Gavin Verhey, Magic’s Mastermind, Headlines PAX Aus 2025. And He’s Bringing the Magic to YOU

PAX Aus 2025 is shaping up to be a must-attend weekend for gamers, creators, and anyone who’s ever lost themselves in a meticulously crafted fantasy world. This year’s Keynote Speaker is none other than Gavin Verhey, Principal Magic: The Gathering Designer and the man behind iconic sets like Battlebond, Commander Legends, and the crossover juggernaut Magic: The Gathering x FINAL FANTASY.

For Gavin, this isn’t just a job, it’s a lifelong dream come true. At 11 years old, he was sketching Magic cards and imagining himself as part of the team. Now, he’s designing for millions of players, hosting Good Morning Magic on YouTube, and shaping the future of the world’s most beloved trading card game.

But Gavin’s appearance is just the start of what’s looking like PAX Aus’ most stacked lineup yet. Here are some of the big names you won’t want to miss:

Josh Sawyer (Obsidian Entertainment) – If Fallout: New Vegas or Pillars of Eternity ever consumed your weekends, you can thank this guy. Sawyer’s encyclopedic RPG knowledge and world-building genius have defined the genre for decades. At PAX, he’s bringing deep dives into role-playing design and the art of crafting meaningful player choice.

Joshua Mills (Ubisoft Montreal) – As Game Director of Rainbow Six Siege, Mills is the driving force behind one of the most-played tactical shooters in history. He’s hitting the PAX stage for a fireside chat full of behind-the-scenes stories, and just in time for the Rainbow Six Siege Asia Pacific League 2025 Major Qualifier, streamed live from the PAX Arena for the first time ever.

Lis Moberly (Disney’s 20th Century Games) – Narrative designer, professor, and all-around storytelling powerhouse, Moberly’s career spans Avowed, Cursed to Golf, and more. She’ll be diving into critical conversations about burnout, studio culture, and building games that matter.

Good Games Morley Creators – Riley, Aaron, Ricky, and Violet are bringing their chaotic tabletop energy to PAX with a live Magic: The Gathering match against After Hours, meet & greets, and plenty of laughs.

Jenny Windom (Geeks & Grounds, Wholesome Games) – If you’re all about wholesome vibes, Windom is your guru. With nearly a decade of experience across game funding, community strategy, and hosting, she’ll be championing cozy, thoughtful gaming.

This year’s show also features voice acting icons like Amelia Tyler, Luke Dale, Ify Nwadiwe, and many more, making PAX Aus 2025 a celebration of every corner of gaming.

And if the gaming guests weren't stack enough, Scottish Cosplay icon Anaelic will also be heading down and will be judging the Australian leg of the Cosplay Central Crown Championships. 

Whether you’re a die-hard fan, aspiring developer, or just curious about the craft behind your favourite games, this year’s panels, showcases, and meet & greets promise unforgettable moments and unparalleled access to the people shaping the future of play.

Mark your calendars: PAX Aus 2025 is coming, and it’s bigger than ever.