I understand that in Store Champs you have to make your own way (even pay the entry fee), but hows it go for Regionals, Nationals, Worlds? I assume at least they (FFG, or whoever is hosting) pay for your travel/accommodation in Nationals/Worlds? Anybody with experience able to fill in the blanks on what actually happens?

Also does anybody know how selection works for regionals onwards? I know that Store Champs you can just rock up and pay the fee and play, however how are participants decided onwards from there?

Er....No.

Pretty much everyone attending Nationals/Worlds funds all of their own expenses.

Even Olympic Athletes have to self fund to some extent!

I understand that in Store Champs you have to make your own way (even pay the entry fee), but hows it go for Regionals, Nationals, Worlds? I assume at least they (FFG, or whoever is hosting) pay for your travel/accommodation in Nationals/Worlds? Anybody with experience able to fill in the blanks on what actually happens?

Also does anybody know how selection works for regionals onwards? I know that Store Champs you can just rock up and pay the fee and play, however how are participants decided onwards from there?

Want to play? Have to pay!

I live in australia so that's a bit disappointing. Unless they host it nearby, I think I'd rather spend that $2k+ on more Armada

The reason companies like Wizards pay some expenses for some tournaments for some players is because it makes them money. High level players get appearance fees because Magic is a big game, and having recognizable players sells product.

FFG has been known to pay for Nationals winners in other games like Netrunner due to the amount of players and such.

When I went to Worlds last year I had to pay for all my own travel expenses. It was literally fives of dollars right out of pocket, and that didn't even count the Worlds every fee!

There was a group of 9 Aussies (myself included) that went across to worlds last year together to play X-Wing and I also played Armada.

It is well worth the cost as I met a lot of amazing people and had a blast. I am planning on trying to get back again this year. As for cost, FFG and GGD chip in together and pay airfares and accom. for the Nationals winner of each game system that can guarantee 32+ entrants for Nationals. This year, I would expect that to be at least Armada, X-Wing, Conquest and Netrunner.

As for the other tournaments. All are open entry, on a first come, first served basis. However, the top prize at a Store Championships is a card guaranteeing entry and granting a first round bye to a single Regionals of your choice.

Regionals does the same for Nationals.

When in Australia are you based? Based on last year, I would expect there to be 6-7 Regionals around Australia: Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide and maybe Perth.