Phantom Nightmare (PHNI) Season
In Effect as of February 10th, 2024
BASIC INFORMATION
- What is a Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship?
- Where and when are the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championships?
- What is the attendance capacity for the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship?
- How do I enter a Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship?
- What are the prizes for the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship?
- How many Duelists will earn invites at a Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship?
- Will the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship award World Qualifying Points?
- What is the format for Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship tournaments?
- Can I get a CARD GAME ID number at the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship tournament, or will I need to have one before I attend the event?
- Will I need to complete and turn in a Deck List?
- What cards are legal for play?
- Can I use OCG cards in my Deck?
- Can I use foreign language cards in my Deck?
- I am an Ultimate Duelist Series Champion. Are there any perks for me at this event?
- • If I’ve never been to a Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship tournament, what should I expect?
- I want to judge at a Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship, instead of competing as a Duelist – how can I apply?
- Who should I contact for more information about a specific Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship?
- I would like to provide feedback to KDE-US concerning the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship I attended, who should I contact?
PREPARING FOR THE TOURNAMENT – IN-STORE EVENTS
- What will I need to bring to a Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship tournament?
- Are there any items I am not allowed to bring to the tournament?
- What if I lost an item at a Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship tournament?
- What will I need to bring in order to register for the tournament?
PREPARING FOR THE TOURNAMENT – REMOTE DUEL EVENTS
- What do I need to know regarding a Remote Duel Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship tournament?
- What will I need to have with me for a Remote Duel Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship tournament?
- What will I need to prepare in order to register for the Remote Duel Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship tournament?
- I’m under 13. Am I able to participate in a Remote Duel Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship tournament?
AT THE TOURNAMENT – IN-STORE EVENTS
- How long will the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship tournament last?
- What is the time limit for each Round for the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship?
- What happens if I am not done with my Match after 45 minutes?
- Can I buy and sell cards from other participants at the event?
AT THE TOURNAMENT – REMOTE DUEL EVENTS
- How long will the Remote Duel Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship last?
- What is the time limit for each Round of the Remote Duel Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship?
- What happens if I am not done with my Match after 50 minutes?
QUALIFICATION FOR 2024 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER TOURNAMENTS
- Do I have to qualify in my own country?
- Will Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship invites “pass down” if someone who has already earned an invite earns another one?
- How and when will I receive my invite?
- Is travel or hotel included with my invite?
BASIC INFORMATION
Q: What is a Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship?
The Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship is a way for Official Tournament Stores (OTS) to provide Duelists with a Store-level Championship which offers Duelists the opportunity to earn invites to the World Championship Qualifier at one of our OTS. Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship tournaments are held simultaneously throughout the United States and Canada. This Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship is scheduled to occur on either Saturday, March 2, 2024 or Sunday, March 3, 2024.
The Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship is a Tier-2 tournament, as it gives invites to the World Championship Qualifier (WCQ).
Only KDE-US OTS in good standing are permitted to host a Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship.
Q: Where and when are the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championships?
The Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championships will be held on either Saturday, March 2nd 2024 or Sunday, March 3rd, 2024 at select locations throughout North America.
A list of locations for the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship event can be found online at https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/events/otschampionship/otschamp_locations/.
Please contact the OTS for exact tournament start time. Note that some of these events may be held via Remote Duel. Please check the list of locations above to see which events are held as Remote Duel events.
Q: What is the attendance capacity for the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship?
Each Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship has an attendance capacity and it may vary from location to location. It is advised that you reach out to your OTS early enough to register for the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship so that you can ensure a spot in the event. If you have any additional questions, please contact the OTS directly at the phone number that corresponds with the event in the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship Locator page.
Q: How do I enter a Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship?
Duelists in North America will pay $22.50 USD ($33.75 CAD) to receive five (5) booster packs, or other sealed Yu-Gi-Oh! product of equal value, and entry to the event. Any taxes and fees would be in addition to the cost of entry.
If the event is hosted as a Remote Duel event, OTS are allowed to charge a reasonable amount in order to ship out any prizing you have earned (commensurate and top prizing), should the prizing need to be shipped to you. You can also pick up your prizing in-store or through curbside pickup if your OTS offers these options. All shipping costsshouldbe clarified with the OTS prior to registering for the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship event.
