Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series FAQ’s

UPDATED: 9/24/2025

COVID-19 Information

Q: Are there any COVID-19 restrictions for the YCS?

YCS Information

Q: What happens at a YCS event?
Q: How do I pre-register for a YCS?
Q: If I pre-registered and can no longer attend, do I have to notify anyone?
Q: Can I transfer my pre-registration to someone else?
Q: If I wasn’t able to pre-register online because it was filled to capacity, can I still participate in Public Events or spectate?
Q: If the event sells out online, will I be able to register on site?
Q: Will I need to check in if I pre-registered online?
Q: How do I turn in my Deck List for the YCS?
Q: What is the format for the YCS?
Q: How many Rounds will the YCS have?
Q: How many Duelists will advance to Day 2?
Q: How many Duelists will advance to the Top Cut?
Q: How do I obtain the Pre-Registration Yu-Gi-Oh! Coin?
Q: What will I need to bring to the YCS tournament?
Q: If I’ve never been to a YCS tournament, what should I expect?
Q. Does KDE-US and/or its agents film or take photography at these events?
Q: I will be bringing my children to the YCS. Is there anything I should know?
Q: Will the YCS have Yu-Gi-Oh! Very Important Players (VIPs) and how do I qualify to be one?
Q: Will the YCS have the Bounty Feature?
Q: Will there be meal breaks during the tournament?
Q: What if someone who came with me does not know how to play?
Q: What happens if the Match has not concluded within 50 minutes?

Invitations and Prizes

Q: Do I need an invitation to participate in the YCS?
Q: If I am not from the region of the YCS and I win an invite at the YCS, do I get to play in the World Championship Qualifier (WCQ) for the region of the YCS?
Q: If I qualify in a Dragon Duel Constructed Deck tournament (for Duelists born in 2012 or later) at the YCS, will I get an invite for the WCQ?
Q: Are there any pack prizes apart from the packs received at registration?
Q: What are the prizes for the YCS?
Q: How and when will I receive my Invite?
Q: Is travel or hotel included with my Invite?
Q: Is the travel and accommodation just for the winner?

World Qualifying Points

Q: Will I earn World Qualifying Points at the YCS?
Q: How do I find more information about World Qualifying Points?

Card Legality

Q: What cards are legal for play?
Q: Can I use OCG cards (cards printed for use in Japan and other Asian territories) in my Deck?
Q: Can I use foreign language cards in my Deck?
Q: Can I use Proxy cards in my Deck?

Public Events

Q: Will there be Online Registration for Public Events?
Q: Will there be Public Events?
Q: What are the different types of Public Events?
Q: What are the point values for the Public Events?
Q: What is a Swiss Round Tournament?
Q: What is a Single-Elimination Tournament?
Q: What are the rules for the 3 vs. 3 Team Duel event?
Q: What are the Rules for DUEL LINKS Tournaments?
Q: What are the rules for MASTER DUEL Tournaments?
Q: What are the rules for Rivalry of Warlords Tournaments?
Q: What are the rules for Speed Duel Constructed Tournaments?
Q: Will there be a Speed Duel Limited List for Speed Duel Public Events at the YCS?
Q: What are the rules for Structure Deck Tournaments?
Q: What are the rules for Tag Duel Tournaments?
Q: What are the rules for the Yu-Gi-Oh! Charity Tournament?
Q: What is the Yu-Gi-Oh! Official Tournament Store (OTS) Tournament Series?
Q: Who is eligible for the Yu-Gi-Oh! OTS Tournament Series?
Q: When can I register for the Yu-Gi-Oh! OTS Tournament Series?
Q: What time does the Yu-Gi-Oh! OTS Tournament Series start on Sunday?
Q: How many Rounds will the Yu-Gi-Oh! OTS Tournament Series have?
Q: How do I enter the Yu-Gi-Oh! OTS Tournament Series?
Q: What is the format for the Yu-Gi-Oh! OTS Tournament Series?
Q: What are the rules for the Yu-Gi-Oh! OTS Tournament Series?
Q: What are the prizes for the Yu-Gi-Oh! OTS Tournament Series?
Q: How long will each Match last?
Q: What is the Public Events playoff?
Q. What is the Prize Wall?

Public Events – Dragon Duel

Q: What is a Dragon Duel?
Q: What is the Advanced Constructed Format Dragon Duel?
Q: What are the prizes for the Advanced Format Constructed Deck Dragon Duel?
Q: What is the YCS Dragon Duel Championship?
Q: What is the Format for the Dragon Duel Rivalry of Warlords event?
Q: What are the prizes for the Dragon Duel Rivalry of Warlords event?
Q: Does the Dragon Duel Rivalry of Warlords event affect the Dragon Duel Championship Tournament?

Miscellaneous

Q: I may need assistance to participate at a YCS due to a disability or recent injury, what should I do?
Q: I want to judge at a YCS, instead of competing as a Duelist – how can I apply?
Q: Will there be vendors on site so I can buy single cards and supplies and sell my cards?
Q: Can I buy and sell from other people at the event?
Q: I want to vend at a YCS, who should I contact?
Q: What is a Fan Content Area?
Q: Where can I get food and drinks during the tournament?
Q: When will the schedule for other YCS tournaments be posted?
Q: What is Yu-Gi-Oh! NEURON and how can it help me with obtaining or registering a CARD GAME ID?
Q: Will there be coverage of the YCS?
Q: What Security information should I know for the YCS?
Q: Are there any items I am not allowed to bring to the tournament?
Q: What if I lost an item at the tournament?

COVID-19 Information

Q: Are there any COVID-19 restrictions for the YCS?

A: Please see the event page for the specific YCS for current COVID-19 information.

YCS Information

Q: What happens at a YCS event?

A: This is an exciting 2-day event that takes place from Saturday to Sunday. Duelists from all over will attend this event to compete for exclusive prizes and spend the weekend Dueling, trading, and hanging out with hundreds of other Yu-Gi-Oh! fans.

In addition to the main YCS tournament, there are numerous Public Events, such as tournaments for ATTACK OF THE GIANT CARD!!, Yu-Gi-Oh! DUEL LINKS (DUEL LINKS), Yu-Gi-Oh! MASTER DUEL (MASTER DUEL), Regional Qualifiers, Rivalry of Warlords, Win-A-Mat, and Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME Speed Duel (Speed Duel). There will also be tournaments specifically for Duelists born 2012 or later. Competitive or casual, there is something for everyone to do at a YCS weekend event.

In order to participate in DUEL LINKS or MASTER DUEL events, Duelists will need to have the latest version of the app installed on their device.

Q: How do I enter a YCS?

A: Duelists will purchase the current Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME Booster Packs in the local currency for the YCS, including any taxes or fees, to receive the Booster Packs purchased and registration in the event. The number of Booster Packs to be purchased and the cost of those Booster Packs is determined by the country the event is held in, so please check specific event landing page for the YCS you are attending for the number of Booster Packs to purchase for entry in the event and the purchase cost of those Booster Packs.

Q: How do I pre-register for a YCS?

A: For a YCS, you must pre-register for the event online. The primary way to pre-register for a YCS is through online pre-registration. You can pre-register online at https://registration.yugioh-card.com. If space is still available at the end of online pre-registration, you will also be able to register on the Friday of the event at the venue. There will not be any on-time registration on the Saturday of the event. If space allows, late entry will be opened on Saturday, after the start of Round 1 and Duelists will be allowed to register to enter the tournament in the second Round with a Round 1 Match Loss.

To pre-register online, you will need to create an account on the https://registration.yugioh-card.com website if you do not already have one. Once you have registered for an account, you can register for the event here:

https://registration.yugioh-card.com/Events/Events.aspx

You do not need to turn in a Deck List when you pre-register, but you must turn in a Deck List on the registration website before the deadline found in the specific event landing page for the YCS you are attending. If you do not submit a Deck List on the registration website by the deadline, you will automatically be dropped from the event. You can create your Deck List on the registration website here:

https://registration.yugioh-card.com/Decks/MyDeckLists.aspx

You will still need to check in at the YCS on Friday, see Will I need to check in if I pre-registered online?

If on-site registration is possible, you will need to create an account on the registration website, https://registration.yugioh-card.com, and create your Deck List there. This can be completed on your phone or through computers available on site (where available). If you need help completing your registration on site, event staff will be available to help.

