This card features the 1996 World Champion from Magic: The Gathering's 1996 Celebration Cards set (Card #1), a five-color Summon Legend with unique power-scaling mechanics.
1996 World Champion
1996 • Magic: The Gathering • Celebration Cards
No Listings Available
No listings available right now.
Price History
Description
The 1996 World Champion card (number 1) stands as a distinct entry in Magic: The Gathering's 1996 Celebration Cards release. Crafted by artist Christopher Rush, this rare Summon Legend commands a five-color mana cost ({W}{U}{B}{R}{G}) that immediately sets it apart from standard deck compositions. Its versatility is further defined by a power and toughness equal to the life total of a target opponent, making its potential strength entirely dependent on gameplay strategy rather than a fixed stat line. Beyond its formidable combat capabilities, the card possesses a unique self-retrieval ability. Players can discard their entire hand to search their library for this card, reveal it, and place it on top of their library. This effect, usable only at the beginning of the upkeep if the card remains in the library, offers a strategic mechanic for recovery and board presence. The card’s inherent protection from spells or effects adds another layer of resilience, ensuring it remains a focal point during matches. Collectors and enthusiasts of Magic: The Gathering trading card game cards often seek out this piece for its historical significance within the Celebration Cards subset. As a rare card from the inaugural year of the game's special releases, it represents a pivotal moment in the TCG's history. The flavor text, "It takes great sacrifice to make it to the top," perfectly encapsulates the thematic weight of the card's discard ability. Whether you are building a thematic deck or curating a collection of vintage Magic cards, the 1996 World Champion offers a unique blend of mechanical intrigue and nostalgic value. Its five-color identity and legendary status make it a memorable addition to any serious collection.
Have one of these to sell?
We'll pre-fill the product details from this catalog entry, so your listing lands on this exact page. Just add photos of your copy, pick its condition, and set your price.
Card Details
The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
Catalog Profile
The core identity of the card within the set.
Featured Subject
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
1996 World Champion
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Rare
Christopher Rush
Card Stock
English
{W}{U}{B}{R}{G}
Summon Legend
* / *
B, G, R, U, W
Card Text
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Cannot be the target of spells or effects. World Champion has power and toughness equal to the life total of target opponent. {0}: Discard your hand to search your library for 1996 World Champion and reveal it to all players. Shuffle your library and put 1996 World Champion on top of it. Use this ability only at the beginning of your upkeep, and only if 1996 World Champion is in your library.
It takes great sacrifice to make it to the top.
