Reported by Julio García Martín, prince of Alcalá de Henares:
On June 27th, 158 Metuselahs answered the call. During this day, old pacts were broken, alliances were formed only to die a few turns later, and the Jyhad was once again waged on the tables of the 2026 Spanish VTES Championship.
However, it wasn't just the strategists who attended the gathering. Those whose hands have shaped the game's imagery for decades were also present. Presiding over this illustrious conclave was Lawrence Snelly, a true legend with over thirty years of experience illustrating the cards that have accompanied generations of players. Alongside him shone some of the biggest names in the national scene: Francisco Tebar, Marta Ruiz Anguera, and María Loren, who shared their talent by signing cards, chatting with attendees, and offering the opportunity to purchase original artwork.
The future was also represented. Daniel Argudo, one of Black Chantry's newest additions, offered a glimpse of the talent that will shape the look of the game's upcoming expansions. Completing this exceptional lineup was Ginés Quiñonero, Black Chantry's art director, reinforcing the bond between the publisher and a community that continues to grow year after year.
Artists: María, Marta, Lawrence, Francisco and Ginés.
When the moment of truth arrived, the real fight for the throne began.
With 158 participants, every victory point was precious, and every decision could determine the outcome of a game. The tables became battlefields where diplomacy was as lethal as the cards themselves, and where patience proved as important as aggression. Despite the event's scale, the championship proceeded at an excellent pace, with hardly any delays and an exemplary atmosphere, demonstrating once again the commitment of all the players.
Predictions suggested that at least three tables would be needed to reach the final. But fate had other plans. The competition was incredibly close. Dozens of players arrived at the two tables, and the final spot was decided in a dramatic three-way tie. Two tables and nine victory points were enough to achieve glory... while others, by an almost imperceptible margin, saw their dream of competing for the title slip away.
Standings:
1. Miquel Jorge Tortajada 3 GW 9 VP
2. Israel Alcalde 3 GW 9 VP
3. Ivan Bernal 2 GW 10 VP
4. Oscar Garcia Vera 2 GW 9 VP
5. Alfonso Barrientos 2 GW 9 VP
And then came the final table.
Five Metuselahs took their seats, knowing that only one would leave the room as champion. For almost two hours, every action was measured, every temporary alliance concealed an inevitable betrayal, and every move brought them closer to or further from the coveted victory.
As night was about to claim the board, Miki Jorge Tortajada, who had arrived as the top seed, demonstrated why he had dominated the championship since the previous rounds. He waited for his moment, played patiently, read the board with precision, and when the opportunity arose, he delivered the decisive blow. The point and a half he got was enough to claim the title and become the new 2026 Spanish VTES Champion.
The tournament winning deck: “Potato's New Groove with modifications” by Outback295 (Based on a deck by Jani Malmi)
Crypt
4x Ambrosio Luis Monçada, Plenipotentiary 10 DOM OBT POT PRE aus for cardinal Lasombra:2
3x Gratiano 8 DOM OBT obf pot priscus Lasombra:2
2x Alvaro, The Scion of Angelica 9 OBT POT dom pre archbishop Lasombra:2
2x Antonio Delgado 9 DOM OBT POT tha archbishop Lasombra:2
1x Francisco Domingo de Polonia 9 DOM OBT POT PRE pro archbishop Lasombra:2
Library (84 cards)
Master (18; 1 trifle)
7x Unholy Sacrament
6x Villein
1x Barrens, The
1x Black Forest Base
1x Gurchon Hall
1x Monastery of Shadows
1x Power Structure
Action (6)
6x Govern the Unaligned
Political Action (17)
6x Cold War
2x Banishment
2x Kine Resources Contested
2x War of Ages
1x Anarchist Uprising
1x Ancilla Empowerment
1x Meddling of Semsith, The
1x Political Stranglehold
1x Reins of Power
Action Modifier (25)
5x Amici Noctis
4x Shadow Play
4x Shroud of Absence
4x Dominant Personality
2x Conditioning
2x Private Audience
2x Magnetic Authority
2x Unthinkable Humiliation
Action Modifier/Reaction (7)
5x Ominous Chorus
2x Murmur of the False Will
Combat (2)
2x Majesty
Reaction (9)
7x Deflection
2x Obedience
Every great story needs allies. Our deepest gratitude to the sponsors Glass Taller, Átomo Game, TCG Market, Infernal Forge, Doctor Muge, Kingdom Wargame, Estalia, Black Penny, and Alcalá Comics, who made this championship possible, and especially to Black Chantry, whose support allows VTES to continue bringing together players from all over Spain each year. Also thanks to Conclave Ibérico and the Círculo de Isengard Cultural Association, with its sponsor Domino's Pizza.
The dust settles once more on the tables. The cards return to their decks. The old guard retreats back into the shadows. But only for a while. Because the eternal struggle never ends. See you at the 2027 Spanish VTES Championship!
Thanks for this report, and thanks to everyone at this HUGE event!
