1. Information

ASUS ROG Online 2020 StarCraft II tournament is held online on November 27-29, 2020. The tournament consists of 16 players, from which eight are invited and eight are qualified. The prize pool is $15 000 USD and 1280 EPT points*. Theeight qualified players are determined in three online qualifier tournaments. This document outlines the rules for the main tournament.

All cheating or collusion is forbidden. If a participant is not sure whether a certain game mechanic is allowed, they MUST ask the head admin prior to tournament start to find out whether it is allowed or not.

Breaking any of the rules will result in sanctions, including but not limited to:

• Warning
• Losing a single game
• Losing a game series
• Deduction from the prize
• Monetary fine
• Disqualification
• Tournament ban

A decision made by a single admin can be challenged by bringing it up with the head admin. This complaint can only be made right after the decision has been called or the game has ended, whichever occurred first. The head admin’s decision is final and cannot be challenged.

* ESL Pro Tour points are only awarded to players that are aligible to be part of the ESL Pro Tour according to their rules.

1.1 Game

The tournament will be played on StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void.

The latest available game version (patch) will be used.

1.2. Tournament format

The tournament will contain a maximum of 16 players.

The tournament will be played with one double elimination group stage and a single elimination playoffs stage.

Group stage matches are best-­of-­5. Playoff matches are best-­of-­5 otherwise but the final is a best­-of­-7 match.

In case of a cancellation and a suitable replacement is not found, the 3-­player ­group will be played in round robin format (all vs all).

1.2.1 Double elimination groups

Each group with four players is played in double elimination format.

In round #1 the four players in the group are divided into two pairs who play each other. The winners and losers of these matches face off in the round #2 where the winner of the winner’s match advanced from the group. In round #3 the winner of the losers match and the loser of the winners match play each other to decide which one of them is the second player advancing from the group.

1.2.2 Round robin groups

In case a player is missing, the three player group is played in a round-robin format where each players plays every other opponent in the group once.

In a case of a tie situation:

• Tie situations are solved one criterion at a time, until all tie situations are solved.
• If more than two players are tied, and a certain criterion involves all the players but only solves a part of the tie situation, that part is resolved and the resolution starts over from criterion 1 for the remaining players.
• The criterion in priority order:

1. Mutual match (for two player situation only)
2. Map score difference in all games in the group
3. Map score difference in mutual games
4. Won maps in all games in the group
5. Won maps in mutual games
6. Tiebreaker games (bo1)

1.3 Schedule

All times are local time CET.

Friday, 27 November

• 13:00 CET — Group A
  • 13:00 Initial match A
  • ~14:00 ~Initial match B
  • ~15:00 Winners match
  • ~16:00 Losers match
  • ~17:00 Decider match

• 18:00 CET — Group B
  • 18:00 Initial match A
  • ~19:00 Initial match B
  • ~20:00 Winners match
  • ~21:00 Losers match
  • ~22:00 Decider match

Saturday, 28 November

• 13:00 CET — Group C
  • 13:00 Initial match A
    
  • ~14:00 Initial match B
  • ~15:00 Winners match
  • ~16:00 Loser match
  • ~17:00 Decider match

• 18:00 CET — Group D
  • 18:00 Initial match A
    
  • ~19:00 Initial match B
  • ~20:00 Winners match
  • ~21:00 Loser match
  • ~22:00 Decider match

Sunday, 29 November

• ​13:00  — Quarter-Final A
• ~14:15 — Quarter-Final B
• ~15:30 — Quarter-Final C
• ~16:45 — Quarter-Final D
• ~18:00 — Semi-Final A
• ~19:30 — Semi-Final B
• ~21:00 — Final

Times marked with ~ are using accelerated schedule, meaning that the match may start sooner if possible. There is a minimum of 10 minutes between each match.

A more precise schedule will be provided to each player indidivually.

1.4 Prizes

The total prize pool of the tournament is $15,000 USD and 1,280 ESL Pro Tour points.

The prize pool is divided as follows:

1st: $6,000 + 250 EPT points
2nd: $3,000 + 180 EPT points
3rd-4th: $1,500 + 125 EPT points
5th-8th: $750 + 75 EPT points
9th-12th: 50 EPT points
13th-16th: 25 EPT points

The EPT points are only available to players who meet the criteria set by ESL Pro Tour. See the eligibility in their rules (Chapter 1). If a player who is not eligible to gain EPT points points finishes in a points position, the points of the position will not be awarded to anyone.

The monetary prizes are paid via bank transfer against an invoice or bank details provided by the contestan within 60 days of competing the tournament.

If sufficient payment details have not been provided within 90 days after the tournament, the prize money is forfeited.

