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Official Rules

Official Tournament Rules-2026 Circuit

Effective Date: November 2025
Applies To: All participants in The Heist Games 2026 North American Circuit

1. Overview

The Heist Games is a community esports circuit built around THE FINALS by Embark Studios.
This series consists of four qualifier events leading into a Grand Finals. The tournament is open to North American players and is independently organized by The Heist Games, part of the CODEBREAKERS community.

2. Format

Definitions:

  • Match: A single 3v3v3v3 contest between four teams. Teams earn points based on placement within their group after every match has been played.

  • Group: A self-contained elimination tournament with up to 8 teams, consisting of two sequential 3v3v3v3 matches.

    • Top 2 teams from each match advance to a winners’ match within the round.

    • Remaining teams play a losers’ match to determine placement within the round.

    • Points are awarded based on final placement in the round.

    • A final round will be played for the winner’s bracket but not the losers to determine standings.

  • Qualifier: One of the four scheduled events leading up to the Grand Finals. Each qualifier consists of multiple rounds.

Qualifier Structure:

  • Each qualifier consists of multiple groups of up to 8 teams.

  • Teams earn points based on placement within their group; cumulative points across all qualifiers determine the top 8 teams advancing to the Grand Finals.

  • The schedule is designed so that every team shares at least one round with every other team across the 4 qualifiers.

Grand Finals:

  • The top 8 teams by accumulated points across all qualifier rounds advance to the Grand Finals.

  • The Grand Finals will include true final rounds, following the same 3v3v3v3 elimination format.

Notes:

  • Participants should check the pre-assigned schedules before each qualifier.

3. Schedule

  • Week 1 Qualifier: January 17, 2026 @ 12PM EST

  • Week 2 Qualifier: February 21, 2026 @ 12PM EST

  • Week 3 Qualifier: March 14, 2026 @ 12PM EST

  • Week 4 Qualifier: April 18, 2026 @ 12PM EST

  • Grand Finals: June 6, 2026 @ 6PM EST

4. Entry Fees

  • Entry fee is a one-time $60 per team ($20 per player), covering all four qualifiers and, if you qualify, the Grand Finals.

  • Entry fees contribute directly to the prize pool.

  • Payments are non-refundable, except if a team submits payment after the tournament is already full.

  • Teams must pay their entry before the registration deadline to be eligible.

5. Prize Structure

  • Hardware prizes provided by Cherry Xtrfy.

  • Cash prize pool increases with total team entries.

  • The exact prize distribution will be announced prior to the Grand Finals.

  • Prizes will be distributed to the team captain unless otherwise arranged.

6. Team Requirements

  • Teams consist of three players.

  • A single substitute may be registered prior to the first match, but may not change mid-event.

  • Players must compete under their own accounts and use their registered Discord handles.

7. Recording and Broadcasting

  • Matches will be streamed live on Twitch and uploaded to YouTube.

  • Teams are encouraged (but not required) to record gameplay and comms audio to assist with highlight and recap content.

  • Players consent to the use of their in-game names, clips, and voice communications for promotional or broadcast purposes.

8. Scoring and Points System

Points are earned based on placement in each qualifier:

Placement Points Awarded
1st 100
2nd 75
3rd 50
4th 35
5th 30
6th 25
7th 15
8th 10

  • Points accumulate across all qualifiers.

  • The top 8 teams at the end of the four qualifiers advance to the Grand Finals.

9. Tiebreakers

If two or more teams finish with identical point totals for a qualifying position, the tie will be resolved by:

  1. Total number of wins across qualifiers

  2. Highest single-event placement

  3. If still tied, a one-match tiebreaker will be scheduled prior to the Grand Finals

10. Conduct and Fair Play

  • Players must maintain professional behavior at all times.

  • Cheating, exploiting bugs, stream-sniping, or use of unauthorized software is prohibited.

  • Toxicity, harassment, or hate speech will result in disqualification and possible ban from future events.

  • Tournament staff reserve the right to make final decisions in any dispute.

11. Technical Issues

  • Players are responsible for stable internet and working equipment.

  • In the event of widespread server issues, tournament staff will determine the appropriate course of action.

  • Should a team experience issues with players disconnecting

  • If a player is completely unable to load or enter the match on match start immediately inform a TO and the match can be restarted, once per round

  • The match will stay paused for a maximum of 2 minutes

  • Matches will only be remade if first cashout has not been started

  • If a player does not load into the match correctly, the match will be paused

  • During rounds in progress, there will be a 2 minute pause mid match for disconnections, not while a steal is in progress

  • If the player has not reconnected after 2 minutes, the match will be unpaused and played through

12. Payout and Prize Distribution

  • Cash prizes may be distributed via Cash App or by mailed check.

  • Product prizes (e.g., Cherry gear) will be shipped directly to the team captain for distribution.

  • All prizes must be claimed within 30 days of the tournament’s conclusion.

13. Rule Changes and Administration

The Heist Games reserves the right to adjust tournament rules, scheduling, or structure as needed.
Participants will be notified of any changes prior to the start of an event.

14. Affiliation Disclaimer

The Heist Games is an independent community esports organization and is not sponsored by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Embark Studios AB, Nexon, or any of their subsidiaries.
THE FINALS and all related names, logos, and assets are the property of Embark Studios AB.