Match Rules 

1. Matches are played 5v5, each team can pick one map from the map list to play. Maps are, by default, 15 minutes long. We play with overtime and spawn delay enabled, so there are no draws.
2. Matches will be played all three maps. 
3. Each match in the group stage will consist of two chosen maps, the first map to be played is the first one picked. The coin-toss loser will assume position A. The toss winner assumes position B, in addition to team color choice.
4. Veto system for group stage: A - Ban, B - Ban, A - Pick, B - Pick. 
5. After two maps are played both team captains will return to Discord and proceed with map bans; the team who capped least in both maps combined will start the banning phase. If that is equal, the team who capped the least on the opponent's map will begin bans. If that is also equal, a coin-toss will be used and the loser will start bans.
6. Each team will only be able to pick a specific map once during the groupstage (example, a team picks Duku in week 1, for the rest of the cup, they can't pick it again. This does not include decider maps, only chosen maps.).
7. Each team will only be able to ban a specific map once during the groupstage. This rule is functionally identical to #6 in this section.
8. Trades are only allowed after first match week. You can of course sub out a player for the match, if he is not able to play.

Server Selection

1. All matches must be played with cup settings on Instagib Nations - Evo or UTPugs New York hubs.
2. Captains are encouraged to agree on a server before the match - when scheduling the match, before the match day.
3. Whilst we will do our best to provide the best and fairest server available for the match, it may not always be possible and a compromise will have to be reached.
4. If a match involves a team made up mainly of players from North America, South America, or Oceanic regions then the match may be played across two servers (UK and NY Hub). Every Team picks their own server. NL server can only be picked if both captains agree!
5. A decider map including NA vs EU teams will be decided by the wheel.
6. In the case of a split server match, Team A's map will be played on Team B's server and vice-versa.

SCHEDULING MATCHES

1. This is an open schedule tournament. Nothing will be forced unless near the planned ending of the cup. The final deadline to get all matches played is 11 October 2026.
2. If anything does get forced, it will be to a Sunday during normal EU match times (20:00 - 22:00 CEST).
3. Team captains are encouraged to schedule their matches on their own using the Challenging functionality on My Matches tab of the League page on the website.
4. We strongly advise teams to use an online scheduling website or a devised system in Discord to ensure all team members are on the same page for match availability.

Entering match results

1. Team captains are encouraged to enter/confirm results of their matches on their own using the button on My Matches tab of the League page on the website. Traditionally, the captain of the winning team enters the match result.
2. If for some reason the results cannot be entered on the website, screenshots of the match should be provided to the cup admins via Discord

Cheating

1. Any player caught cheating will be permanently banned from the Discord server and all future Cups.