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Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series
Philadelphia, PA 2023

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Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series
Philadelphia, PA 2023

We are pleased to announce that the next Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series event will take place in Philadelphia, PA on May 27-28, 2023!

A Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series (YCS) is a big, exciting 2-day event that takes place from Saturday to Sunday. Duelists from all over will attend to compete for exclusive prizes, earn invites to their next World Championship Qualifier, and spend the weekend Dueling, trading, and hanging out with hundreds of other Yu-Gi-Oh! fans.

In addition to the main Championship Series tournament, there are numerous Public Events, such as Win-A-Mat, Speed Duel, Attack of the Giant Card!! and Regional Qualifier tournaments. Competitive or casual, there is something for everyone to do at a Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series weekend event.

 


MORE LINKS & INFORMATION

You can select more information and view schedules for this specific event from the drop-down menu at the top of this page.

Updated: 5/16/2023

 


COVID-19 Restrictions for Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series Philadelphia 2023

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. (KDE-US) strongly encourages, but does not require, all attendees to be fully vaccinated and to wear a mask.  However, KDE-US reserves the right to implement a mandatory mask and/or vaccine requirement for any event on short notice, if deemed necessary. If this event does require attendees to wear a mask, KDE-US will make all available efforts to notify all attendees. However, it is your responsibility to confirm you have read and understood the most current KDE-US COVID-19 policy prior to your arrival at the event, by checking this FAQ section, which may be updated from time to time.

Please note that all attendees must follow measures outlined in the KDE-US COVID-19 Addendum to help prevent the spread of illness. The COVID-19 addendum can be found at https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/downloads/penalty_guide/COVID19_Addendum_v_1.pdf.

Any attendee who has or develops symptoms consistent with COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status or other measures taken, should refrain from attending this event. If symptoms develop during this event, attendees should immediately notify event staff, withdraw from this event and leave the venue. If event staff observe symptoms consistent with COVID-19, they may direct impacted individuals to leave the venue. This can include the symptomatic individual and those who were in close proximity with such individual for extended periods of time.

By attending this event in person, all attendees understand and acknowledge that they risk exposure to and contraction of potentially dangerous diseases and viruses, including the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and any other diseases or viruses not listed, while traveling to, from, and during the event.  By attending this event, all attendees agree to knowingly and freely assume all such risks and enter the venue at their own risk.

KDE-US makes no representations that it has taken any safety precautions that relate to infectious diseases or exposure, and even if KDE-US did proactively take preventative measures, KDE-US has made no representation that those measures will in any way reduce or prevent the risks associated with exposure.  Attendees release KDE-US, its employees and representatives, and all persons involved WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL ILLNESS, DISABILITY, DEATH, or loss or damage to person or property, to the fullest extent permitted by law.  BY ATTENDING IN THIS EVENT, ATTENDEES ARE DEEMED TO HAVE GIVEN A FULL RELEASE OF LIABILITY TO KDE-US TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

 


IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING
Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series Philadelphia 2023

  • This will be a two-day tournament using Advanced Constructed Decks in the Swiss format.
  • Best 2 out of 3 Matches
  • Swiss Rounds followed by a Single-Elimination Playoff Top Cut. Rounds are dependent on the total number of Duelists at the time registration closes.
  • Time Limit: 45 Minutes per Swiss Round.

 


How to Register for Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series Philadelphia 2023

  • Duelists will need to register online for this Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series event.
  • Duelists can use the link above to get to the online registration site. There you will log in or register an account if you do not already have one. Once logged in, click on Events and select YCS Philadelphia by clicking on Details. Follow the instructions from there to confirm your seat at the YCS.
  • Duelists will pay $25.00 USD to receive five (5) booster packs and registration in the event. This is the cost of five (5) booster packs in the local currency, including any taxes and fees.
  • Deck Lists are not due when you register for the YCS but must be uploaded to your account and attached to your YCS Philadelphia Entry by 10:00 AM ET Friday May 26, 2023
  • Duelists who register online MUST arrive on site Friday May 26, 2023 between 12:00 PM ET and 6:00 PM ET and check in at the event or they forfeit their seat at the YCS.
    • If you discover you cannot arrive by 6:00 PM on May 26, 2023 to check in, you must email Yu-Gi-Oh! Registration Staff at ygoreg@thesidedeck.com no later than 11:00 AM on Friday, May 26th to make alternative check-in arrangements. If travel plans change at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 26th, such as a flight is delayed, you can email Registration Staff but we cannot guarantee you will be able to be accommodated.
  • For Public Events Registration information please select the Public Events tab from the drop-down menu towards the top of this page.

