In Effect as of August 29th, 2026
BASIC INFORMATION
- What is the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 (TCG WCS 26) Celebration Event?
- Where and when are the TCG WCS 26 Celebration Events?
- I don’t see my local OTS on the list – can they still apply to run a TCG WCS 26 Celebration Event tournament?
- How do I enter a TCG WCS 26 Celebration Event?
- What are the prizes for the TCG WCS 26 Celebration Event?
- What is the format for a TCG WCS 26 Celebration Event?
- What is the attendance capacity for the TCG WCS 26 Celebration Event?
- What is Yu-Gi-Oh! NEURON (NEURON) and how can it help me with obtaining or registering a CARD GAME ID?
- Do I have to use the NEURON tournament support app to participate in events?
- 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?
- If I’ve never been to a TCG WCS 26 Celebration Event tournament, what should I expect?
- Whom should I contact for more information about a specific TCG WCS 26 Celebration Event tournament?
- I want to judge at a TCG WCS 26 Celebration Event tournament instead of playing, how can I apply?
- I would like to provide feedback to KDE-US concerning the event I attended, whom should I contact?
PREPARING FOR THE TOURNAMENT
- What will I need to bring to the tournament?
- What if I lost an item at the tournament?
- What will I need in order to register for the tournament?
AT THE TOURNAMENT
- How long will the tournament last?
- What happens if I am not done with my Match after 50 minutes under the current End of Match Procedures?
- Can I buy and sell cards from other participants at the event?
BASIC INFORMATION
Q: What is the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 (TCG WCS 26) Celebration Event?
A: It is an opportunity for Duelists across the world to be part of the Yu-Gi-Oh! WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP weekend – you may be able to Duel using the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 Forbidden and Limited List and win exclusive prize items – all at a nearby KONAMI Official Tournament Store (OTS). Stores will be able to choose whether they want to host an event using the current Advanced Forbidden and Limited List or the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 Forbidden and Limited List for their Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 Celebration Event.
Q: Where and when are the TCG WCS 26 Celebration Events?
A: TCG WCS 26 Celebration Events are one-day events scheduled to run between Saturday, August 29th, 2026, and Sunday, September 13th, 2026, at select KONAMI OTS located in the Americas. Exclusive prizes only for this event will be available!
https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/events/wcs-ots-celebration/2026-ots-locations/
Q: I don’t see my local OTS on the list – can they still apply to run a TCG WCS 26 Celebration Event tournament?
A: Unfortunately, if your local OTS is not on the list, they cannot be added to run a TCG WCS 26 Celebration Event tournament. We encourage you to visit the next nearest OTS listed on the website.
Q: How do I enter a TCG WCS 26 Celebration Event?
A: Duelists in North America will pay $15.00 USD ($21.00 CAD) to receive three (3) Limited Pack WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 booster packs, and entry to the event. Any taxes and fees would be in addition to the cost of entry.
Q: What are the prizes for the TCG WCS 26 Celebration Event?
A: In addition to the product each Duelist receives upon registering for the tournament, prize distribution will be as follows:
| Qty per Kit* | Item Name | Instructions |
| 2 | Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 Celebration Event Promo Card Envelopes | One (1) of the envelopes of the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 Celebration Event Promo Cards (2 cards per envelope), featuring Japanese-language Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon and Polymerization* (variant art), is to be distributed as a prize to the 1st place winner of each Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 Celebration Event tournament. The other Promo Card Envelope is to be randomly distributed as a prize amongst Duelists who participated in the event or registered for the give-away with the OTS. The winner of the tournament is not eligible for this prize. |
*Disclaimer: These cards may only be used in TCG WCS 26 Celebration Event tournaments. They are not tournament legal for any other event, as Japanese-language cards may not be used in regular tournaments
Q: What is the format for a TCG WCS 26 Celebration Event?
A: All TCG WCS 26 Celebration Event are Tier 1, conducted as either an Advanced event using the current Forbidden and Limited list or as a WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Format event using the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 Forbidden and Limited List.
Please contact your local participating OTS to inquire which list they plan on using for the event.
