Wizards of the Coast officials announced at Grand Prix San Diego that all players need identification for entering the venue at Fort Mason for Worlds on Thursday. The information page on the Wizards website also cautions, "ATTENTION: All Magic Weekend San Francisco attendees will be required to show photo identification before entering the event hall. If you are unable to show picture ID, you may be denied entry. Wizards of the Coast encourages you to arrive early at the Fort Mason Center to avoid potential delays."
On November 11, French Pro Tour player Lucas Florent received a lifetime ban from the DCI. Internet posts on the mtgfrance.com forums indicate that this was a result of what he calls a "joke" that he was going to "rape" the Director of Organized Play, Helene Bergeot. Many people, including the DCI investigation committee, were not laughing.
Although he has been banned from attending any event, he has announced his intention to still attend Worlds and possibly speak to Helene. I highly doubt that he will get anywhere close to her, even if he bothers to use the ticket to the United States he undoubtedly has.
Helene has become a focus of the ire of some players regarding the recent changes in the Pro Tour format since a Q&A with her was posted by Aaron Forsythe. Given the sexual nature of the threat, it is undoubtedly a symptom of the unfortunate hostility toward females that exists.
I spoke with Level 5 DCI Judge Riccardo Tessitori about the challenges that females face in the world of Magic. I am working on an article, pending a few interviews. Details are forthcoming, but Riccardo gave me a statement that he would like to make public.
As always, I welcome comments and requests.
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