 
Date & Location

May 27 - May 28

Pennsylvania Convention Center
1101 Arch Street, Hall E
Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States

Location & Travel

LOCATION & TRAVEL


LOCATION

DATES CITY ADDRESS
May 27-28, 2023 Philadelphia, PA Pennsylvania Convention Center
Hall E
1101 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

 

 


TRAVEL FAQs

  • What is the closest airport to YCS Philadelphia 2023?
  • What’s the best way to get to the tournament from the airports?
  • Are there any nearby hotels?

 


Q: What is the closest airport to YCS Philadelphia 2023?

A: Nearest Airport(s):

Airport Airport Code City State Distance to Venue
Philadelphia International PHL Philadelphia PA 7.0 miles
Philadelphia Trenton-Mercer TTN Ewing Township NJ 29 miles
Wilmington Airport ILG New Castle DE 30.0 miles

 

 

Q: What’s the best way to get to the tournament from the airport?

A: UBER, LYFT, and other app-based rideshare apps are available for pickup and drop off at the airport.

Please view this website for detailed directions about how to get to the Pennsylvania Convention Center from the Philadelphia International Airport: https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Philadelphia-Airport-PHL/Pennsylvania-Convention-Center

 

Q: Are there any nearby Hotels?

A: Yes. There are many hotels in the vicinity of the Convention Center. Please Visit this link to see hotel options in the area:

https://www.google.com/maps/search/hotels+near+pennsylvania+convention+center/@39.943987,-75.1320938,12z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!2m4!5m3!5m2!1s2023-05-12!2i3

Registration & Event Schedule (Main Event)

REGISTRATION & EVENT SCHEDULE (MAIN EVENT)


REGISTRATION SCHEDULE (MAIN EVENT)

Day START TIME END TIME
Online Registration Closes Wednesday May 24, 2023 – 11:59 PM (ET)
Deck Lists are Due Friday May 26, 2023 – 10:00 AM (ET)

 

*** Schedules are subject to change and may be updated before the event begins. ***

*** Online Registration is open till the End Time and Date listed above or until available seats sell out, whichever comes first. ***

*** Deck Lists MUST be submitted by the Deck List Due Date via the website where you registered. ***

 


EVENT SCHEDULE (MAIN EVENT)

DAY START TIME END TIME
Mandatory On-site Check-in Friday, May 26, 2023 12:00 PM 6:00 PM
On-site Registration (if seats are available) Friday, May 26, 2023 3:00 PM 7:00 PM
YCS Philadelphia 2023 Saturday, May 27, 2023 10:00 AM –
YCS Philadelphia 2023 Day 2 Sunday, May 28, 2023 9:00 AM –

 

*** Schedules are subject to change and may be updated before the event begins. ***

 

Public Event Schedule

Public Events


Saturday      

1:00 PM – 6:00 PM Battle City Tournaments (8-Duelist Flights) $15.00
1:00 PM – 6:00 PM DUEL LINKS Tournaments (8-Duelist Flights) $15.00
1:00 PM – 6:00 PM MASTER DUEL Tournaments (8-Duelist Flights) $15.00
1:00 PM – 6:00 PM Rivalry of Warlords Tournaments (8-Duelist Flights) $15.00
1:00 PM – 6:00 PM Speed Duel Constructed Deck Tournaments (8-Duelist Flights) $17.00
1:00 PM – 6:00 PM Structure Deck Tournaments (8-Duelist Flights) $13.00
1:00 PM – 6:00 PM Tag Duel Tournaments (8-Team Flights) $10.00 per Duelist
1:00 PM – 6:00 PM Time Wizard Tournaments (8-Duelist Flights) $15.00
1:00 PM – 6:00 PM Win-A-Mat Tournaments (8-Duelist Flights) $15.00
1:00 PM – 6:00 PM Yu-Gi-Oh! Day Tournaments (8 Duelist Flights) $15.00
12:00 PM Dragon Duel Constructed Deck Tournament (Born 2009 or later) FREE!!
2:00 PM ATTACK OF THE GIANT CARD!! $25.00
3:00 PM Dragon Duel Casual Sealed (Born 2009 or later) FREE!!
4:00 PM Speed Duel ATTACK OF THE GIANT CARD!! $22.00

 

