I've also been considering a mono-u list with Djinn. I have to 2nd the Thing in the Ice recommendation. Also, a 1-of Vedalken Shackles in the SB might be worth considering. Another one that I've been considering is Spire Golem, but I'm not sure that the stats are good enough. Harbinger of the Tides is yet another card to consider.
Introduction
Gladiators is a pauper-inspired format with a handful of unique twists. It rewards innovative deck building, includes several layers of meta, and plays at an even higher power level than pauper thanks to the minimum deck size. Barrier-to-entry is at most slightly higher than pauper. Great for competitive and casual groups alike.
With the sole exception of basic lands, there may be no more than three copies of a card in any given deck unless the card specifically states that you may play with any number of copies of it. (e.g. Relentless Rats)
With the sole exception of basic lands, each unique card may only be included in one of your three decks
regardless of the number of copies you choose to include in that deck.
Gameplay
Matches are best three out of five.
Each players chooses, secretly, which deck to play first.
If you win a game you must play the same deck again the next game.
If you lose a game the deck you played with is eliminated and may not be played again.
Current Thoughts
It's quite possible that the ban list will need adjustments.
Two out of three versus three out of five adds an interesting dilemma.
I can't see it being very good. Not saying it won't find a home anywhere, but I don't think it'll impact the format in any meaningful way.
Gladiators is a pauper-inspired format with a handful of unique twists. It rewards innovative deck building, includes several layers of meta, and plays at an even higher power level than pauper thanks to the minimum deck size. Barrier-to-entry is at most slightly higher than pauper. Great for competitive and casual groups alike.
Ban List