If you are hoping to be able to participate in this way, we recommend you create your Deck List on the registration website prior to arriving at the venue. This will allow you to easily complete your registration if space becomes available. If your Deck List is not ready to submit when space becomes available, you may not be able to register if others who have their Deck List already created on the registration website claim any available space before you are able to finish creating your Deck List. Therefore, it is recommended you create your Deck List in advance of coming to the venue to make any attempt to register as smooth as possible.

Deck Lists submitted online can be resubmitted up until the Deck List submission deadline found on the specific event landing page for the YCS you are attending. After that time, the submitted Deck List becomes final and cannot be changed.

To determine the registration schedule for any specific YCS, including when pre-registration opens online, when registration opens at the venue, and when Deck Lists are due, please see the specific event landing page for the YCS you are attending.

Q: If I pre-registered and can no longer attend, do I have to notify anyone?

A: Yes. Any Duelist that does not attend the YCS and does not reach out to the registration website team before online pre-registration closes to notify that they won’t be able to attend will be blocked from pre-registering online for future YCS and World Championship Qualifier (WCQ) events.

If you pre-registered but are no longer attending, please reach out to the Tournament Organizer at the email address found on the specific event landing page for the YCS you are attending and let the registration staff know that you will not make it to the event.

For YCS where a payment was made during pre-registration, anyone that does not attend will automatically be given a refund. These refunds happen within 7 days of the end of the event. If you have not received your refund after that timeframe, please reach out to the contact information found on the Contact Us page of the registration website, https://yugiohregistration.com/Contact.aspx, to request a refund.

Q: Can I transfer my pre-registration to someone else?

A: No. Pre-registration for YCS events are non-transferable.

Q: If I wasn’t able to pre-register online because it was filled to capacity, can I still participate in Public Events or spectate?

A: Space at each YCS event is limited. If you were not able to pre-register online for the event due to capacity, please do not purchase travel and hotel accommodations with the intent of participating in Public Events or to spectate. There is no guarantee space will become available once online pre-registration sells out. All Public Events are run pending space available in the event hall.

Q: If the event sells out online, will I be able to register on site?

A: If space does become available on site, such as due to Duelists not being able to attend, that space will be made available on a first-come basis. There is NO GUARANTEE any seats will become available if online pre-registration sells out, so if you are not local to, or planning to be in the area 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 pre-register for this event.

To create your Deck List on the registration website, you would log in to the website and go to My Deck Lists in the menu. Create your Deck List here, making it match your Deck exactly.

Q: Will I need to check in if I pre-registered online?

A: Yes, you will need to check in at the event if you pre-registered online. At the check-in counter, you will need to show a form of photo ID, such as a Driver’s License, ID card, Passport, or school ID. You are required to check in on Friday before the deadline found on the specific event landing page for the YCS you are attending. If you do not check in on Friday or do not reach out to the Tournament Organizer to make alternative check-in arrangements*, your pre-registration will be automatically canceled to allow for on-site registration.

*If you are not able to check in on the Friday of the YCS prior to deadline due to travel or other issues, you will need to contact the Tournament Organizer to make alternate check-in arrangements. Please check the specific event landing page for the YCS you are attending for the deadline to check in, the contact information for the Tournament Organizer, and the deadline to contact the Tournament Organizer if you are unable to check in for the YCS on Friday.

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

A: Please create your Deck List at https://registration.yugioh-card.com/Decks/MyDeckLists.aspx. Once you have created your Deck List, you can submit it at https://registration.yugioh-card.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, you can update and resubmit it up until the pre-registration deadline found on the specific event landing page for the YCS you are attending. Please check the specific event landing page for the YCS you are attending for the YCS to determine up to when you can resubmit a Deck List.

Q: What is the format for the YCS?

A: YCS tournaments are Constructed events, which means each Duelist must bring his or her own Deck to compete. Decks must be constructed per the latest Advanced Format guidelines. (See here for more information: http://www.yugioh-card.com/en/limited/index.html). The Forbidden & Limited list is updated periodically; refer to the “UPDATED” date on that page to ensure your Deck matches the current format.

Q: How many Rounds will the YCS have?

A: The number of Rounds in the tournament and the number of Rounds each Day of the YCS depends on the expected turnout of the event. Please check the specific event landing page for the YCS you are attending for how many Rounds the YCS will have.

Q: How many Duelists will advance to Day 2?

A: The number of Duelists that advance to Day 2 of the YCS depends on the number of Duelists that participate and the location of the event. Please check the specific event landing page for the YCS you are attending for the number of Duelists that will advance to Day 2.

Q: How many Duelists will advance to the Top Cut?

A: The Top 8 Duelists after all Swiss Rounds will advance to the Top Cut.

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

A: All Duelists that pre-register online and submit their Deck Lists through the online system by 10:00 AM Friday morning of the YCS weekend, will receive one random Pre-Registration Yu-Gi-Oh! Coin* when they check in on-site on the Friday of the YCS. Any Duelist that does not check in on Friday of the YCS will not be eligible for a Pre-Registration Yu-Gi-Oh! Coin.

Pre-Registration Yu-Gi-Oh! Coin

*Pre-registration prizes are available while supplies last.

Q: What will I need to bring to the YCS tournament?

A: You should bring a tournament-legal Deck as described under “What is the format for the YCS?,” 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. You should bring a form of personal identification with a picture. You’ll also need the registration fee for the tournament, as well as money for your incidentals (food, drinks, Public Events, etc.).

Q: If I’ve never been to a YCS tournament, what should I expect?

A: YCS are among the biggest of all Yu-Gi-Oh! tournaments and attract Duelists of all ages and skill levels. Many Duelists travel great distances to attend the YCS, so you can expect to meet hundreds of fellow Yu-Gi-Oh! fans from all over.

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’ll have a better time at the event if you don’t have too many bulky or heavy possessions to carry around, as it can get crowded there on the floor. Think ahead while you are planning what to bring with you.

Duelists are responsible for paying attention to information from judges and/or tournament staff in order 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 Event Manager.

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.

Tournament Policy:

https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/downloads/penalty_guide/YGOTCG_Tournament_Policy_v_2_5.pdf

Penalty Guidelines:

https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/downloads/penalty_guide/Penalty_Guidelines_v_2_3.pdf

Remote Duel Addendum for Remote Duel events:

https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/downloads/penalty_guide/Remote_Duel_Addendum_KDE-US_V-1.pdf

Remember, there is much more to do at a YCS than just compete in the main tournament. There are lots of Public Events, vendors buying and selling cards, and other Duelists to trade with. Read over the FAQ carefully, and you’ll be off to a great start. Public Events will be available as space opens up from the main event. If the YCS has reached capacity there is not a guarantee that any specific pubic event will be available as events will only start as space becomes available. If the venue reaches capacity, additional Duelists will not be allowed to enter the hall.

Q. Does KDE-US and/or its agents film or take photography at these events?

A. Yes by entering the premise of this event you agree to the following:

When you enter a Yu-Gi-Oh! event or program, you are entering an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the event premises, you consent to photography, audio recording, interviews, video recording and its/their release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for promotional purposes, webcasts, telecasts, advertising, inclusion on websites, social media, or any other purpose by KONAMI, its affiliates and representatives. Images, photos and/or videos may be used to promote Yu-Gi-Oh! or KONAMI events in the future, to highlight the event and promote Yu-Gi-Oh! and KONAMI properties.

You release KONAMI, its employees, representatives and all persons involved from any liability connected with the taking, recording, digitizing, or publication and use of photographs, computer images, video and/or sound recordings. By entering the event premises, you waive any rights you may have to any claims for payment or royalties in connection with any use, exhibition, streaming, web casting, televising, or other publication of these materials, regardless of the purpose or sponsoring of such use, exhibiting, broadcasting, web casting, or other publication, irrespective of whether a fee for admission or sponsorship is charged.

You also waive any right to inspect or approve any photo, video, or audio recording taken by KONAMI, its agents or representatives. You have been fully informed of your consent, waiver of liability and release before entering the event.

Q: I will be bringing my children to the YCS. Is there anything I should know?

A: If your child was born in 2012 or later, there is a special tournament each day just for this age group, called a Dragon Duel. There will be both Advanced Constructed format tournaments for Dragon Duelists that already have a Deck and Speed Duel Sealed format tournaments for Dragon Duelists that don’t have a Deck just yet. You can find more information about Dragon Duels in the Public Events – Dragon Duel section of this FAQ.