2. General Rules

All players must have read and understood these rules before entering the tournament. Not understanding or not knowing the rules, are not valid excuses for breaking them.

2.1 Requirements

Each player must have a personal Battle.net account.

The account name must represent the player’s official handle or real name.

2.2. Server

If players mutually agree on a server or a combination or servers, they may play the games as agreed.

When players agree on a server, they should announce their decision to an admin. Otherwise the mutual agreement cannot be enforced.

If the players do not agree on a server or a combination of servers, the games are played on servers according to this table: Public Document: SC2 Default Server Cross-Table (ESL).

2.2.1 Server cross-table use

For all except the last map, the player who did not choose the map chooses the server from the allowed servers list in the cross-table cell based on the locations of the players.

For the last map, the person who did not start the pick-ban-process (player B) chooses the server from the "remaining" map server list in the cross-table cell based on the locations of the players.

2.3. Equipment

No macro functions on keyboards/mice are allowed to be used in any tournament games.

One mouse click or button press should trigger only one game command (rapid fire is allowed).

2.4. Timekeeping

Players must be online and reachable on tournament Discord at least 30 minutes before actual match start.

Should a player be late less than 15 minutes for the start of a match, the player will forfeit the first game of the match.

Should the player be more than 15 minutes late for the start of a match, the player will forfeit the whole match, except in playoffs the player will lose the second map first and after yet another 15 minutes the whole match.

The players are allowed a 3 minute break between the games in a tournament match. If a player wishes to take a break between games, they must notify their opponent and an admin.

Administrators reserve the right to change these timings if circumstances require it.

2.5. Disconnects and computer failure

If a game is interrupted by a computer, network or software failure the game will be resumed using the Recover Game function. The game time is set a maximum of 5 in-game seconds before the disconnect.

Neither player is allowed to view the replay or details page (e.g. build order tab) of the game before it is fully finished.

Disconnecting intentionally during a match isn’t allowed and is considered sabotage.

2.6. Complaints

If a player wants to make a complaint about a game result, the player has to tell the administrator assigned to the match, before the next match starts.

If a player wants to object a game result ruled by an administrator, this has to take place before the next game.

2.7. Replays

After every game, both players must save the replay of the game.

Players are not allowed watch any replays during a match.

Replays are not be published without permission.

2.8. Maps

The tournament map pool includes the 2020 Ladder Season 3 maps:

• Deathaura LE (2)
• Jagannatha LE (2)
• Lightshade LE (2)
• Oxide LE (2)
• Pillars of Gold LE (2)
• Romanticide LE (2)
• Submarine LE (2)

Every tournament game will be played on maps from the tournament map pool only.

If the players are required to create the game for themselves, both players have to check that the game is played on the right map and on the correct version of the map. If neither of the players complains about the map version in the first 5 minutes of the game, the game will be played on the selected map unless an admin decides otherwise.

Streamed games should be created with WCS GameHeart Mod (battlenet://starcraft/map/2/169989).

2.9. Map vetoes

The player on the left side on the match page (top on bracket view) decides who starts the vetoes, except in the semifinals and the final where the starter is decided by a coin toss.

In a best of X match, the players remove a map from the pool until X maps are left. The removal is done in ABBA order: Player A, Player  B, Player B, Player A, etc. Then the players take turns picking the map order from the maps that are left, starting from the first map that will be played. Player B picks the 1st map in a best-of-3, while Player A picks the first map in best-of-5 and best-of-7.

In short, the vetoes and picks are

• Bo3: ABBA BAC
• Bo5: AB ABABC
• Bo7: ABABABC

2.9.1 Example 1

1. Players T and Z play a best-of-3 (bo3) match
2. Player Z is determined to be the first to veto, they are Player A.
3. Player Z removes Blueshift 
4. Player T removes Kairos Junction
5. Player T removes Automaton
6. Player Z removes Port Aleksander
7. Para Site, Cerulean Fall and Stasis are left in the pool.
8. Player T picks Para Site as the first map
9. Player Z picks Stasis as the second map
10. Cerulean Fall is played third if necessary

2.9.2 Example 2

1. Players P and T play a best-of-5 (bo5)
2. Player P is determined to be the first to veto, they are Player A.
3. Player P removes Port Aleksander
4. Player T removes Kairos Junction
5. 5 maps are left
6. Player P picks the 1st map to be played
7. Player T picks the 2nd map to be played
8. Player P picks the 3rd map to be played
9. Player T picks the 4th map to be played
10. The 5th map is the one remaining map

2.10. Cheating & collusion

Any use of a software which provides an advantage in the game is considered cheating and is forbidden.

External programs which affect the game state or perform in-game actions are considered cheating and not allowed.

Obtaining information outside of the game by any means to gain an advantage is considered cheating and is forbidden.

