I love this game. I love writing about it. Compiling lists about it. Evaluating it. Sometimes, I even play it. I'm an Accidental Player.
The Tolarian Academy of Arcane Arts and Pictures presents: THE TOPDECK AWARDS!
The best way to celebrate 20 long years of this silly game, by rewarding all those beloved cards that, at one point or another, starred in our personal tragicomedies and psychodramas.
Today's category: Outstanding Goblin. Even more popular and numerous than Elves, Goblins have been a fixture of the game since the very beginning. With 279 hits (not counting the Un-sets, the flip side of Akki Lavarunner, and one Duel Deck token that somehow shows up on Gatherer), Goblin is the 10th largest creature type, along with Cleric and slightly ahead of Elf. The nominations are divided into sub-categories and accompanied by a brief profile of the nominees, which are listed alphabetically. Winners will be published with the announcement of the next category. Last month's winners are here.
And the voting duty, ladies and gentlemen, is all yours.
But first, here's the Goblin Hall of Fame. All the Hall of Famers aren't eligible for Awards.
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Category A: Outstanding Mono-Red Goblin, CMC 1
Candidates (Un-Sets not included): 48
The nominees are:
1. 
- Name: Foundry Street Denizen
- Rarity: Common
- Birthdate: February 2013
- Birthplace: Gatecrash
- Reason for Nomination: Because in a Goblin deck, he activates every turn, even more than once.
2. 
- Name: Frenzied Goblin
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Birthdate: October 2005
- Birthplace: Ravnica: City of Guilds
- Reason for Nomination: Because he takes away the most dangerous Goblin-killer.
3. 
- Name: Goblin Arsonist
- Rarity: Common
- Birthdate: April 2010
- Birthplace: Rise of the Eldrazi
- Reason for Nomination: Because it's Goblin's answer to Perilous Myr.
4. 
- Name: Goblin Cohort & Mogg Conscripts
- Rarity: Common
- Birthdate: February 2005 & October 1997
- Birthplace: Betrayers of Kamigawa & Tempest
- Reason for Nomination: Because they're still powerful 1-drops for Goblin decks.
5. 
- Name: Goblin Fireslinger
- Rarity: Common
- Birthdate: July 2011
- Birthplace: Magic 2012
- Reason for Nomination: Because he always hits his mark.
6. 
- Name: Krark-Clan Shaman
- Rarity: Common
- Birthdate: October 2003
- Birthplace: Mirrodin
- Reason for Nomination: Because it's an affinity sweeper!
7. 
- Name: Legion Loyalist
- Rarity: Rare
- Birthdate: February 2013
- Birthplace: Gatecrash
- Reason for Nomination: Because he's the Goblin other Goblins sing songs about.
8. 
- Name: Mogg Fanatic
- Rarity: Common
- Birthdate: October 1997
- Birthplace: Tempest
- Reason for Nomination: Because you always find some use for him.
9. 
- Name: Skirk Prospector
- Rarity: Common
- Birthdate: October 2002
- Birthplace: Onslaught
- Reason for Nomination: Because even Goblins may need mana ramp.
10. 
- Name: Spikeshot Elder
- Rarity: Rare
- Birthdate: October 2010
- Birthplace: Scars of Mirrodin
- Reason for Nomination: Because he may hit harder than expected.
Honorable Mentions: Goblin Balloon Brigade, Goblin Vandal.
> GO TO THE BALLOTS <
Category B: Outstanding Mono-Red Goblin, CMC 2
Candidates (Un-Sets not included): 66
The nominees are:
1. 
- Name: Bazaar Trader
- Rarity: Rare
- Birthdate: February 2010
- Birthplace: Worldwake
- Reason for Nomination: Because what he does, it's really unique.
2. 
- Name: Ember Hauler
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Birthdate: July 2010
- Birthplace: Magic 2011
- Reason for Nomination: Because it's Shock on legs.
3. 
- Name: Goblin Diplomats
- Rarity: Rare
- Birthdate: July 2013
- Birthplace: Magic 2014
- Reason for Nomination: Because he's the opener of the path.
4. 
- Name: Goblin Kaboomist
- Rarity: Rare
- Birthdate: July 2014
- Birthplace: Magic 2014
- Reason for Nomination: Because that's a really great name!
5. 
- Name: Mogg Flunkies
- Rarity: Common
- Birthdate: March 1998
- Birthplace: Stronghold
- Reason for Nomination: Because they're gigantic! For a Goblin.
6. 
- Name: Mogg War Marshal
- Rarity: Common
- Birthdate: October 2006
- Birthplace: Time Spiral
- Reason for Nomination: Because with Goblins, it's always strength in numbers.
7. 
- Name: Sparksmith
- Rarity: Common
- Birthdate: October 2002
- Birthplace: Onslaught
- Reason for Nomination: Because that's the cost of Goblin removal.
8. 
- Name: Stingscourger
- Rarity: Common
- Birthdate: February 2007
- Birthplace: Planar Chaos
- Reason for Nomination: Because he thinks he's blue.
9. 