In order to participate, each Duelist will need his or her own Deck.
Current Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG Forbidden and Limited list:
https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/limited/
Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 Forbidden and Limited list
https://img.konami.com/yugioh/worldchampionship/2026/data/limitregulation-tcg.pdf?=721
| Number of Participants* | Number of Swiss Rounds |
| 4 – 8 | 3 Rounds of Swiss |
| 9 – 16 | 4 Rounds of Swiss |
| 17 – 32 | 5 Rounds of Swiss |
| 33 – 64 | 6 Rounds of Swiss |
| 65 or more | 7 Rounds of Swiss |
*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.
| Examples | After registration closes, 32 Duelists have registered for the tournament. This means that the tournament will have 5 Rounds of Swiss. Two Duelists register late, beginning the tournament with a Round 1 Match Loss. Even though this brings the attendance total to 34, only 5 Rounds of Swiss are played. |
Q: What is the attendance capacity for the TCG WCS 26 Celebration Event?
A: Due to safety and fire regulations, each TCG WCS 26 Celebration Event has a seating capacity, and it may vary from location to location. It is advised that you arrive early enough to register for the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 Celebration Event for the best chance to secure a spot in the event.
You can contact the individual OTS for more information about attendance capacity, using the phone number corresponding to the event in the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 Celebration Event Locator page.
Q: What is Yu-Gi-Oh! NEURON (NEURON) and how can it help me with obtaining or registering a CARD GAME ID?
A: NEURON is a free tournament support app for the Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME for iOS and Android Smart devices and can be found on the app store or by clicking on this link: https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/products/neuron/.
This app is the best way to obtain a CARD GAME ID if you are new to participating in events. You can also register an already existing CARD GAME ID if you already have one.
For those joining our events for the first time, obtaining a CARD GAME ID is as easy as downloading the app. Once downloaded follow the steps below:
- On the bottom menu screen, select Data.
- Once there, your CARD GAME ID will appear at the top of the screen.
This CARD GAME ID will be used when registering for any Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG Sanctioned events which include our Tier 1 local events, Tier 2 Regional Qualifiers and OTS Championships, Tier 3 YCS events, and even Tier 4 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER events.
If you already have a CARD GAME ID and would like to register it on the NEURON app, you can click here for a full guide on how to link your CARD GAME ID to your NEURON App.
If you previously had a COSSY ID, that same number will carry over as your CARD GAME ID.
If you do not remember your 10-digit CARD GAME ID, please reach out to us-opsupport@kde-us.com for help in getting your correct CARD GAME ID into NEURON before the event. Duelists should avoid acquiring new CARD GAME IDs if the previous ID can be found.
NEURON allows for fast and accurate Deck List submission, official card rulings, Life Points tracking, and quick access to the most up-to-date card information.
Additional details and features of the NEURON app can be found here: https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/products/neuron/
Q: Do I have to use the NEURON tournament support app to participate in events?
A: Duelists will need the official Yu-Gi-Oh! NEURON tournament support app to register for TCG events at Official Tournament Stores. If you have an existing CARD GAME ID, check our guides on how to link it before installing NEURON, by clicking here. Otherwise, NEURON will generate a new CARD GAME ID if it isn’t connected to your KONAMI ID.
For more information on how to use NEURON’s features, please use the following link:
Yu-Gi-Oh! NEURON
Q: Will I need to complete and turn in a Deck List?
A: Duelists participating in a Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 Celebration Event may have to turn in a completed Deck List in order to participate. If required, Duelists will be asked to submit their Deck Lists by using NEURON. Please check with the OTS to learn if they are requiring Deck Lists for their event, and for additional information about Deck List collection.
When using NEURON, Duelists may also use the Deck List “Save List” feature. To do so, please follow these instructions:
To use NEURON:
Select and view your Deck, then scroll down to the “Save List” button. Clicking this button will create a JPG of your Deck List, which you can email/upload to the OTS.
- NEURON will not fill in all the tournament details, such as your full name, the date, and the name of the event. You will need to rename the file accordingly with the missing information.