Q: What are the prizes for the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship?
In addition to the product each Duelist receives upon entering the tournament, prize distribution will be as follows:
| Rank | Item Name | Instructions |
| 1st Place | One (1) Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship Game Mat Invite to the 2024 World Championship Qualifier | These are given out to the Duelist who is ranked 1st after the Playoff Top Cut rounds have concluded. If the event had eight (8) or fewer Duelists, it will go to the Duelist who is ranked 1st place after the final round of Swiss. |
| 2nd – 4th Place | Invite to the 2024 World Championship Qualifier | The Top 4 Duelists after the final round played will earn an invite to the 2024 World Championship Qualifier. |
At the OTS’ discretion, the above prizes may be supplemented with additional Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG product or accessories.
Q: How many Duelists will earn invites at a Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship?
Invites to the 2024 World Championship Qualifier tournaments are awarded after the Top Cut Playoffs (if applicable). Invites are awarded to the top four (4) Duelists, after the conclusion of the Top Cut Playoffs (if applicable).
If a Duelist who has already received an invitation to their 2024 World Championship Qualifier earns an additional invitation at a Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship, the invite does not pass down. Duelists who already have an invite who earn additional invites are still required to complete an invite form each time they qualify.
Duelists who earn invites will be responsible for completing the 2024 WCQ Invite form at the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship, to be placed on the Invite List. Incomplete information could prevent your invite from being verified by KDE-US, so please ensure that your information is complete, accurate and legible. Part of the requirement to earn an invite is to complete an invite form legibly. Failure to do so may result in an invite not being awarded.
Invites are not mailed out. Duelists who earn an invite will be able to see their name on the World Championship Qualifier invite list within 2-8 weeks after the completion of the event they qualified in.
A list of Duelists who have earned invites to a World Championship Qualifier is posted online. You can find the list here: https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/events/rankings/wcq-invite-lists/.
Q: Will the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship award World Qualifying Points?
World Qualifying Points are a way to earn an invite to the 2024 Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME (TCG) World Championship. Duelists who earn World Championship Qualifier (WCQ) invites throughout the course of the 2023-2024 Organized Play season will also earn “World Qualifying Points” which award additional invites to the 2024 Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG World Championship through a World Qualifying Points Playoff.
World Qualifying Points invites will be awarded to a specific number of Duelists in different territories who have earned enough World Qualifying Points in the 2023-2024 Season to compete in the World Qualifying Points Playoff.
Duelists can earn World Qualifying Points at any event that awards an invite to the World Championship Qualifier (North and Latin America); such as Regional Qualifiers, Dragon Duels, OTS Championships, Nationals in Latin America, and the Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series.
The total number of invites awarded at an event will determine how many World Qualifying Points can be earned. For example, at a Yu-Gi-Oh! OTS Championship that awards 4 WCQ invites, the Duelist who comes in 1st place will earn 4 points, the 2nd place Duelist will earn 3 points, and so on, down to the 4th place Duelist who will earn 1 point.
| Rank* | World Qualifying Points Earned |
| 1st | 4 |
| 2nd | 3 |
| 3rd | 2 |
| 4th | 1 |
For more information regarding World Qualifying Points, please visit the World Qualifying Points main page at: https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/events/wqp/
Q: What is the format for Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship tournaments?
All Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship events are Tier 2 events, conducted as Advanced Format, Constructed Deck, Swiss Round events. The Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship will play Swiss Rounds, with a Playoff Top Cut (if applicable), with prizes awarded at the end of the final round played. If eight (8) or fewer Duelists participate in the event, prizes are awarded after the final Round of Swiss. The format details provided here supersede any tournament details found in other official KDE-US policy documents.
| Number of Participants* | Number of Swiss Rounds | Playoff Top Cut |
| 4 – 8 | 3 Rounds of Swiss | None |
| 9 – 16 | 4 Rounds of Swiss | Top 4 |
| 17 – 32 | 5 Rounds of Swiss | Top 8 |
| 33 – 64 | 6 Rounds of Swiss | Top 8 |
| 65 – 128 | 7 Rounds of Swiss | Top 8 |
| 129 or more | 7 Rounds of Swiss | Top 16 |
*The Number of Participants is based on how many total participants are enrolled in the tournament once Registration closes. All Duelists added to the event after registration closes should not affect the number of Swiss Rounds. Playoff Top Cut is based on the total number of participants, including late entries.
