opening Ceremony Cocktail Party – 7:30 PM (Tickets Required)

Announcing the 2026 Hunter Burton Memorial Open

HBM is back! 2026 is going to be as exiting as ever, with new games, new things to do, and your old favorites. Lets jump into what we have going on.

Preregistration is open now!

Hunter Burton Memorial Open: March 13th-15th, 2026!
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 returning in 2026!

Lorcana will hold a championship event, as well as other sealed, starter deck and other events throughout the weekend.

Flesh and Blood will have a PQ+ on Saturday, as well as competitive challenge events all weekend long, armory on Friday, and some additional promo events.

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 $10,000 over two days of competition.

Magic will also feature a Legacy $2k on Sunday.

Modern $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!

Free-Play Commander Area brought to you by Generation X Games & Comics!

cEDH is also back, with a $10k (card prizes) starting on Saturday. Check out the event details article here: https://hunterburtonmemorialopen.com/cedh-at-the-2026-hbmo/

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
Trials return for 2026. These events have trials for byes available.
– HBM Modern $10k – Modern and Draft trials on Friday
– Lorcana Championship – Core Constructed trials on Friday
– Legacy – Trials on Saturday
cEDH! – new for 2026, cEDH trials will be available all day Friday to win up to one bye in the cEDH championship

New VIP Package
We have revamped our VIP package after feedback from last year. The new experience now costs $250, but also includes all of these perks:

  • Access to an exclusive staffed lounge area for the entirety of the weekend
  • Priority customer service for registration and pairings in the VIP lounge
  • Water/coffee and snacks in the VIP lounge
  • Daily catered lunches (in the adjacent hotel area)
  • VIP concierge available for errands, coffee runs, etc
  • Swag package including an exclusive VIP playmat
  • Entry into HBM main event, or other event of your choice
  • Entry into Cocktail party


Artists!
Your favorite artists return, you can check them out at the 2026 Event Details Page

Panels and Other Events
We continue to expand panels. 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 2026 Information

– The Hilton Hotel room block is open now and you can BOOK HERE . You can also view the 2026 event details page.

– Preregistration can be found at THIS LINK or on the 2026 Event Details Page

Schedule

Friday – March 13th 2026
10am – Ian Jasheway Memorial Sealed RCQ (MTG)
10am – Pioneer RCQ (MTG)
10am to 5pm – Lorcana, cEDH, Modern/Draft trials for byes
7:30pm – Opening Ceremony Cocktail Party (Tickets Required)

Saturday – March 14th 2026
9am – $10k Modern HBMO (MTG)
9am – cEDH Championship (MTG)
9:30am – Classic Constructed ProQuest+ (FAB)
1pm – Lorcana Championship
1pm – Vintage Championship

Sunday – March 15th 2026
9:00am – Modern $5k (MTG)
9am – Riftbound $2k
10am – Legacy $2k (MTG)
10am – Modern, Lorcana and cEDH Day 2 begins
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.