Best MTG Playmats 2025: Sales-Ranked Countdown (25→1)
Whether you’re sleeving up for tournaments, curating a wall of signed art, or eyeing long-term value, the surface you play on matters.
This countdown is built from lifetime purchase data—a straight ranking by units sold on MTG Playmats—revealed in reverse order for maximum suspense.
Table of Contents
Why this ranking is trustworthy
We built this countdown from real purchase behavior—not opinions. It’s a reverse-order list derived from lifetime sales on MTG Playmats, reflecting what players, collectors, and investors actually choose.
- Data first: ordered strictly by lifetime sales, not opinions.
- Real-world proof: based on over one and a half thousand fulfilled orders.
- Collector appeal: many entries are artist-signed, event exclusives, or special finishes.
- Always actionable: every product is currently available in our shop or you can opt in to get notified when available again.
Note: We refresh this ranking periodically as new drops and events shift demand.
Top 25 MTG Playmats
Dragon Riding The Great Wave off Kanagawa — Sabine van Apeldoorn
A striking fusion of historically inspired art and fantasy: Hokusai’s wave re-imagined with a soaring dragon. The embroidered edge frames the scene like a museum print—perfect for players who love classic artworks with a twist.
The Tabernacle at Pendrell Vale — Nicola Leonard
Misty, storybook watercolors give this Legends Legendary Land a chapel-like hush. Known for its upkeep “tax” on creatures, it’s pure Magic history—Leonard’s signature adds provenance for land collectors and Old-School fans.
Chaos Orb — Mark Tedin
Pure early-era Tedin—surreal geometry, heavy contours, and volcanic oranges turn Chaos Orb into a hovering monolith. Printed for Eternal Weekend 2018, it channels Old-School Vintage energy while keeping the play area clear and high-contrast.
Delver of Secrets — Nils Hamm
Double-sided print featuring Nils Hamm’s Delver of Secrets on one face and Insectile Aberration on the other. Soft grays and surgical blues set the Innistrad lab-mood, while generous negative space keeps the board clean. Flip the mat to match the transformation—tempo flair with Grand Prix Seattle-Tacoma provenance.
Urza’s Tower — Mark Poole
Pastoral light and long horizons soften the silhouette of the Tower—Poole’s landscapes are a counterpoint to high-saturation fantasy. A signed edition that speaks to Tron players who favor calm, classic art palettes.
Serra Angel — Douglas Shuler
Clean iconography from Magic’s earliest era: bold forms, strong value contrast, and a centered subject that reads instantly from across the room. Shuler’s autograph seals the old-school appeal.
Survival of the Fittest — Pete Venters
Pete Venters goes full creature-feature: sickly greens, arterial reds, and heavy contouring freeze the moment a hunter strikes. Created for Eternal Weekend 2019 (Vintage Championship North America) and hand-signed, it has clear event provenance, while the large central silhouette keeps the play area clean and readable.
Sliver Queen — Ron Spencer
Ron Spencer at his most feral: dense cross-hatching, toxic neons, and splattered textures give Sliver Queen a full 90s creature-feature roar. Printed for Eternal Weekend 2022 (North America), the big central silhouette against a dark cavern keeps lanes clear and board states readable—perfect for Sliver fans and old-school collectors alike.
Tropical Island — Jesper Myrfors
Soft pastels and atmospheric haze give the dual-land a plein-air feel. Myrfors’ signature connects directly to the game’s visual foundations—an evergreen pick for classic artworks collectors.
Temporal Trespass — Clint Cearley
Swirling indigos and directional lighting create a sense of falling forward through time. Cearley’s brushwork balances spectacle with a clean play area—perfect for extra-turn enjoyers.
Icy Manipulator — Douglas Shuler
Alpha-era iconography distilled: Douglas Shuler’s hand-and-orb composition floats on deep cobalt blues with clean lightning accents. The centered sphere keeps lanes readable, while the artist’s signature gives this retro staple true early-Magic provenance—perfect for old-school collectors.
Traveling Chocobo — Toni Infante — Final Fantasy (Holofoil)
Kinetic feathers and big, open brushstrokes give the Chocobo a sense of forward sprint, with warm oranges balanced by cool teal skies. The subtle holofoil layer throws prism edges on motion lines without washing out the battlefield, so the mat stays readable on-camera and across the table. A cheerful Final Fantasy crossover that plays as clean as it looks.
