1. Match Scheduling

Players are required to check in before the event and at the beginning of each round to ensure the tournament goes smoothly. Players should communicate with their opponents and RCS Tournament Organizers during all stages of the event. Tournament Organizers may disqualify players who can not be contacted after the match start time.

2. Gameplay Rules

A. Tournament Type

The tournament format is double elimination, meaning each player will have the chance to compete in a minimum of two sets.

B. Game Settings

Tournament matches are initiated using default settings (3 stocks, 8:00 minute timer, Aether Stages “OFF”, Turbo Mode “OFF”).

C. Set Format

Sets are played in a best two-out-of-three game format until top 8 where we move to best three-out-of-five.

D. Character Selection

Characters for the first game are chosen double-blind (at the same time). For successive matches, the winner chooses their character first, and then the loser chooses their character. Characters are chosen before the stage is selected.

If a player wishes to choose a random character, that character may remain unknown to both players until the game starts only if the random character pool includes ALL characters. Players using custom random character pools must determine which character is randomly chosen before proceeding to Stage Selection.

E. Stage Selection

When choosing stages, a player cannot return to any stage they have previously won on without the consent of their opponent (modified Dave’s Stupid Rule). Playing a match on a stage where this rule applies without immediately stopping and notifying your opponent that you wish to invoke this rule implies that you have agreed to play on it.

F. Stage Legality

The legal starter stagelist will be displayed in-game. Starter stages include all stages not marked “COUNTERPICK”.

3. Reporting Scores

After a set is completed players must report their results. If a player disputes a game claiming a win and submits proof of their claim, the other player must submit proof of their claim to avoid an automatic forfeit of the game. Any players found to be submitting false or doctored results will be permanently banned from the RCS.

See the full rules here. Some rules might only apply to NA,OCE, OCE regions. Please contact the TOs or Rivals team with any questions.

FAQ How do I connect to another player online?

You'll be provided with your opponent's Steam profile through your match dashboard. Simply add this player to your Steam friends list and invite them to a match by going to Online > Friendly Match and selecting their name.

Can I play on Wi-Fi?

Although not required, we highly recommend connecting with an Ethernet cable or similar to maintain a stable connection with your router & opponent. We'll try our best to be understanding with Wi-Fi, but players will be disqualified if their connection makes matches unplayable.

Which regions may participate?

This event is open to all players from Asian countries with the exception of those from the Middle East, who are free to participate in EU RCS events.

What is the tournament format / striking order / set count?

Check out the rules section above for full rules info.