- Name: Tin Street Hooligan
- Rarity: Common
- Birthdate: February 2006
- Birthplace: Guildpact
- Reason for Nomination: Because he's Goblins' artifact hate of choice.
10. 
- Name: Warren Instigator
- Rarity: Mythic Rare
- Birthdate: October 2009
- Birthplace: Zendikar
- Reason for Nomination: Because a new Goblin Lackey after all those years was really a mythic event.
Honorable Mentions: Mudbrawler Cohort, Slobad, Goblin Tinkerer.
> GO TO THE BALLOTS <
Category C: Outstanding Mono-Red Goblin, CMC 3
Candidates (Un-Sets not included): 56
The nominees are:
1. 
- Name: Gempalm Incinerator
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Birthdate: February 2003
- Birthplace: Legions
- Reason for Nomination: Because he never actually reaches the battlefield.
2. 
- Name: Goblin King
- Rarity: Rare
- Birthdate: August 1993
- Birthplace: Limited Edition Alpha
- Reason for Nomination: Because it originally reigned upon two subjects.
3. 
- Name: Goblin Matron
- Rarity: Common
- Birthdate: October 1998
- Birthplace: Urza's Saga
- Reason for Nomination: Because she's the most reliable Goblin tutor.
4. 
- Name: Goblin Rabblemaster
- Rarity: Rare
- Birthdate: July 2014
- Birthplace: Magic 2015
- Reason for Nomination: Because he's a veritable powerhouse.
5. 
- Name: Goblin Sharpshooter
- Rarity: Rare
- Birthdate: October 2002
- Birthplace: Onslaught
- Reason for Nomination: Because he only needs deathtouch to dominate the board.
6. 
- Name: Guttersnipe
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Birthdate: October 2012
- Birthplace: Return to Ravnica
- Reason for Nomination: Because he's the Izzet favorite.
7. 
- Name: Hellraiser Goblin
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Birthdate: February 2013
- Birthplace: Gatecrash
- Reason for Nomination: Because haste is still a Goblin's best ally.
8. 
9. 
- Name: Squee, Goblin Nabob
- Rarity: Rare
- Birthdate: October 1999
- Birthplace: Mercadian Masques
- Reason for Nomination: Because he's any discard outlet's best friend.
10. 
- Name: Tuktuk the Explorer
- Rarity: Rare
- Birthdate: April 2010
- Birthplace: Rise of the Eldrazi
- Reason for Nomination: Because he turns into a big golem!
Honorable Mentions: Goblin Artillery, Lobber Crew, Rummaging Goblin.
> GO TO THE BALLOTS <
Category D: Outstanding Mono-Red Midrange Goblin
Candidates (Un-Sets not included): 51
The nominees are:
1. 
- Name: Goblin Ringleader
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Birthdate: June 2001
- Birthplace: Apocalypse
- Reason for Nomination: Because it's amazing Goblin-advantage.
2. 
- Name: Goblin Wizard
- Rarity: Rare
- Birthdate: August 1994
- Birthplace: The Dark
- Reason for Nomination: Because you had even forgotten that this one existed, admit it.
3. 
- Name: Ib Halfheart, Goblin Tactician
- Rarity: Rare
- Birthdate: October 2006
- Birthplace: Time Spiral
- Reason for Nomination: Because he can power out a lethal army on his own.
4. 
- Name: Krenko, Mob Boss
- Rarity: Rare
- Birthdate: July 2012
- Birthplace: Magic 2013
- Reason for Nomination: Because he's inevitability incarnated.
5. 
- Name: Lightning Crafter
- Rarity: Rare
- Birthdate: February 2008
- Birthplace: Morningtide
- Reason for Nomination: Because he's one of Kiki-Jiki's best partners in crime.
6. 
- Name: Siege-Gang Commander
- Rarity: Rare
- Birthdate: May 2003
- Birthplace: Scourge
- Reason for Nomination: Because he's still one of the most cost effective deals in the game.
7. 
- Name: Skirk Fire Marshal
- Rarity: Rare
- Birthdate: October 2002
- Birthplace: Onslaught
- Reason for Nomination: Because he brings hell to the battlefield... and survives!
Honorable Mentions: Battle-Rattle Shaman, Embermage Goblin, Goblin Gardener, Goblin Goon, Goblin Razerunners, Goblin Settler, Tuktuk Scrapper.
> GO TO THE BALLOTS <
Category E: Outstanding Mono-Black Goblin
Candidates (Un-Sets not included): 24
The nominees are:
1. 
- Name: Auntie's Snitch
- Rarity: Rare
- Birthdate: February 2008
- Birthplace: Morningtide
- Reason for Nomination: Because he keeps coming back.
2. 
- Name: Boggart Harbinger
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Birthdate: October 2007
- Birthplace: Lorwyn
- Reason for Nomination: Because a tutor is always a tutor.
3. 
- Name: Boggart Mob
- Rarity: Rare
- Birthdate: October 2007
- Birthplace: Lorwyn
- Reason for Nomination: Because that's one big Goblin. And some smaller ones.