Sensei’s Divining Top — Michael Sutfin
Bronze tones, rim-lit edges and a grounded horizon give the artifact a calm, readable composition—ideal for long rounds and tidy board states.
Demonic Tutor — Douglas Shuler
High-contrast reds and blacks with a strong central figure—Shuler’s composition reads from across the room, and the autograph adds provenance.
Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker — Pete Venters
An ogre shaman lunges across basalt rock while a serpentine dragon whips through the sky engulfed in flames. Molten oranges and sulfur yellows push the action; slate grays hold the background so zones stay readable. Chunky outlines and a clear mid-field make it a clean tournament mat with Grand Prix Copenhagen 2015 provenance.
Atraxa — Wizard of Barge
God Machine’s stark poster art from the Phyrexia: All Will Be One Collector Booster box—bone-white forms, inky blacks, and surgical crimson around the Phyrexian sigil. Printed for MagicCon Philadelphia 2023, the symmetrical layout leaves wide negative space so board states stay crisp under venue lights and on camera.
City of Brass — Mark Tedin
Sunset gradients and domed roofs evoke the Arabian Nights skyline. The centered dome and warm reds/oranges keep board states readable, while Mark Tedin’s signature adds early-era provenance for playmat collectors.
Metalworker — Don Hazeltine
Chrome reflections and workshop grit sell the artifact theme without overwhelming the eye. Subtle signature placement preserves counter space and readability.
The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth — Justyna Dura
Cinematic vistas and fiery Tengwar script give this mat a poster-grade look—ideal for collectors who want Middle-earth on the table without sacrificing clarity.
Brainstorm — DiTerlizzi
A contemplative portrait framed in cool blues and ember-gold motes captures Brainstorm’s flash of clarity—ideas coalescing the instant the spell resolves. The restrained background keeps the focus on the figure, and the Grand Prix New Jersey 2014 stamp gives it clean event provenance.
Fatal Push — Ryan Quickfall
Ryan Quickfall’s Secret Lair Showdown art from MagicCon 2023—neon magenta sky, acid-green bones, and thick ink lines crashing across the cliff. The mural-style graphic reads instantly from a distance, and the event-only print adds collectible weight while keeping the surface clean and crisp.
Rishadan Port — Jerry Tiritilli
Harbor oranges and twilight teals create a cinematic port at dusk. The event badge roots it in Legacy history—great for format diehards.
Timetwister — Mark Tedin
Spiral motion and oceanic blues capture the spell’s pull through time. Tedin’s signature connects straight to Magic’s formative visual era.
Dark Ritual — Sandra Everingham
Jet blacks and crimson glow create instant readability and mood. The autograph turns a quintessential black spell into a collection anchor.
Juzam Djinn — Mark Tedin
Broad shadow shapes, saturated magentas, and that wicked grin—Tedin’s Arabian Nights icon dominates the table. The autograph elevates it from play surface to centerpiece without sacrificing readability.
Art & Design Themes in MTG Playmats
Beyond rankings, many collectors hunt by art direction and theme. These motifs repeatedly drive demand—and here’s how they show up on real mats:
- Iconic card imagery: mats featuring evergreen classics reliably move—think Black Lotus (Christopher Rush), Shivan Dragon (Melissa A. Benson), Demonic Tutor (Douglas Shuler), Juzám Djinn & City of Brass (Mark Tedin), Serra Angel (Douglas Shuler), or Brainstorm (DiTerlizzi/Christopher Rush). When these artworks appear on GP, Eternal Weekend, or artist-signed runs, they tend to sell through fast.
- Classic & historically inspired art: meditative landscapes in the vein of John Avon (Unhinged/Unstable lands), romantic watercolors by Rebecca Guay, the old-school metal of Dan Frazier’s Mox era, and tasteful homages like ukiyo-e “Great Wave” reinterpretations.