Examples
| After registration closes, 31 Duelists have registered for the tournament. This means that the tournament will have 5 Rounds of Swiss, followed by a Top 8 Playoff cut. Two Duelists register late, beginning the tournament with a Round 1 Match Loss. Even though this brings the attendance total to 33, only 5 Rounds of Swiss are played. |
| After registration closes, 127 Duelists have registered for the tournament. This means that the tournament will have 7 Rounds of Swiss, followed by a Top 8 Playoff cut. Two Duelists register late, beginning the tournament with a Round 1 Match Loss. Even though this brings the attendance total to 129, the number of Swiss Rounds would not change, but the Playoff Top Cut would change from Top 8 to Top 16. |
These events are Tier 2 events and will use the appropriate End of Match Procedures for a Tier 2 event during Swiss Rounds.
Q: Can I get a CARD GAME ID number at the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship tournament, or will I need to have one before I attend the event?
If you previously had a COSSY ID, that same number will carry over as your CARD GAME ID. You will still need to register online at https://cardgame-network.konami.net/.
If you do not remember your previous 10-digit ID, a registration staff member should be able to assist in finding your correct ID. Duelists should avoid acquiring new CARD GAME IDs if the previous ID can be found.
If you do not have a CARD GAME ID number, you can get one by registering online at https://cardgame-network.konami.net/.
Duelists are not required to have their actual CARD GAME ID card to participate, though it is encouraged.
Q: Will I need to complete and turn in a Deck List?
Yes. All Duelists participating in a Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship must turn in a completed Deck List to participate. Please check with the OTS for additional information regarding the Deck List collection process.
Duelists can download the official KDE-US Deck List at https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/downloads/forms/KDE_DeckList.pdf.
This is an editable PDF, so you will be able to type the card names in this form, which should help as your Deck List needs to be legible and complete – write the name of each card in full, and write down how many copies you have in your Deck.
Make sure your name and CARD GAME ID are on your Deck List.
Make sure your Deck List exactly matches your Deck.
There is a very helpful article on our strategy site that will help you fill out your Deck List properly. Just follow the link here:
Duelists are encouraged to complete their Deck List before the Tournament by using the downloadable KDE-US Deck List and typing out all the necessary information in the editable fields on the form.
Q: What cards are legal for play?
Please check the “Products” page online at https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/products/ for an updated look at the legality dates of Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME product releases, prior to preparing your Deck for the event.
Advanced Format tournaments use a specific list of playable cards. Some cards are forbidden from use, or limited to a set number in the Deck, in order to better balance tournament play. Duelists can view the most current Advanced Format card list by visiting this link: https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/limited/
Constructed Decks for Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG tournaments must meet specific guidelines for use in the event. Duelists must ensure that their Decks meet these requirements before entering an event. A Duelist’s Deck includes their Main Deck and may include a Side Deck and/or an Extra Deck.
A Duelist may not have more than three copies of any card included in their Main Deck, Side Deck, and Extra Deck combined.
For any Remote Duel events, there are additional cards on the Remote Duel Forbidden List. Please check the Remote Duel Best Practices Guide for the current list of cards Forbidden for Remote Duel events:
https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/downloads/remoteduel/EN_Remote_Duel_Best_Practice_Guide_V_1_2.pdf
Cards that have been altered from their original appearance with surface decoration may be used for play only if the alterations do not obscure any portion of the card text, make the illustration difficult to recognize, or make the card distinguishable from other cards in the Deck while it is face-down.
If a card’s surface decoration renders the card unrecognizable at first glance, then the card is not allowed for tournament play.
The Head Judge of the event has final arbitration on whether or not altered cards may be used at the tournament. Duelists are responsible for determining whether or not their altered cards are acceptable for use before the start of the tournament.
Q: Can I use OCG cards in my Deck?
No. Cards printed for Asian markets are not legal for play in TCG tournaments.
Q: Can I use foreign language cards in my Deck?
You can use foreign-language copies of legal-for-play cards printed for the TCG market, as long as you can show an official translation of the card, kept outside of your Deck and Deck box, when asked to do so by an opponent or tournament official.