Actions which try to influence the outcome of a match with external ways such as bribes or threats are forbidden.

Actions which aim to manipulate the outcome of a match for other intents than competitive success, e.g. match-fixing, are forbidden.

2.11. Punishments

Punishments include but are not limited to:

• Warning
• Losing a single game
• Losing a game series
• Deduction from the prize
• Monetary fine
• Disqualification
• Tournament ban

Repeated offenses will lead to harsher punishments. A single offense may lead to multiple punishments listed above.

Should a player purposely attempt to sabotage the games, another player or an administrator in any way, the player will be disqualified.

Inappropriate behaviour towards other players, tournament staff or the administrators may result in a disqualification.

2.12. Administrators

Players should always address the administrators in a polite and respectful way.

An administrator has the final say in all matters. 

Under extreme circumstances administrators reserve the right to change the rules to ensure fair play.

3. In game rules

3.1. In-game chat

No excessive in-game chatting is allowed. If the need to chat occurs the players must be straight to the point and polite. Ideally the only chat in each game will be at the start and when a player surrenders the game.

No in-game chat is ever permitted from a player to an outside party during a tournament match, or from an outside party to the player, unless the outside party is an administrator.

Typing "gg" after 30 seconds means surrendering. If you type it the game might be considered forfeit even if you wish to continue playing.

3.2. Communication

During a match players may not communicate with anyone except with the opponent, tournament admins, and possibly their coach as stated below.

Discussion with a single coach or advisor between games is allowed for a maximum of 2 minutes at a time. The use of a coach must be first requested from an administrator.

Players must join the designated tournament Discord server and Battle.net chat channel and stay there as long as they are in the tournament.

3.3. Game settings

Each tournament game is played with the following options:

• Map Options
  • Mode: Faster
  • Locked Alliances: Yes
  • Game Privacy: Normal or No Build Order
• Map Extension Mod
  • WCS GameHeart Mod
• StarCraft II Options
  • Window mode: Fullscreen or Fullscreen (Windowed)
  • Automatic Replay Save: ON
  • Online status: Busy
  • Toast Notifications: OFF
  • Only allow friends to send me messages: OFF
    
    

3.4. Bugs and Misuse

No abuse of game breaking bugs is allowed in any tournament match. Normal mechanics that can be considered bug-like are naturally allowed (such as mineral walk, pylon walk). If you are unsure about some mechanics, ask an administrator.

3.5. Observers and Streaming

No observers are allowed in any tournament games, except for approved streamers and administrators.

Players may not watch or listen to any streams of the tournament while playing.

3.6. Pausing

If a player encounters a problem during a match, they should pause the game and ask an admin for help if need be.

If a player must pause the game due to technical difficulties the player must if possible tell the opponent about this before pausing.

If a game is paused without a reasonable explanation such as a technical difficulty the game might result in a forfeit.

3.7. Race-picking

The same rules for picking a single race apply for picking Random as well.

Each player signs up to the tournament with one set race. If a player wants to change the race before a match, an administrator must be notified, and the new race must be played throughout the whole match.

As soon as a player joins or creates a game he is to choose his playing race.

Players may request a blind race pick, where they each let the tournament official know about their race before the match.

3.8. Draws and stalemates

If a player deliberately plays for a stalemate in order to prolong the game, the administrators hold the right to decide the outcome of the game.

If there is a natural stalemate and the game ends up in a tie, the game will be replayed from the start

4. Other rules

4.1. Behavior

This tournament relies on fair play rules. Insulting others, racism and mocking religion is totally forbidden and will be punished by organizers.

Should a participant purposely attempt to sabotage the games, another player or an administrator in any way, the player will be disqualified.

The tournament enforces the player conduct rules outlined in the ESIC Code of Conduct.

4.2. Dress Code

The tournament may utilize webcams to allow the audience see a live feed of the players. While playing tournament games, the players must wear decent indoors attire. The suggested clothing is a team uniform.

Headwear which covers the players face are fordibben on streamed matches.

4.3. Nicknames, team names and URL aliases

We reserve the right to edit nicknames and/or URL aliases, if they fail to comply with the following requirements.

Nicknames/aliases are forbidden if they:

• are protected by third-party rights and the user has no written permission
• resemble or if they are identical to a brand or trademark, no matter whether it has been registered or not
• resemble or if they are identical to a real person other than themselves
• are nonsense

In addition to the above, any nicknames/team names/aliases that are purely commercial (e.g. product names), defamatory, pejorative, offensive, vulgar, obscene, anti-Semitic, inciting hatred, or offending against good manners are forbidden. Using alternative spelling, gibberish or wrong spelling in order to avoid the requirements mentioned above is illegal. We reserve the right to extend, change, exchange or delete these rules if necessary.