Following our applications process earlier this year, we’d like to welcome two new committee members to the highlander committee. We’re pleased to announce that Ben and Raj will be joining the 7PH highlander committee, and will be involved in the next points announcement (scheduled for (3/9).
A big thankyou to all of our applicants. We had a number of strong applicants, and we are glad to see so many people excited about the highlander format, and looking to contribute to the format. Without any further ado, I’d like to introduce Ben and Raj
Rajdeep “Raj” Tokhi
It is with great pleasure that we introduce Raj, our latest committee member for 7 Point Highlander. Originally hailing from India and now proudly calling Adelaide home since late 2017, Raj’s journey into the world of Magic: The Gathering began with his relocation. Since then, his dedication to the game has only grown stronger. While he enjoys the nuances of Legacy and occasionally dips into Modern, his heart truly belongs to the 7 Point Highlander format. Raj’s deck preferences lean towards creature-centric toolbox strategies and disruptive gameplay. Cards like Green Sun’s Zenith, Knight of the Reliquary, and Aether Vial have become his favorites. He ardently believes that Thalia, Guardian of Thraben is the pinnacle 2-drop and holds a special place as the greatest 2-drop ever printed in his eyes. Raj’s deep love for the format and his diverse deck-building interests make him an invaluable addition to our committee. Say hello to Raj and share a moment of MTG camaraderie whenever you get the chance. Welcome aboard, Raj!
Ben “Mouse” Hewitt
Affectionately known as “Mouse” among his gaming community. Ben brings a wealth of passion and experience to our committee. By day, he’s a dedicated mathematics teacher and a loving dad, but his heart has always belonged to Magic. Ben’s MTG journey began during his primary school days, when he fearlessly wielded his mono white equipment/soldiers deck, sleeves forgotten, on the concrete battlegrounds of the playground. Fast forward to today, and Ben’s enthusiasm for the game has only grown stronger. With a keen affinity for the 7 Point Highlander format, he’s become an adept player, securing the title of Player of the Year at his local LGS in 2018 and making an impressive runner-up finish at the 2023 Cancon. Ben’s knowledge and passion for 7ph decks and points changes make him a fantastic addition to our committee. If you spot him at a 7ph event, don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation – he’s always up for a good chat about the game he loves. Welcome to the team, Ben!
Farewells
As we have two committee members joining we as have two committee members departing the committee. We’d like to thank Jim Dowling and Sarven McLinton for their service to the committee and the format, and we hope to continue seeing them both involved in the community and online.
Jim
“I’d like to thank the Committee for giving me the time in this role. I’m very happy with what I achieved during my tenure – both in specific pointing decisions, and in systemic changes like the No Reserved List deckbuilding option. Thanks to all the community members who have contributed to this by taking part in conversation over the years. Best of luck to the new Committee members – I know they have a large passion for the format, and I look forward to seeing where they take it in the future!” – Jim
Sarv
“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve the community these last 6 years. In my role I have had the opportunity to make exciting and often radical changes to the format; I am certainly a proponent for aggressive de-pointing, points-shuffles, and swift points changes on new printings! However, I feel that I have now achieved many of the key goals that I had when starting my role on The Committee. I reminisce fondly on highlights that include creating an official website for 7 Point Highlander, developing a first port-of-call with resources to orient new players to the format, and generating a perennial space for reporting tournament results so that Top 8 decklists are centrally available and not lost to time. Perhaps the accomplishment that I am most proud of is my relentless push to establish an Accessibility Rule. With the competing demands of the metagame the No Reserved List Bonus Point design space may further evolve, but the key is our a unique opportunity to enfranchise prospective players. In my time on The Committee I hope that I have been able to telegraph my strong desire for growth and inclusion; we are one of the few formats that enshrines in legislation an overt recognition of the financial challenges of participation in eternal play, and we want everyone to have the opportunity to enjoy our beloved format. With this ‘changing of the guard’ I know that we are all in very good hands; I look forward to being able to benefit from The Committee’s continued hard work and embrace the new opportunity that I have to simply enjoy playing with you all!” – Sarv