We will have a Parents’ Area available, where parents can relax while their children are occupied in the tournament. This area is open only to parents and their children. You are not required to stay on site, but we strongly recommend that you do, especially if your children are young or this is their first event. Please know that the tournament staff cannot be responsible for looking after your children, or their possessions. Always make sure your child has a way to contact you, and is provided with any necessities such as food, drink, or extra money if you do not wish to remain in the tournament area.

When your child is preparing for the event, encourage him or her to leave any bulky or expensive possessions at home. Electronics and large collections of cards are hard to keep track of during a big tournament – your child will have a much easier day without having to worry about these kinds of items.

Trading cards is a big attraction at large tournaments, but if you are concerned about your child trading away valuable cards, talk to him or her before the event and set some guidelines. You can always have your child check with you before making a trade.

Q: Will the YCS have Yu-Gi-Oh! Very Important Players (VIPs) and how do I qualify to be one?

A: Yes! We will have VIPs at the YCS. To qualify as a Yu-Gi-Oh! VIP, a Duelist needs to attend and win one of several YCS VIP Qualifier tournaments hosted by OTS’ before each YCS. You can find information on those qualifiers here: https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/events/vip-qualifier/.

A Duelist who wins a YCS VIP Qualifier earns the following benefits as a VIP:

FREE entry to the YCS, including the booster packs of the current booster release normally purchased at entry, Pre-Registration Yu-Gi-Oh! Coin*, and any YCS-specific participation item if applicable.
VIP registration. Let a line control staff member know you are a VIP and you will be escorted to the front of the line.
Two-Round Bye at the YCS (VIPs start the tournament in Round 3 with a 2-0 record (2 Wins and 0 losses))
Assigned seating throughout the course of the YCS Main Event in a VIP Section
YCS VIP Field Center Card

*In order to be eligible for any online pre-registration items, VIPs must still pre-register online. If an item requires a Deck List to be submitted before pre-registration closes in order for it to be awarded, the VIP must submit a valid Deck List while pre-registering to be eligible.

Please note that all VIPs must still pre- register, submit a Deck List on time and be present on site during the Duelist Meeting. Their names will not appear on the first and second Round pairings.

Q: Will the YCS have the Bounty Feature?

A: Yes! We will be including the Bounty Feature forthe YCS. At the start of the tournament, a certain number of Duelists will be selected and tagged with KONAMI lanyards and Bounty Duelist badges. Each of these Bounty Duelists will begin the tournament with a stack of packs (4 packs per Round) allotted to him or her. So, for a 10-Round tournament, the total Bounty on each Duelist would be 40 packs.

At the start of each Round, 4 packs will be removed from each Bounty Duelist’s total and placed in their Bounty Pile. If the Bounty Duelist wins, he or she receives 2 of the packs from the Bounty Pile, leaving the rest in the pile. If the Bounty Duelist loses, the opponent claims all the packs in the Bounty Pile. At the end of each Round, both the Bounty Duelist and the opponent must come up to the main stage, so the winner can collect the packs.

The longer a Bounty Duelist goes undefeated, the more packs you can win if you beat him or her. If the Bounty Duelist goes undefeated, he or she will keep all the packs in his or her Bounty. Bounty Duelists are not eliminated by a loss. Once you’ve been tagged, you are a Bounty Duelist for as long as you are participating in the event (Swiss Rounds only). The lanyard is yours to keep.

Bounty Duelists are chosen for a variety of reasons – including past performances at events, running an innovative or exciting Deck, or maybe for wearing an eye-catching hat. Only Duelists who have pre-registered online for the tournament will be selected as a Bounty Duelist. If you are chosen, you don’t have to participate if you would rather not join in.

Q: Will there be meal breaks during the tournament?

A: If there is no food available for sale in the event hall, a 30-minute meal break will be scheduled into the tournament. If a lunch break is scheduled, announcements will be made the Round prior to the start of the break and a 30-minute clock will be set. Duelists who do not arrive for the next Round on time will incur tardiness penalties.

For Remote Duel YCS events, there will not be any meal breaks scheduled into the tournament.

Q: What if someone who came with me does not know how to play?

A: If someone is attending the YCS that does not know how to play Yu-Gi-Oh! do not worry. We will have capable staff on site who will be more than happy to teach them how to play.

Q: What happens if the Match has not concluded within 50 minutes?

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 Duel 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 4^th Duel.

Invitations and Prizes

Q: Do I need an invitation to participate in the YCS?

A: You do not need an invitation to participate. This event is open to all Duelists who have pre-registered or registered for the event.

Q: If I am not from the region of the YCS and I win an invite at the YCS, do I get to play in the World Championship Qualifier (WCQ) for the region of the YCS?

A: No, you will not.

If the YCS is in the United States or Canada and the Duelist does not reside in the US or Canada, they will not be eligible to compete in the North America WCQ.

If the YCS is in Central America and the Duelist does not reside in Central America, they will not be able to compete in the Central America WCQ.

If the YCS is in South America and the Duelist does not reside in South America, they will not be able to compete in the South America WCQ.

Duelists who earn an invite at a YCS in North, Central and South America that reside in North, Central and South America will win an invite to their region’s WCQ.

If the Duelist resides in European or Oceanian territories, they will not earn an invite to compete in their region’s WCQ.

Duelists can earn a WCQ invite through Regional Qualifiers, Dragon Duels, OTS Championships, and YCS Tournaments in any country within North America and Latin America, but you can only compete in the WCQ 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 American WCQ.

If a Duelist who resides in North America or Latin America travels to an event outside of North America and Latin America, that Duelist is not eligible to earn an invite unless they win the Main Event.

If a Duelist who resides outside of North America and Latin America travels to an event in North America or Latin America, that Duelist is not eligible to earn an invite unless they win the Main Event.

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 only).

Q: If I qualify in a Dragon Duel Constructed Deck tournament (for Duelists born in 2012 or later) at the YCS, will I get an invite for the WCQ?

A: Duelists who were born in 2012 or later (Dragon Duelists) who have earned an invite for the WCQ are eligible to play in their region’s WCQ. Dragon Duelists may not be able to participate in both the WCQ and any separate events held specifically for Dragon Duelists. Please check FAQs for the WCQ to confirm eligibility.

Q: Are there any pack prizes apart from the packs received at registration?

A: 9th – 16^th place will receive 24 booster packs of the most recent core booster release. This is the only product prize, outside of the packs received at registration, that will be awarded.

Q: What are the prizes for the YCS?

Place	Prizes
1^st*	Ultra Rare YCS Prize Card – Anotherverse Stratios YCS Trophy YCS Branded Premium Messenger Bag Steam Deck OLED Steam Download code for Yu-Gi-Oh! EARLY DAYS COLLECTION NEW! A GIANT CARD!! of the winner’s choice** which will be awarded to the winner at the next WCQ Invite to and VIP status at the next WCQ YCS Metal Dice Set YCS Sleeves YCS Game Mat
2nd	Super Rare YCS Prize Card – Anotherverse Stratios YCS Branded Premium Messenger Bag Steam Deck OLED Steam Download code for Yu-Gi-Oh! EARLY DAYS COLLECTION Invite to the next WCQ YCS Metal Dice Set YCS Sleeves YCS Game Mat
3^rd & 4^th	Super Rare YCS Prize Card – Anotherverse Stratios Steam Deck OLED Steam Download code for Yu-Gi-Oh! EARLY DAYS COLLECTION Invite to the next WCQ YCS Metal Dice Set YCS Sleeves YCS Game Mat
5th-8th	Steam Deck OLED Steam Download code for Yu-Gi-Oh! EARLY DAYS COLLECTION Invite to the next WCQ YCS Metal Dice Set YCS Sleeves YCS Game Mat
9th-16^th	24 booster packs of the current booster release Invite to the next WCQ YCS Sleeves YCS Game Mat
17th – 32^nd	Invite to the next WCQ YCS Sleeves YCS Game Mat
Top 16	NEW! Ultra Rare Top 16 YCS Promo Card: Effect Veiler
Top 32	NEW! Top 32 Super Rare YCS Promo Card: Card Trooper
Top 64/128/256***	NEW! YCS Promo Card

If attendance is 2049 Duelists or more, active Duelists who rank 33^rd to 64^th after the final Round of Swiss, will also receive a YCS Game Mat, an invite to the next WCQ, YCS Sleeves, and World Qualifying Points.