Sunday    

9:00 AM – 2:00 PM 2023 Regional Qualifiers (16-Duelist Flights) $20.00
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Battle City Tournaments (8-Duelist Flights) $15.00
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM DUEL LINKS Tournaments (8-Duelist Flights) $15.00
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM MASTER DUEL Tournaments (8-Duelist Flights) $15.00
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Rivalry of Warlords Tournaments (8-Duelist Flights) $15.00
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Speed Duel Constructed Deck Tournaments (8-Duelist Flights) $17.00
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Structure Deck Tournaments (8-Duelist Flights) $13.00
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Tag Duel Tournaments (8-Team Flights) $10.00 per Duelist
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Time Wizard Tournaments (8-Duelist Flights) $15.00
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Win-A-Mat Tournaments (8-Duelist Flights) $15.00
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Yu-Gi-Oh! Day Tournaments (8-Duelist Flights) $15.00
10:00 AM 3 vs. 3 Team Tournament $5.00 per Duelist
11:00 AM ATTACK OF THE GIANT CARD!! $25.00
11:00 AM Dragon Duel Constructed Deck Tournament (Born 2009 or later) FREE!!
12:00 PM Yu-Gi-Oh! Charity Tournament *See Event FAQ for details
2:00 PM Speed Duel ATTACK OF THE GIANT CARD!! $22.00
2:00 PM Dragon Duel Casual Sealed (Born 2009 or later) FREE!!
3:45 PM Cut-off to earn points for Public Events Playoffs
4:00 PM Public Event Playoffs
4:30 PM YCS Dragon Duel Championship Playoff

 

Registration for ongoing Public Events begins at the event’s start time. Registration for all non-ongoing Public Events begins approximately one hour before the event is scheduled to begin.

VIP Qualifiers

VIP QUALIFIERS

Want to be a VIP (Very Important Player) at the YCS Philadelphia? Locations for the VIP Qualifier Tournaments are posted here:

VIP Qualifiers (YCS Philadelphia)

 

YCS Philadelphia FAQ

YCS Philadelphia, PA FAQ


  • What happens at a YCS event?
  • Will there be meal breaks during the tournament?
  • When can I register for YCS Philadelphia 2023?
  • When do I turn in my Deck List for the YCS?
  • How do I obtain the Pre-Registration Yu-Gi-Oh! Coin?
  • How do I turn in my Deck List for the YCS?
  • How do I check in at the YCS?
  • If Online Registration is sold out, is there anything I can do to participate at YCS Philadelphia 2023?
  • What Security information should I know for the YCS?
  • Who should I contact if I have questions about the YCS?
  • Will there be coverage of YCS Philadelphia 2023?
  • What is the cost to register for the Yu-Gi-Oh! Charity Tournament?
  • What charity does the money from the Yu-Gi-Oh! Charity Tournament go to?
  • What Time Wizard formats will be available at YCS Philadelphia 2023?
  • What is the Speed Duel Public Events Limited List for YCS Philadelphia?
  • I want to vend at the YCS, who should I contact and by when?

 


Q: What happens at a YCS?

A: These are big, exciting 2-day events that take place from Saturday to Sunday. Duelists from all over will attend these events to compete for exclusive prizes; earn invites to their next World Championship Qualifier; and spend the weekend Dueling, trading, and hanging out with hundreds of other Yu-Gi-Oh! fans.

In addition to the main Championship Series tournament, there are numerous Public Events, like Win-A-Mat, Speed Duel, Yu-Gi-Oh! DUEL LINKS (DUEL LINKS), Yu-Gi-Oh! MASTER DUEL (MASTER DUEL), and Regional Qualifier tournaments.  Competitive or casual, there is something for everyone to do at a Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series weekend event.

 

Q: Will there be meal breaks during the tournament?

A: As there will be food and drink available inside the tournament hall, there will not be any meal breaks scheduled into the tournament.

 

Q: When can I register for YCS Philadelphia 2023?

A: For this YCS, Duelists will need to register online to secure a seat to compete at YCS Philadelphia 2023.

  • Registration will remain open until either all available seats in the YCS are sold out or until Wednesday May 24th, 2023 at 11:59 PM ET (whichever comes first).
  • Space is limited.
  • Duelists who successfully register must still arrive at YCS Philadelphia and check in on Friday, May 26, 2023 between 12:00 PM ET and 6:00 PM ET to confirm their seat in the Tournament or their seat will be forfeited, and their entry will be refunded after the YCS.
  • If you are not able to check in on Friday May 26th prior to 6:00 PM due to travel or other issues, you will need to contact Yu-Gi-Oh! Registration Staff at ygoreg@thesidedeck.com no later than 11:00 AM on Friday May 26th to make alternative check-in arrangements.