Q: I am an Ultimate Duelist Series Champion. Are there any perks for me at this event?
Duelists who have won an Ultimate Duelist Series Invitational who also have their Championship Belt during the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship, should receive free entry into the event. This is one of the perks of winning an Ultimate Duelist Series Invitational.
To be eligible for free entry into the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship, the UDS Champion(s) should:
- State at the time of Registration that he/she is a UDS Champion (past or present)
- Have his/her title belt physically present at the event or be able to show the title belt over a video channel with Event Staff.
Ultimate Duelist Series Invitational Champions should not receive any participation packs as the result of the free entry into the event. The Champion may opt to pay for his/her entry fee instead and receive the appropriate participation prizes.
Q: If I’ve never been to a Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship tournament, what should I expect?
Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championships are Tier 2 tournaments and attract competitive Duelists who are attempting to earn World Championship Qualifier invites and the title of OTS Champion!
There are a lot of things you should do to make sure you are prepared before heading to the tournament.
Read over the list of things you will need for the tournament, and make sure you have everything.
You will need to register before the event begins to play. To register, you’ll need a Registration form, a form of ID, your CARD GAME ID if you have one already, and the entry fee for the tournament. You can get the Registration Form before the tournament by clicking on this link:
https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/downloads/forms/KDE_RegistrationSheet.pdf
If you are attending an in-person event, you can print this form before going to the OTS. The OTS will have forms available as well if you cannot print it out beforehand.
If you are attending a Remote Duel event, you can save the Registration Form with your information filled in to submit to the OTS.
Make sure your Registration form is filled out completely before you register. You will also need a CARD
GAME ID number – this is the ID number used to track you in the tournament. If you don’t already have one, you can register online for one at https://cardgame-network.konami.net/. If you have trouble registering for a CARD GAME ID, Event Staff will be able to assist you before the tournament begins.
If you have a CARD GAME ID and have lost or forgotten it, you can ask Event Staff to look it up for you. If you’ve played in a previous event, they may be able to retrieve your number.
Once you have a completed Registration form and a CARD GAME ID, you can register for the tournament.
Please arrive early enough before the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship is scheduled to start to ensure you will be properly registered for the tournament, either at the OTS for an in-person tournament or on the Discord server for a Remote Duel tournament. Registration generally closes 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. Duelists may register late for an event and will begin the event with a Round 1 Match Loss. Space is always limited, so please arrive and register early.
You will also need a Deck List. A Deck List is required to participate in the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship. You can get a Deck List form at the event when you register, or you can download one to fill out ahead of time by clicking on this link: https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/downloads/forms/KDE_DeckList.pdf
This is an editable PDF, so you will be able to type the card names in this form, which should help as your Deck List needs to be legible and complete – write the name of each card in full, and write down how many copies you have in your Deck.
- Make sure your name and CARD GAME ID are on your Deck List.
- Make sure your Deck List exactly matches your Deck.
Please check with the Head Judge for additional instructions on the Deck List collection process.
Duelists are responsible for paying attention to information from judges and/or tournament staff to understand what is going on. If Duelists have questions about the event either beforehand or while they are there, they should check with the OTS.
Before heading to the event, all Duelists should read over the KDE-US Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG Tournament Policy and Penalty Guidelines carefully. These documents tell you what you can and cannot do at an event and give you a good idea of what to expect. You may find these Guidelines by clicking the following links.
Tournament Policy:
https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/downloads/penalty_guide/YGOTCG_Policy_v_2_2.pdf
Tournament Infractions and Penalties Policy:
https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/downloads/penalty_guide/Penalty_Guidelines_v_2_2.pdf
When you compete in a Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship tournament, you’ll be held to high standards of play and sportsmanship. You should know how the cards in your Deck work, and should take great care to prepare your Deck, sleeves, and Deck List. Duelists must pay attention to information from judges and/or tournament staff to understand what is going on. Duelists are expected to know and understand the information provided in the above policies and guidelines while at a Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship or any Sanctioned or Official event.
Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championships are excellent places to test your skills, learn more about Deck-building and strategy, and see how well you match up against the other Duelists in your area.
Q: I want to judge at a Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship, instead of competing as a Duelist – how can I apply?
