Valve Unveils Tournament Operating Requirements Rulebook for Counter-Strike

In the previous year, Valve declared their intention to establish a fair and equal competitive landscape in the Counter-Strike esports community. This initiative was designed to foster an inclusive and open esports environment for all participants. Now, Valve has unveiled the official Tournament Operating Requirements handbook for tournament organizers, providing insight into the upcoming changes that will shape Counter-Strike’s competitive scene in 2025 and beyond.

What is the Tournament Operating Requirements Rulebook?

The Rulebook for Operating the Tournament in Counter-Strike esports contains the necessary rules and guidelines for the language used in the game. It also outlines the procedure for tournament organizers to obtain a license for events ending after December 31, 2024.

In most cases, the Limited Game Tournament License will serve as the primary guideline for running any given event.

Ranked and Unranked events

In the latest update, the categorization of Ranked and Unranked events undergoes a significant transformation. Additionally, there is now a distinction between Tier 1 and Tier 2 events, which we will delve into further in this piece.

As a dedicated fan, I’d describe it this way: When Valve talks about ranked events, they mean competitions that influence the regional rankings maintained by Valve. These rankings play a crucial role in determining the teams that receive invitations to Valve’s major ranking tournaments in different regions.

A Ranked Event refers to a competition where the results are utilized by Valve’s regional rankings to evaluate and compare teams’ performance.

As a passionate fan, I’d describe it this way: Unranked tournaments are the ones where the final outcomes don’t affect the Valve Regional Major Rankings. These are often third-party events that don’t boost a team’s chances of making it to the Major.

Unranked Prize Pools limited to $100,000 

According to Valve’s guidelines, the monetary reward for unranked gaming events held throughout the year is capped. The maximum compensation for a single event is set at $100,000, including prize money and any other forms of remuneration. If a tournament organizer conducts multiple unranked events in a year, the total compensation across all events should not surpass $250,000.

At present, numerous small-scale esports events boast prize funds surpassing $100,000. A potential adjustment in these prize pools could occur, affecting countless players but potentially fostering a more stable business landscape for tournament organizers (TOs) and teams.

Under the latest rulebook, the guidelines for Ranked events are more complex and rigorous. The tournament organizer (licensee) is responsible for deciding which rank a team must achieve in order to be invited. For Tier 1 events, only one team will qualify; for Tier 2 events, nine teams or fewer will meet the requirement.

Tournament Tiers in Counter-Strike

Valve has established formal labels ‘Tier 1’ and ‘Tier 2’ for tournaments, replacing the previous unofficial categorization based on prize money and team participation. Valve’s definitive terms bring clarity and organization to these events.

Organizers of top-tier tournaments are mandated to extend invitations to teams ranking high in Regional Standings. A minimum of sixteen teams must be invited, with the ensuing eight qualifying for the Main Event. In contrast, most existing events see the top eight teams progress to the Playoffs.

As a gamer, I can share that some tournament organizers have the flexibility to extend invitations to teams who have triumphed in lower-tier events, like Tier 2 tournaments. This approach keeps smaller events thriving as they serve as stepping stones for teams aiming to participate in the elite Tier 1 competitions.

Organizers of Tier 2 events must extend invitations to teams ranking below the top ninth in Valve Regional Standings. It is possible for an organizer to hold a Wildcard event, yet they are allowed to do this only after they have successfully organized and completed three Tier 1 tournaments.

Rules about Tournament Announcements

As a dedicated gamer, I’m thrilled about the latest game-changing announcement from Valve: Tier 1 events are coming! These high-stakes competitions will unfold over the upcoming months, and Valve has set clear guidelines for organizers to follow when unveiling their events. So get ready, gamers, as we’re in for an exciting ride!

Based on my experience as a dedicated sports enthusiast and event planner, I strongly believe that announcing the date for Tier 2 events at least three months prior to the Main event is essential.

As a long-time Counter-Strike fan and avid follower of the esports scene, I am thrilled to hear about the upcoming changes that will bring more transparency and fairness to our community. Having attended numerous tournaments over the years and witnessed firsthand the challenges organizers face in coordinating schedules and maintaining a level playing field, I can only imagine the positive impact these adjustments will have.