*In addition to the other prizes for 1st place, the winner will receive complimentary travel and accommodation for the next WCQ in their territory (North and Latin America only).

** Not all Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards can be made into Giant Cards; see https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/events/faq/event_prizing/ for details.

*** The YCS Promo Card will be awarded based on final attendance (see chart below). The Promo Card will be awarded after the final Round of Swiss based on the standings of active Duelists. Duelists that drop from the event will not be eligible for the Promo Card.

Number of Participants	YCS Promo Card
Under 513	Top 64
513 – 1024 Duelists	Top 128
1025 or more Duelists	Top 256

YCS Trophy (Please note that YCS logo may differ per event)

2025-2026 YCS Prize Card

Yu Gi Oh! Championship Series Metal Dice
(Please note that colors may differ per event)

Ultra Rare Top 16 YCS Promo Card: Effect Veiler

Top 32 Super Rare YCS Promo Card: Card Trooper

YCS Promo Card (top Duelists depending on attendance will receive a Promo Card from a pool of 10 cards)

YCS Top Cut Sleeves (Please note that YCS logo may differ per event)

YCS Top Cut Game Mat

Q: How and when will I receive my Invite?

A: A list of Duelists who have earned invites to a WCQ is posted in KCGN. You can access the list by logging into your KCGN account. You can also go here for more information: https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/events/rankings/wcq-invite-lists/.

Information about your WCQ will 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 WCQ tournament by checking the www.yugioh-card.com/en/events page for updates.

If you have a question about your Invite status, and are a resident of the United States or Canada, you can e-mail us-opsupport@kde-us.com and ask. Residents of Latin American countries should email la-opsupport@kde-us.com for Invite inquiries. 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.

Remember that Invite status information isn’t automatically or instantly updated, so you should allow some time for results to be posted from your tournament.

Q: Is travel or hotel included with my Invite?

A: Only the winner of each YCS tournament will receive paid travel and accommodations to their respective WCQ tournament (winners from North, South and Central America only).

Q: Is the travel and accommodation just for the winner?

A: If the first-place winner is 18 or older, the travel and accommodation is just for the individual winner. If the first-place winner is 17 or younger at the time of the WCQ in their territory, the first-place winner would have to travel with their parent or court-appointed legal guardian. The parent or court-appointed legal guardian’s travel and accommodation will also be provided. Please note, if the first-place winner is 17 and under and their parent or court-appointed legal guardian cannot travel with them, then the first-place winner would not be eligible for the travel or accommodation.

World Qualifying Points

Q: Will I earn World Qualifying Points at the YCS?

A: Yes, for a YCS with under 2,049 attendees, all the Duelists that finish in the Top 32 will earn World Qualifying Points, and for a YCS with 2,049 or more attendees, all Duelists that finish in the Top 64 will earn World Qualifying Points. (World Qualifying Points are only awarded to Duelists from North or Latin America. Duelists from European territories will not earn World Qualifying Points from events within North and Latin America territories.)

The total number of invites awarded at an event will determine how many World Qualifying Points can be earned. For example, at a YCS that awards 32 WCQ invites (events up to 2,048 Duelists in attendance), the Duelist who comes in 1st place will earn 32 points, the 2nd place Duelist will earn 31 points, and so on, down to the 32nd place Duelist who will earn 1 point.

YCS Attendance	How Many Duelists Earn WQP
Up to 2,048	Top 32
2,049 and over	Top 64

In addition, every Duelist that earns an invite at a YCS will also earn an additional 32 World Qualifying Points on top of the points earned in above regardless of the Duelists Final Standing at the end of the tournament.

Q: How do I find more information about World Qualifying Points?

A: Please see the Worlds Qualifying Points Page for Frequently Asked Questions here:

https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/events/wqp/

Card Legality

Q: What cards are legal for play?

A: 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.

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.

In addition, the type or location of the tournament affects what cards are legal for play. For example, some cards cannot be played in a Latin America YCS as they haven’t been officially released in the region and some cards cannot be played in Remote Duel events, so cannot be played in a Remote Duel YCS. Please check the specific event landing page for the YCS you are attending for additional information on what cards are legal for play at the YCS.

Q: Can I use OCG cards (cards printed for use in Japan and other Asian territories) in my Deck?

A: No, cards printed for Asian markets are not legal for play in TCG tournaments, even if you have a translation available. This includes Asian English cards.

The best way to determine if a card is legal for TCG tournaments is to check the card back. Located at the bottom right of the card back is the Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME logo. Please see the table below for more clarification:

TCG Logo Legal for TCG Tournaments	Japanese OCG Logo Not legal for TCG Tournaments	Asian-English Logo Not legal for TCG Tournaments

Q: Can I use foreign language cards in my Deck?

A: You may 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 when asked to do so by an opponent or tournament official.

If you are using a card that is not in a local language, you must do one of the following:

Have a local-language version of the card, stored outside of your Deck or Card Case, available to show opponents or tournament officials.
- For events in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean, English language cards do not require an official translation.
- For events in Brazil, English and Portuguese cards do not require an official translation.
- For events elsewhere in Latin America, English and Spanish cards do not require an official translation.
Have an accurate, written version of the most recent card text, stored outside of your Card Case, available to show opponents or tournament officials.
Use the “Camera Search” function in Yu-Gi-Oh! NEURON (NEURON) to provide an accurate translation of the card.

Q: Can I use Proxy cards in my Deck?

A: No. Duelists may not use any kind of proxy or substitute to represent another card. Photocopies, cards that have been relabeled, etc. are considered proxies and cannot be used in your Deck. If you have any concern about whether a card is allowed, please confer with the Head Judge of the event before using the card.

Public Events

Q: Will there be Online Registration for Public Events?

A: Please check the specific event landing page for the YCS you are attending to find out if online registration for Public Events will be available.

Q: Will there be Public Events?

A: Yes, please check the specific event landing page for the YCS you are attending to view the schedule and more information about the Public Events being hosted at the YCS!

Q: What are the different types of Public Events?

A: The different types of Public Events offered, the number of packs to purchase for entry in the event, and the cost of those packs varies based on the location of the YCS. Please check the specific event landing page for the YCS you are attending to find this information for the YCS.

Q: What are the point values for the Public Events?

A: Please see the specific event landing page for the YCS you are attending for point values for the Public Events being offered.

Q: What is a Swiss Round Tournament?

A: Duelists are paired off based on each Duelist’s win/loss record. Duelists are not eliminated when they lose a Match during Swiss Rounds – instead, they will continue to be paired against Duelists with similar records for all remaining Rounds of the event.

Q: What is a Single-Elimination Tournament?

A: Half of the tournament is eliminated after each Round – the losing Duelist is out of the tournament, while the winner goes on to the next Round. This continues until only one Duelist remains, which is then declared the winner.

For Single-Elimination tournaments up to 32 Duelists, the Finals will be untimed. For Single-Elimination tournaments with 32 or more Duelists, the Top 4 and Finals will be untimed. There are some exceptions to this, but they will be noted in the specific Public Events detail.

Q: What are the rules for the 3 vs. 3 Team Duel event?

A: The 3 vs. 3 Team Dueling event will be Advanced Format Constructed, Single-Elimination with no Playoff Cut.

If Online Registration is available, all team members will need to register on the https://registration.yugioh-card.com website.

On events where there is no online registration for Public Events, Duelists must use an uncut KDE Registration Form sheet to register for this event (3 Registration Forms per sheet). The top Duelist is automatically Duelist A, the middle is Duelist B, and the bottom is Duelist C.

Duelist A is the Team Captain and is the primary point of contact in regard to administrative purposes.

Each team must register a Team Name. The Team Name must be written on the top of the Registration Form. Team Names may not be offensive or disrespectful in any manner. Event Staff reserve the right to request a new team name if they feel the name may be inappropriate.

Here are the basic rules:

When registering for the tournament, each team will designate one Duelist on the team to be Duelist A, one to be Duelist B, and one to be Duelist C.
Team members must keep their team designation throughout the tournament.
At the start of the Round, Duelist A will play against Duelist A, Duelist B will play against Duelist B, and Duelist C will play against Duelist C. Team members play as individuals – they do not share cards, Decks, Life Points, etc.
All members of the team will play a best 2 out of 3 matches.
The team with the most Match wins gets the win for the Round.

Example of play:

Team 1 (Duelist A1, Duelist B1, and Duelist C1) and Team 2 (Duelist A2, Duelist B2, and Duelist C2) play each other in Round 1.