To judge at a Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship, judges must be registered in the KDE-US Judge Program.
Judges must first pass the online Level 1 Rulings Comprehension test available at https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/judges/index.html. Following their successful completion of the test, they must then follow the instructions in their confirmation e-mail and send in a completed application to join the KDE-US Judge Program. All judges are required to hold Level 1 Rulings Comprehension certification and be enrolled in the KDE-US Judge Program to be eligible to judge at a Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship.
If you’re interested in judging, you should contact the OTS for the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship as soon as possible (use the contact number provided in the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship Locator listing). Most OTS are always on the lookout for Judge Staff, so be prepared to provide your full name, contact information, including e-mail and phone number, and a description of your previous judging experience.
Q: Whom should I contact for more information about a specific Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship?
Your best resource for answers about a specific Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship event is the contact number listed on the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship Locator. KDE-US won’t be able to answer questions such as “How do I get to the venue?,” “Where should I park?,” “When does registration start?,” and so forth. For questions such as these, you will need to contact the OTS directly.
If you have more general questions about Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championships, you can send them to us-opsupport@konami.com. Please be as detailed as possible, so we can try to provide you with the answers you’re seeking!
PREPARING FOR THE TOURNAMENT – IN-STORE INFORMATION
Duelists who wish to enter a Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship must meet the following criteria
- Have a Deck that meets the current Advanced Format criteria.
- Have a CARD GAME ID number (obtainable at the event) and be in good standing.
- Have read and understood the following documents. These documents can be found at https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/events/organizedplay/
- KDE-US Official Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME Tournament Policy
- KDE-US Official TRADING CARD GAME Tournament Policy
- KDE-US Official Penalty Guidelines
- Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME Official Rulebook
Duelists who have been suspended from Organized Play by KDE are not considered to be in good standing and may not register for or compete in Sanctioned or Official events. A list of suspended players can be found at https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/events/suspended/
Any tournament official associated with or working an event cannot play in that specific event. This includes, but is not limited to, the Judge Staff, Scorekeeper, Event Staff, Store Owner, and Tournament Organizer.
Suspended persons may not enter the venue of a Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship tournament, no exceptions. If a suspended person is discovered at the venue, they may be charged with offenses including but not limited to trespassing, as well as an extension of their suspension.
If a Suspended Duelist’s name appears on the Suspended Player list, they are not allowed to be on the premises, even if they have reached their date of eligibility for reinstatement. Suspended Duelists are required to apply for reinstatement with the KDE Penalty Committee via us-penalty@konami.com. Once their applications have been reviewed, and their reinstatement accepted, their name will be removed from the list. Until that time, they are Suspended Players.
Q: What will I need to bring to a Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship tournament?
You should bring a tournament-legal Deck as described above, along with any tournament supplies you will need, such as paper and pen to track Life Points, dice or counters if you are using cards which require them, extra sleeves to replace any that become damaged, and so forth. If you have a CARD GAME ID number, you should bring your number and barcode. You’ll also need the cost of registration for the tournament, as well as money for any incidentals (food, drink, etc.).
Q: Are there any items I am not allowed to bring to the tournament?
Attendees may not bring any item(s) into the tournament venue that is prohibited by law in their area (local, state, or federal). In addition, alcohol, unlawful items/transactions, weapons of any kind, and substance drugs which may be illegal on a local, state, and/or federal level, are not allowed at Sanctioned/Official events. Attendees who bring any such items to a tournament venue will incur penalties, including Disqualification and removal from the event, and risk suspension from KDE-US Organized Play.
The use of electronic and/or vapor cigarettes are not permitted on the tournament floor at any Sanctioned/Official events, or in areas designated for tournament attendees.
Q: What if I lost an item at a Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship tournament?
Duelists are responsible for looking after their own belongings at the event. Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., OTS, Staff, and Judges bear no responsibility for, and cannot be held liable for, any loss, theft or damage to the person or personal property of any attendee.
Duelists who lost items should seek the Lost & Found on-site. If the item is not found on-site, Duelists are encouraged to contact the OTS within a 60-day period on the chance the lost item has been turned in.
Q: What will I need to bring in order to register for the tournament?
