Path of Exile Co-Creator Chris Wilson's Extraordinary Magic: The Gathering Collection

Chris Wilson, former co-founder of Grinding Gear Games and co-creator of Path of Exile, once sold parts of his Magic: The Gathering card collection to fund his company during the game's development. However, in a recent video, Wilson showcases what has since become one of the largest and most valuable Magic: The Gathering collections in existence.

A Treasure Trove of Rare and Early Cards

In the video titled "My Oldest Magic: The Gathering Cards," Wilson unveils a staggering collection of high-value and hard-to-find cards dating back decades. From iconic Alpha cards to sets like The Dark, Legends, Antiquities, and more, Wilson's library—which reportedly includes tens of thousands of Lands alone—resembles a dragon's hoard of treasures.

The highlight of his collection is undoubtedly his 14 copies of Black Lotus, arguably the most famous Magic: The Gathering card. These include 12 cards carefully sleeved in a binder and two 9-grade Lotuses encased in protective plastic slabs. Each Black Lotus, particularly the "raw Alpha copies" with black borders, can command prices ranging from five digits to nearly six, depending on market conditions.

Beyond Black Lotus: A Wealth of Legendary Cards

Wilson's collection extends far beyond the Black Lotus. For example, the video showcases:

• 24 copies of The Tabernacle at Pendrell Vale, a coveted Land card worth thousands of dollars each, as per TCG Player.
• Stacks of Power Nine cards, a legendary set known for offering massive advantages like extra mana or turns (e.g., Time Walk).
• 12 near-mint copies of every Alpha Mox artifact, with additional damaged and loose copies included.

The Power Nine, printed in the early days of Magic, represent some of the most powerful cards in the game, often banned in competitive play. Wilson's meticulous organization and sheer volume of these rare cards make his collection a standout within the Magic: The Gathering community.

The Historical Significance of Alpha

Wilson emphasizes the importance of the Alpha set, stating, "Alpha is special because this is the original history of the game. These are cards that dictated the future of what was gonna happen and set it in motion. If Alpha was bad, the rest of the game would never exist." He credits Alpha with capturing the imagination of an entire generation, ensuring the game's enduring popularity.

More Highlights from the Collection

Additional notable cards in Wilson's collection include:

• Sheets of Mishra's Workshop and Candelabra of Tawnos, highly sought-after cards among collectors.
• 12 white-bordered Unlimited Ancestral Recalls, which Wilson humorously notes were limited to a dozen due to the impracticality of collecting 24.
• Signed Alpha cards, featuring autographs from the original artists, adding sentimental and financial value to the collection.

A Personal Connection to the Game

Wilson reflects on his passion for the game, remarking, "It just makes me feel so happy to go through sets like this and just appreciate the cool old stuff they printed—in my opinion, back when the game was even better than it is today." While opinions on the game's evolution may vary, his collection showcases the enduring appeal of Magic: The Gathering and its rich history.