The 2009 Magic: the Gathering Pro Tour kicks off in Kyoto, Japan February 27 to March 1. This is the first of four events during the year, the final one being the World Championships which is currently scheduled to be held in Rome. Top pro-players for the last four years have all been Japanese, and pro-tours are invitation only. Over $230,000 in prizes will be handed out at each event. (source)

Meanwhile, the 2009 Magic Grand Prix (one way to get invited to the next pro-tour) will kick off January 17 to 18 in Los Angeles. Full schedule.