Duelists wishing to register for a Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship will be required to complete a registration form at the event. Duelists will be required to present their CARD GAME ID number along with a form of ID to register for the event. Acceptable forms of ID include current-year School ID cards, driver’s licenses, passports, or other government-issued identification documents.
If you are under the age of 16, you can bring in a copy of your birth certificate as proof of ID. Duelists under the age of 16 are required to have a parent or guardian read and sign the registration form in order to be eligible to participate in a Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship. Registration forms can be downloaded and filled out prior to the event from here:
https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/downloads/forms/KDE_RegistrationSheet.pdf
Duelists who register or attempt to register under another Duelist’s name or CARD GAME ID number will be disqualified from the event, and risk suspension from KDE-US Organized Play events. Duelists are required to register with their legal name, as it appears on their form of ID. Nicknames may not be used when registering for a Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship. Initials to replace the First or Last Names may not be used when registering for a Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship.
PREPARING FOR THE TOURNAMENT – REMOTE DUEL INFORMATION
Duelists who wish to enter a Remote Duel Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship must meet the following criteria
- Have a Deck that meets the current Advanced Format criteria.
- Have a CARD GAME ID number (if this is your first event, you can obtain one online from https://cardgame-network.konami.net/) and be in good standing
- Have read and understood the following documents. These documents can be found at https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/events/organizedplay/
- KDE-US Official Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME Tournament Policy
- KDE-US Official Tournament Infractions and Penalties Policy
- Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME Official Rulebook
- Have read and agree to abide by the Remote Duel Best Practices Guide
- Have a valid shipping address in the country (United States or Canada) in which the Remote Duel Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship event is being held
- Have a functional Remote Duel setup
Any tournament official associated with or working an event cannot play in that specific event. This includes, but is not limited to, the Judge Staff, Scorekeeper, Event Staff, Store Owner, and Tournament Organizer.
Event Staff or Judge Staff who participate in a tournament for which they are listed as staff will be subject to penalties, up to and including suspension from KDE-US Organized Play.
Duelists who have been suspended from Organized Play by KDE-US are not considered to be in good standing and may not register for or compete in Official or Sanctioned events. A list of suspended players can be found at https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/events/suspended/
Suspended persons are required to apply for reinstatement with the KDE-US Penalty Committee via us-penalty@konami.com. Once their applications have been reviewed, and their reinstatement accepted, their name will be removed from the list. Until that time, they are considered to be Suspended Persons.
Q: What do I need to know regarding a Remote Duel Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship tournament?
A Remote Duel Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship should be run using the Discord app. You will need a webcam, smartphone or tablet to display your field to your opponent. The camera needs to be flipped/upside-down, so it displays correctly, for the opponent.
You can find more details on Remote Duel on our website:
Duelists should read the Remote Duel Best Practices guide, which also includes a list of cards Duelists cannot use during Remote Duel events.
Duelists are required to have a valid shipping address in the country (United States or Canada) in which the Remote Duel Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship event is being held, in order to participate in that specific Remote Duel Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship.
Duelists from Latin America, Europe, or Oceania can participate in the Remote Duel Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship events happening in their territory.
Q: What will I need to have with me for a Remote Duel Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship tournament?
You need to have a functional Remote Duel setup and any tournament supplies you will need, such as a tournament legal Advanced Constructed Deck, paper and pen to track Life Points, dice or counters for card effects, extra sleeves to replace any that become damaged, and so forth.
Q: What will I need to prepare in order to register for the Remote Duel Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship tournament?
You will be required to register with the OTS. You should contact the OTS to determine exactly what they will need in order to register you for the event.
Duelists who register or attempt to register under another Duelist’s name or CARD GAME ID number will be disqualified from the event and risk suspension from KDE-US Organized Play events. Duelists are required to register with their legal name, as it appears on their form of ID. Nicknames may not be used when registering for a Remote Duel Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship. Initials to replace the First or Last Names may not be used when registering for a Remote Duel Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship.
Q: I’m under 13. Am I able to participate in a Remote Duel Remote Duel Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship tournament?
You can participate, but your parent or guardian must register you for the event and you must ensure you are following Discord’s age requirements. Due to the nature of Remote Duels, Event Staff will need to verify your parent or guardian is registering you and understands you will be participating in the event using cameras to capture your field and using Discord to communicate with other Duelists and Event Staff. Verifying your parent or guardian’s consent will need to happen through video communication. Text-only verification will not be enough.