4. 
- Name: Earwig Squad
- Rarity: Rare
- Birthdate: February 2008
- Birthplace: Morningtide
- Reason for Nomination: Because that's some great effect for 3 mana.
5. 
- Name: Frogtosser Banneret
- Rarity: Common
- Birthdate: February 2008
- Birthplace: Morningtide
- Reason for Nomination: Because mass mana acceleration is always relevant.
6. 
- Name: Mad Auntie
- Rarity: Rare
- Birthdate: October 2007
- Birthplace: Lorwyn
- Reason for Nomination: Because a tribal lord is always relevant.
7. 
- Name: Stinkdrinker Bandit
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Birthdate: February 2008
- Birthplace: Morningtide
- Reason for Nomination: Because that makes for a lethal alpha strike in a slightly unconventional way.
Honorable Mentions: Festering Goblin, Warren Pilferers.
> GO TO THE BALLOTS <
Category F: Outstanding Multicolored Goblin
Candidates (Un-Sets not included): 32
The nominees are:
1. 
- Name: Ankle Shanker
- Rarity: Rare
- Birthdate: October 2014
- Birthplace: Khans of Tarkir
- Reason for Nomination: Because he demands a serious commitment, but then he delivers.
2. 
- Name: Boartusk Liege
- Rarity: Rare
- Birthdate: May 2008
- Birthplace: Shadowmoor
- Reason for Nomination: Because lieges always make for the best lords.
3. 
- Name: Boggart Ram-Gang
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Birthdate: May 2008
- Birthplace: Shadowmoor
- Reason for Nomination: Because they're fast and furious.
4. 
- Name: Goblin Electromancer
- Rarity: Common
- Birthdate: October 2012
- Birthplace: Return to Ravnica
- Reason for Nomination: Because he's the storm enabler every storm player used to dream about.
5. 
- Name: Goblin Legionnaire
- Rarity: Common
- Birthdate: June 2001
- Birthplace: Apocalypse
- Reason for Nomination: Because he's a decorated veteran of many Boros Deck Wins battles.
6. 
- Name: Jund Hackblade
- Rarity: Common
- Birthdate: April 2009
- Birthplace: Alara Reborn
- Reason for Nomination: Because he's a Kaleidoscope star.
7. 
- Name: Murderous Redcap
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Birthdate: May 2008
- Birthplace: Shadowmoor
- Reason for Nomination: Because you know the drill; he'll come back. And back. And back.
8. 
- Name: Tattermunge Maniac
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Birthdate: May 2008
- Birthplace: Shadowmoor
- Reason for Nomination: Because he's a perfectly scary 1-drop.
9. 
- Name: Vexing Shusher
- Rarity: Rare
- Birthdate: May 2008
- Birthplace: Shadowmoor
- Reason for Nomination: Because he fights countermagic on behalf of red and green.
10. 
Honorable Mentions: Boros Recruit, Goblin Flectomancer, Grenzo, Dungeon Warden, Hearthfire Hobgoblin, Hobgoblin Dragoon, Razorfin Hunter, Scuzzback Marauders, Shattergang Brothers, Wort, the Raidmother.
Time to cast your vote!
You can first review specific profiles here: CMC 1, CMC 2, CMC 3, Midrange, Mono-Black, Multicolored
And the winners are...!
Outstanding Mana Elf: Rofellos, Llanowar Emissary!
Runner-up: Joraga Treespeaker
Outstanding Utility Elf: Reclamation Sage!
Runner-ups: Essence Warden, Wellwisher
Outstanding Card Advantage Elf: Oracle of Mul Daya!
Runner-ups: Coiling Oracle, Elvish Visionary
Outstanding Aggro Elf: Bloodbraid Elf!
Runner-up: Glistener Elf
Outstanding Combo Elf: Nettle Sentinel!
Runner-ups: Devoted Druid, Elvish Piper, Fauna Shaman
Outstanding Tribal Elf: Deranged Hermit!
Runner-up: Bramblewood Paragon
Outstanding Elf Lord: Imperious Perfect!
Runner-up: Joraga Warcaller
Most Voted Card: Bloodbraid Elf!
Runner-up: Deranged Hermit
CONGRATULATIONS!
Check the complete statistics
7 Comments
Aww, no Uncle Fester? How am I supposed to do 'The only good goblin is a dead goblin' if you don't include the best goblin zombie?
It's amazing how when goblins first came out, they were unplayable. Now they are one of, if not the most, powerful tribe.
Goblin King originally meant to give mountainwalk to other TWO goblins, one of which had already flying, is hilarious.
What about Lord of Atlantis, who pumped only Merfolk of the Pearl Trident?
He at least was a bear and gave a relevant walk. :) Oh and multiples pumped each other.
Multiples did not pump each other.
It's an easy thing to forget, but when he first came out, he was creature type Lord, not merfolk at all.
This was reflected in the rules change from "X get +1+1 and y-walk" to "Other x get +1/+1 and y-walk". It also spelt the end of a fun Lord tribal deck.