- The JPG is not an editable form.
- Follow any instructions provided by the OTS regarding their Deck List collection process, if applicable.
For a full guide on creating your Deck List in NEURON, Duelists can follow the walkthrough available here: https://img.yugioh-card.com/en/downloads/neuron/NEURON-Registering_for_Events.pdf
Make sure your Deck List exactly matches your Deck.
Q: What cards are legal for play?
A: All Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG WCS 26 Celebration Events are Tier 1, Advanced Constructed Events; run using either the current Advanced Forbidden and Limited List or the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 Forbidden and Limited List. Please contact your local participating OTS to inquire which list they plan on using for the event.
Current Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG Forbidden and Limited list:
https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/limited/
Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 Forbidden and Limited list
https://img.konami.com/yugioh/worldchampionship/2026/data/limitregulation-tcg.pdf?=721
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 meet the above guidelines. 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?
A: Cards printed for the Asian version of Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG (which is called the “Yu-Gi-Oh! Official Card Game” or “OCG”) are usually printed in Japanese or Korean, will be legal for play at this event. While OCG cards are sometimes available in other languages, including English, they are not normally legal for Sanctioned play in TCG territories (such as North America, Central America, South America, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia). An exception has been made for this event since the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 competitors will be able to use both OCG and TCG cards in their Decks. Due to this, Duelists competing in the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 Celebration may use OCG cards in their Deck. As with any foreign language card (see next question and answer), Duelists will need to be able to provide translations for any OCG cards they are using.
Q: Can I use foreign language cards in my Deck?
A: 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. If an opponent or tournament official has difficulty reading the card text, make sure to have the full local language card name ready to ensure it can be found quickly in NEURON or the official Yu-Gi-Oh! Card Database.
Q: If I’ve never been to a TCG WCS 26 Celebration Event tournament, what should I expect?
A: All Duelists must register for the event through the NEURON App by scanning the 2D barcode displayed at the OTS location. OTS are responsible for prominently displaying the barcode at their event. Duelists may also register by using the event search function within the NEURON App.
- Duelists should register directly in NEURON.
- If Deck Lists are required, Duelists should submit Deck Lists through NEURON instead of using paper forms.
- Duelists should enter Match Results directly in NEURON.
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 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.
KDE-US-US Official Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME Tournament Policy:
https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/downloads/penalty_guide/YGOTCG_Policy_v_2_5.pdf
Tournament Infractions and Penalties Policy:
https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/downloads/penalty_guide/Penalty_Guidelines_v_2_3.pdf
When you compete in a TCG WCS 26 Celebration Event, 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 in order to understand what is going on. Duelists are expected to know and understand the information provided in the above policies and guidelines while at any Sanctioned event.
Q: Whom should I contact for more information about a specific TCG WCS 26 Celebration Event tournament?
A: Your best resource for answers about a specific TCG WCS 26 Celebration Event is the contact number listed on the Event 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 TCG WCS 26 Celebration Event tournaments, you can send them to us-opsupport@kde-us.com. Please be as detailed as possible, so we can try to provide you with the answers you’re seeking!
Q: Is there anything else I need to know about the event?
A: OTS are encouraged to share the excitement of the Yu-Gi-Oh! WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP weekend by showing the Yu-Gi-Oh! WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP livestream if the OTS is hosting the TCG WCS 26 Celebration Event on either Saturday, August 29th or Sunday, August 30th. (However, please note the time difference between Japan and the US – it is 13 hours ahead for the East Coast, and 16 hours ahead for the West Coast.)
The Yu-Gi-Oh! WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 will be livestreamed on our official channels.
- https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialYuGiOhTCG
- https://www.twitch.tv/officialyugiohtcg
- https://www.youtube.com/@YGODigitalGames
- https://www.twitch.tv/ygodigitalgames
- https://www.youtube.com/@YuGiOhCardEU
- https://www.twitch.tv/YuGiOhCardEU
Check with your OTS to learn if they will be able to show the livestream!
Q: I want to judge at a TCG WCS 26 Celebration Event tournament instead of playing, how can I apply?