We urge you to register online for the event due to seating capacity.

 

Q: When do I turn in my Deck List for the YCS?

A: Deck Lists are due online by 10:00 AM ET Friday May 26th, 2023.

  • Duelists who do not turn in their Deck Lists by 10:00 AM ET on Friday May 26th, 2023 will automatically forfeit their seat and their entry will be refunded after the YCS.
  • Deck Lists must be submitted through the online system. Physical copies of a Deck list will not be accepted onsite for the YCS.

Once a Deck list has been submitted it can no longer be changed.

 

Q: How do I obtain the new Pre-Registration Yu-Gi-Oh! Coin?

A: All Duelists that register online and submit their Deck Lists through the online system by 10:00 AM ET Friday May 26th, 2023 will receive one random Pre-Registration Yu-Gi-Oh! Coin* when they check in at the venue.

Pre-Registration Yu-Gi-Oh! Coin

*Pre-Registration items are available while supplies last.

 

Q: How do I turn in my Deck List for the YCS?

A: Please create your Deck List at https://yugiohregistration.com/Decks/MyDeckLists.aspx. Once you have created your Deck List, you can submit it at https://yugiohregistration.com/Events/MyEvents.aspx. Simply find the Submit Deck List link for the YCS event to find the page where you can select the name of the Deck List you have created for the event. We recommend giving each Deck List you create a unique name, so that you don’t submit the incorrect Deck List. Once a Deck List has been submitted it cannot be changed. Editing your Deck List will not affect the Deck List submitted for that event.

 

Q: How do I check in at the YCS?

A: Registered Duelists just need to arrive onsite at the venue between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM on Friday May 26th and follow the signs to check in and confirm your seat in the YCS. At this time Duelists will receive their booster packs once they are confirmed at Check-In. If you are not able to check in on Friday May 26th, 2023 prior to 6:00 PM due to travel or other issues, you will need to contact Yu-Gi-Oh! Registration Staff at ygoreg@thesidedeck.com no later than 11:00 AM on Friday May 26th to make alternative check-in arrangements.

 

Q: If Online Registration is sold out, is there anything I can do to participate at YCS Philadelphia 2023?

A: Duelists who register have two deadlines to meet or their seats are forfeit. Any seats that become available will only be open to Duelists on site at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Friday May 26th, 2023. There is NO GUARANTEE any seats will become available if online registration sells out, so if you are not local to, or planning to be in Philadelphia, PA on the weekend of the YCS, we do not recommend you arrange travel and hotel without a confirmed seat to compete in the YCS. Seating will be limited, and Public events alone are no reason to travel long distances. There will be more YCS, so please keep that in mind if you are unable to register for this event.

 

Q: What Security information should I know for the YCS?

A:  There will be security personnel and local police onsite at the YCS.

 

Q: Who should I contact if I have questions about the YCS?

A:

KDE-US Representative: Kawelo Malama Jr.

Email: us-opsupport@konami.com with the subject “Question for YCS Philadelphia 2023”

 

Tournament Organizer: Alternate Universes

Email: aubluebell@comcast.net

YCS Registration

Email: ygoreg@thesidedeck.com

 

Q: Will there be coverage of YCS Philadelphia 2023?

A: Yes! There will be online coverage and other updates at the YCS available here:

Event Coverage blog – Event updates, Quick Questions, Pairings, and Standings

 

Q: What is the cost to register for the Yu-Gi-Oh! Charity Tournament?

A: Duelists will pay $22.00 to receive four (4) tournament packs and registration in the event. This is the cost of four (4) tournament packs in the local currency, including any taxes and fees.

 

Q: What charity does the money from the Yu-Gi-Oh! Charity Tournament go to?

A: The money collected from the Yu-Gi-Oh! Charity Tournament will be donated to the Red Cross International for their continuing efforts to help with disaster relief.

 

Q: What Time Wizard format will be available at YCS Philadelphia 2023?

A: There will primarily be two Time Wizard formats offered as Public Events at YCS Philadelphia 2023.

The first format will use the April 2005 Forbidden and Limited List, and the last legal set will be Dark Beginnings 2. This will be the “July 2005” format Time Wizard event.

The second format will use the March 2010 Forbidden and Limited List, and the last legal set will be Duelist Pack: Kaiba. This will be the “April 2010” format Time Wizard event.

While these two formats will be the primary formats offered, they aren’t the only formats possible! If you and your friends would like to play a different format, come chat with event staff at Public Events to get your preferred format started!