AT THE TOURNAMENT – IN-STORE INFORMATION
Q: How long will the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship tournament last?
The number of Swiss rounds is determined by the number of Duelists enrolled in the tournament. Rounds in the Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME are 45 minutes long. Since you can play all rounds in a Swiss tournament, you should expect to be at the event for several hours.
Q: What is the time limit for each Round for the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship?
Each Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship Swiss Round will consist of a best 2-out-of-3 game Matches, with a 45-minute time limit.
Q: What happens if I am not done with my Match after 45 minutes?
Sometimes a Match will not be finished when the time ends for a round. If this happens, it is both Duelists’ responsibility to note whose turn it is when time is called. Duelists who require assistance with the End of Match procedures, should raise their hand and call for a Judge. The Judge should be notified that the Match is ongoing and whose turn it is. The judge may or may not stay to supervise the End of Match procedure but should ensure that both Duelists understand the following procedures.
End of Match procedures should follow these three (3) rules:
Rule #1: If time is called while Duelists are in the middle of a Game, the current Game must have a decision (Win, Loss, or Draw)
Rule #2: Once the current Game has concluded with a decision, determine the winner of the Match by determining the number of Game Wins (or Game Losses) each Duelist has for the current Match. The Duelist with the most Game Wins will win the Match.
Swiss Rounds: If both Duelists have the same number of Game Wins, or if time was called in between games of a Match when both Duelists had the same number of Game Wins, then the Match is a Draw.
Single-Elimination Rounds: If both Duelists have the same number of Game Wins, or if time is called in between Games of a Match while both Duelists have the same number of Game Wins, they will begin a new Duel with specific guidelines.
Rule #3: If a win condition occurs during End of Match Procedures, that Duelist wins the current Game.
Keeping these three (3) rules in mind, please follow these instructions when proceeding to End of Match procedures:
Match Draws cannot occur during Single-Elimination Rounds.
Q: Can I buy and sell cards from other participants at the event?
Each Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship location may have different buying, selling, or trading policies. Duelists should contact the OTS and inquire about that OTS’ policies regarding buying, selling, and trading.
Q: I would like to provide feedback to KDE-US concerning the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship I attended, who should I contact?
If you attended one of our Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championships and would like to send us feedback, you can send us an e-mail about your specific event by e-mailing us at us-opsupport@konami.com. With the subject line “North America Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship Feedback [Store Name]”. All feedback, including comments about the OTS, the judges, or the event itself, will be welcome! All feedback is always kept confidential. Please make sure your e-mail includes which Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship you attended, including store name, city, and state.
AT THE TOURNAMENT – REMOTE DUEL INFORMATION
Q: How long will the Remote Duel Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship tournament last?
The number of Swiss Rounds is determined by the number of Duelists enrolled in the tournament. Tournament Rounds for this event will be 50 minutes long. Since you can play all Rounds in a Swiss tournament, you should expect to be at the event for several hours.
Q: What is the time limit for each Round for the Remote Duel Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship?
Each Remote Duel Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship Swiss Round will consist of a best 2-out-of-3 game Matches, with a 50-minute time limit.
Q: What happens if I am not done with my Match after 50 minutes?
Sometimes a Match will not be finished when the time ends for a Round. If this happens, it is both Duelists’ responsibility to note whose turn it is when time is called. Duelists who require assistance with the End of Match procedures should call for a judge. The judge should be notified that the Match is ongoing and whose turn it is. The judge may or may not stay to supervise the End of Match procedure but should ensure that both Duelists understand the following procedures.
End of Match procedures should follow these three (3) rules:
Rule #1: If time is called while Duelists are in the middle of a Game, the current Game must have a decision (Win, Loss, or Draw)
Rule #2: Once the current Game has concluded with a decision, determine the winner of the Match by determining the number of Game Wins (or Game Losses) each Duelist has for the current Match. The Duelist with the most Game Wins will win the Match.
Swiss Rounds: If both Duelists have the same number of Game Wins, or if time was called in between games of a Match when both Duelists had the same number of Game Wins, then the Match is a Draw.