- Artist spotlights: signatures with devoted followings include Mark Tedin (surreal early-Magic forms, e.g., Chaos Orb, Juzám Djinn), Jesper Myrfors (foundational dual-land aesthetics), Douglas Shuler (Alpha icons like Serra Angel / Demonic Tutor), Melissa A. Benson (Shivan Dragon), Pete Venters (moody early grimdark like The Abyss), Ryan Pancoast (oil realism), and contemporary crowd-pleasers like Chris Rahn and Seb McKinnon. When those names sign a mat, demand compounds.
- Set aesthetics: the vibe of an era often sells the mat—gothic horror from Innistrad, filigree and aether blues from Kaladesh, neon/cyberpunk from Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, stained-glass treatments from Dominaria United, biomechanical minimalism from Phyrexia: All Will Be One, fairy-tale storybook from Throne of Eldraine, and cinematic Middle-earth art from Tales of Middle-earth. Event badges (e.g., GP/Eternal Weekend/MagicCon) add provenance collectors care about.
Playmat Brands & Series: How They Compare
If you’re choosing by brand or finish, this quick guide explains what each line is generally known for. Names and availability rotate by set and region—always check the product page for the exact SKU.
Ultra PRO
Official Wizards-licensed card art on tournament-ready cloth. Expect standard 24″×14″ size, fabric top, and a non-slip rubber base (some releases add stitched edges).
- Set/character artwork: prints tied to specific sets and legends (e.g., Ashiok, Nightmare Muse, Zur, Eternal Schemer), plus occasional collage/medley designs like our pop-art medley.
- Release-tied drops: you’ll often find mats for draft favorites and event seasons; shoppers commonly search for terms like “Ultra PRO Modern Masters playmat” or “Ultra PRO Eldritch Moon playmat”—availability varies by print run.
- Baseline spec: color-stable printing and a smooth play surface; stitched-edge versions help reduce fray on frequently traveled mats.
Ultimate Guard
Known for durable accessories and table add-ons that pair well with any playmat.
- Playmat + accessories ecosystem: matching sleeves, Xenoskin/Chromiaskin deck cases, playmat tubes/bags—useful for protecting signed or limited mats.
- Patterned & solid-color mats: UG offers branded mats (including space/nebula-style prints) with a soft fabric top and grippy base; check the specific product page for finish and stitching.
- 3′ Battle Mat & Tiles: modular tile system for RPGs and casual nights that can share table space with MTG setups.
Tip: if you’re hunting a specific print (e.g., “Ultra PRO Legendary” or a set name), search our catalog by the card or set title—product naming can differ by retailer and print run.
Quality & Edges
Prefer stitched edges for longevity? Our stitched-border mats use a low-profile seam comparable to what PC players know from a Glorious PC Gaming Race stitched playmat—but sized and printed for TCG use.
| Series / Brand | Texture & Tech | Finish & Look | Best if you… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra PRO Legendary / Modern Masters / Eldritch Moon | Standard cloth, anti-slip base | Official card art; set-matched designs & bundles | want licensed art that matches sleeves/deck boxes |
| Ultimate Guard ChromiaSkin / Mystic Space / Sophoskin / Xenoskin / Court of the Dead | Experimental fabrics; heat-reactive or textured | Color-shift, starfield, matte or cross-hatch | prioritize feel, grip, and lighting performance |
| OMA Licensed & Marble Edition | Smooth print surface | Expanded framing; gallery-style compositions | collect artist-forward or display-ready pieces |
Special Editions & Limited Releases
These are the editions collectors chase—often event-dated, numbered, or signed.
- Signed playmat: an artist autograph (silver, gold, or paint marker) adds provenance and display value.
- Prize wall exclusives: event prize-wall mats are only obtainable on-site and commonly never reprinted.
- Kickstarter projects: artist-funded, limited windows—great for expanded framing and unique finishes.
- Sold-out runs: once a drop disappears, the exact finish usually stays out of print; secondary-market prices can climb.
Playmat Bundles & Accessories
Bundled sets are a smart way to outfit a table fast—often cheaper than buying items piecemeal—and they keep a theme consistent across mats and gear. Below are the most useful bundle types, who they’re for, and what’s typically inside.
What’s usually in a bundle?
- Playmats (2–4): matched art for pods or team events; most are standard 24" × 14".
- Storage & carry: playmat bags/tubes or deck boxes (e.g., Ultimate Guard Xenoskin, Chromiaskin, Mystic Space, Sophoskin) to protect signed mats.