Duelist A1 sits across from Duelist A2, and they play each other, best 2 out of 3.
Duelist B1 sits across from Duelist B2, and they play each other, best 2 out of 3.
Duelist C1 sits across from Duelist C2, and they play each other, best 2 out of 3.

At the end of the Round, the teams compare Match wins.

Duelist A1 won the Match against Duelist A2.
Duelist B1 won the Match against Duelist B2.
Duelist C1 lost the Match against Duelist C2.

Since Team 1 has 2 Match wins, Team 1 wins the Round.

Q: What are the Rules for DUEL LINKS Tournaments?

A: This event allows you to bring your device and connect to others for a DUEL LINKS format, Single-Elimination event. Test your Deck builds in a Duel using the latest DUEL LINKS Forbidden and Limited restrictions to compete for DUEL LINKS Prize Patches and the new 1st place Pin (while supplies last)!

Rounds will be played best of three (3) Duels.
Rounds will be 50 minutes long.

Between each Duel, you may use your Side Deck to alter your Deck for the next Duel.

Your Side Deck can consist of between 0 to 12 of the following;
- Between 0 and 12 cards
- Between 0 and 3 Legendary Duelists with a Character Skill
  - For example, a Side Deck could be made up of 9 cards and 3 additional Legendary Duelists with a Character Skill or 1 additional Legendary Duelist with 3 different Character Skills
Any changes can be made to the Deck between Duels of a Match, including the following:
- Adding Cards
- Subtracting Cards
- Changing Legendary Duelist
- Changing Character Skill
The Deck must be legal for play (appropriate number of cards in the Main and Side Deck, complies with the Forbidden and Limited list available within the DUEL LINKS app).
If the Duelist believes there is an error or other issue with their Deck, they should contact a Judge immediately.
After you finish preparing your Deck, please notify the judge that you have completed Side Decking and are ready to start your next Duel.
Failure to do this by the 3-minute mark may result in appropriate penalties.
- If there are any issues while Side Decking or connecting to the room after confirming you are ready for your next Duel, please notify a judge immediately.
Duelists are required to revert their Deck back to its original Deck prior to the start of each Match in an On-Demand Single-Elimination Public Event. Duelists must have a DUEL LINKS legal-for-play Deck prior to each played Game/Match.
- Some DUEL LINKS Events will require Deck Lists, please be sure to check event information regarding Deck lists to confirm.

In case of a disconnect, win/loss will be determined by the result given in-game. If the app crashes, or both Duelists disconnect simultaneously and a win is not decided, the Duelists will restart that Duel using the same Decks. Side Decking will not be allowed for that specific Duel.

Instructions on how the competitors can connect to the in-game Tournament Room will be provided once you are seated for the events.

Duelists will need to have the latest DUEL LINKS app installed on their device and reached Stage 4 or higher to participate in Tournaments. Please check with Event Staff at the YCS for the latest version prior to signing up for a DUEL LINKS event.

Q: What are the rules for MASTER DUEL Tournaments?

A: This event allows you to use your own device and connect to others remotely for a MASTER DUEL format, Single-Elimination event. Test your Deck builds in a Duel using the latest MASTER DUEL Forbidden and Limited restrictions to compete for MASTER DUEL Prizes (while supplies last)!

Rounds will be played best of three (3) Duels.
- For Games 2 and 3, please ignore the results of the coin toss and have the loser of the previous game choose to go first or second.
- Rounds will be 50 minutes long.
Prior to the start the tournament, each Duelist will select 2 Decks to use for the tournament.
- Prior to each game of the match, Duelists will select which of those 2 Decks they plan to use for that specific game.
- After each Duelist has selected which Deck they would like to use, they will notify the judge that they have completed their Deck Selections and are ready to start their Duel.
- Each of those Decks must be legal for play (appropriate number of cards in the Main Deck, complies with the Forbidden and Limited list available within the MASTER DUEL app).

If the Duelist believes there is an error or other issue with their Decks, they should contact a Judge immediately.

If there are any issues during Deck Selection or connecting to the room after confirming you are ready for your next Duel, please notify a judge immediately.

In case of a disconnect, win/loss will be determined by the result given in-game. If the app crashes, or both Duelists disconnect simultaneously and a win is not decided, the Duelists will restart that Duel using the same Decks. Deck Selection will not be allowed for that specific Duel.

Instructions on how Duelists can connect to the in-game Tournament Room will be provided once you are seated for the events.

Duelists will need to have the latest MASTER DUEL app installed on their device to participate in Tournaments. Your device will ask you to update to the latest version, if you do not have the latest version.

Q: What are the rules for Rivalry of Warlords Tournaments?

A: Duelists will get the chance to test their Dueling skills with pre-built Rivalry of Warlords Decks that utilize strategies that they may be familiar with or have never tried before. Each Duelist will use these pre-built Rivalry of Warlords Deck randomly assigned to compete in the tournament. The Duelist will also be given a Guide for the assigned Deck.

The Duelists will then be given 10 minutes to look over their cards and read the Guide for their assigned Deck before the start of the tournament.

No changes to the Deck are allowed.

Once the above steps are completed, the Duelists then will play against their first-Round opponent in a Single-Elimination best 2-out of-3 match.

At the end of each event, the Duelist will return the pre-built Rivalry of Warlords Deck and Deck Guide to the judge staff running the tournament.

Q: What are the rules for Speed Duel Constructed Tournaments?

A: Duelists can bring their own Speed Duel Deck and play in a Constructed Speed Duel event. Similar to above;

Each Duelist begins the game with 4000 Life Points
Each Duelist begins the game with four cards as their starting hand
Skill Card effects do not use the chain
Each Duelist has three Main Monster Zones, three Spell & Trap Zones, and one Field Zone.
The Duelist going first does not draw a card on their opening turn.
The hand size limit is six cards.
Each Duelist may have an active Field Spell Card.

To build your own Constructed Speed Duel Deck, you will need to follow these requirements before entering an event.

Only cards with a Speed Duel Logo can be used in your Deck
Your Deck includes the Main Deck and may include a Side Deck and/or Extra Deck
You may not have more than three copies of any card included in your Main Deck, Side Deck, and Extra Deck combined.
Your Main Deck must have a minimum of 20 cards, and a maximum of 30 cards (cards in the Side and Extra Decks do not count towards this total).
In a Constructed tournament, you may use a Side Deck consisting of 0 to 6 cards in addition to your Main Deck. Skill Cards can be included in your Side Deck.
If you choose not to use a Skill Card during the first Duel of a Match and you have Skill Cards in your Side Deck, you may use a Skill Card from the Side Deck as part of the Side Deck process for Game 2 or Game 3.
If you choose to use a Skill Card during the first Duel of a Match, you may opt not to use a Skill Card for subsequent Duels in the Match.
In a Constructed Tournament, you may use an Extra Deck consisting of 0 to 6 Extra Deck Monsters.

Duelists can review the Speed Duel Policy Document here: https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/downloads/penalty_guide/Speed_Duel_Addendum_1.2_KDE-US.pdf

In addition to the Speed Duel Policy Document, Speed Duelists should be aware of Skill Card Text and Skill Card Rules updates. These changes can be reviewed here: https://yugiohblog.konami.com/2021/11/skillcard-update/.

Q: Will there be a Speed Duel Limited List for Speed Duel Public Events at the YCS?

A: Yes. Please see the specific event landing page for the YCS you are attending for the Speed Duel Limited List.

Q: What are the rules for Structure Deck Tournaments?

Eight (8) Duelists are seated across from their first-Round opponent.
Each Duelist is then given one (1) of the same sealed Structure Decks.
The Duelists will then be given 10 minutes to look over their cards and sleeve their main Deck and Extra Deck, should they choose to do so, with tournament-legal sleeves.
Once the above steps are completed the Duelists then will play against their first-Round opponent in a best 2-out of-3 match.

Deck Construction Rules

Main Deck Size	All Main Deck Cards
Extra Deck Size	All Extra Deck Cards
Forbidden/Limited List	The Advanced Format list does not apply.

Q: What are the rules for Tag Duel Tournaments?

A: Besides the 3 vs. 3 Team events, Duelists can also pair up to play cooperatively in Tag Duel!

Tag Duel Tournaments are Advanced constructed, Single-Elimination events with no playoff cut.

If Online Registration is available, all team members will need to register on the https://registration.yugioh-card.com website.