A: The TCG WCS 26 Celebration Event do not require Official KONAMI Judges. Some OTS will opt to have an Official KONAMI Judge as it provides Duelists with a better event experience.
If you’re interested in judging, you should contact the OTS as soon as possible (use the contact number provided in the Locator listing). Be prepared to provide your full name and contact information: including e-mail and phone number, and a description of your previous judging experience.
Q: I would like to provide feedback to KDE-US concerning the event I attended, whom should I contact?
A: If you attended a TCG WCS 26 Celebration Event tournament and would like to send us feedback, you can e-mail us at us-opsupport@kde-us.com. Please use the header line “North America Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 Celebration Event Feedback [Store Name, City, & State]”. All feedback, including comments about the OTS, judges, or the event itself will be welcome! All feedback is always kept confidential. Please make sure your e-mail includes which TCG WCS 26 Celebration Event you attended, including store name, city, and state.
PREPARING FOR THE TOURNAMENT
Duelists who wish to enter a TCG WCS 26 Celebration Event tournament must meet the following criteria:
- Have a Deck that meets the criteria that the tournament is being played with (either the Advanced Forbidden and Limited List or the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 Forbidden and Limited List).
- Have a CARD GAME ID number (If you do not have a CARD GAME ID number, you can get one by downloading the NEURON app from the app stores, Google Play and the Apple App Store.) 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
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.
Suspended persons may not enter the venue of a TCG WCS 26 Celebration Event 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-US Penalty Committee via us-penalty@kde-us.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 Duelists.
Q: What will I need to bring to the tournament?
A: You should bring any Dueling supplies you will need, such as paper and pen to track Life Points, dice or counters, extra sleeves to replace any that become damaged, and so forth. If you have a CARD GAME ID number, you should bring your number in case the OTS will need it. You’ll also need the registration fee for the event, as well as money for any incidentals (food, drink, etc.).
If you do not have a CARD GAME ID, please see the What is Yu-Gi-Oh! NEURON (NEURON) and how can it help me with obtaining or registering a CARD GAME ID? for instructions on how to get one.
You will be required to use your smart device with NEURON along with a form of ID in order to register for the event. When registering at the OTS, you will scan a QR code provided by the OTS in NEURON to register. When registering, you will need to present a photo ID to the OTS to confirm your name when registering. 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 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 the event. Initials to replace the First or Last Names may not be used when registering for the event.
Q: What if I lost an item at the tournament?
A: Duelists are responsible for looking after their own belongings at the event. KONAMI, Official Tournament Stores, 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 have 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 in case the lost item has been turned in.
Q: What will I need in order to register for the tournament?
A: If you do not have a CARD GAME ID, please see the What is Yu-Gi-Oh! NEURON (NEURON) and how can it help me with obtaining or registering a CARD GAME ID? for instructions on how to get one.
You will be required to use your smart device with NEURON along with a form of ID in order to register for the event. When registering at the OTS, you will scan a QR code provided by the OTS in NEURON to register. When registering, you will need to present a photo ID to the OTS to confirm your name when registering. 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 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 the event. Initials to replace the First or Last Names may not be used when registering for the event.
AT THE TOURNAMENT
Q: How long will the tournament last?
A: 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 happens if I am not done with my Match after 50 minutes under the current End of Match Procedures?
A: If the Match does not finish within 50 minutes, the result will be a Double Loss.
- When time ends in the Round, the Match is over. Neither Duelist may begin or continue any action that may take place in the Game.
- If time expires and the Match has not finished it will be a Double Loss.
- A Match is considered finished when one of the Duelists has either won two Duels or lost 2 Duels.
- If a Duelist has won 1 Duels and the Match has not concluded after 50 minutes, the Match is a Double Loss
- If the Duelists have completed 3 Duels without the Match finishing and there is time remaining in the Round, the Duelists will go into a 4th Duel.
Q: Can I buy and sell cards from other participants at the event?
A: Each OTS location may have different buying, selling, or trading policies. Duelists should contact the OTS and inquire about that store’s policies regarding buying, selling, and trading.