Single-Elimination Rounds: If both Duelists have the same number of Game Wins, or if time is called in between Games of a Match while both Duelists have the same number of Game Wins, they will begin a new Duel with specific guidelines.
- Neither Duelist may use his or her Side Deck. If time was called in between Games of a Match and at least one Duelist has already accessed his or her Side Deck, then both Duelists may use their Side Deck.
- Duelists must use a random method (die roll, coin flip, etc.) to determine who will go first.
- The Duel will continue for a total of four (4) turns, two (2) turns for each Duelist, unless a Duelist manages to win the Duel before the four (4) turns have concluded.
- A “turn” is defined as the start of the Draw Phase until the end of the End Phase for a single Duelist.
- Once the four (4) turns are completed, Life Point totals are compared and the Duelist with the highest Life Point total wins the Match.
- If both Duelists’ Life Points are the same after the four (4) turns are completed, then play will continue on a turn-by-turn basis, with the Duelist with the most Life Points at the end of a turn being declared the winner of that Game.
Rule #3: If a win condition occurs during End of Match Procedures, that Duelist wins the current Game.
Keeping these three (3) rules in mind, please follow these instructions when proceeding to End of Match procedures:
- Continue with the current Phase of the Game. Once the Phase is over, stop the game.
- Determine a Game Winner at this point, with the Duelist with the most Life Points winning the Game.
- During Swiss Rounds, if both Duelists’ Life Points are the same, the Game is a Draw. Compare Game Wins with the Duelist with the most Game Wins winning the Match. If the Game Win totals are the same, the Match is a Draw.
- During Single-Elimination, if both Duelists’ Life Points are the same at the end of the current Phase (Step 1 above), finish the current turn. If both Duelists’ Life Points are the same at the end of the turn, then play will continue on a turn-by-turn basis, with the Duelist with the most Life Points at the end of a turn being declared the winner of that Game.
Match Draws cannot occur during Single-Elimination Rounds.
QUALIFICATION FOR 2023 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER TOURNAMENTS
Q: Do I have to qualify in my own country?
Invites awarded in North America and Latin America are only valid for WCQs within those regions. Duelists from outside these regions are not eligible to earn invites within these regions, nor within the region in which they reside.
Duelists can earn a WCQ invite through Regional Qualifiers, Dragon Duels, Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championships, and Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series Tournaments in any country within North America and Latin America, but you can only compete in the World Championship Qualifier held for your Region and only for the Regions mentioned above.
Examples
| If a Duelist from Mexico qualifies in the United States, he or she will still play in the Central America World Championship Qualifier. |
| If a Duelist who resides outside of North America and Latin America travels to an event outside of North America and Latin America, that Duelist is not eligible to earn an invite. |
If a Duelist qualifies in an event outside of their country, the invite will be awarded to the WCQ event in which their region would normally qualify for (North America and Latin America).
Q: Will Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship invites “pass down” if someone who has already earned an invite earns another one?
Invites will not pass down for the 2024 Yu-Gi-Oh! WCQ season.
Q: How and when will I receive my invite?
A list of Duelists who have earned invites to a World Championship Qualifier is posted online. You can find the list here: https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/events/rankings/wcq-invite-lists/.
- You will not receive an invite or certificate in the mail.
- You will not receive an invite or certificate via e-mail.
- You will not be required to present any kind of certificate in order to enter a World Championship Qualifier.
- Your name and information will be added to the Invite List, and that is proof that you qualified.
- Information about your World Championship Qualifier will likewise be posted online – it will not be mailed or sent to you. Duelists are responsible to verify that their name appears on the appropriate Invite List, and to access posted information about their World Championship Qualifier by checking the https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/events/world-championship-qualifier/ page for updates.
If you have a question about your invite status, you can email us-opsupport@konami.com and ask. Please provide your full name, CARD GAME ID number, and the date and location of the event at which you qualified, along with your question, so we can answer you quickly and efficiently.
Please remember that invite status information isn’t automatically or instantly updated, so you should allow approximately 2-8 weeks after the conclusion of your event for results to be posted from your tournament.
Q: Is travel or hotel included with my invite?
Travel and/or lodging are not included with invites earned at a Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG OTS Championship – the expenses incurred in attending a World Championship Qualifier tournament will be the responsibility of the Duelist.