In events where there is no online registration for Public Events, Duelists must register using a Team Registration Form. The Duelist listed as Duelist A will be Team Captain for administrative purposes. Each team must register a Team Name. The Team Name must be written on the top of the Registration Form. Team Names may not be offensive or disrespectful in any manner. Event Staff reserve the right to request a new team name if they feel the name may be inappropriate.

Here are the basic rules:

When registering each team will designate one Duelist as Duelist A and the other as Duelist B. Team members must keep their team designation throughout the tournament.
Each Duelist will have their own unique field.
Each Duelist uses their own Deck (2 Decks per team).
Each Duelist uses only Pendulum Scales they control for a Pendulum Summon.
Duelists may use cards that their teammate possesses to pay costs for activating effects, or to meet the Summoning conditions of monsters.
Teams share a Life Point total of 16,000 (if it reaches zero, that team loses the Duel).
Each Team can have one (1) Field Spell card on the field at a time. If either Duelist on a team controls a Field Spell, it must be sent to the Graveyard before a new one can be placed (Set or activated) on the field.
Each Duelist can Summon Monsters from their own Extra Deck only.
Any member of a team may use any cards in play on their team’s side of the field for Tribute Summons, Ritual Summons, and Summons from the Extra Deck.
Teammates may not activate effects (Ignition Effects, Normal Spell Cards, Quick Effects, Trigger Effects, Continuous Effects, etc.) that their teammate possesses unless the effect is able to be utilized by all Duelists.
Trigger effects, even if it is an effect triggered by the Duelist, can only be activated by the Duelist who possesses that card.
Teammates may talk, compare hands, and share information freely with each other. Teammates must come to an agreement before making plays involving each other’s cards. Teammates cannot take an extended period to discuss their actions and must still conduct their moves in a timely manner.
A team loses if their Life Points reach zero or if either Duelist on a team cannot draw a card from their Deck when required to. If a Duelist reaches a special victory condition (such as Final Countdown or Exodia the Forbidden One), that team wins.
Each Duelist on each team may run three (3) of any card not currently on the Forbidden and Limited List. Each Duelist is also allowed to run one (1) of any Limited Card and two (2) of any Semi-Limited Card currently on the Forbidden and Limited Lists.

Example of Play

Duelists on the same team sit beside each other, with Duelist A seated to the right of Duelist B.

Team 1 consists of Duelists 1A & 1B and Team 2 consists of Duelists 2A & 2B.

The Turn order starts with Duelist A on the Team that chose to go first and then alternates between teams. See example below with Team 1 going first.

Team 1 Duelist 1A
Team 2 Duelist 2A
Team 1 Duelist 1B
Team 2 Duelist 2B
Continue until one team wins
The first Duelist to start the Duel does not draw at the start of their first turn.
Tag Duel Matches are run in Best-of-One Duel Format
Tag Duel Matches are 50 minutes in length.
Tag Duel Matches utilizes the current End of Match procedure

Attacking

The active Duelist can only attack with Attack Position monsters that they control. Duelists may not attack with their teammate’s monsters.

If there is a monster on the opponent’s side of the field (in either Duelist’s Main/Extra Monster Card Zones) then it must be destroyed before attacking the opponent’s life points directly.

The first 3 Duelists of the Duel (see above, Duelists 1A, 2A and 1B) cannot conduct their Battle Phase and cannot attack on their first turns.

Additional Rules and Card Effect interaction examples can be found here on the Alternate Tournament Format Page.

Q: What are the rules for the Yu-Gi-Oh! Charity Tournament?

A: A Yu-Gi-Oh! Charity Tournament is a special Advanced Constructed format event with 4 Swiss Rounds with no Top Cut. This is a fun tournament with prizing to help raise money for charity.

Each Duelist will get 4 Tournament Packs for entering and will earn Tournament Packs as prizing based on final record.

Duelists with 12 Match Points at the end of Swiss will get 16 Tournament Packs as prizing.

Duelists with 10 Match Points at the end of Swiss will get 12 Tournament Packs as prizing.

Duelists with 9 Match Points at the end of Swiss will get 8 Tournament Packs as prizing.

Duelists with 7 or 8 Match Points at the end of Swiss will get 6 Tournament Packs as prizing.

Duelists with 6 Match Points at the end of Swiss will get 4 Tournament Packs as prizing.

Duelists with 4 or 5 Match Points at the end of Swiss will get 3 Tournament Packs as prizing.

Duelists with 3 Match Points at the end of Swiss will get 2 Tournament Packs as prizing.

Please see the specific event landing page for the YCS you are attending for the charity for the YCS.

Q: What is the Yu-Gi-Oh! Official Tournament Store (OTS) Tournament Series?

A: These are events designed specifically for OTS teams, who attend Premier-level events. Duelists who regularly play at a specific OTS and have 3 Duelists from the same OTS can register to compete for a plaque awarded to their home store they are representing and other prizes.

Q: Who is eligible for the Yu-Gi-Oh! OTS Tournament Series?

A: All Team members must be associated as customers at the same OTS and participate in their local tournaments on a regular basis. Team members must be registered as authorized Duelists by their OTS online prior to the event weekend. Please contact your local OTS if interested in being one of their authorized Duelists.

Q: When can I register for the Yu-Gi-Oh! OTS Tournament Series?

A: If Online Registration is available, all team members will need to register on the https://registration.yugioh-card.com website and submit Deck Lists there.

In events where there is no online registration for Public Events, there will be a registration period on Sunday of the event from 12:00 PM – 1:45 PM where you can fill out Registration Forms and turn in Deck Lists.

Q: What time does the Yu-Gi-Oh! OTS Tournament Series start on Sunday?

A: Please see the specific event page for start time of the OTS Tournament.

Q: How many Rounds will the Yu-Gi-Oh! OTS Tournament Series have?

A: The total number of Teams will determine the number of Rounds that are played.

Number of Teams	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

Q: How do I enter the Yu-Gi-Oh! OTS Tournament Series?

A: Duelists will pay the equivalent of 2 booster packs per team member (6 booster packs per team) in local currency to receive 2 booster packs per team member, and entry into the event.

Q: What is the format for the Yu-Gi-Oh! OTS Tournament Series?

A: The Yu-Gi-Oh! OTS Tournament Series are Tier 1 events, conducted as Advanced Format, Constructed Deck, Swiss Round events. The Yu-Gi-Oh! OTS Tournament Series will play Swiss Rounds, with a Playoff Top Cut, with prizes awarded at the end of the final playoff Round played. If eight (8) or fewer Teams participate in the event, prizes are awarded after the final Round of Swiss.

Duelists will play Single Game Matches, with a team’s Round Results consisting of the combined Match Results for each team member.

Rounds in the Yu-Gi-Oh! OTS Tournament Series are 20 minutes long.

Q: What are the rules for the Yu-Gi-Oh! OTS Tournament Series?

A: Each Team will designate one Duelist on the team to be Duelist A, one to be Duelist B, and one to be Duelist C. Duelist A is considered to be the Team Captain and is the primary point of contact for administrative purposes. Each team must register a Team Name. The Team Name must be written on the top of the Registration Form and include the name of the OTS being represented. Team Names may not be offensive or disrespectful in any manner. Event Staff reserve the right to request a new team name if they feel the name may be inappropriate.

At the start of the Match, Duelist A will play against Duelist A, Duelist B will play against Duelist B, and Duelist C will play against Duelist C. Team members play as individuals – they do not share cards, Decks, Life Points, etc. Wins and losses are calculated by teams as a whole. All members of the team will play one Game. The team with the most Game wins gets the win for the Match.

Q: What are the prizes for the Yu-Gi-Oh! OTS Tournament Series?

Place	Prizes
1^st	Yu-Gi-Oh! OTS Tournament Series Plaque presented to the OTS 12 Booster Packs per team member Uncut 2 x 4 sheet per team member Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG branded journal per team member
2^nd	9 Booster Packs per team member Uncut 2 x 4 sheet per team member Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG branded journal per team member
3^rd	6 Booster Packs per team member Uncut 2 x 4 sheet per team member Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG branded journal per team member

Q: How long will each Match last?

A: The time limit for a match depends on the format and whether it is a Remote Duel event or an in-person event.

