1. Purpose
Vienna Pauper League (VPL) is the official Vienna chapter of Lega Pauper Italia (LPI). The league promotes regular Pauper play, a welcoming community, and fair competition throughout each LPI season. Unless explicitly stated in this document, the current Lega Pauper Italia Rulebook applies to all league events, which can be seen here.
2. League Season
The league follows the official LPI seasonal calendar, and the VPL Committee may decide, at the beginning of each season, to combine the seasonal calendar of two seasons when considered appropriate. Each season consists of a minimum of 5 sanctioned league events (depending on LPI requirements), hosted across participating game stores in Vienna (see annex “Participating game stores in Vienna”). League events are organized independently by the hosting store. The organizer of each event determines:
- Tournament format (normally Swiss)
- Number of rounds
- Round length (normally 45–50 minutes)
- Entry fee
- Judges
- Prize support
- Logistics
All events must follow the current Pauper format rules and LPI requirements. League events are played at Rule Enforcement Level Regular (REL in MTG Wiki) unless explicitly stated otherwise. Players may freely participate regardless of which store hosts the event. The VPL Committee reserves the right to remove an event from the league calendar if it does not meet LPI or VPL standards.
3. League Scoring
Players earn League Points according to the official LPI scoring system where a match win counts as 3 points, a tie counts as 1 point, and a loss counts as 0 points. League Points are only awarded for Swiss rounds; no points are awarded for participation in Top 8 or other tournament-deciding methods defined by the hosting stores for a League event. To determine the final league standings, only the player’s best 60% of tournament results are counted (e.g. for a season with 15 events, the 9 best results will be counted per player). Ties in the final standings are resolved using the official LPI tie-breaking procedures.
4. Paupergeddon Bye
At the end of each season, VPL awards its allocated Paupergeddon Bye(s) according to LPI regulations. The exact qualification method will be announced before the start of each season. The preferred method is to award the Bye to the highest-ranked eligible player in the final league standings. Alternative methods, such as qualification through a playoff among the Top 8, may be adopted if announced before the season begins. Players must satisfy all LPI eligibility requirements.
5. Top Pauper Player (TPP)
The Top Pauper Player is a free, invitation-only event held the day before Paupergeddon Summer edition.
To qualify, a player must obtain a minimum of 350 LPI points. For the VPL, unless a Top 8 playoff is held, the LPI points are split among the first eight players with the highest scores in the standings. The number of points awarded to the first eight players may vary depending on the number of allocated Bye(s) to the VPL. In the case of 1 Bye, 53.9 LPI points will be awarded to the first eight players. (For further reference, see chapter “4.3.3 LPI Points” in the LPI Rulebook).
6. Player Conduct
The VPL aims to provide an inclusive, friendly, and respectful environment. Players are expected to:
- Treat opponents, judges, organizers, and spectators with respect.
- Play fairly and honestly.
- Follow tournament and judge decisions.
- Maintain a welcoming atmosphere for players of all experience levels.
Unsporting conduct, harassment, discrimination, cheating, or repeated disruptive behavior may result in penalties, removal from an event, or exclusion from the league.
7. League Administration
The VPL is administered by a Committee which is responsible for:
- Publishing the league calendar.
- Maintaining league standings.
- Coordinating participating stores.
- Resolving disputes related to league administration.
- Communicating updates and announcements.
League standings will be updated after each sanctioned event.
The Committee can be contacted via email at the following address:
vienna.pauper@gmail.com
8. Rule Changes
These rules may be amended between seasons or, if necessary, during a season. Any changes will be announced through the official VPL communication channels before taking effect. Matters not covered by this document are governed by the current Lega Pauper Italia Rulebook.