Magical Athlete

CMYK, Geekach LLC, Gémklub · Board game · 2025
6.8 Ludopedia 7.8 BGG 2–6 · best 6 30 min Weight 1.2/5
Buy · from US$ 14.25
6.8 rating Ludopedia
7.8 rating BGG

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Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you love fast‑paced, wacky races with crazy powers, Magical Athlete will hook you.

Highlights
  • Quick, fun gameplay
  • Unique athlete abilities
  • Short playtime
Keep in mind
  • Language dependence for cards
  • Some powers feel unbalanced
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
Access Rules Guide

About the game

What you do in a play session

Magical Athlete is a chaotic racing game where players control magically powered athletes. The match consists of four races, and the winner is the player who gathers the most points after the fourth sprint. At the start, everyone drafts four athletes from a common pool; each athlete has a wild ability that can completely change the outcome – imagine a rabbit that jumps two extra spaces or an elephant that blocks an opponent’s path. Before each race, players pick which of their drafted athletes to field, adding a layer of strategy in choosing the best contender for the current track.

The board has two sides: a "mild" side offering a more predictable route and a "wild" side packed with spaces that can speed up or hinder racers, emphasizing the game’s unpredictable vibe. Movement is resolved by rolling a die; you move the rolled number and then apply any special effect of your chosen athlete, such as swapping lanes or gaining a speed boost. A race ends as soon as two athletes cross the finish line, and usually only those two score points.

Components are straightforward – a double‑sided board, colored dice, athlete tokens, and ability cards – allowing a 30‑minute playtime for 2‑6 players. With a low complexity rating (1.15/5), the game is easy for newcomers to drafting and variable powers, yet still offers enough tactical depth for seasoned gamers who enjoy quick decision‑making. If you love racing games, whimsical themes, and fast‑paced strategy, Magical Athlete is a great pick to liven up your game night.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

5 videos

Rules manual

Official PDF file

Rules manual — Magical Athlete Portuguese · PDF
Download Manual

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–6 players
2 OK
3 REC
4 REC
5 BEST
6 BEST

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Animals: Bears Animals: Elephants Animals: Rabbits / Hares Animals: Snakes Food & Drink: Bananas Sports: Athletics / Track and Field
Publisher CMYK, Geekach LLC, Gémklub, IELLO, Korea Boardgames
Designer Richard Garfield, Takashi Ishida
Artist Angela Kirkwood

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

19,489owners
5,652wishlist
529want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How many players can join?
2 to 6 players, making it suitable for small to medium groups.
How long does a game take?
Approximately 30 minutes, depending on player familiarity.
What is the game's complexity?
Low, with a weight of 1.15/5 – easy to learn and quick to play.
What components are included?
A double‑sided board, colored dice, athlete tokens, ability cards, and point markers.
Who should consider buying this game?
Fans of racing games, whimsical themes, and fast tactical decisions; also great for parties and family gatherings.

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