Format	Games Played	In-Person Time Limit	Remote Duel Time Limit
Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG	Best 2-out-of-3	50 Minutes	55 Minutes
Speed Duel	Best 2-out-of-3	50 Minutes	55 Minutes
DUEL LINKS	Best 2-out-of-3	50 Minutes	50 Minutes
MASTER DUEL	Best 2-out-of-3	50 Minutes	50 Minutes

Each Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG Match will be a best 2-out-of-3 Duel with a 50-minute time limit.

Each Speed Duel Match will be a best 2-out-of-3 Duel with a 50-minute time limit.

EachDUEL LINKS Match will be a best 2-out-of-3 Duel with a 50-minute time limit.

Each MASTER DUEL Match will be a best 2-out-of-3 Duel with a 50-minute time limit.

Q: What is the Public Events playoff?

A: The Public Events playoff gives eight (8) hopeful Duelists a chance to win their very own copy of the YCS Prize Card! There are two different playoffs, each of which awards a Super Rare version of the YCS Prize Card to the winner.

Playoff 1: The four (4) Duelists who have accumulated the highest number of Public Event points will play two Rounds of Single-Elimination to determine a winner, who will receive a Super Rare copy of the YCS Prize Card. In case of a tie in total points, the selection will be made by random drawing from the tied competitors.

Playoff 2: Four (4) names will be drawn at random from all Public Events entrants over the course of the weekend. These four (4) Duelists will then play two Rounds of Single-Elimination to determine a winner, who will receive a Super Rare copy of the YCS Prize Card.

Both Rounds in the Public Events Playoffs are untimed.

Q. What is the Prize Wall?

A: The Prize Wall is an extension of Public Events! In addition to earning exclusive prizes for participating in Public Events, Duelists will also receive prize tickets. You can spend these prize tickets at the Prize Wall for various items offered. These items are subject to change, and to availability.

How do I earn Prize Tickets?
Each time you sign up for a Public Event* you will receive a prize ticket, and additional prize tickets will be distributed to the top finishers. The number of tickets awarded for doing well depends on the type of tournament. Any tickets found in this table are in addition to any specific prizing for the specific tournament.

Tournament	Duelist Cap	Tickets Awarded
3 vs 3 Team Duel	64 Teams	1^st-2^ndTeams: 5 Tickets per Duelist 3^rd-4^th Teams: 3 Tickets per Duelist
ATTACK OF THE GIANT CARD!!	64	1^st-2^nd: 15 Tickets 3^rd-4^th: 9 Tickets 5^th-8^th: 3 Tickets
ATTACK OF THE GIANT CARD!!	128	1^st-2^nd: 15 Tickets 3^rd-4^th: 9 Tickets 5^th-8^th: 3 Tickets 9^th-16^th:2 Tickets
ATTACK OF THE GIANT CARD!!	256	1^st-2^nd: 15 Tickets 3^rd-4^th: 9 Tickets 5^th-8^th: 3 Tickets 9^th-16^th: 2 Tickets 17^th-32^nd: 1 Ticket
Back to Duel	8	1^st-2^nd: 3 Tickets 3^rd-4^th: 1 Ticket
Dragon Duel (Rivalry of Warlords and Constructed)	No Limit	Place Top 4: 3 Tickets
Duelist League	8	1^st-2^nd: 3 Tickets 3^rd-4^th: 1 Ticket
DUEL LINKS	8	1^st-2^nd: 3 Tickets 3^rd-4^th: 1 Ticket
MASTER DUEL	8	1^st-2^nd: 3 Tickets 3^rd-4^th: 1 Ticket
Regional Qualifier	16	1^st-4^th: 3 Tickets 5^th-8^th: 1 Ticket
Rivalry of Warlords	8	1^st-2^nd: 3 Tickets 3^rd-4^th: 1 Ticket
Speed Duel ATTACK OF THE GIANT CARD!!	32	1^st-2^nd: 8 Tickets 3^rd-4^th: 5 Tickets 5^th-8^th: 2 Tickets
Speed Duel ATTACK OF THE GIANT CARD!!	64	1^st-2^nd: 8 Tickets 3^rd-4^th: 5 Tickets 5^th-8^th: 2 Tickets 9^th-16^th: 1 Ticket
Speed Duel ATTACK OF THE GIANT CARD!!	128	1^st-2^nd: 15 Tickets 3^rd-4^th: 9 Tickets 5^th-8^th: 3 Tickets 9^th-16^th:2 Tickets
Speed Duel Constructed	8	1^st-2^nd: 3 Tickets 3^rd-4^th: 1 Ticket
Speed Duel Main Event Series	Up to 64	1^st-2^nd: 15 Tickets 3^rd-4^th: 9 Tickets 5^th-8^th: 3 Tickets
Structure Deck	8	1^st-2^nd: 3 Tickets 3^rd-4^th: 1 Ticket
Tag Duel	8 Teams	1^st-2^nd Teams: 3 Tickets per Duelist 3^rd-4^th Teams: 1 Ticket per Duelist
Win-A-Mat	8	1^st-2^nd: 3 Tickets 3^rd-4^th: 1 Ticket
Yu-Gi-Oh! Day	8	1^st-2^nd: 3 Tickets 3^rd-4^th: 1 Ticket
Yu-Gi-Oh! Charity Tournament	No Limit	12 Match Points: 15 Tickets 10 Match Points: 12 Tickets 9 Match Points: 9 Tickets 7-8 Match Points: 6 Tickets 6 Match Points: 3 Tickets 4-5 Match Points: 2 Tickets 3 Match Points: 1 Ticket
Yu-Gi-Oh! OTS Tournament Series	24+	1^st-2^nd Teams: 5 Tickets per Duelist 3^rd-4^th Teams: 3 Tickets per Duelist

In North American Events, Prize tickets are automatically associated with your CARD GAME ID. You can find the number of Prize Wall Tickets you have available on your profile on https://yugiohregistration.com or by asking event staff at the Prize Wall. The Prize Wall offers a selection of items similar to what you can win by playing in Public Event tournaments.

Additionally, prize tickets have no monetary value, are not for sale, and cannot be transferred between Duelists in any way. Prize Wall tickets are earned individually and must be redeemed individually.

Prize Wall tickets can be redeemed at any WCQ or YCS event in North America or can be stored for use at a future WCQ or YCS event in North America. This will allow you to save Prize Wall tickets earned for a future event, and save enough to pick an item on the Prize Wall with a higher ticket redemption value than the tickets you earn at a single event.In Latin American events, Prize Wall tickets will be physically awarded, will not be associated with your CARD GAME ID and can only be redeemed at the YCS where the tickets were awarded.

Public Events – Dragon Duel

Q: What is a Dragon Duel?

A: Dragon Duel tournaments are exclusive to Duelists born before a certain calendar year, with the calendar year requirement moving forward after the World Championship each year. The current year requirement is for Duelists born on 2012 or later.

Q: What is the Advanced Constructed Format Dragon Duel?

A: Advanced Constructed Format Dragon Duel events give a chance to earn an invite to the WCQ. It is run using Swiss Rounds without a Top Cut playoff.

Duelists that are eligible to play in the Dragon Duel tournament may enter the event for free.

Participants are required to provide proof of age in order to participate in a Dragon Duel (copy of Birth Certificate, Passport, etc.).

A minimum of four (4) Duelists is required to run each Dragon Duel tournament.

The winner of the Saturday Advanced Constructed Format Dragon Duel will not be able to participate in the Sunday Advanced Constructed Format Dragon Duel, but the winner from the Saturday Advanced Constructed Format Dragon Duel and the winner from the Sunday Advanced Constructed Format Dragon Duel will compete for the Dragon Duel Champion’s title on Sunday at 4:30 PM.

The number of Rounds in the Advanced Constructed Format Dragon Duel depends on the number of Duelists participating in the event.

Number of Participants*	Number of Swiss Rounds	Playoff Top Cut
4 – 8	3 Rounds of Swiss	None
9 – 16	4 Rounds of Swiss	None
17 – 32	5 Rounds of Swiss	None
33 – 64	6 Rounds of Swiss	None
65 – 128	7 Rounds of Swiss	None

For the Advanced Constructed Format Tournament, Decks must be constructed per the latest Advanced Format guidelines. (See here for more information: http://www.yugioh-card.com/en/limited/index.html). The Forbidden & Limited list is updated periodically; refer to the “UPDATED” date on that page to ensure your Deck matches the current format

A Deck List is required for participation in the Advanced Constructed Format Deck Dragon Duel Tournament. Advanced Constructed Format Dragon Duel tournaments are Tier 2 events.