- Table aids: battle tiles or tileable surfaces for RPG nights; dice trays or token cases for quick setup.
- Thematic add-ons: matched sleeves, art prints, or token packs (e.g., Original Magic Art Classic Art sets).
Best-fit scenarios
- Commander pod kits: 2–4 matching mats keep the table cohesive; add deck cases so each player leaves organized.
- Travel/tournament bundles: one mat + carry bag/tube + deck box—compact and ready for venue play.
- RPG & crossover tables: tile systems like the Ultimate Guard 3’ Battle Mat & Tiles bundle convert any surface into a modular map.
- New-player or gift sets: a popular art mat (think Ashiok, Nightmare Muse) paired with a protective case and sleeves = instant upgrade.
Featured bundle ideas & examples
- Ultimate Guard 3’ Battle Mat & Tiles bundle: modular battle tiles for D&D/Pathfinder nights that still store easily between sessions.
- Ultimate Guard Lands Playmats & Deck Case bundle: matched land artwork with a protective deck box—great for color-themed Commander builds.
- Original Magic Art — Classic Art Playmat & Bag set: gallery-inspired designs with a fitted carry bag; pairs well with OMA Marble Edition playmats and classic art tokens.
- Ultra PRO collections: look for multi-mat sets tied to releases like Modern Masters or Eldritch Moon, and the Ultra PRO MTG Legendary Collection for official card artwork across mats and cases.
- Theme add-ons: single-mat picks that slot into bundles—e.g., an Ixalan playmat for dino/merfolk tables or a high-contrast Ashiok, Nightmare Muse playmat for competitive nights.
Accessories that make a difference
- Deck boxes (UGD Xenoskin / Chromiaskin / Sophoskin / Mystic Space): rigid shells protect foils and keep signatures from rubbing when you pack your mat.
- Playmat bags & tubes: prevent edge fray and keep inked autographs off rough tabletops; ideal for event travel.
- Dice trays & token organizers: contain rattling dice and keep token stacks from sliding into the play area.
Value check: bundle vs. single
- Save time: one purchase covers play surface and carry/protection.
- Stay consistent: cohesive art across mats, boxes and bags looks cleaner on stream and at LGS events.
- Group-friendly: multi-mat packs equip a full Commander pod or cube night without piecing sets together.
- Availability varies: some sets are limited or event-exclusive—if a bundle shows as unavailable, use “Notify me when available.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Eight quick answers covering limited runs, brands, value, care, and stock alerts.
Q
What counts as a “limited-edition” playmat?
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A release with a fixed print run or tied to a specific event/convention/collaboration (e.g., artist drops, event badges, Secret Lair tie-ins). When it sells out, the exact finish isn’t reprinted. In MTG Playmats we normally only consider limited editions those with clear numbering on the playmat itself.
Q
What sets Ultra PRO mats apart?
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Official Wizards-licensed artwork on tournament-grade cloth in standard 24″×14″ sizing, fabric top, and a non-slip rubber base. Many runs include stitched edges for durability. Art and availability rotate by set—check each product page for the exact SKU.
Q
Can playmats appreciate in value?
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Definitely, but only some. Key drivers are scarcity (fixed runs, event exclusives), artist signatures, iconic subjects, and condition. While resale isn’t guaranteed, sought-after mats can hold or rise as supply dries up. See our Playmat Value Guide.
Q
How should I care for my playmat?
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Roll, don’t fold. Spot-clean with cold water and a drop of mild soap; air-dry flat. Avoid dryers/heat. Stitched edges reduce fray, and a tube or bag protects autographs during travel.
Q
Stitched vs. non-stitched edges—what’s the difference?
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Stitched edges wrap the border with thread to resist fraying—best for frequent travel. Non-stitched mats are a touch lighter with a seamless edge. Both use a soft fabric top and rubber backing.
Q
What happens if the mat I want is sold out?
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If a product is out of stock, the page shows a Notify me when available button. Add your email once; we’ll alert you on restocks or when we acquire buybacks/trade-ins. Limited runs may not return, so alerts are the best bet.
So, What to Do Now?
Ready to get one of the best MTG playmats? Explore our full lineup of artist-signed pieces, event exclusives, and daily-driver classics: Shop all in-stock playmats →