GAME RULES & EQUIPMENT
1. Side Selection: 1st team on top of the bracket is always Blue. 2nd team on the bottom of the bracket is always Red.
2. Device Usage: All players will compete with mobile phones only. Emulator or tablets are not allowed.
3. Account Rules: Each player must log in with their own Honor of Kings account.
4. Fair Play: Cheating, toxic behaviour, or outside communication during matches will result in disqualification.
5. Game Disruptions: Officials may pause or request for a re-match in the event of technical issues or rule violations.

Teams & Players
1. Team Roster: Each team consists of 5 players (5v5 matches). No substitutes allowed.
2. Eligibility: Each player may only compete for one team; no individual may be listed on multiple team rosters.
3. Registration: All team members must be officially registered for the tournament and use their own Honor of Kings accounts (no account sharing or “ringers”). Team and player names must be appropriate (no offensive or infringing content).

Tournament Format
1. Registered teams are limited up to 64 teams.
2. 128 teams will play in a 8-round Swiss Round Robin, with Best-of-1 matches.
3. Top 8 teams will qualify to the Grand Finals. In event of draws, Tiebreakers decided by Bucholz > Sonneborn-Berger > Head to head

Match Progression
1. All matches are Best-of-One (Bo1) — a single game determines the winner.
2. Scheduling: All matches will be held on the event day. Teams must be ready to play at their scheduled times. Any team that fails to show up within 5 minutes of their match time may be disqualified.

Player Conduct & Fair Play
1. Sportsmanship: All players must uphold fair play, integrity, and respect. Collusion, intentional loss, or match-fixing is strictly prohibited.
2. No Cheating: Any form of cheating — including use of hacks, unauthorized devices, or playing on someone else’s account — is forbidden and will result in disqualification.
3. Communication & Outside Assistance
4. Players may only communicate with teammates and officials during matches.
5. Coaching, audience assistance, or external input during gameplay is not allowed.
6. All personal communication devices must be turned off during matches.
7. Behavior: Players must refrain from toxic behavior, harassment, or offensive gestures. Respectful conduct is expected at all times.
8. Compliance: Teams must follow instructions from referees and officials. Failure to comply may result in penalties or disqualification. All rulings by tournament staff are final.

Match Rules (Gameplay)
1. Game Mode: Matches are played on the official 5v5 “Hero’s Gorge” map under standard game conditions. A match is won by destroying the enemy’s base (Crystal). In the event of technical issues, officials may restart the game or determine the winner as appropriate.
2. Draft (Ban/Pick) Phase: All matches use the official tournament Draft Mode. Teams will alternate banning and picking heroes. The exact draft order follows standard competitive rules. Once locked, hero selections are final for that game.
3. Side Selection: A coin toss will determine which team selects Blue side or Red side. Blue side generally picks first in the draft. In a Bo3 final, side choice alternates or is re-tossed; losing teams may be granted side selection per official rules.

In-Game Rules
1. Glitches, bugs, or exploits may not be used under any circumstances.
2. Disconnections will not stop the game unless determined necessary by a referee.
3. Officials will resolve interruptions fairly, with possible pauses, remakes, or forfeits.