Q: What are the prizes for the Advanced Format Constructed Deck Dragon Duel?

A: Top 4 Duelists in the Advanced Format Constructed Deck Dragon Duel tournament will receive a 2026 Regional Game Mat, a Dragon Duel Medal, and a Regional Card Case.

In addition to the prizes listed above, invites awarded in the Advanced Constructed Format Dragon Duel for the WCQ are based off of attendance, with the top-ranking Duelists after the final Round of Swiss earning an invite to the WCQ.

Number of Dragon Duelers	# of Invites
4 – 8	4 Invites
9 – 16	8 Invites
17 – 32	12 Invites
33 – 64	16 Invites
65 or more	20 Invites

The guardian for any Dragon Duelists who earn an invite to the WCQ must fill out a copy of the WCQ Invite Form prior to receiving their prizes. A valid e-mail address must be provided for the guardian. Duelists are required to complete and submit a WCQ Invite form on site. Prizes are not awarded until after the WCQ Invite forms have been completed and properly submitted.

The winner of the Saturday Dragon Duel will not be able to participate in the Sunday Dragon Duel, but the winner from the Saturday Dragon Duel and the winner from the Sunday Dragon Duel will compete for the Dragon Duel Trophy on Sunday at 4:30 PM.

The winner from both the Saturday Advanced Constructed Deck Dragon Duel and the Sunday Advanced Constructed Deck Dragon Duel will compete for the title of YCS Dragon Duel Champion and a YCS Dragon Duel Champion Trophy.

Q: What is the YCS Dragon Duel Championship?

A: The YCS Dragon Duel Championship is a way to honor our Dragon Duelists who attend each YCS event. The Dragon Duelist who places 1^st on the Saturday Advanced Constructed Deck Dragon Duel will not be able to compete in the Advanced Constructed Deck Dragon Duel on Sunday. They do instead get a free entry into any other Public Event on that Sunday of the YCS. At 4:30 PM on Sunday we will take the 1^st place winners of the Advanced Constructed Deck Dragon Duels from both Saturday and Sunday and have them play a best 2-out-of-3 Match using their own constructed Deck. The winner will receive the title of YCS Dragon Duel Champion, a YCS Dragon Duel Championship trophy, and a Super Rare YCS Prize Card (please see the specific event landing page for details on the Super Rare YCS Prize Card)

Q: What is the Format for the Dragon Duel Rivalry of Warlords event?

The Duelists will then be given 10 minutes to look over their cards and read the Guide for their assigned Deck before the start of the tournament.

No changes to the Deck are allowed.

Once the above steps are completed, the Duelists then will play against their first-Round opponent in a Swiss round best 2-out of-3 match.

At the end of each event, the Duelist will return the pre-built Rivalry of Warlords Deck and Deck Guide to the judge staff running the tournament.

Q: What are the prizes for the Dragon Duel Rivalry of Warlords event?

A: All Duelists will receive 3 Prize Wall tickets for participating. The top for Duelists will receive an additional 3 tickets.

Q: Does the Dragon Duel Rivalry of Warlords event affect the Dragon Duel Championship Tournament?

A: No, the Rivalry of Warlords tournament does not affect the Dragon Duel Championship and also does not award any invites.

Miscellaneous

Q: I may need assistance to participate at a YCS due to a disability or recent injury, what should I do?

A: Please refer to the Events Page on the website for the specific YCS location and contact the Event Coordinator or Tournament Organizer to make them aware of your concerns so that between them and the KDE-US Representatives, you can be provided with a comfortable gaming experience.

If you require assigned seating on site, please notify a registration staff member at the time of registration.

Q: I want to judge at a YCS, instead of competing as a Duelist – how can I apply?

A: If you’re interested in judging at a Tier 2 or higher event, please visit https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/judges/, for information about how to join the KONAMI Judge Program.

All potential judges must pass the online Rulings Comprehension Level 1 test, and then complete an online application to join the Judge Program.

Please see the KONAMI Judge Program FAQ for answers to most common questions: https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/judges/judge-faq/

Q: Will there be vendors on site so I can buy single cards and supplies and sell my cards?

A: There will be several vendors present, selling single cards, sealed product, and card supplies such as sleeves and card cases. Vendors will also be buying cards on site.

Q: Can I buy and sell from other people at the event?

A: Duelists are not allowed to buy or sell from one another at YCS venues. If you do so, you risk incurring penalties, including being disqualified and removed from the event.

Buying and selling includes all items, not just cards or gaming supplies.

Trading is restricted to cards and Yu-Gi-Oh! related items such as playmats and dice – attendees may not bring other merchandise or items to the venue for trading.

Attendees may not solicit business, hand out flyers, etc., while at the venue.

The Tournament Organizer reserves the right to limit the number of cards that can be brought into the venue for trading.

Q: I want to vend at a YCS, who should I contact?

A: Vending space is available free of charge at YCS venues but is only available to Official Tournament Stores in good standing. Vendors must meet certain requirements and agree to abide by set guidelines.

Cash transactions with anyone other than an approved vendor at an approved location is prohibited at YCS events. Attendees who conduct cash transactions, such as selling of cards or product, to anyone other than an approved vendor at a YCS event risk penalties including disqualification and expulsion from the venue.

Anyone buying and/or selling as an unauthorized vendor at a YCS 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.

Interested vendors should email us-opsupport@konami.com for events in the United States or Canada, or email opsupport.lat@devir.com for events in Latin America. When emailing, interested vendors should use the subject “Request to vend at [name and location of event]”. Vendors will be required to complete and apply for each event at which they wish to vend. Keep in mind that KDE-US and DEVIR handle the applications for vending at YCS events, and not the Tournament Organizer.

Q: What is a Fan Content Area?

A: For those of you who enjoy posting your own photos and videos on social media, we’re setting up a special Fan Content Area at the YCS. Want to make a video about your experience? A Deck Profile video with someone in the Top Cut or who has an interesting Deck? Interview other Duelists? There will be a dedicated space for you to do just that at the YCS. Table space and backdrops are provided for those wishing to use the Fan Content Area. In order to use the Fan Content Area, you must agree to the Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Content Terms and Conditions. You can review these terms and conditions at the Fan Content Area of the YCS.

Q: Where can I get food and drinks during the tournament?

A: There will be food and drinks available either from an onsite vendor or one near the venue. If there is not food available in the event hall, a lunch break will be scheduled into the tournament and announced at the start of the event.

Q: When will the schedule for other YCS tournaments be posted?

A: For updated information on this event and other events as they become finalized, keep checking www.yugioh-card.com/en/events . There is no set time frame for these announcements; they will be made as the information becomes available.

Q: What is Yu-Gi-Oh! NEURON and how can it help me with obtaining or registering a CARD GAME ID?

A: Yu-Gi-Oh! NEURON is an app for iOS and Android devices and can be found on the app store. This app has become the new way to obtain a CARD GAME ID if you are new to participating in events or register an already existing CARD GAME ID if you already had 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, a new CARD GAME ID number will be generated at the top of the screen.

This CARD GAME ID will be used when registering for any TCG-Sanctioned events which includes our Tier 1 local events, Tier 2 Regional Qualifiers and OTS Championships, Tier 3 YCS events, and even Tier 4 WCQ events.

If you already have a CARD GAME ID and would like to register it on the Yu-Gi-Oh! NEURON app, please see one of the registration staff members on-site and they will be able to assist you.

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, a registration staff member on-site 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.

Additional details and features of the Yu-Gi-Oh! NEURON app can be found here:

https://www.konami.com/yugioh/neuron/en/

Q: Will there be coverage of the YCS?

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

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

A Livestream of Feature Matches and the Top Cut Matches is also available for some YCS events. Please check the specific event landing page for the YCS you are attending to see if it will have a Livestream.

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

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

Q: Are there any items I am not allowed to bring to the tournament?

Attendees may not bring any items into the tournament venue that are prohibited by law in their area (local, state, or federal). In addition, 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 Organized Play.

The use of electronic and/or vapor cigarettes is 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 the tournament?

Duelists are responsible for looking after their own belongings at the event. KDE-US, Tournament Organizers, 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.

The Tournament Organizer is required to keep lost and found items for at least 60 days after the conclusion of the Event. 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 Tournament Organizer within the 60-day period on the chance the lost item has been turned in. Tournament Organizer contact information can be found on specific event landing page for the YCS you are attending.

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