 

Q: What is the Speed Duel Public Events Limited List for YCS Philadelphia?

A:

Speed Duel Public Events Limited List:

YCS Philadelphia will implement an event-only Limited List for all Speed Duel Public Events held at YCS Philadelphia!

This Limited List is legal on the weekend of YCS Philadelphia and only at YCS Philadelphia. Duelists must comply with the list if they wish to participate in Speed Duel Public Events.

Copies of the list will be available at the Public Events stage for Duelists to reference.

The Speed Duel Limited List works like the Yu-Gi-Oh! DUEL LINKS Forbidden and Limited List.

 

Limited 1: Only 1 of the following cards out of all the cards that are “Limited 1” can be used in your Deck & Side Deck.

  • Jinzo
  • Nightmare Wheel
  • Offerings to the Doomed
  • Reinforcement of the Army
  • Zoma the Spirit

 

Limited 2: Only 2 of the following cards out of all the cards that are “Limited 2” can be used in your Deck & Side Deck.

  • Allure of Darkness
  • Cocoon of Ultra Evolution (Weevil Underwood Skill Card)
  • Foolish Burial
  • Golden Ladybug
  • Parasite Paranoid
  • Volcanic Shell
  • Union Hangar

 

Limited 3: Only 3 of the following cards out of all the cards that are “Limited 3” can be used in your Deck & Side Deck.

  • Book of Moon
  • Breaker the Magical Warrior
  • Cosmic Cyclone
  • Crystal Raigeki
  • Cyber Angel Benten
  • Cyber Dragon
  • D. Warrior Lady
  • Floodgate Trap Hole
  • I’m Just Gonna Attack (Joey Wheeler Skill Card)
  • Machine Angel Ritual
  • Twisted Personality (Yami Marik Skill Card)
  • Wall of Disruption

 

For Limited 1, you can only choose 1 of the listed cards to have in your Deck. If you choose 1 you cannot use any of the others.

  • Example: If you use Jinzo then you cannot use Reinforcement of the Army, Nightmare Wheel, Zoma the Spirit, etc.

For Limited 2, you can choose up to 2 of the listed cards to use in your Deck. Whichever you choose, you will not be able to use any of the others. You can choose to have multiple copies of the same card if you like, but they will count towards the total limited number.

  • Example: If you use 2 copies of Parasite Paranoid, you will not be able to use Cocoon of Ultra Evolution (Weevil Underwood Skill Card). You could however use 1 copy of Parasite Paranoid and 1 copy of Cocoon of Ultra Evolution, and if you do, you would then not be able to use Allure of Darkness, Foolish Burial, etc.

For Limited 3, you can choose up to 3 of the listed cards to use in your Deck. Whichever you choose, you will not be able to use any of the others. You can choose to have multiple copies of the same card if you like, but they will count towards the total limited number

  • Example: If you run 3 copies of D. Warrior Lady you cannot run any other Limited 3 cards like Book of Moon, Breaker the Magical Warrior, or Cosmic Cyclone. You could, however, run 2 copies of D.D. Warrior Lady and 1 copy of Book of Moon but then you could not use Breaker the Magical Warrior, Cosmic Cyclone, etc.
  • Example: You can choose to run 1 copy of D. Warrior Lady, Book of Moon, and Breaker the Magical Warrior but then you would not be able to use any of the other Limited 3 cards listed, like Cyber Dragon or Floodgate Trap Hole.

 

Q: I want to vend at the Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series Philadelphia, who should I contact and by when?

A: Vending space is available free of charge at Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series venues but is only available to Official Tournament Stores in good standing. Vendors must meet certain requirements and agree to abide by set guidelines. Interested vendors should email us-opsupport@konami.com with the subject line “Request to Vend at YCS Philadelphia, PA 2023.”  Vendors will be required to complete and apply for each event at which they wish to vend. For YCS Philadelphia all applications must be submitted no later than Sunday, April 16th, 2023.

Keep in mind that KDE handles the applications for vending at Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series events, and not the Tournament Organizer.  Vendors and their staff need to follow the COVID-19 requirements for the event.

Cash transactions with anyone other than an approved vendor at an approved location are prohibited at Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series events.  Attendees who conduct cash transactions, such as selling of cards or product, to anyone other than an approved vendor at a Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series event risk penalties including disqualification and expulsion from the venue.

Anyone buying and/or selling as an unauthorized vendor at a Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series venue may also risk incurring penalties, including but not limited to, being disqualified and removed from the event, suspensions from KONAMI Organized Play, and suspension as an Official Tournament Store.